Changing Lifestyle Habits and Cosmetic Procedures to Fight Aging
It’s common knowledge that certain lifestyle factors like stress, smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, etc. are known to make people age at a faster rate. However, according to an article from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons who reported on a story from the Bellingham Herald, not only can lack of sleep cause a person to look older than they are, but sleeping position can also influence an aged appearance. According to the plastic surgeon from Boston who reported the story to the newspaper, some positions can cause lines on the face that will eventually turn into wrinkles. He suggests that the best position to reduce the likelihood of wrinkles is sleeping on the back.
Besides sleeping position, other lifestyle habits affect the rate at which you age. Inadequate exercise, poor diet, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure are all factors you can control to help maintain a youthful appearance. The highly skilled surgeons of Atlanta Plastic Surgery suggest that patients exercise, eat right, abstain from smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and wear SPF 30 sunscreen year-round. However, they also know that signs of aging start to appear even with the best of intentions and a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the services from AYA Medical Spa could be a great option for those just starting to notice signs of aging. For instance, patients who are starting to notice sun damage, treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels work to even skin tone. Those who are starting to notice wrinkles may benefit from Botox® or facial fillers. Botox® is injected into the forehead and between the eyes to relax muscles that cause wrinkles, while facial fillers are used to plump up areas of the face that have lost volume and fill in deep wrinkles.
Patients with more comprehensive signs of aging who are not quite ready for surgery could benefit from our newest technology: Ulthera® Non-Surgical Skin Tightening. Ultherapy® uses ultrasound technology to increase collagen production and skin elasticity. The ultrasound energy heats the underlying tissue in the targeted area to ignite the body’s natural healing process and tighten loose skin. Ultherapy® works great on the brow, around the eyes, and on the lower face and neck.
Facial plastic surgery is another way to combat more advanced signs of aging. A traditional facelift targets signs of aging on a majority of the face and is perfect for patients whose face and neck have begun to sag. However, people age differently, and some patients do not need a traditional facelift. Some patients are only bothered by a sagging brow or wrinkled forehead, so instead of having a facelift, they really only need brow lift surgery. Likewise, patients who complain that their eyes make them appear older than they are usually receive eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). We even offer our Atlanta patients mini-facelift procedures like the mid facelift and lower facelift to target signs of aging in those areas alone.
The surgeons of Atlanta Plastic Surgery understand that people age at different rates depending on their lifestyle habits and genetics, and for that reason, cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery to combat aging must meet a variety of patients’ needs. For more information on the procedures we offer at Atlanta Plastic Surgery visit our website. Schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons if you are interested in learning more.
Popularity of Plastic Surgery Continues to Rise Despite Price
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) 2011 plastic surgery statistics that were recently released, the number of total plastic surgery procedures has grown for the past two years. While this includes both minimally invasive procedures like CoolSculpting® or Ultherapy® as well as surgical procedures like liposuction or facelift, it’s surprising to read that a recent study released by couponcabin.com (highlighted in a blog by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) found that 23% of adults would have plastic surgery if the price was lower. The study also reported that women are more likely to seek cosmetic enhancement than men.
The price of plastic surgery varies from practice to practice and even by region. If you’ve read our blogs on the importance of plastic surgery research and finding a qualified plastic surgeon who has experience performing your desired procedure, you probably have an understanding that patients typically get what they pay for with plastic surgery. Although usually elective, plastic surgery is surgery and should be considered a serious matter. While steep discounts may sound appealing, patients should be leery because plastic surgery is not easily discounted. The highly skilled surgeons of Atlanta Plastic Surgery teach patients to first do their research and then consider cost once they are ready to move forward with a particular procedure keeping their financing options in mind.
