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Atlanta cosmetic surgery

What Exactly Makes a Person Look Older?

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If you were to ask people to explain what it is that makes an aging person look older, most would say it’s wrinkles. This seems to be the go-to feature that people associate with aging. However, there are many ways in which the aging process changes your appearance, and there are several traits that can give away your age. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has been working with patients for over twenty years, I have a passion for educating others about my areas of expertise. In that interest, this breakdown can help you have a better understanding about the many forms aging can take and the ways you can fight them.

What Exactly Makes a Person Look Older

Wrinkles

In the earlier stages (often the late 20s and early 30s), signs of aging can begin to appear in the form of a few expression lines. In areas like the forehead, the outer corners of the eyes, and the space between the eyebrows, the muscles you use to make facial expressions can develop creases which appear as wrinkles in your skin. As the years progress, fat deposits will shift and the skin loses some of its firmness, which leads wrinkles to develop around the mouth and nose, above the upper lip, and on the front of the chin.

Facial Structure

Few of my plastic surgery patients actually recognize how much their underlying facial structure can change with age – they think of aging as something that happens to their skin. In actuality, facial fat often fades and shifts so that you develop “hollows” in your cheeks while developing more fullness around the jowl area. Similarly, facial muscles can shift and lose tone. At the same time, bones can lose volume as well, and because cartilage may continue to grow, some patients notice their ears or nose becoming longer.

Sagging Skin

When you’re young, your body produces plenty of collagen and elastin – unique proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. These proteins are constantly being broken down and replaced, but the problem is that as you get older, your body produces less and less of them. That means that your skin gradually has less ability to maintain its youthful firmness, and this is what gives rise to common problems like jowls and sagging skin on the neck. While it’s often at its most noticeable on the face, this same process happens to other areas of the body as well, like the arms, legs, chest, and more.

Wrinkles, facial restructuring, and sagging skin all combine together to create an aging appearance, and it’s a combination of all of them that gives away your age. Why is it important to have an understanding of the complexity of aging? Recognizing this concept is instrumental in helping you rejuvenate your appearance in a natural-looking way. Instead of solely focusing on your wrinkles and expecting to truly look like a younger you, aim for procedures which can actually address aging in a well-rounded way. While this might sound like a more extensive process, it can actually be done in a minimally invasive way with procedures like my Band Aid Facelift or a Band Aid Micro Mini Face Lift. While they are surgeries, both of these procedures are performed in-office using gentle numbing rather than general anesthesia. Whether it’s a specialized cosmetic surgery like a Band Aid Facelift or another procedure or combination of treatments (like nonsurgical skin tightening, injectables, or laser skin resurfacing), taking a more well-rounded approach to your facial rejuvenation can help you get the results you want rather than a half-hearted improvement.

If you’re ready to start getting your confidence back and becoming your most confident and beautiful self, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John L. LeRoy. For more plastic surgery tips and fun facts, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Plastic Surgeries to Accomplish and Complement Your New Year’s Resolutions

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There’s something so refreshing about the New Year, and resolutions can be the perfect way to motivate yourself to make the most of the next twelve months by setting clear goals. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses, so resolutions aimed at self-improvement can run the gamut from a healthier lifestyle to career advancement to better emotional health. Depending on what you’re hoping to accomplish this year, our plastic surgery office in Atlanta may be able to help.

Plastic Surgery to Complement Your New Year's ResolutionsIf you resolved to get into better shape:

Whipping your body into shape is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions around, because nearly all of us have at least one area we’re unhappy with, whether it’s the “love handles,” a “tummy pooch,” or a “double chin.” As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I recognize the importance of putting your health first, so I always encourage my patients to reach their goal weight through a healthy diet and exercise regimen. But once you’ve reached your goal, procedures like liposuction, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm lift, breast lift, or male breast reduction can be the perfect way to put the finishing touches on your physique and, if needed, tighten up any excess sagging skin.

If you resolved to recapture your youthful spirit:

It’s easy to let the vibrant energy of youth wane as you get older and as you become busier and busier with all of life’s responsibilities. Fortunately, it’s never too late to get it back, and many of my patients find that if they give their appearance a youthful boost, it’s easier for their emotions to follow. The rejuvenation procedure you choose will depend on your unique anatomy and how aging has affected you. The most common option is my Band Aid Mini Facelift, a minimally invasive surgery I developed and have perfected over the past twenty years, which removes excess skin and repositions the underlying facial muscles to achieve natural-looking results, all in-office with gentle numbing and specialized techniques so that it requires just half the recovery time and half the cost of a traditional face lift. Depending on your needs, you may also be a candidate for a Band Aid Micro Mini Facelift, eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or a more comprehensive face lift.

