For Immediate Release: July 07, 2006
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Anthony Matrisciano
Community Relations Cooridinator
Phone (570) 476-3767
Fax (570) 420-2537
Email: amatrisciano@pmchealthsystem.org

Medical Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Pocono Medical Center Published in Journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa.—

Dr. Charles K. Herman, Medical Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Pocono Medical Center, co-authored an article on body contouring in this month’s issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The article, entitled "Mid-Body Contouring in the Post-Bariatric Surgery Patient," was selected as the "Editor's Pick" among this month's cosmetic surgery publications.

The article reviews the author’s experience with 75 body contouring surgeries including abdomen, thigh and back procedures.  Dr. Herman says these surgeries are in increasing demand because there has been a 150 percent increase in post-bariatric surgery and banding procedures during the past three years.

“Body contouring after weight loss can help patients in many ways,” says Dr. Herman.  “These procedures can provide functional in addition to cosmetic improvements.  Bariatric surgery is often the only solution for seriously obese patients.  Contouring after the surgery can alleviate problems associated with significant skin excess and body shape changes resulting from the massive weight loss.  In fact, post-bariatric surgery care has become an integral part of the care of these patients.”
Dr. Herman’s other recent publications include techniques in breast reduction and breast lift, microsurgery of the hand, and microsurgical nerve repair.  He is also lead author of a chapter on nerve conduits for nerve repair in the "Atlas of the Hand Clinics."  Dr. Herman recently presented "Combined Post-Bariatric Body Contouring and Incisional Hernia Repair:  A Multidisciplinary Approach." at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery in Orlando, Florida. He practices at Pocono Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery located at 100 Plaza Court, Suite C in East Stroudsburg. 

“I view my practice as a service to the community,” continued Dr. Herman.  “We have been able to help patients who have suffered from serious trauma, such as facial injuries from dog attacks and injuries to the skull from violent blows to the head.  We also see quite a few patients in this area who have sustained serious injury from skiing.  With reconstructive surgery, we have been able to help them recover and, quite literally, get back on their feet.”

An avid tennis player, Dr. Herman uses his hobby to serve the local community.  He is very active in recruiting players for Pocono Health Foundation’s upcoming Annual Golf and Tennis Benefit.  The event, scheduled for September 6, is a fundraiser for the Clementine Abeloff Community Health Center.  “I’m happy to help,” said Dr. Herman.  “The Abeloff Center treats the neediest children in our community.  Without their services, the children would have nowhere else to go.”  In May, Dr. Herman reconstructed the tip of the nose of a 15 month old who had been attacked by a dog.
For information on the Annual Golf and Tennis Benefit, contact the Pocono Health Foundation at 570-476-3530.  Dr. Herman can be reached through his practice at 570-420-6220.   

Pocono Medical Center is an acute-care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the national organization responsible for rigorous review of hospital procedures and policies. PMC provides high quality, state-of-the-art acute medical care and is committed to patient satisfaction, education, and promotion of wellness.   Pocono Medical Center includes the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, the Clementine Abeloff Community Health Center, the Mattioli Emergency Center, the ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute and numerous other inpatient and outpatient services.  PMC is part of the Pocono Health System (PHS). 

PMC is also associated with Pocono Health Foundation; Mountain Family Care, located in the Mountain Healthcare Center in Coolbaugh Township; Pocono Hematology & Oncology and Pocono Infectious Disease, both located in the 447 Office Plaza, East Stroudsburg; Pocono Kids Dental Care and Pocono Kids Pediatrics, both located at the Clementine Abeloff Community Health Center; Pocono Obstetrics & Gynecology, with offices in East Stroudsburg and the Mountain Healthcare Center; the Ambulatory Surgery Center in Stroudsburg; Advanced Radiology Services in the 447 Office Plaza; Pocono General Surgery, Pocono Orhtopedic Surgery and Mountain Healthcare Center.