Based on ASPS’ statistics, it’s clear that more and more people are electing to have cosmetic surgery. Looking deeper into these stats, it appears that a majority of these patients are turning to minimally invasive procedures to enhance their looks. These less invasive treatments are typically less expensive than surgical procedures. For instance, 5.7 million patients received Botox® or Dysport® injections in 2011, while only 196,000 underwent eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Likewise, 1.9 million people received soft tissue fillers such as Restylane® or Juvéderm®, but only 119,000 received facelift surgery. While it should be noted that many minimally invasive procedures require a series of treatments to maintain results, these numbers are still significant.
In fact, we’ve noticed a trend developing over the past few years at Atlanta Plastic Surgery in which patients are seeking minimally invasive procedures as they begin to notice signs of aging before they need a surgical procedure. Instead of waiting until they need plastic surgery, they receive maintenance procedures to preserve their look and postpone surgery longer.
The highly skilled surgeons of Atlanta Plastic Surgery offer both surgical and minimally invasive procedures to accommodate patients with a variety of needs. Whether you’re interested in minimally invasive anti-aging procedures or cosmetic surgery for the breasts, face, or body, visit our website to learn more about what we offer or schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons. Be sure to keep reading our blog for plastic surgery news and trends.
Save with March Skincare Specials from AYA Medical Spa
Be sure to take advantage of the great skincare savings this month at Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s AYA Medical Spa. Through March 31st, 2012, you can save on Latisse®, FotoFacial and FotoBody RF®, Sculptra® Aesthetic, and ELASTIderm® Eye Complete Complex™. They are also offering a special on Radiesse® with Casey Powell on March 15th at their Northside location and on March 24th at Phipps Plaza. From March 25th through March 31st, you can save 15% on all of AYA’s skin care products. Don’t forget about the Botox® special for Brilliant Distinctions® members. Schedule your initial treatment before April 30th, 2012 to save on Botox® all year. See the flyer below for more details.
Better Brush Up: The Importance of Research before Plastic Surgery
If you read our previous blog about plastic surgery predictions in 2012, one of the predictions was that more patients would begin to do their research prior to undergoing plastic surgery. Far too often, patients search for plastic surgeons based on price. Although plastic surgery is quite a financial investment, it is one that is not easily discounted. Therefore, we caution patients to be wary of steep “deals,” as they often end in inferior plastic surgery results. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, be sure to research your prospective surgeon and procedure(s).
One way we suggest researching prospective plastic surgeons is by reviewing their plastic surgery before and after photo galleries. In doing so, you will have the opportunity to see what procedures the surgeon performs and get an idea of his or her surgical results. Some plastic surgeons have certain areas of specialization. For instance, some of our highly skilled surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery concentrate on breast and body procedures, while others perform mostly procedures of the face. Viewing before and after galleries will help you determine a surgeon’s specialty; this will help keep you from going to a breast surgeon for rhinoplasty (nose surgery).
Another way to conduct plastic surgery research is by reviewing doctors’ websites and reading their biographies to help determine their credentials and make sure they are qualified plastic surgeons. It is also beneficial to research the procedures you are interested in to learn a little more about what goes into the surgical process. During this time, be careful to look for valid sources rather than believing everything you find online. Most of the time, you can find accurate information about plastic surgery on plastic surgeons’ websites. Look for credentials like memberships to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as these types of societies hold plastic surgeons accountable, which should ward against misinformation.
Finally, plastic surgery consultations are another important step in finding the right plastic surgeon. During a consultation, you will have the opportunity to get to know the prospective surgeon, review more of his or her before and after photos, and discuss your surgical goals and medical history. It is very important to feel comfortable with your surgeon, and it may be beneficial to schedule a few consultations with different surgeons. Be open to discussing what you are looking to achieve through plastic surgery. Patients often have an idea of what they are seeking, but are not always sure which procedure will get them there. We often see this situation in patients who are looking for a flatter abdomen, but aren’t sure if a tummy tuck or liposuction surgery will do the trick.
Plastic surgery is a serious matter and should be treated as such. It’s not a decision to make with the flip of a coin. Research is a necessary component of plastic surgery. We try to make this research process easier by providing educational information on our website and blog. If you are considering plastic surgery, be sure to explore your options to avoid plastic surgery complications. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s qualified plastic surgeons.
