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Med News

By admin on January 27, 2012

Posted in Health and Wellness |

Is it Possible to Eat Out and Still Eat Healthy?

By admin on January 20, 2012

It doesn’t take a nutritionist to figure out that many restaurant menu items come in large portions and focus more on taste rather than nutrition. That’s why Dr. Gayle M. Timmerman of the University of Texas at Austin led a research study on whether or not it’s necessary to stop eating out in order to lose or even maintain weight. Plastic surgery patients who undergo body contouring procedures like tummy tuck, liposuction, and post bariatric surgery are often concerned about maintaining their results, but making wise decisions while dining out is important for anyone who is trying to maintain or even lose weight.

Timmerman’s study divided a group of 35 women (ages 40-59) who ate out frequently into two sections: an intervention and a comparison group.  The women in the intervention group completed a 6-week Mindful Restaurant Eating program to learn how to make better menu choices. The comparison group did not complete the program and were instructed to continue eating how they would regularly. Although the study focused more on weight maintenance than weight loss, evidence showed that the members of the intervention group lost more weight. Researchers concluded that it’s not about how often you eat at restaurants, but about how you manage your eating habits when eating out.

Southern Plastic Surgery can help you make good food choices like those taught in the study’s Mindful Eating program. Since Dr. Whiteman often shares healthy recipes on his blog, we thought this would be a great opportunity to provide tips for eating out healthfully. See the tips below to learn more about making better menu choices:

• Choose carefully- No matter where you choose to eat, some menu choices are always better than others. For instance, choose a grilled or roasted meat over fried.  Likewise, if you’re eating pasta, choose red-based sauce over white-based sauce for fewer calories.
• Drink water- Soft drinks, juices, and even alcoholic beverages typically contain excess sugar and calories that can easily be avoided by drinking water.
• Don’t forget the extras- When we say “extras” we mean those extra sauces and condiments. It’s important not to forget that these extras add extra fat and calories to your meal.
• Make it special- Don’t be afraid to ask to substitute something on your order to make it healthier. The worst they can say is no, but most restaurants will be happy to accommodate you.
• Eat mindfully and slowly- Although most people go out to eat to socialize and enjoy time with friends and family, you can’t forget to pay attention while you eat. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the conversation and eat all of the food on your plate. Take small bites, and pay attention to how you feel. Stop eating when you are full.
• Don’t be ashamed of the to-go box- Many restaurants provide enough food in one entrée to eat over two or three sittings. Determine that you aren’t going to finish before you even start. Some people find it beneficial to ask for a box before they begin eating so that they will not go overboard.

Dr. Whiteman knows the important role health and wellness play in everyday life as well as plastic surgery.  He also knows that part of maximizing your health and wellness means getting out and enjoying life—that includes eating out! Stay tuned to his blog for more healthy tips, recipes, and plastic surgery news and updates.  Be sure to connect with him on Facebook and Twitter if you haven’t already.

Posted in Health and Wellness |

The Great Debate: To Breastfeed or Not to Breastfeed after Breast Augmentation?

By admin on January 12, 2012

Many women cite the studied health benefits and reported emotional bond they feel it creates between mother and child as the reason they chose to breastfeed. Others opt for formula because they feel breastfeeding will change the appearance of their breasts. Earlier this month the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that women with breast implants are increasingly concerned that their augmented breasts would change shape after breastfeeding.

A study surveyed 160 mothers who had breast implants. Eighty-six percent of the mothers chose not to breastfeed because they didn’t want their breasts to look bad, and 13% of the mothers in the study who did breastfeed their babies were concerned their breast shape would change because of breastfeeding. Although more research is necessary, doctors say breastfeeding should not be blamed for breast sagging in women with (or without) breast implants after pregnancy. Instead, they say breast sagging is more evident after each pregnancy whether or not the mother breastfeeds.

Therefore, whether you’ve had a breast augmentation, breast-fed or bottle-fed, you may notice increased sagging with each pregnancy. However, something can be done to correct the appearance of deflated, sagging breasts. If you’ve already had a breast enhancement and decide you’d like further refinement after the birth of a child, breast revision surgery is an option.

During breast revision surgery, Dr. David Whiteman removes the original breast implants, and depending on the patient’s desires, he can excise tissue and lift the breast to a more natural location or insert new breast implants for added volume. Mothers who do not have breast implants, but are bothered by sagging breasts after pregnancy can benefit from a breast lift procedure. Breast lift surgery can be performed with or without a breast implant to produce fuller breasts depending on the patient’s wishes.

Unfortunately less perky breasts are not the only complaint many women have about their bodies following pregnancy. It’s not always easy to get back to that pre-baby appearance, but mommy makeover surgery can help. Usually comprised of a breast procedure (breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction), along with tummy tuck surgery and liposuction, a mommy makeover procedure is custom-tailored to the mother’s specific needs. Aside from mommy makeover surgery, Dr. Whiteman maintains a focus on Health and Wellness at his Duluth plastic surgery practice and offers helpful exercise tips and healthy recipes to promote the long-term health of his patients (and their children)!

Posted in Educational, In the News, Uncategorized |

Begin the Year with Savings from Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center

By admin on January 5, 2012

Now through January 31st, Southern Plastic Surgery’s medical spa, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, will be offering fabulous deals on some of the newest and most popular cosmetic services. With great deals on laser hair removal, Viora Reaction™ skin tightening and cellulite reduction, CO2 Fractionated laser treatment, and relaxing massage therapy. Click the flyer below for more details and contact the Laser Lights office to schedule your appointment.

