Welcome to the General Surgery & Laser Treatment Center of Lubbock.
We are a full service general surgery center led by Dr. Brian Norkiewicz. We would like to share some information about our services, our practice policies, and about treatments in general. Thank you for taking a few moments to review this information.
Dr. Nork's Bio
"My tenth grade science teacher motivated me to become a doctor. Ever since, all I've ever wanted to do was be a general surgeon. I practice this speciality because I want to do something different and I like new challenges."
Career Highlights
Residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - General Surgery, Trauma & Burns
Assistant Professor for 5 years, Texas Tech University Health Science Center Department of Surgery
Practicing General Surgeon since 1997
Board Certified by American Board of Surgery
Fellow of American College of Surgeons (FACS)
General Information about Laser Treatments
A laser is a tool that emits a specific color and intensity of light. The wavelengths of medical lasers are a safe and harmless form of radiation, like sunlight. When focused, the intensity and color of the laser determines specifically what medical condition is treated. The laser pulse has been described as a rubber band snap with minimal discomfort. With the energies and specific treatment range of these lasers there is virtually no scarring. During treatment everyone in the room will wear protective eyewear. The length of the treatment session varies, depending on the type of treatment being done. There is usually some discomfort after treatments, and there can be redness, swelling, and tenderness at the treated areas. The skin may be pink and sensitive to the sun for two to four weeks after treatments. Multiple treatment sessions are usually necessary to get the best result. The treatments are safe, effective, affordable, and all lasers are FDA approved.
What treatments are available?
Laser treatments are available for: hair removal, tattoo removal, spider veins, strawberry hemangiomas, leg and facial veins, and broken blood vessels
What lasers do we use?
Candela GentleLASE Laser � This laser is used for permanent hair removal in men and women. This can be done in almost any body area safely and effectively. It is also useful in the treatment of acne, and some darker spider veins.
Aura Laser System with Star pulse � This is the laser used to treat spider veins, hemangiomas, some pigmented spots, warts, and broken blood vessels.
The Ultralight II Q-Switched Laser � This laser is used for the removal of tattoos.
Alternative Treatment
Alternative forms of treatment are available for many of the laser procedures offered here. This may include not undergoing the proposed laser skin treatment procedure. Other forms of skin treatment (chemical peel) or surgical procedures (dermabrasion or excisional surgery) may be substituted. In certain situations, the laser may offer a specific therapeutic advantage over other forms of treatment. Alternatively, laser treatment procedures in some situations may not represent a better alternative to other forms of surgery or skin treatment. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is most effective. Risks and potential complications are associated with all forms of treatment that involve skin treatments or surgical procedures.
Risks of Laser Treatment Procedures of the Skin
There are both risks and potential complications associated with all laser treatment procedures of the skin. Risks involve both items that specifically relate to the use of the laser energy and to the specific procedure performed. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should be aware that they might occur. You should discuss them with Dr. Norkiewicz to be sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of laser skin treatment.
Infection � Although infection following laser skin treatment is unusual, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can occur. Should any type of infection occur, additional treatment, including antibiotics, might be necessary.
Scarring � Although normal healing after the procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur both in the skin and deeper tissues. In rare cases, keloid scars may result. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than the surrounding skin. Additional treatments may be needed to treat scarring.
Color change � Laser treatments may potentially change the natural color of your skin. Skin redness usually lasts several days after treatments. There is the possibility of irregular color variations within the skin including areas that are both lighter and darker. This is called hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. A line of demarcation between normal skin and skin treated with lasers can occur.
Accutane (isoretinoin) � Accutane is a prescription medication used to treat certain skin diseases. This drug may impair the ability of the skin to heal following treatments or surgery for a variable amount of time even after the patient has ceased taking it. Individuals who have taken it, or other medications or supplements, are advised to allow their skin adequate time to recover before undergoing laser skin treatment procedures.
Patient failure to follow through � Patient follow through following a laser skin treatment procedure is important. Post procedure instructions concerning restriction of activity, use of medications, and use of sun protection need to be followed in order to avoid potential complications, increased pain, and unsatisfactory result. Dr. Norkiewicz may recommend that you utilize a long-term skin care program to enhance healing following a laser skin treatment.
Unsatisfactory result � There is the possibility of an unsatisfactory result from these procedures. Laser treatment procedures may result in unacceptable visible deformities, skin slough, loss of function, and permanent color changes in the skin. You may be disappointed with the final result from laser treatments.
Burns � Laser energy can produce burns. Adjacent structures, including the eyes, may be injured or permanently damaged by the laser beam. Burns are rare, and represent the effect of heat produced within the tissues by the laser energy.
Others � Bleeding is rare following laser procedures, but may occur. It is possible that surgical drapes, hair, clothing, or inflammable agents may be ignited by laser energy. Laser smoke is sometimes noxious to those who come in contact with it, and this smoke may represent a possible biohazard. Very infrequently, chronic pain may occur after laser skin treatment procedures. There is the possibility that additional risk factors of laser skin treatments may be discovered.
No Warranty or Guarantee
There are many variable conditions that may influence the long-term result of laser skin treatments. Even though complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are the ones that are particularly associated with these procedures. Other complications and risks can occur. Should complications occur, additional surgery or treatments may be necessary. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied on the results that may be obtained.
Hours of Operation
We are open Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. We are also open two Saturday mornings each month for your convenience.
Appointments and Cancellation Policy
Please call 771-3680 to make an appointment. We work hard to accommodate your schedule and request for appointments. For an urgent need we can often see established patients within 24 hours. However, it is best to schedule your appointment as far in advance as possible. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please give us 24 hours notice when canceling so that we may accommodate another patient. It is our policy to charge for appointments not canceled with 24 hours notice.
Visitor Safety
For the safety of your children we ask that you make prior arrangements for their care. We cannot accommodate small children in exam rooms during surgical or laser treatment procedures.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are available for purchase at the front counter. These may be purchased in any amount, and may be used for any type of laser service.
Consent
As laser treatments are a medical procedure, informed consent will be obtained prior to the performance of any treatments. Participants under 18 years of age must have parental and/or medical consent.
Financial Responsibilities
The cost of laser skin treatment includes fees charged by the doctor, surgical supplies, anesthesia used, laser equipment, and personnel. There are no hidden costs. Laser treatments are not covered by health insurance, and payments are expected at the time services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash, and check.