Southern Plastic Surgery - Blog
Dr. Whiteman Comments on Study Linking Younger Breast Cancer Patients to Stopping Treatment Early
By admin on July 12, 2010
A new study released by Columbia University reveals a connection between a patient’s age and the length of time they continue taking their breast cancer chemotherapy medications. The study shows that younger breast cancer patients appear more likely to stop taking their chemotherapy medications before the recommended time period has lapsed. Experts point to the fact that younger women may stop their medication as no outward signs of their illness persist after the first few years of treatment. There is also lifestyle issues associated with the study’s younger cohort: including the fact that many younger women are also mothers of young children. This fact often translates to a shift from patients focusing on their own health to focusing on the welfare of their children.
Dr. Whiteman stresses to patients that chemotherapy drugs, just like any other prescribed medication, should be taken as directed. Stopping medications too early can increase the risk of relapse, which can prove incredibly dangerous with such a serious illness. Dr. Whiteman is a valued member of the breast cancer awareness community in Atlanta: co-founding the breast cancer survivors’ group Life After the Fight and serving as The Sport of Giving’s (an Atlanta-based cancer awareness non-profit) Medical Director. Dr. Whiteman also devotes his surgical talents to breast cancer patients in performing breast reconstruction surgery for those patients who have lost breast(s) as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
At Southern Plastic Surgery, Dr. Whiteman works with patients of all ages to formulate individual plans for breast reconstruction. Because every patient’s case is different, the utmost care and attention to detail is paid to ensure that health and well being remain intact throughout the cancer treatment, surgery, and healing processes.
If you are interested in breast reconstruction or have questions concerning breast cancer treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We’d be happy to speak with you.
Dr. David Whiteman Discusses the Use of Botox for Migraine and Headache Treatment
By admin on June 28, 2010
A new study suggests that Botox® may be useful beyond its’ cosmetic ability to relax wrinkle-causing muscles. In numerous examinations of both men and women, patients have noted a decrease in headache frequency after receiving Botox® for cosmetic reasons. Botox has long been used to reduce wrinkles, though its non-cosmetic popularity has begun to rise as well thanks to recent research.
Anyone who’s ever experienced migraines which originate near the eyes knows how terribly debilitating they can be. Extreme sensitivity to lights and sound, combined with a dreadfully painful headache, are just some of the classic symptoms of migraines. Although plastic surgeons do not typically inject Botox to treat migraines specifically, many Southern Plastic Surgery patients who have received Botox® for the treatment of wrinkles have been delighted by the fact that their migraines are a thing of the past.
If someone were to receive Botox® injections to decrease wrinkles, no additional injections would be needed to treat headaches. That means headache reductions are simply an added bonus to the primary effects of Botox® treatment.
It is important to note that, though the original study was done with specifically Botox®, Dr. David Whiteman has also seen similar results with Dysport® (a competitor to Botox®.)
If you’ve been thinking about Botox® or Dysport® treatments, please do not hesitate to contact our office with questions.
Southern Plastic Surgery’s Dr. David Whiteman Announces Latisse Rebate Extension
By admin on June 21, 2010
Dr. David Whiteman of Southern Plastic Surgery is pleased to announce the extension of the Latisse® rebate through the end of August. FDA approved for the effective treatment of hypotrichosis (an insufficient number of eyelashes,) daily application of the topical prescription can result in thicker, longer, lashes for patients in a matter of weeks.
Receiving the $20 rebate is easy: patients are merely required to complete a simple application on the Latisse® website to join the “Lash Perks” program. Upon submitting the application, members will be given a coupon which they can mail to Latisse® with the UPC code from their prescription box by the end of August to receive the rebate as well as a complementary cosmetic case. In addition to the rebate and free gift, becoming a Lash Perks member allows patients access to the latest news and subsequent specials from Latisse®.
If you’ve been contemplating using Latisse® now is a great time to start. Contact Dr. Whiteman’s office today to schedule a consultation to see if Latisse®, or another facial rejuvenation product or procedure, is right for you.
Popular Love it or Leave it Dysport Rebate Extended Through September
By admin on June 7, 2010
In a previous blog, Dr. David Whiteman announced the Dysport® “Love it or Leave it” Challenge – a special rebate encouraging patients to try Dysport® over the longstanding competitor Botox®. After over 90 percent of patients choosing to “Love it” and receive another injection of Dysport®, the makers are extending the special until September 30, 2010.
The extended special works the same: if you take on the challenge of trying Dysport®, you will receive a $75 rebate on a 300 unit injection. If you “love it” – you will receive another $75 rebate on a second injection of Dysport® (resulting in $150 in savings). If for whatever reason you decide to “leave it”, you can receive a rebate on a second injection of a competition product. More information and rebate form can be found on DysportUSA.com.
Dr. Whiteman of Southern Plastic Surgery offers injections of both Dysport® and Botox® if you are interested in taking on the “Love it or Leave it” Challenge. Both products work by relaxing the muscles in the face to smooth out wrinkles and prevent future wrinkles from forming. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation, make an appointment, or learn more about products and services offered.
Dr. Whiteman Helps Women Reclaim Their Bodies After Pregnancy with Mommy Makeover Surgery
By admin on June 2, 2010
As most new parents will attest, having a baby is life changing. As most mothers will also attest, being pregnant and having a baby are also body changing experiences (some of those changes are little less welcome than others.) After listening to the stories of several post maternity patients, Dr. David Whiteman of Southern Plastic Surgery is now spotlighting his surgical skills with mommy makeover surgery.