Want to Save on Your Next Botox Treatment?
Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the manufacturer of Botox® Cosmetic is extending rebates to Brilliant Distinctions® members who receive treatment between February 1st and April 20th, 2012. Derived from purified botulinum, Botox® is injected into the brow and between the eyes to smooth moderate to severe wrinkles for up to 4 months. Just like Botox® injection treatments are simple, so is saving! Follow the steps below to save up to $200 on Botox®:
- If you’re not a current member of Brilliant Distinctions®, become a member by signing up on their website here.
- Now that you’re a member, schedule and receive your Botox® treatment at Atlanta Plastic Surgery or AYA Medical Spa before 4/20/2012.
- You will receive a $50 instant email rebate after checking out from your appointment.
- Three months later, you’ll get another $50 sent to your email that can be combined with a $25 Brilliant Distinctions® member coupon you will receive at your first treatment, providing you with a total of $75 in savings on a second Botox® treatment. (Second Botox® treatment to be received during a 3 month period following the delivery of the second email rebate.)
- After taking advantage of the rebate on your second Botox® treatment, you will receive another $50 rebate via email that can be combined with another $25 member coupon for a total of $75 saving on your third Botox® treatment.
Remember, you must be a Brilliant Distinctions® member and receive your initial Botox® treatment between February 1st and April 20th, 2012 to apply for the rebates. This special is only valid while supplies last, so schedule your appointment for wrinkle reducing Botox® today at Atlanta Plastic Surgery or at our medical spa, AYA. Keep reading our blog for plastic surgery news and updates.
Take Your Skin Care Relationship to the Next Level with AYA Medical Spa
Owned and operated by Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C., AYA Medical Spa is offering exciting new skincare specials for the month of February. Through February 29th, 2012, you can save on select chemical peels to reduce surface imperfections like melasma (hyperpigmentation), wrinkles, acne and acne scarring. You can also benefit from discounts on Latisse® eyelash enhancer, Juvéderm®, and Botox®. Be sure to read AYA’s blog about how to save on Botox® through Brilliant Distinctions® and see the flyer below for more details on their specials.
Predicting Plastic Surgery Trends for 2012
Each year plastic surgery societies like the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) review procedure data and statistics from the past year to make estimations about the upcoming year. After reading a recent blog from ASAPS, the surgeons of Atlanta Plastic Surgery wanted to share some plastic surgery predictions for 2012. Unlike last year’s predictions that focused on body contouring and liposuction procedures, predictions for 2012 include mostly facial plastic surgery procedures, especially those that are non-invasive.
One of their predictions has been in the news for months now: the rise in the number of men seeking plastic surgery. Although more men are seeking plastic surgery, they still only account for 8% of the total plastic surgery procedures performed. Men have started to realize the role their looks play in the business world. In fact, many men choose to undergo facelift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to look younger and less haggard in order to maintain or gain a job in this troubled economy. Younger men whose signs of aging don’t require a surgical procedure may go for Botox®, facial fillers, and even laser hair removal to enhance their appearance and give them an edge. However, looking younger is not the only goal of men seeking plastic surgery pursue as many undergo liposuction and tummy tuck procedures to enhance their body’s contour.
ASAPS also suggests more people will likely opt for minimally invasive procedures like cosmetic injectables and facial fillers in 2012, especially with the introduction of Xeomin, a new cosmetic injectable derived by botulinum toxin A. Topical Botox was also mentioned as a possible trend this year as researchers continue to study the effectiveness of a topical application. Although we do not yet offer Xeomin or topical Botox at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, we do have new, non-invasive technology for our Atlanta patients in 2012. Similar to the reason patients choose injectables and fillers, patients can now opt for skin resurfacing with eMatrix™ and Ulthera® non-surgical facelift at Atlanta Plastic Surgery for a more youthful appearance.
The last prediction ASAPS made is one we hope will ring true in 2012: more patients conducting plastic surgery research. It is vital that patients find licensed, plastic surgeons. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true and always, always do your research before undergoing plastic surgery.
