Dr. Fernando Burstein’s June 2010 Spotlight Patient Caroline Piha
Caroline Piha, an active grandmother of two, is well traveled. Having lived in North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, as well as working for a leisure travel agency for 30 years, she’s seen a lot. But after her family started jokingly referencing her “turkey neck,” Caroline decided to make an appointment with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery to discuss some rejuvenation options.
“I had been thinking about having my neck done for the last year, and finally got the nerve to make the appointment with Dr Burstein after my daughter convinced me how great I would look with the natural-looking improvements Dr. Burstein’s surgeries produce” said Caroline.
After her initial consultation, Dr. Burstein suggested several small procedures to insure a natural looking rejuvenation including: a lower facelift, neck lift, lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), and mild chemical peel. The lower face and neck lift successfully remedied the “turkey neck” Caroline was concerned about by removing excess skin and fat along the jaw line while the eyelid and chemical peel firmed and smoothed the skin of her face.
“My friends keep asking me if I’ve been on vacation because I look so rested” says Caroline happily. “My life is great, I’m back to doing all of my favorite outdoor activities like walking and hiking, except now I make sure to wear my hat to protect my young looking face!”
If you would like to learn more about the facial rejuvenation procedures Dr. Burstein offers, or to schedule a consultation, visit his website.
Dr. Burstein Announces Dysport’s Love it or Leave it Special Rebate Challenge
Popular wrinkle removing injectable Botox® has been on the market for so long, that many people overlook the newly FDA approved competitor product called Dysport®. Aware of this fact, but confident in the quality of their product, the makers of Dysport® extended a challenge to patients asking them to “Love it or Leave it.”
Patients who decide to take on the “Love it or Leave it” Challenge will receive a $75 rebate on their first 300 unit injection of Dysport®. If they decide they “love it”, they will receive an additional $75 dollars towards their second injection (a total of $150 in savings). If for some reason they are unhappy with the product, they can choose to get another injection of Botox®.
So far, over 49,000 people have taken on the Dysport® Challenge, and of those who complete the form, over 90% decided that they “loved it” and went onto receive an additional injection!
If you are unfamiliar with Dysport® and competitor Botox®, it is a wrinkle removing injectable that works by relaxing facial muscles. After a few simple injections and minimal downtime, patients will see a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and the product will prevent future wrinkles from forming.
Patients in the “Love it or Leave it” Challenge must receive their first injection by September 30, 2010 in order to be eligible for the Dysport® rebate. If you are interested in participating visit DysportUSA.com and call the office of Dr. Fernando Burstein to schedule an appointment.
All injections are performed by Dr. Burstein’s nurse practitioner Debra Cooper. Debra Cooper is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse, Certified Peri-operative Nurse, and Registered Nurse First Assistant working. For Debra Cooper’s full biography, click here.
Dr. Burstein Picked by Physician Peers as One of Atlanta Magazine’s ‘Top Doctors’ of 2010
Each year, Atlanta Magazine asks doctors from all over Atlanta to recommend other great doctors serving the Atlanta area – and once again, Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta plastic surgery received this honor for his exemplary work and contributions to the field of plastic surgery.
Also chosen in 1999,2001,2005,2007 and 2009, Dr. Burstein was voted by hundreds of other Atlanta doctors as one of their respected colleagues. Based on a number of factors such as quality of work, level of patient care, contribution to advancements in their respective specialty, Dr. Burstein was one of only 9 other plastic surgeons to receive this honor.
Dr. Burstein is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with specialized training in cosmetic surgery of the face. Also trained in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Dr. Burstein received a degree in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Yale University in 1988 and went on to complete an advanced fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery at UCLA before joining the team at Atlanta Plastic Surgery P.C. in 1989. Currently, he is the director of the Center for Craniofacial Disorders at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and has held the title since 1989.
His commitment to patient care, utilizing the most up-to-date surgical techniques and technology, and renowned expertise and skill are just some of the reasons why Atlanta doctors agree that Dr. Burstein is a “Top Atlanta Doctor”!
Thanks for all that you do, Dr. Burstein!
If you like Dr. Burstein as much as his colleagues do, be sure to “like” his page on Facebook.
Don’t miss it! Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery Continues to Offer Pricing Specials on their Most Popular Wrinkle-Removing Injectables
The office of Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery continues to offer specials on facial rejuvenation injections, including:
• Restylane® or Perlane® with lidocaine
Buy one, get one free.
• Restylane® with lidocaine $550.00
• Perlane® with lidocaine $575.00
• Juvederm® Ultra or Ultra Plus
Save $50 on each syringe (Sale price $500.)
• Botox® $12/Unit
• Dysport®- Save $150.00 $75.00 off 1st treatment,
$75.00 off 2nd treatment (valued at $4/Unit)
Facial fillers, like Restylane®, Juvederm® and Perlane®, work to smooth out and fill in wrinkles and deep folds on the face that come with the advancing age. Restylane® is more effective for everyday wrinkles and can also be used to plump up the lips; Perlane®, which is made of bigger particles, is more effective in the treatment of very deep fold and/or to restore volume into areas of the face to provide a more youthful shape.
