Southern Plastic Surgery - Blog

Posts for the ‘Educational’ Category

People tend to associate women with plastic surgery, but plastic surgery procedures are becoming increasingly more popular for men. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, procedures on men accounted for over 9% of the total cosmetic procedures in 2009 ( 8% more than their total procedures in 2008). Men and women are completely different creatures, and it is still unclear as to why women get more plastic surgery work. Although women do have more cosmetic surgery, the top five cosmetic procedures men had done last year are liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), gynecomastia (male breast reduction), and hair transplantation.

While otoplasty, or ear surgery, is not among the top five male procedures in the past year, the need for such a procedure is more prevalent in men than women due to the popularity of contact sports amongst males. Many people assume that ear surgery is performed only to people who have large or protruding ears, but ear surgery can be necessary to correct deformities as well. Boxers, wrestlers, and martial artists often struggle with ear imperfections caused by trauma from their contact sport. When an athlete is repeatedly hit in the ear, tissue between the cartilage and skin can bleed and swell producing a deformation known as cauliflower ear. If this fluid is not immediately drained, the results can become permanent and require cosmetic surgery.

A board certified plastic surgeon can fix this condition by grafting and/or shaving cartilage to return the ear to a normalized appearance. Cauliflower ear can be very painful and make simple, everyday tasks like talking on the phone or listening to head phones more difficult. Patients who desire cosmetic surgery to rid them of these issues need to seek a plastic surgeon that is experienced with otoplasty like Dr. Whiteman. For more information on cosmetic surgery for men and women, visit Southern Plastic Surgery’s website and continue reading the blog.

Posted on October 19, 2010 12:59PM

The Importance of Maintaining Ethnic Diversity in Cosmetic Surgery Results

With 17 years of surgical experience, Dr. David Whiteman has seen a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive patients. Every shape, size, and ethnicity has been represented in his before and after pictures. As detailed in his previous blog post on the importance of custom tailoring cosmetic surgery like mommy makeovers, Dr. Whiteman realizes that a majority of cosmetic surgery patients want the same the thing: to look like a revitalized version of themselves (ethnic diversity intact.)

This fact is cemented by nearly a decade of research by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) cataloging the rise in cosmetic surgery’s popularity amongst minorities. According to the organization’s 2001 study, 17% of cosmetic treatments and surgical procedures were performed on individuals who classified themselves as a traditional ethnic minority. That number had grown to 22% of all cosmetic surgical procedures by 2007 and continues to escalate today.

As the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Gwinnett Medical Center, Dr. Whiteman stays on top of the newest surgical techniques and frequently networks with other plastic surgeons so that he can best serve patients of differing backgrounds. Additionally, he is a double board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the United States as well as Canada. Dr. Whiteman also makes it a priority to thoroughly get to know his patients and their individual expectations to ensure maximum surgical satisfaction.

To learn more about the cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that Dr. Whiteman performs, contact his office, visit his website, or read his blog.

Posted on October 4, 2010 12:14PM

You are invited to an exclusive Latisse Event at Grand Hyatt Atlanta – Monday October 4th

Posted on September 29, 2010 11:53AM

Can I Have a Tummy Tuck if I’ve had a C-Section?

As Dr. David Whiteman of Southern Plastic Surgery has discussed in previous blog posts detailing mommy makeover surgery, a woman’s body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy and post child birth. That is why most mommy makeover surgeries are usually comprised of a series of procedures such as: liposuction, breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation, and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty.)
For most women, the changing appearance of their abdomen, caused by the extreme growth and variable contracture after birth, tends to be the most physically dramatic during pregnancy. In addition to body changes, for some women, having a baby also involves a . A c-section requires a surgeon to make an incision to access the mother’s uterus and remove the baby. This is a type of surgery from which women must properly recover before having any additional procedures. However, there is usually no reason a previous, healed c-section should keep a woman from approaching a tummy tuck to reattach the abdominal muscles and skin that can become stretched and lax by a baby.
In fact, in addition to removing excess skin and tightening muscle, a tummy tuck is often effective in reducing the amount of scar tissue created by a c-section. Dr. Whiteman reiterates to patients that this is a surgical procedure that should be approached with due caution especially for women who have just been through the taxing process of giving birth. Additionally, women should allow ample time for their bodies to normalize hormone levels before they seek surgical consultation as hormones greatly affect the appearance of tissues and fluid levels.
To learn more about the cosmetic surgery procedures Dr. Whiteman performs or to schedule an Atlanta tummy tuck consultation contact his office, visit his website or subscribe to his blog.