Posted in In the News, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, Uncategorized |

Smoking Hinders Breast Surgery Recovery

By admin on December 29, 2011

A recent article published by Dr. Anthony Youn on CNN.com highlights the dangers that smokers risk when lighting up after plastic surgery.  In his piece entitled “Smoking can make your nipples fall off,” Youn discusses cases in which a woman undergoing a breast lift refused to quit smoking and suffered complications including a loss of blood flow to the nipples.

Atlanta breast lift surgeon Dr. David Whiteman understands the fear that articles like this can strike into women looking to take on procedures like breast lift and breast reduction. For women who suffer from an aching back or are limited physically by larger breasts or who want to lift sagging breasts, surgery is still an option. Board certified Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. David Whiteman wants patients to realize that complications like those mentioned in the article by Dr. Youn are rare in patients who adequately follow pre- and post-surgery directions from their surgeon.

Smoking constricts the blood vessels which was most likely the cause of the aforementioned patient’s complications. Before taking on any plastic surgery patient, Dr. Whiteman undergoes a thorough examination of each person’s medical and family history, as assessment of well as any risk factors that increase complications during a breast procedure.

Whether you’re looking to increase your breast size through breast enlargement surgery, reduce the size of your breasts through reduction, or lift sagging breasts as a part of mommy makeover surgery (which also typically includes liposuction and a tummy tuck), you can rest assured that Dr. Whiteman has both your best interest and safety in mind during all stages of the breast surgery process: consultation, pre-surgery, during the procedure, and plastic surgery recovery.

Stay up to date on the latest Atlanta plastic surgery news by following Dr. Whiteman’s blog and connecting with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Educational, Uncategorized |

Southern Plastic Surgery Specials Featured in December’s Best Self Magazine

By admin on December 19, 2011

Along with his feature in the Expert Connect section of December’s Best Self Atlanta magazine, Dr. David Whiteman’s December special on Mini Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation were also featured. Check out the deal below and call our office to schedule a consultation! There’s still time!

Posted in Published Media, Specials |

Did You See Dr. Whiteman in This Month’s Best Self Magazine?

By admin on December 13, 2011

Dr. David Whiteman was featured in Best Self Atlanta magazine’s “Expert Connect” section this December answering your questions about body contouring with liposuction. Check out the article below for more details:

Posted in Educational, In the News, Published Media, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Don’t Wait to Take Advantage of Laser Lights’ December Specials

By admin on December 6, 2011

Our Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center makes holiday shopping easy with specials on some of your favorite cosmetic treatments including laser hair removal and the newest in skin tightening technology: Viora Reaction™. Click the flyer below for more details, and don’t forget that gift certificates make great presents!

Posted in Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, Specials, Uncategorized |

The Rise of Plastic Surgery in Older Adults

By admin on November 9, 2011

Because we perform many types of cosmetic surgery at Southern Plastic Surgery, we see a plethora of clients with varying ages, ethnicities, and plastic surgery desires. From men requesting nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) to new mothers looking to rejuvenate their bodies through mommy makeover surgery, we are pleased to report that our patients run the gamut.

We were especially intrigued by a recent New York Times article, “The Golden Years, Polished With Surgery,” which discusses the recent upward trend in plastic surgery for adults over 65. The article discusses the cases of baby boomers opting in to cosmetic procedures so their bodies mirror their positive attitudes.  Also mentioned is the risk associated with elective surgery procedures performed on older adults.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that almost 350,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on adults aged 55 or over in 2010 with around a third getting eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). A study by the Cleveland Clinic Department of Plastic Surgery has shown that the risks associated with older adults getting plastic surgery are based less on their numerical age and more on their overall health and physiological age.

Dr. David Whiteman is an expertly trained and board certified plastic surgeon with experience in many different types of cosmetic surgery on diverse groups of people. During a consultation, Dr. Whiteman will discuss the results you desire, and you’ll be informed of the potential side effects and risk factors in your particular case.

All patients, regardless of age, should be screened for certain health conditions and make their plastic surgeons aware of all medications they are currently taking to minimize the risk of contraindication. While older adults may heal slower than those who are younger, there are conditions that would make even a young person an unsuitable candidate for plastic surgery like high blood pressure, for example.

We realize that people of all ages have cosmetic desires to enhance their bodies or boost self-confidence, which is why we encourage each potential client to visit our office and speak with Dr. Whiteman to talk about how plastic surgery can benefit and rejuvenate his or her appearance.

To discuss your cosmetic surgery options and see if you’re a candidate for plastic surgery procedures, contact us for more information and to schedule a consultation. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news, updates, and information on specials.

Posted in Educational, In the News |

Massage therapy specials offered at Laser Lights through the end of November

By admin on November 7, 2011

Now through the end of November, you can treat yourself or loved one to a full hour Swedish, Deep Tissue, or Myofascial Release massage at Laser Lights in Duluth, GA (just north of Atlanta) for just $45 for a full hour.  You can also buy 3 one hour massages for $120.   See flyer below for details.  Contact the office at 770-495-9322 to schedule your appointment.

Posted in In the News, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, Specials |