If you resolved to try something new:

With our day-to-day routines keeping us busy, it’s common for us to fall into a bit of a rut and simply let the days go by, but for many people, getting out of their comfort zone and trying something new can add a little zest back into their lives. If this sounds like the problem you’re trying to fix, try treating yourself to a new cosmetic treatment you’ve never tried before. For those who are new to the anti-aging scene, injectables like Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, and Radiesse® can be a great way to start, because they offer quick treatment times and the results are temporary, so you can try a few options throughout the year to see what you like best. Or, you prefer something to enhance the quality of your skin itself, learn more about our Band Aid Non-Surgical Skin Tightening and Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Making a New Year’s resolution is all about self-reflection and figuring out what you need to do to make the upcoming year better than the one that just passed. Whether or not your goals involve plastic surgery, we wish you all success in your journey to become your most confident and beautiful self. If you would like to find out more about our surgical and non-surgical procedures, schedule a consultation with John L. LeRoy, MD, FACS, PC. Or, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to keep up with our monthly specials, hear about the latest in plastic surgery, get great health and beauty tips, and more.

Fast Facts about Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Fast Facts about Nose Surgery

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Everyone who’s unhappy with a certain aspect of their appearance asks themselves, “What can I do to change this?” For some, there are steps they can take on their own to make a difference, but for an issue like a nose which is asymmetrical or disproportionate, it’s a matter of facial structure, so the only way to truly improve it permanently is through cosmetic nose surgery—also known as rhinoplasty or a “nose job.” If you’re interested in learning more about this popular plastic surgery, the fact sheet below can help.

Fast Facts about Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that can make a powerful difference in a patient’s appearance and, by extension, their self-confidence. But this is only true if the surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in nose reshaping and who truly puts your safety first. If you’re ready to start discussing whether rhinoplasty can benefit you, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John L. LeRoy. Or, for more about the many cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures I offer, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Tips for Educating Yourself about Plastic Surgery

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There’s no doubt that plastic surgery, in the right context, can do wonderful things for a patient. But this decision should not be taken lightly. As cosmetic as it may be, it’s still a true medical surgery. Complications are rare, but they’re far more likely if the surgeon does not have the right qualifications. That’s why “doing your homework” and educating yourself is so crucial. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • tips-for-educating-yourself-about-plastic-surgeryLook for the words “board-certified plastic surgeon.” The sad fact is that there are people who perform procedures they aren’t qualified to perform and who try to mislead patients into thinking they are Anyone can call themselves a plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon (and there are even physicians who have education and experience in plastic surgery but haven’t received board certification), so look specifically for someone who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Some doctors actually hold multiple board certifications, which can mean they have additional knowledge and expertise. For instance, I am board-certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery. Keep in mind, however, that some surgeons may say they are “board certified in cosmetic surgery,” but only “plastic surgery” is officially recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, so a cosmetic surgery board certification does not require the same degree of experience and testing.
  • Ask about the credentials of the other providers, too. While finding the right plastic surgeon is important, you’ll probably be relying on other medical personnel too, like nurses, assistants, or anesthesiologists, depending on the extensiveness of your surgery. Be sure to find out who will be involved in your procedure and what their qualifications are.
  • Find out about hospital privileges. In order for a physician to operate at a specific hospital, that hospital must review the doctor’s credentials and choose to grant them “privileges” to their facility. Even if you’re seeking a minimally invasive surgery like my Band Aid Mini Facelift, it’s important for your surgeon to have privileges at a nearby hospital so that they can get proper treatment for you if complications arise. It should also be a bit of a red flag if a surgeon has not been granted privileges at any hospitals, because this may mean they don’t have the credentials they need for you to be sure they can treat you safely and effectively.
  • Look for membership of professional organizations. Even among board-certified plastic surgeons, some physicians are more skilled and experienced than others. Look for a surgeon who is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and/or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Both of these organizations require a surgeon to uphold strict standards in terms of their experience, their success and contributions to the field, and their continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements. A surgeon who has been granted membership into one or both of these organizations is likely to be more highly qualified than a surgeon who is not.
  • Use the internet as a resource, but exercise caution. Certain websites can be a great way to learn about the procedure(s) you’re considering, but there’s a lot of misleading information online as well. Primarily, stick with the ASAPS and ASPS websites. If you’ve found a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon, they may have helpful information on their site as well, and it’s also a good idea to check out any before and after photos and patient testimonials they have posted.
  • Take your consultation seriously. Your pre-surgical consultation is a vital step in finding both the right surgeon and the right procedure to fit your needs. It can be a good idea to meet with several different plastic surgeons to discuss what approach they would take to your procedure and to determine who you feel most comfortable with, because it’s important to be comfortable enough with your surgeon that you can communicate openly and honestly with them (and they with you). Regardless of how many consultations you complete, be sure to prepare before each one by compiling a list of specific questions to ask.