Posted on September 16, 2010 4:06PM

Thigh Lift Surgery Provides Exceptional Results for Post Bariatric and Skin Aging Patients

For bariatric surgery patients, the original weight- loss surgery is often only half the battle. Patients who have successfully endured bariatric surgery and have been able to lose weight and keep it off, are regularly left with debilitating amounts of sagging, excess skin on their lower trunk and legs which inhibits them from fully taking advantage of their reclaimed lives. Excess skin and fat is equally frustrating to those individuals who are life-long exercisers who are simply unable to rid their bodies of fat deposits on their thighs. For both of these groups, the thigh lift (thighplasty) is a cosmetic body contouring procedure that may help them capture the silhouettes they have long chased.
The thigh lift, unlike liposuction which targets underlying fat specifically, also works to remove excess tissue on various portions of a patient’s thighs in addition to removing lean layers of fatty tissue. Dr. Whiteman uses several versions of the thigh lift procedure including: inner thigh lift, bilateral thigh lift, medial thigh lift to most effectively target the areas of the leg in need of re-contouring and skin tightening.
Results from a thigh lift are dramatic and often offer a renewed sense of “freedom” for patients. While there are limited scars associated with all types of the thigh lift procedure, certified plastic and cosmetic surgeons like Dr. David Whiteman are especially adept at hiding the necessary incisions in the body’s natural folds; easily concealed by clothing and active wear.
An added advantage of thigh lift procedure is that is can easily be performed in conjunction with other “lift” procedures like tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, arm lift (brachioplasty), and body lift to redefine the contours of post-bariatric patients. For patients who are approaching the procedure to reverse the effects of skin aging, the thigh lift is also easily performed with facial rejuvenation procedures.
To learn more about the cosmetic procedures Dr. Whiteman offers at Southern Plastic Surgery contact his office, visit his website, or subscribe to his blog.

Posted on August 30, 2010 5:15PM

Custom Surgery- The Adaptability of Mommy Makeover Surgery

As a fresh school year begins, all parents hope that their children will have teachers who can commit to paying an adequate amount of time and attention to their child’s individual educational and developmental needs. As a plastic surgeon, Dr. David Whiteman of Southern Plastic Surgery recognizes this same need in parents (and patients): the need for individual care and a customizable treatment plan.
This is why, with every surgery; Dr. Whiteman emphasizes the variable nature of combination cosmetic procedures like mommy makeover surgery. As described in a previous blog post, Dr. Whiteman performs mommy makeover surgery to remedy the effects of pregnancy and child birth on a woman’s body.
Every woman’s body responds differently to pregnancy: some women experience significant weight gain, some are more reactive to the hormone fluctuation and experience more breast changes, and some have very limited physical changes from pregnancy. Every woman also has a different opinion about her desired aesthetic result. The best cosmetic surgery is one that is performed by a board certified plastic surgeon who is able to clearly understand your surgical expectations and work with you individually to formulate a plan for surgery and after-care to optimize your results.
If you’re a mom who is ready to let yourself look as good as your kids do going back to school this year, contact Dr. Whiteman’s office to schedule a consultation for mommy makeover surgery or review his website and blog for additional information.