Cosmetic injectables like Botox® and Dysport® work to relax muscles in the face to smooth out existing fine lines and wrinkles and prevent future wrinkles from forming.
Injections are performed by Dr. Burstein’s nurse practitioner Debra Cooper. Debra Cooper is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse, Certified Peri-operative Nurse, and Registered Nurse First Assistant working. She has completed extensive specialized training in dermal filler techniques using Juvederm® and Restylane®. For Debra coopers full bio, click here.
Dr. Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery Explains Why Botox/Dysport and Facial Fillers are Not One in the Same
One of the most common misconceptions I come across as a plastic surgeon is that cosmetic injectables, like Botox® and Dysport®, and facial fillers, like Juvederm® and Restylane®, are one in the same, or different versions of the same type of product. And while both of these products are used for reducing and/or eliminating the look of facial wrinkles, Botox®/Dysport® and facial fillers are two completely different types of cosmetic injectables.
Botox® is the most widely known cosmetic injectable in the United States – and on its heels is Dysport®, the more recently approved competitor. Both products are comprised of purified botulinum, a toxin from which “Botox” gets its name. This purified form of toxin blocks the release of the chemical responsible for contracting muscles (known as acetylcholine). This causes relaxation and weakening of facial muscles – facial muscles that are responsible for wrinkles – which in turn, smoothes the appearance of undesirable furrows, fine lines, and wrinkles on the face. The effects of Botox® and Dysport® last 4 months on average; and during the months that these facial muscles are relaxed, the products also work by prevents further wrinkles from forming.
Botox® has also shown to be effective in the treatment of muscle and neck spasms, migraines, and excessive sweating.
Unlike the relaxation of muscles caused by a Botox® or Dysport® injection, facial fillers do what their name implies – “fill”. These types of products are made from varying types of collagen which work to “fill in” and smooth out wrinkles, furrows, and lines on the face. Dr. Burstein and his specially trained Board Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse Debra Cooper, typically use Juvederm® or Restylane®, facial fillers made up of hyaluronic acid, a substance found in human collagen. Fillers made with hyaluronic acid run less of risk of allergic reaction than similar fillers using animal collagen because hyaluronic acid is found naturally in human skin. Typically, the results of facial fillers last about 6 months.
But facial fillers are not just for use in the reduction and elimination of wrinkles, they can also repair scars, fill in depressions or acne scarring on the face, and even be used to plump up and fill the lips.
Both types of injections can be effective in reducing the look of your wrinkles – giving your face a smoother and more youthful look. However, it is important that you consult with an experienced professional to find out which type of injection will best meet your needs.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Burstein and her experienced nurse practitioner and injection specialist, Debra Cooper, contact his office today.
Dr. Fernando Burstein’s May Spotlight Patient: Brandee Brunot
Looking at the tall, blonde, and beautiful Brandee Brunot, you would think she had it all. What you wouldn’t know though, is that Brandee had been self conscious about the look of her nose since childhood. For years, Brandee avoided taking pictures from the side so that people could not see her profile. She was so unhappy with her nose that she recalls knowing, even from a young age, that she would one day undergo plastic surgery to correct it.
After intense research and a lot of thought, Brandee turned to board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery to perform a rhinoplasty (nose surgery) procedure. Brandee admits she scheduled a consultation with Dr. Burstein after learning that nose surgery was his specialty (in fact his practice is devoted solely to surgeries of the face and neck). But what made her choose to undergo surgery with him was his unique approach. Dr. Burstein focuses on individualizing a treatment plan for each patient – something his calls a “custom order” rhinoplasty for patients’ needs and desires.
“You can tell that you are not another patient, not another number,” Brandee recalls of Dr. Burstein. “He cares about what you’re looking for.”
That is why, for Dr. Burstein, communication is key. For Brandee, he used a computer imaging system to import a picture of her onto a screen and literally show her what her nose could look like after surgery. He even brings a picture of the computer generated image into the surgery with him to enhance precision.
For Brandee’s surgery, Dr. Burstein employed his specialized technique to decrease recovery time and pain. Instead of the standard “packing” of the nose with gauze, he utilizes dissolving sutures, greatly decreasing discomfort. To reduce the amount of bruising and swelling a regimen of icing, head elevation and anti inflammatory medication was given. After the surgery Brandee recalls feeling very little pain, and felt well enough to go out and show her new nose off to her friends the very next day.
Brandee hopes that her story will change the minds of people who want rhinoplasty surgery, but are too afraid of the recovery. She says of the results, “Now when I look in the mirror, I’m much more confident and happier with the way I look. I feel like this is the nose I was born to have.”
