Southern Plastic Surgery - Blog
Archive for July, 2009
The Difference between Breast Reconstruction and Breast Revision
At Southern Plastic Surgery, when we talk about reconstruction surgery, we’re referring to those who have made the decision to have their breasts reconstructed after losing one or both breasts in the surgical treatment of breast cancer (also known as a mastectomy). Other practices do not always make that distinction; they refer to reconstruction surgery as a procedure to “re-do” a previous augmentation, reduction, or lift. At SPS, we call this procedure a Breast Revision because the patient and Dr. Whiteman will work together to create a new vision to further enhance the breasts or to correct any problems seen with the patient’s current augmentation, reduction, or lift.
There is nothing more debilitating than being unhappy with your results – especially after having to undergo the surgical procedure and putting in the necessary recovery time. Being able to have this “re-do” procedure performed will once and for all give you the look and feel you’ve always desired. Those looking for a breast revision procedure come to Dr. Whiteman not just because of his double board certification, but because his skill and expertise in breast surgery is well respected and his results speak for themselves.
If you’ve undergone a surgical breast procedure but are less than satisfied with your results, there is an option available to you! Come in and see Dr. Whiteman for a consultation and he will discuss your ideal image with you and guide you down the Breast Revision surgery path.
Posted on July 27, 2009 4:33PM
Implant Alternative to Saline and Silicone Enters Trial Phase
We’ve seen it discussed far more often than nearly any other cosmetic surgical question – saline versus silicone. Saline is safe; silicone appears more natural. Before now, that was the end of it. However, a new clinical trial has launched to give women the opportunity to try a new style of implant that is both safe and gives a natural-looking result. This new implant is called the “Ideal Implant®”. Since it’s still in its trial and testing phase, its availability is unknown at this time.
Designed by plastic surgeon Dr. Robert S. Hamas, M.D., the Ideal Implant® consists of a series of implant shells of increasing size nested together with saline filling the gaps between layers. These internal shells help to control saline movement (sloshing and bouncing). The implant is built to conform to the chest wall and minimize wrinkling on the sides, a negative drawback to traditional saline implants.
The clinical trial for this new implant is underway right now to help the FDA determine the safety and effectiveness of this new alternative. If they get enough positive data, there very well may be a third option in the future, for those choosing to undergo a breast augmentation procedure. We’ll put our ears to the floor and keep you updated on this fascinating new innovation!
Posted on July 22, 2009 1:10PM
Southern Plastic Surgery Supports Summer Safety!
It’s summertime. The time when yard work never seems to get done and the grass never seems to stop growing. Imagine our surprise to learn that over 200,000 people are injured in lawn mower accidents each year. Many of these lawn mower accidents involve children! If you or your children are mowing the lawn this summer, we want to dole out some safety tips to keep you out of our office.
The following tips are offered courtesy of the ASRM, ASPS, ASMS, AAP, and AAOS:
• Children should be 12 years old before operating any lawn mower; 16 years old for ride-on mowers.
• Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
• Always wear shoes while mowing. No sandals!
• Keep young children well away from the area you are mowing.
• Before you begin, pick up any loose stones, toys, or debris that may have been scattered around your lawn.
• Always wear eye and hearing protection.
• Use a mower that will stop itself from moving forward if the handle is released.
• Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, looking carefully for anyone behind you if you do.
• Start and refuel mowers outdoors with the motor off and at a cool temperature. Don’t do this stuff in the garage.
• Only adults should set the blade settings.
• Wait for the blades to completely stop spinning before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel roads.
These may seem like common sense, but there are children and adults who abuse the lawn mower as a toy – no doubt contributing to the 200,000 accidents each year. These accidents usually require teams of physicians of various specialties to treat and repair any physical damage. Please be safe this summer and every summer, if not for our sake or your own, but for your children’s.
Posted on July 14, 2009 5:45PM
July Juvederm Special at Southern Plastic Surgery!
It’s turning out to be a beautiful summer, isn’t it? On the days the sun shines, it really shines. Other days, our plants get watered from a well-timed rain shower, which also keeps us from overexposing ourselves to the hot sun outside.
To ring in this precious and fleeting time of year, Southern Plastic Surgery is offering a very special deal on the Juvederm™ facial filler. For a limited time and only available in a limited quantity, we will be giving Juvederm™ injections at $400 (regularly priced $575). To take advantage of this deal, you will need to have your appointment scheduled by July 31st. This special is just as fleeting and just as amazing as the summer weather, so don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule today!
Posted on July 8, 2009 5:28PM
FIGHT PINK: The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act
There are currently some insurance companies trying to make mastectomies (the removal of one or both breasts in the treatment of breast cancer) an outpatient procedure. Knowing that every patient is different and that some breast cancer patients require more care than others, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro has reintroduced the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act bill into congress.
If passed, this bill will effectively give the patient and her doctor the right to determine whether she should recover from a mastectomy in a hospital for at least 48 hours following surgery – instead of leaving this important decision in the hands of insurance companies. Currently 20 states mandate this minimum inpatient coverage after a mastectomy, but with the passage of this bill, this policy will become nationwide.
Please click the read more link to learn more about this important bill.
Posted on July 8, 2009 9:00AM
Facebook allows Breast Cancer survivor to share her pictures
A little over a week ago, the social networking site Facebook reversed their previous decision to remove photos of a woman showing the results of her breast cancer surgery. In an effort to educate and encourage other women to remain confident and brave during their battles with breast cancer, this woman uploaded an image of her removed breast and the ensuing scar (while covering her breast that remained intact). Facebook quickly took the image down, citing it as violating their policy against sexually explicit images.
First, she wasn’t showing her breasts. Second, she wasn’t uploading a picture with the intent to be sexually explicit; she was trying to raise awareness and educate other women suffering from breast cancer to stay brave and confident. In the end, over 900 people rallied together and helped to overturn Facebook’s decision to remove the pictures. While Facebook’s train of logic runs on solid tracks, it didn’t quite separate this image as educational when it should have. Overseeing so many uploaded images per day will lead to errors in judgment like this, and after re-viewing the images, they have been deemed appropriate as educational images.
If you’re on Facebook and wish to offer words of support to the woman who uploaded the photos, her name is Sharon Adams. We wish her all the best in her recovery.
Source
Posted on July 6, 2009 9:08AM
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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