Posted on August 20, 2010 3:35PM

Discovery of Plant-based Collagen Source May Increase Cosmetic Procedure’s Popularity

Exemplified by our previous blog posts and specials on the subject of dermal fillers and cosmetic injectables, Dr. David Whiteman has seen recent, exponential growth in facial rejuvenation patients. Injections of the hyaluronic acid based Restylane®, Juvederm®, or Perlane® products work to revitalize the body’s collagen production abilities and fill facial depressions, like wrinkles and scars, to make you look younger. These fillers were developed as an alternative to collagen injections, (derived from human and animal sources) which fell out of favor because of their high cost, allergic reactions and, to some, ethically questionable sources.
Earlier this month, scientists and researchers out of Hebrew University in Jerusalem replicated human collagen from standard tobacco plants which could signal the beginning of resurgence in collagen’s popularity. As described above, collagen is a complex protein found naturally in the human body’s connective tissues that gives skins a plumped, youthful appearance. Just as with the skin’s moisture and skin elasticity, the amount of collagen in one’s skin decreases with age.
Now that collagen can be produced from such an abundant, noncontroversial source, cosmetic surgeons all over the world have begun to realize its potential including the plant-based material’s ability to reduce wrinkles and patch up scars . The technology is already being marketed in Japan, Europe, and Israel. American-based cosmetic treatment manufacturers project that this discovery, along with the price decrease the plant-collagen’s ease of production is likely to bring, will only boost the treatments frequency.
Dr. Whiteman is hopeful about this news, and at Southern Plastic Surgery, we look forward to a rise in collagen injection procedures. Southern Plastic Surgery offers a wide array of facial rejuvenation procedures and will expand our menu as this technology continues to advance.
To learn more about the facial rejuvenation packages and non-surgical skin care packages available through Southern Plastic Surgery contact our office, visit our website, or join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted on August 11, 2010 1:30PM

Cinderella Procedures: Botox Now Used to Stamp Out Excess Foot Sweating

Southern Plastic Surgery’s Dr. David Whiteman was recognized by Allergan, the makers of the increasingly popular dermal injectable Botox®, as a Platinum Injector in the fall of 2009. Whiteman’s extensive experience administering the product garnered him the accolade and has also allowed him to further explore the added benefits of the product, beside wrinkle-reducing muscle relaxation, like migraine headache relief, and now, reducing foot sweating.

According to a recently published article in The NewYork Daily Post citing an interview from The Wall Street Journal in which an aesthetic foot surgeon details injecting Botox® into patients’ feet to minimize the amount of sweating and subsequent growth of bacteria contributing to many patients’ foot faux pas. The injections are a new procedure added to the recently coined, and aptly named, niche of cosmetic foot surgeries dubbed “Cinderella procedures.”

Botox® and similar competitor Dysport® work to temporarily (results typically lasting 4-6 months) block the nerve signals from the muscle into which they are injected. Originally, Botox® and Dysport® were developed as a way for patients to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles around the eyes (periocular) and mouth (frown lines) contributing to an aged appearance. According to the published interviews, the injectables work similarly to temporarily block the nerve signals that cause patients’ underarms and feet to sweat when injected into the respective regions.

Dr. Whiteman carefully reminds patients that injectables are only a temporary fix for these issues and that ,because they are not the specifically intended use of the products, they should be approached with due caution. Additionally, patients should ensure that their prospective physician is properly trained to perform the injections (consulting only a board certified plastic surgeon is usually a good way to make sure of this.)

If you’re interested in learning more about the uses of cosmetic injectables or the other cosmetic surgery procedures Dr. Whiteman performs contact his office, visit his website, or subscribe to his blog.

Posted on August 2, 2010 12:40PM

Study Linking Younger Breast Cancer Patients to Stopping Treatment Early

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.

Posted on July 12, 2010 5:15PM

The Use of Botox for Migraine and Headache Treatment

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.

Posted on June 28, 2010 4:35PM

Contact Us

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