Although we will have to wait until next year to determine whether or not the predictions ring true, we hope to see less plastic surgery horror stories in the news as more patients do their research. Until then, keep reading our blog to stay posted on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery news and trends.
New Ultrasound Technology Leads the Way in Non-Surgical Facelift Options
Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. to Host Open House Showcasing Ulthera® Non- Invasive Facial Rejuvenation Thursday, February 2nd from 6-8 pm
Once reserved for tracking a developing baby’s growth, ultrasound (now used in Ulthera® skin tightening) is the latest tool utilized by the plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. to reduce the appearance of lax skin and wrinkles associated with aging of the face, brow, eyelids, and neck without surgery or downtime.
Requiring only one or two 30 minute treatments, providers at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. and their doctor-owned AYA Medical Spa use Ulthera® to heat the deeper layers of dermal tissue and increase collagen production: a process naturally slowed by age. The increased collagen produces tighter, younger looking skin that reveals itself over two to three months following the initial treatment. Most Ulthera® patients only require one treatment for noticeable rejuvenation results.
Board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and ENT/ Head and Neck Surgery with a special interest in facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Fernando Burstein explains the new technology’s appeal, “Ulthera® is ideal for those patients who aren’t prepared for the downtime or cost associated with Atlanta facial procedures like traditional, surgical full facelift, browlift, or necklift, but need more rejuvenation than lighter treatments like Botox® or Juvéderm® are able to offer.”
“Ulthera® is indicated by the FDA for non-surgical brow lift; it’s a medical-grade treatment that allows providers to see into the deeper layers of skin during treatment to ensure rejuvenation results in those areas that truly need them- treating the root of the cosmetic problem,” says AYA Medical Spa Manager, Jessica Chaney.
As one of the Southeast’s most trusted and established plastic and reconstructive surgery practices, Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. knows the medical value of non-surgical, medically sound technologies like Ulthera®. The practice has added three non-invasive skin treatment options to their menu just this year including Ulthera® skin tightening, CoolSculpting® fat reduction, and eMatrix™ skin resurfacing.
Atlanta Plastic Surgery is hosting an open house at their Northside practice (975 Johnson Ferry Road, NE, Suite 120, Atlanta, Georgia 30342) from 6-8 pm on Thursday, February 2nd to educate patients of Ulthera® treatment’s cosmetic benefits. The event is free to attend and will feature a question and answer session with a licensed Ultherapy representative and consultations for the treatment with Atlanta Plastic Surgery practitioners.
Attendees will receive a $500 discount on Ulthera® as well as entrance into a raffle for a chance to win a customized Obagi Nu-Derm® kit worth $400. Interested parties are asked to RSVP to (404) 256-1311.
About Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C.: Founded in 1968 by breast reconstruction pioneer Dr. Carl Hartrampf, Atlanta Plastic Surgery (APS) houses seven plastic surgeons by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The APS surgeons perform an array of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, body, and breast. Breast reconstruction procedures performed by Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s doctors include: facelift, eyelid surgery, forehead lift, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), neck lift, otoplasty (ear surgery), and wrinkle reduction via fat transfer. To learn more about the physicians and services and Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Newnan locations visit atlplastic.com.
About AYA Medical Spa: Owned and operated by the physicians at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C., AYA offers medically-approved skin care treatments and products from a highly trained staff of estheticians, nurses, and physician’s assistants. AYA’s services include cosmetic injections (Botox® and Juvéderm®), laser hair removal, wrinkle reduction, skin resurfacing, and acne treatments. To learn more about AYA’s Newnan, Phipps Plaza, and Northside locations visit ayaskincare.com.
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Atlanta Plastic Surgery to Host Open House Showcasing Ulthera Non-Surgical Facelift
Atlanta Plastic Surgery is excited to showcase the newest technology in non-invasive skin tightening—Ulthera® Non-Surgical Facelift. This free event will take place at our Northside location Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 6 to 8pm and will feature a question and answer session with a licensed Ultherapy representative and consultations with Atlanta Plastic Surgery and AYA Medical Spa practitioners.