Being knowledgeable about your procedure can be a helpful way to know what to expect, but at a certain point, you must also be able to trust your surgeon as well as their recommendations and instructions. Knowing how to thoroughly evaluate your plastic surgeon’s background and the work they do enables you to feel confident about your choice and helps you build this crucial trust. If you’re ready to get started on your journey toward a more confident and beautiful you, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John L. LeRoy. Or, for more cosmetic surgery tips, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Getting a Younger Look from Head to Toe

Getting a Younger Look from Head to Toe

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While there are certainly some things in life which get better with age, most people feel that their appearance isn’t one of them. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I’ve worked with enough patients to know how much physical aging can put a damper on your self-confidence, especially because there is little you can do on your own to counteract it. And while facial wrinkles are often the first and most noticeable sign of aging, gravity and skin laxity affect every part of the body. If you spend every summer feeling more and more self-conscious about stepping out in a swimsuit, you’re not alone, and this is clear by the millions of Americans each year who undergo rejuvenating plastic surgery. Thanks to medical science, we now have cosmetic procedures to lift and tighten nearly any part of your physique.

Getting a Younger Look from Head to ToeFacelift & Band Aid Mini Facelift

The face lift is a classic in the plastic surgery industry. As a highly popular procedure, this comprehensive approach removes excess skin and repositions underlying facial tissue to give the skin a lifted, firmer, more youthful look. But for patients who are looking for a more subtle improvement, my specialized Band Aid Mini Facelift is a less invasive surgery which is performed in-office with gentle numbing (rather than general anesthesia), producing natural-looking results with less recovery time, scarring, swelling, bruising, and expense than a traditional face lift.

Neck Lift

The neck is an often overlooked area which can age quickly due to frequent movement. Similar to the facelift, a neck lift tightens the skin and the underlying muscles for an overall younger-looking facial contour, all while keeping scars to a minimum and keeping them as naturally concealable as possible.

Arm Lift & Band Aid Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty is a surgery to rejuvenate and slim down the appearance of the upper arms. Aging, weight fluctuations, and genetics can all play a role in causing the skin below the upper arm to sag – a feature which can make a patient look older and heavier all at once. While patients with only excess fat in the upper arms may be candidates for liposuction alone, those who also have skin laxity will see the best results with either traditional brachioplasty or my minimally invasive Band Aid Arm Lift.

Breast Lift for women

Gravity can have a profound effect on the breasts over time, especially for women who have experienced extreme weight fluctuations or pregnancy. Without changing the breast size, a breast lift removes excess skin and repositions the nipple to give the breast a firmer, higher, more youthful shape.

Gynecomastia Surgery for men

The development of excess tissue in the chest area can cause men to be highly self-conscious, whether it’s actual breast tissue (a condition referred to as gynecomastia) or excess fat. Male breast reduction can address either one or both of these issues to provide a more sculpted, younger-looking physique.

Tummy Tuck or Band Aid Tummy Tuck

Another area commonly affected by sagging skin is the abdomen. While it’s particularly common for women who have had children or patients who have experienced dramatic weight loss, anyone can see their belly become less taut over time. A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) can be the ideal option for those who need a significant amount of skin removed or who can benefit from repairing and tightening the abdominal muscles, but patients who only need a small amount of tissue removed may be candidates for the Band Aid Tummy Tuck, which is performed in-office with gentle numbing and requires far less recovery time.

While combining multiple surgeries into one comprehensive plan can be the right choice for some, remember that cosmetic surgery isn’t about creating the “perfect body” or changing your entire look to fit a societal standard. It’s about lifting the burden of self-consciousness by targeting the aesthetic features that bother you, allowing you to be your most beautiful and confident self. To discuss which procedure(s) may be right for you, schedule a consultation with me, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John LeRoy. Or, for more helpful cosmetic surgery tips and our latest special offers, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ and subscribe to my newsletter.

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