December 5th, 2011 admin
Ever wonder what the most common cosmetic procedures are?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, during 2010 in the United States, the five most frequently performed invasive cosmetic surgery procedure were breast augmentation, then nose reshaping, then eyelid surgery, liposuction and tummy tuck.
The top five minimally invasive procedures nationwide last year were Botulinum Toxin Type A (BOTOX®), followed by soft tissue fillers, then chemical peel, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.
Posted in Botox, breast augmentation, fillers, implants, injectables, laser hair removal, liposuction, microdermabrasion, procedures, Q&A, surgery, tummy tuck | No Comments »
November 28th, 2011 admin
Many of our patients–especially those who have never undergone a surgical procedure before–come to us with questions about anesthesia. When is general anesthesia used? How safe is it? What will I experience? How long will I be “under”? What will it feel like when I come out of the anesthesia?
At Vinings Surgery Center, general anesthesia is used for all invasive procedures. It is very safe, and it allows Dr. Colgrove to work quickly and precisely because the patient lies completely still. It also makes the experience a better one for patients, since most are unaccustomed to the sights and sounds of surgery, and they may be unsettling if they are awake and under local anesthesia.
Local anesthesia and IV sedation allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure. However, the medications used in local anesthesia and IV sedation actually cause more hangover effects than the inhalation agents used in general anesthesia. Contrary to popular perception, the inhalation agents have a very low incidence of nausea and vomiting.
A dedicated, licensed and certified anesthesia professional attends to the details of the anesthesia while Dr. Colgrove operates. The team works together to ensure that all goes smoothly for each patient, with an optimum outcome for the procedure.
As always, we welcome any questions you have about any procedure you’re considering; please feel free to give us a call at 770-955-9000.
Posted in anesthesia, procedures, Q&A, recovery, surgery, Vinings Surgery Center | No Comments »
August 15th, 2011 admin
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a long-lasting treatment used for the restoration and/or correction of facial fat loss. Sculptra® Aesthetic is 
injected below the skin to plump up areas of fat loss, such as skin indentations, hollow eyes, and sunken cheeks. Sculptra® Aesthetic is used to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds which are treated with the appropriate injection technique.
Sculptra® Aesthetic is suitable for:
- Deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds) also called smile lines
- The lines framing your mouth (marionette lines)
- Chin wrinkles
- Temporal hollows
- Pre-auricular (hollow and volume loss in front of the ear)
- Jaw line
Sculptra® Aesthetic Questions and Answers:
Q: What is Sculptra® Aesthetic ?
A: Sculptra® Aesthetic , or injectable poly-L-lactic acid, is different from traditional fillers. It replaces lost collagen by treating the underlying causes of the signs of facial aging. It can give you noticeable results that emerge subtly and can provide a more youthful-looking appearance that can last up to 2 years. Of course, individual results may vary. Sculptra® Aesthetic provides structure that lets your new look emerge more discreetly. And because it works gradually, you can get noticeable yet natural-looking results.
Q: How does Sculptra® Aesthetic work?
A: Facial collagen loss is a key factor in an aging appearance. Collagen acts as a support structure for your skin. As time goes on, collagen isn’t replaced as readily as it once was. Sculptra® Aesthetic begins to work within the deep dermis, where your skin’s structure is reinforced as it helps to replace lost collagen. This reinforced collagen structure provides a foundation that gradually restores the look of fullness of facial wrinkles and folds that have depleted over time.
Q: The TV commercial/print ad mentioned natural, gradual results. Can you tell me more?
A: Sculptra® Aesthetic takes time to gradually replace lost collagen and can give you a more refined, natural-looking, youthful appearance. Sculptra® Aesthetic is designed to give you noticeable results that emerge subtly. The gradual results won’t give you away. If you want a look that’s not obvious and doesn’t look like you’ve had work done, then Sculptra® Aesthetic may be a good option for you. Unlike other injectable treatments, Sculptra® Aesthetic gradually replaces lost collagen. The gradual results are natural looking and can last up to 2 years. Of course, individual results may vary. We can arrange for our Aesthetic Nurse to determine if Sculptra® Aesthetic may be right for you. We will want to determine if you are allergic to any of the Sculptra® Aesthetic ingredients or if you are prone to scarring or keloid formation, which is the overgrowth of collagen at the site of an injury.
Q: What can I expect after treatment?
A: After your first treatment, it may appear that Sculptra® Aesthetic worked immediately because of the swelling from the injections and water used to dilute the product. In a few days, after your body absorbs the water and the swelling goes down, you may look as you did before the treatment. Be patient, Sculptra® Aesthetic takes time to work without looking like you’ve had work done.
Q: How many treatments are required and how much will it cost?
A: Sculptra® Aesthetic treatment cost varies according to individual patient needs. The total cost will depend in part on the number of visits needed and the amount of Sculptra® Aesthetic required. During your consultation, our Nurse will give you a facial assessment and we can provide you with an estimate. The length of time required to complete treatment, and the amount of Sculptra® Aesthetic needed differs for each person. Our nurse will create a regimen that works to meet the unique needs of your face. On average, 3 treatments are given over a period of a few months. An average patient in our practice receives 2 vials, for 3-4 treatments. Each treatment is usually approximately 6 weeks apart. When considering cost, it’s also useful to consider how long specific treatments will last. With Sculptra® Aesthetic , the results can last up to 2 years. Of course, results and treatment sessions vary per patient. But, while considering your options, the length of time you’ll enjoy the results can be weighed along with the cost of treatment.
Q: What are the possible side effects of Sculptra® Aesthetic ?
A: Important Safety Information for Sculptra® Aesthetic :
You should not use Sculptra® Aesthetic if you are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. It should not be injected while you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area and should not be injected into the red area of the lip. Use in the skin near the eyes is not recommended. Side effects may include injection site discomfort, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching and swelling. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported. In the clinical studies the numbers of small and larger lumps were low and most resolved without treatment.
Learn more about Sculptra® Aesthetic at Vinings Surgery Center here.
Posted in anti-aging, collagen, facial fat loss, fillers, injectables, Q&A, Sculptra Aesthetic | No Comments »