Spotlight Patient's Rhinoplasty Surgery Before and After
Dr. Burstein Explains Why Surgeries of the Nose Should Only Be Performed by Surgeons Who Specialize in Plastic Surgery of the Face
The look and shape of a person’s nose can be one of the most influential features on the overall aesthetics of the face. That is the reason cosmetic nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is a popular plastic surgery procedure. In some instances, patients are simply unhappy with the look of a bump on the bridge of their nose. For these cases, the remedy is a relatively simple procedure where the surgeon shaves off some of the nasal bone and cartilage, reducing the size of the bump. In most other cases however, surgery of the nose is much more involved; and because the nose is one of the most delicate facial structures, surgery should ONLY be trusted in the hands of a surgeon that specializes in the plastic surgery of the face.
A typical nose surgery involves surgical incisions inside a patient’s nostrils; and possibly another very small incision under the nose. The surgeon then lifts off the outer skin in order to sculpt the underlying bone and cartilage. Excess cartilage and bone can be removed or cartilage from other parts of the nose (often the septum) can be grafted to the area, depending on the individual patient. The final step involves placing the skin onto the new nasal structure and suturing the area to facilitate quick healing.
Plastic surgery of the nose, or rhinoplasty, should not only enhance the appearance of the nose itself, but should work in harmony with other features of the face. Changing the shape of the nose changes a person’s entire facial profile – so a skilled surgeon should make sure that the look of the nose also balances with the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears. Because of this, it is not uncommon for nose surgeries to be performed in conjunction with another facial procedure, such as a chin implant.
Surgery of the nose can also be performed for reconstructive purposes – such as correcting a structural abnormality after a facial trauma, reconstructing the nose from a congenital defect, or restructuring the nose to facilitate easier breathing and restore function.
Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon trained in Otolaryngology/ head and neck surgery, making him an expert in the anatomy of the face. His vast experience in complicated reconstructive surgeries of the nose, has allowed him to perfect his cosmetic surgical techniques – achieving subtle, and natural looking results in his nasal plastic surgery patients. To learn more about surgery of the nose, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Burstein, contact our office.
Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery Featured in ‘Excellence in Plastic Surgery’ Special Section of Newsweek Magazine!
Dr. Burstein in Newsweek Magazine!
Dr. Fernando Burstein and Satisfied Rhinoplasty Patient Featured on Atlanta’s Home & Style on WATC!
Dr. Fernando Burstein of Atlanta Plastic Surgery will be featured on the popular weekend TV program Atlanta’s Home & Style. The show features Dr. Burstein’s because of his expertise in cosmetic surgery of the face. Also featured is one of Dr. Burstein’s satisfied rhinoplasty (nose surgery) patients. Make sure to tune in this weekend to see Dr. Burstein on TV!
Program Airs: Saturday, April 3rd on WATC (Channel 2 on Comcast and Channel 57 on satellite)
Dr. Fernando Burstein’s Breakdown of the HealthCare Reform Bill
In an effort to keep you abreast of the latest information on the recently passed health care bill and how it will affect our patients, we’ve written a brief summary of some of the bill’s key points. As I’m sure you are aware, you don’t have to look far to see the massive amount of controversy that is surrounding the bill. The information below is objective – and will simply focus on the “bare bones” components on the bill and how it will affect your procedures at with Dr. Burstein.
Basically, the new bill will affect everyone – those with and without insurance. The bill will potentially insure over 32 million currently uninsured Americans, but will also affect the cost of already insured American’s plans and place some government regulations on independent insurance companies.
Under the new bill, every American will be required to have health insurance (unless they opt to pay a financial penalty in order to not be insured). Those who are uninsured and/or self employed, but are between 133 percent and 400 percent of the FPL (Federal Poverty Level, currently at $22,050 for a family of four) will have the option to purchase state-based insurance plans through health insurance exchanges. Individuals or families at or within 400 percent of the FPL are eligible for subsidies if they opt to purchase their own insurance plans. Doing so though, would exempt them for Medicare and Medicaid eligibility or employer coverage.
Most people will keep their existing insurance plans, however there will be some changes. The healthcare bill bans insurance companies from lifetime caps and annual limits, dropping sick people from their policies and denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions. Although this, combined with the 40 percent excise tax on high end insurance plans (coined ‘Cadillac Plans’) will result in higher premiums – especially for American’s that currently have lower premiums because of their good health.
The cost of the plan is estimated at $940 billion over the next ten years – to be paid for by an expanded Medicare Payroll tax on investments, the excise tax on insurance companies for “Cadillac Plans” , and a 10 percent excise tax on indoor tanning. On the other hand, the plan is also predicted to reduce the government deficit by $143 billion by the first 10 years. Currently, the plan will go into full effect in 2014.
What does that mean for Dr. Burstein’s patients? Well luckily, the cosmetic surgery excise tax was replaced by the tanning tax; and because most cosmetic surgery procedures are not covered by insurance, there will not be an effect. The only procedures directly affected will be Dr. Burstein’s facial reconstruction cases, which are typically covered by insurance.
It is important to note that this is a very brief synopsis of a very long and complicated bill and there are still so many details of the new healthcare plan to work out. We will keep you up to date on any changes that will affect you!