For individuals who want to tighten and tone sagging skin around the face and neck that causes wrinkles and jowls, Ulthera® is FDA indicated for non-surgical brow lift, and is the non-invasive solution to create a more youthful appearance. Using ultrasound technology, Ulthera® targets the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the production of collagen while heating the treatment area to induce the body’s natural healing response.
Those who attend the event will receive a chance to win a grand prize in a raffle from AYA Medical Spa and Atlanta Plastic Surgery during the event. Make certain to tune in for future updates regarding the event. Space is limited so call ASAP to reserve your spot: (404) 256-1311 ext. 330 or 350.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Atlanta to Host Internationally Acclaimed Annual Breast Surgery Symposium January 13th- 15th, 2012
Atlanta, GA, January 7, 2012- Northside Hospital and The Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are hosting this year’s 28th Annual Breast Surgery Symposium. These physicians and their professional accrediting associations (The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – ASAPS, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons – ASPS, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – ISAPS ) enhance Atlanta’s rich reputation of advancing breast surgery.
Atlanta plastic surgeons Mark A. Codner, MD; L. Franklyn Elliott, MD; James D. Namnoum, MD; Amy K. Alderman, MD; Grant W. Carlson, MD; Albert Losken, MD; Michael J. McNeel, MD; Foad Nahai, MD; and Carl R. Hartrampf Jr., MD extend the city’s history of breast surgery excellence as chairmen and faculty of this year’s event.
The Symposium will feature an honorary Hartrampf guest lecture. Atlanta breast reconstruction pioneer Dr. Carl Hartrampf is credited with developing the TRAM Flap method, one of the most innovative breast reconstruction techniques used by plastic surgeons.
Program Chair Mark A. Codner, MD shares about the symposium’s sterling reputation in the medical field, “It’s a unique opportunity to learn the latest techniques from some of the most outstanding breast surgeons in the world.”
Designed to educate local and international breast surgeons about the most advanced surgical techniques and tools, the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium’s agenda is complete with five live surgical demonstrations streamed via satellite from Northside Hospital featuring breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reconstruction surgeries; a series of surgeon-led discussion panels; and a hot-topic question and answer series for attendees. The media may set up interviews with the symposium’s chairpersons and faculty to learn more about the featured content and technology.
Atlanta breast reconstruction specialist Dr. Jim Namnoum is overseeing the scheduled surgical demonstrations on secondary breast reconstruction, Atlanta breast enhancement, breast reduction, and breast lift. Dr. Namnoum shared his excitement about the program’s potential impact on the field of aesthetic medicine, “The year 2012 will be a banner one for attendees interested in novel and live surgical procedures that will demonstrate a number of innovative techniques in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery by leaders in plastic surgery.”
The hands-on, casual tone of the symposium’s “Hot Topics in Breast Surgery” segment is expected to generate buzz amongst attendees and contributors given the amount of media attention devoted to breast surgery complications as of late. The newly added symposium segment will feature several short presentations on cutting-edge breast surgery techniques and plastic surgery technology.
About Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium: An educational conference geared toward advancing the knowledge and skill of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgeons, the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium is hosted by the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (SESPRS). The three day event features live surgical demonstrations, lectures on emerging breast reconstruction techniques, and expert question and answer panels. In addition to SESPRS, the Breast Symposium is endorsed by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. (ASAPS), Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF), and The International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Visit sesprs.org for symposium details.
About Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C.: Founded in 1968 by breast reconstruction pioneer Dr. Carl Hartrampf, Atlanta Plastic Surgery (APS) houses seven board certified plastic surgeons by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The APS surgeons perform an array of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, body, and breast. Breast reconstruction procedures performed by Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s doctors include: TRAM flap reconstruction, breast reconstruction using an implant, and breast reconstruction via fat transfer. To learn more about the physicians and services and Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Newnan locations visit atlplastic.com.
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