While all mommy makeover surgical plans must be custom tailored to each mother’s concerns and health histories, Dr. David Whiteman’s mommy makeover surgery often consists of tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty), to tighten the abdominal muscle and/or remove skin that is stretched with the baby’s growth, liposuction of small areas of fat, and breast augmentation or breast lift procedures to remedy the effects of breast feeding and to restore mothers’ bodies to their pre-baby appearance.
As evidenced by his previous blogs, Dr. Whiteman is a major proponent of responsible, health-oriented life changes- not quick fixes. He understands the extreme pressure on new mother’s to instantly bounce back to their pre-baby appearance, but emphasizes the fact that major physical changes take time stating:
“It takes nine whole months for a baby to fully develop. Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect that reversing the effects from those changes could be instantaneous.”
Also important to note, mommy makeover surgery is only suitable for women who are done having children; as additional pregnancy could reverse surgical results. To schedule a consultation, call Dr. Whiteman’s office or visit his website to develop a plan to get you back to your pre-baby best!
Dr. David Whiteman Helps Deserving Mother on TLC’s Ultimate Makeover
By admin on May 12, 2010
Tami Magby celebrated mother’s day in an exceptional way this year. Not only did she celebrate her wonderful 10 year-old-son, successfully juggling two jobs, and being a part-time student, but she also celebrated her new body. Tami was the recipient of plastic surgery by Dr. David Whiteman of Southern Plastic Surgery as well as free personal training session by personal trainer Daryl Madison of Lifestyle Fitness.
Tami’s journey, chronicled by TLC’s Ultimate Makeover, began when she saw a similar candidate on another episode of the show and “something clicked.” “I knew I owed it to myself to learn how to better care for my body,” declared Tami. Dr. Whiteman and Daryl Madison knew she deserved the ultimate makeover when she lost the prerequisite 15 pounds and quit smoking to prepare her body for liposuction and a tummy tuck and to aid in better healing.
During his initial consultation with Tami, Dr. Whiteman reiterated, “This is going to be a team effort. I know how to make your body look better, but it’s up to you to commit to exercising regularly and engaging in healthy living by not smoking to really see the kind of results you want in order to be satisfied.”
Dr. Whiteman, a long time proponent of total patient care was very thorough when it came to understanding Tami’s long-term goals and desired results, “Tami’s situation is very common amongst patients her age. They’re incredibly busy. Juggling children, family, and job can make you lose discipline when it comes to health. They go and go and go and tend to run out of steam when it comes to maintaining a regular exercise routine and a healthy weight with the changing metabolism that often emerges during a woman’s 30’s and 40’s.”
Dr. Whiteman’s expert surgical skill and Daryl’s inspirational fitness guidance combined with Tami’s determination to better her life paid off. The now svelte mother stood proudly in front of her family and friends at her big reveal party to show-off her new body.
“I am so thankful for what Dr. Whiteman, Daryl, and everyone from the show have done for me. I now look, and more importantly, feel good. I know I’ll be able to better do all the things I did before because I’m physically more able,” declared Tami during her Ultimate Makeover’s interview.
If you would like to see more of Tami’s story visit visit Dr. Whiteman’s You Tube channel to view her clips from the show. To learn more about Dr. Whiteman or the procedures he offers visit his website or call (770) 622-9100.
Study Shows Rise in Number of Unqualified Practitioners Offering Cosmetic Services like Liposuction and Botox
By admin on May 3, 2010
It is not surprising that, in a down economy, people will be doing anything they can to keep their business afloat and continue to make money. Understandably, fast food chains will jump on the “value menu” bandwagon or nail salons will begin to offer two for one pricing – but what is the beyond the realm of understanding is unqualified medical practitioners who are offering surgeries they have no training for. Unfortunately, this is exactly what has been happening in the world of cosmetic surgery procedures, namely liposuction and the administering of injections like Botox® and Dysport®.
In a recent study, published in the April issue of the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery journal, researchers found that nearly 40 percent of doctors offering liposuction in the Southern California area had NO specific surgical training. In fact, other than plastic surgeons, dermatologists, otolaryngologists (head/ Neck surgeons), and Primary Care Physicians were the top four groups providing liposuction. The study examined 1876 cosmetic practitioners in the California test area, and only 495 of them were trained in plastic surgery!
So, how can people get away with this? Well first of all, there is no law that makes offering these services illegal because no actual training in surgery is required by law. Second of all, injections and liposuction can technically be performed in a practitioner’s office; therefore, hospital privileges (which are only given to legitimate, qualified doctors) are not an issue. What consumers are left with are untrained/ minimally trained practitioners offering surgical procedures in less than safe conditions just to see a bump in their paycheck.
Luckily, there are things that you, as a consumer, can do to protect yourself. First of all, be weary of misleading practice names that are not supported and backed by a real doctor. You have every right to ask about your practitioner’s qualifications, so make sure that you do so. You want to make sure when getting any cosmetic or surgical procedure that your physician is board certified in plastic surgery, and not just general surgery – specific training in plastic surgery is the key to the best and safest results.
For more information on Dr. Whiteman’s qualifications, visit the Southern Plastic Surgery website. Feel free to contact our office with any more questions you may have!
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Southern Plastic Surgery
David M. Whiteman, M.D., F.R.C.S.(c)
3855 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 370
Duluth, Georgia 30096
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Phone: 770.622.9100
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All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be misconstrued as medical advice. Southern Plastic Surgery makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Treatment information and medical recommendations must be made on a case-by-case basis; it is recommended that you seek personalized care from a board certified medical doctor for any medical questions or health issues you may have.