Monday, June 1, 2009

Silicone Facial Injections: Avoid

On National Public Radio this morning a reporter discussed the controversial subject of having silicone liquid injected into various areas of the body as a filler.

The procedure is rarely done by qualified plastic surgeons, and thought of as a poor choice of filler material by most. Some of the people injecting silicone are not physicians and lack appropriate medical training. Some of the material is not medical-grade silicone.

We have seen some patients at The Aesthetic Center who have had injections of an unknown permanent material, who developed undesirable hardening, scarring and distortion.

Our recommendation is to avoid injectable silicone. Hyaluronic acid fillers are excellent, well-tolerated, and reversible. Juvaderm and Restylane are best for most patients.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Summer Question & Answer Sessions: Cosmetic Surgery

SUMMER OFFICIALLY BEGINS JUNE 21st.

Join us for question & answer sessions. Dr. Sutton Graham and his staff at the Aesthetic Center for Breast & Cosmetic Surgery will host two summer presentations.

o Good chance to learn more about how procedures can benefit you.
o Opportunity to have your questions answered.
o Ways to help a friend or family member get helpful information. Bring them along! They’re welcome.
o Find out about new procedures, costs, downtime, and specialized ways we minimize discomfort.


YOUR BEST FACE: Tuesday June 16th 6:30-8:00pm
Subtle or dramatic, but always natural. Injectables, minimally invasive, short-scar, modified techniques. And when established procedures give the best results.
Eyelift. Facelift. Necklift. Botox, Juvaderm & Restylane. Chin suction lipectomy. And more.

BETTER BREAST & BODY: Tuesday, June 23rd, 6:30-8:00pm
Procedures that accomplish what diet & exercise cannot. Clothes fit better. Better proportions. More shapely. Chest, arms, hips, tummy, thighs. Lifts, implants, fillers, tucks, liposuction.

See why we have a reputation for excellent care and excellent results!

REGISTRATION IS IMPORTANT. Plus you can send us any questions in advance.

Register online by e-mail through our website (see the “Quick Question” box). Tell us how many are coming with you. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/.

Or register by phone 864-676-1707.

Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

LATISSE - FDA approved drug for eyelashes

For months now we have been providing patients with this unique medicine to improve eyelash density, thickness and length. It has been well received by patients.

We think it complements our facial cosmetic surgery and non-surgical enhancements.

Results begin to show in 1-2 months and treatment is recommended for 16 weeks. Side effects and potential risks are reviewed with each patient, and our staff can relate their personal experiences with LATISSE.

If your lash growth is not what you think it should be, ask one of us. Their site: www.Latisse.com. For a company video follow this link: Latisse_TV_FOR AGN PURPOSES_LoRESOLUTION.wmv

ASPS annual statistics are out. And the Top Five are...

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the large national organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Their 2008 statistics were recently published. Reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (laser, fillers, neurotoxin) increased compared to 2007.

As expected cosmetic surgery was down, but a relatively small 9%. Articles in The New York Times (April 6th, "When All You Have Left Is Your Pride") and the Wall Street Journal ("Keeping Up Appearances") may explain why patients continue to seek care to enhance their appearance. In some circles, appearance may be critical in a time of high competition for jobs. Time Magazine had a recent article about the popularity of Botox for men.

The top 5 cosmetic surgery procedures in 2008: Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Liposuction, Eyelid Surgery, and Tummy Tuck. Botox was the most popular non-invasive treatment (5 million in 2008).

For a complete listing visit www.plasticsurgery.org/Media.html

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Teaching nurses about safe out-patient surgery

On Monday April 27th Dr. Graham and his staff are hosting an educational seminar for the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) Piedmont Chapter. This is a nursing professional organization specific to OR nurses, most of them hospital-based.

We will provide education about office based surgery including national accreditation, safety standards, back-up systems, peer review, advanced cardiac life support training, and finally specific facial, breast & body cosmetic procedures.

This seminar is an element in required continuing nursing education.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

10,000 hours to become an expert

Outliers is the title of a recent book by Mr. Malcom Gladwell about high achieving individuals. One of the observations he makes is that extensive experience in one's field is needed to become an expert. His 10,000 hour rule has reached the status of pop culture recognition. Ten years or 10,000 hours of dedicated work in a specific endeavor is generally required to achieve a high level of expertise. This applies to fields as varied as music and business. Plastic surgeons have much more.

Plastic surgery training generally consists of about 10 years. By the time a new plastic surgeon is board-certified he or she has had 4 years of medical school, 6-8 years of residency training and 1-2 years of independent practice. Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is part of that training.

On top of that, aesthetic & breast surgery has been the entire focus of my practice for more than 12 years. I have been honored to care for tens of thousands of patients. My work is probably the most enjoyable of any specialty within the practice of medicine. Patients want to come to a plastic surgeon and love what we do.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Breast Augmentation, Lift, etc.

Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. This is true for our practice and based on national statistics (see prior blog post).

People are starting to get out and do more. This time of year, with its warmer temperatures, sunshine, Easter and Spring Break is an active time for phone calls, website visits, and consultation visits. Women are interested in learning more about breast implants, breast lifts, etc.

Dr. Graham's practice has a strong interest and excellent reputation in breast surgery. We have helped hundreds of women achieve better proportions and improved appearance in work clothes, casual clothes, work-out clothes and swimwear. Also, if you're having problems with asymmetry (difference between the two), nipple appearance, changes after breast-feeding or pregnancy, we can help.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an appointment, use the "Contact Us" link on our website or call 864-676-1707