Don't put too much emphasis on the technology. Evaluate the operator.

Dr. Graham makes periodic contributions to online patient information websites. RealSelf.com is one such site where many people write questions for panels of cosmetic physicians.

One of the most frequently misunderstood topics concerns patients choosing the right laser or other device for a skin condition such as wrinkles. "Should I chose Brand X or Brand Z for my laser treatments?"

Our humorous response to this question for a long time has been, "you need to consider more carefully the witch or the warlock, than which brand of wand they use." You will obtain the best results with the best diagnosis and proper treatment(s) regardless of the brand of laser your surgeon uses. It matters how the device is used and the selection of the appropriate devices. Of course, sometimes the answer from an experienced surgeon may be that lasers won't give you the results you expect, but that facelift or other surgery is your best answer.

Low-Cost Procedures in the Local News

The local newspaper (The Greenville News, www.greenvilleonline.com) recently ran a McClatchy News Service article with the title, "Demand grows for low-cost cosmetic procedures." It is a well written article that refers to statistics from the American Society of Aesthetic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Graham is a member of both organizations. www.PlasticSurgery.org and www.Surgery.org. It also quotes non-surgeons and dermatologists.

One major point is that patients are seeking more temporary "quick fixes" now.

We are proud that we offer our patients both injectable and/or laser solutions and definitive surgical rejuvenation. We suggest patients tell us the results the seek and the available down-time, and we will offer options that are suitable for them.

Ranges of options for face, breast & body are not new for The Aesthetic Center. Dr. Graham has extensive training and experience. In addition, his staff includes a post-graduate nurse practitioner with special experience and laser and injectables, and two Skin Care Specialists for non-invasive skin treatment. We treat a broad range of issues from blotchy pigment, fine lines and expression lines to gravity lines. We have professional product lines, unavailable in department stores, spas or salons.

Laser Resurfacing: How to Smooth Rough Skin

Medical lasers do a wide variety of things, depending on wavelength, power delivery, etc. We have a number of lasers available to treat conditions ranging from acne, roseacea, unwanted hair, to skin looseness. One impressive thing they accomplish is to smooth the surface of rough, coarse, wrinkled skin. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/laser.html#laser-skin-resurfacing

Dr. Graham and our certified nurse practitioner (Janice Sasser, RN, NP-C) both offer laser treatments, from minor to extensive, under safe conditions and appropriate anesthesia.

More superficial lines will be treated with an anesthetic cream and surface cooling devices. Eye protection is always used. The recovery time is a few days. These treatments are good for mild-to-moderate lines, short recovery times, and patients considering staged treatments. Deep lines will be treated with local or general anesthesia. Recovery time is several days to two weeks. These treatments give more effects and have more recovery.

We will often suggest that laser skin resurfacing be done in conjunction with other helpful procedures. Active muscles contracting skin in areas like the "crow's feet" should be diminished by neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport) to enhance your laser wrinkle treatment. Lines around the mouth can also benefit from hyaluronic acid fillers (Perlane, Juvederm) or fat grafts, (and maybe a little neurotoxin). Chin lines can also benefit from HA filler. Lines beyond the corners of the mouth may benefit, if other indications exist, from a facelift. Finally old, deep acne scarring in some adults can be helped by both laser and facelift. These options are discussed during your consultation. We are always happy to inform.

If you have more questions, call us at 864-676-1707
Or E-mail through our web site or at info@expertplasticsurgeon.com

Droopy eyelid skin; Removal is most common facial cosmetic surgery

Blepharoplasty is the medical term for a procedure often called eyelid tuck or eyelift. According to 2008 national statistics from the ASPS, eyelid cosmetic surgery was the most common facial surgery (followed by facelift, browlift). http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Media/Press_Kits/Procedural_Statistics.html

Similarly, in our practice in upstate South Carolina, eyelid is most common. It is performed as a single procedure or in combination with facelift or browlift, or other procedures. For more information call 864-676-1707 or see the e-mail link on our website: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/other-face.html

Removal of hanging, loose, excess upper lid skin is the most common feature that patients request to freshen their appearance, make them look less tired or old. If there are upper fat pockets these can be removed. If there are lower eyelid bags these can be removed, tightened or hidden by a variety of techniques. If the skin texture is crinkled, then erbium:YAG laser resurfacing (peel) can be done to improve surface texture.

Each one of our patients is treated to post-operative lymphatic massage, carefully done by our experienced Skin Care Specialists (estheticians) to reduce post-op swelling, bruising or discomfort. They can also assist you with professional skin care products to enhance your surgical results, improve skin tone, pigmentation and texture. Make-up advice is available if you wish. We have Latisse eyelash enhancement prescription medication. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/skin.html

Cosmetic eyelid surgery and non-surgical eyelid enhancements at Dr. Sutton Graham's specialized practice. Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Columbia, Asheville

Pick Your Recovery Time

One way to choose among the various options for facial rejuvenation procedures is tell your surgeon how long you have to recover. This will let him or her tailor your procedures to your desired "down-time." If you have no down-time: choose from Botox, Restylane of other fillers, Intense Pulsed Light photofacials, or non-ablative skin tightening. If you have one weekend: you may select the above and /or MicroLaser Peels or Periorbital resurfcing. When you have 1 week available: enhance you appearance with a endoscopic browlift or submental liposuction (under the chin). A 2 week recovery gives you plenty of options: you could have either eyelid blepharoplasty, short-scar facelift, or a combination of the above procedures. A three week recovery is best for: facelift, necklift, and combinations of procedures on several parts of the face. At our office we'll discuss these issues and the features you would like to improve, and make individual personal recommendations. Call if you're interested.