A Restoring Reversal

Tag Archives: surgery

For some, the reason for a decision to have cosmetic surgery is driven by the need to repair a past procedure. One example of this type of surgery is breast implant removal, which can become necessary due to faulty implant materials, a poorly executed procedure, or the changing preferences of the patient.

You may have heard or read about the unfortunate Poly Implant Prothèses (PIP) implant scare. These implants, made in France and used by 300,000 women around the world, have been found to be faulty and prone to bursting. Dr. Robert Colgrove is well prepared and qualified to assist women who are concerned about their PIP implants, as well as any other breast implant removal issue.

If you decide to have your implants removed, Dr. Colgrove will work with you to decide the best course of action for you. If your implants are ruptured, or if you have capsular contracture or capsular calcifications, you may also need to have the implant capsule removed through a surgery called capsulectomy.

Most breast implant removal surgeries take an hour or two under general anesthesia. However, most patients also need internal breastwork done. Dr. Colgrove uses an innovative technique to put the breast tissue back where it belongs. This is critical to having a full, high breast after implant removal.

Finally, depending on the amount of loose skin you have after the removal, you may also need a breast lift. The scar from mastopexy varies from patient to patient, depending on the degree of excess skin. Scarring will be kept to a minimum.

Recently, a patient of Dr. Colgrove shared her experience with breast implant removal at Vinings Surgery Center:

“In 2005 I had my first breast augmentation in my country, they got encapsulated, they hurt so much and they were very hard…no normal look. On 2009 I went back to my country to visit another doctor who advised me to do an ultrasound because I had PIP brand, they found out that the silicone immigrate and it was under my armpit (axilla). I was terrified because that brand was using an industrial silicone so it was urgent for me to replace them but I could not do it there. I wait because I did not have the money but my health was in dangerous. So after 2 years I decided to visit Dr. Robert Colgrove who explained procedure in detail and helped me to understand all the process; the nurses did a completion of the documents and provide all the information necessary what to do before and after surgery; they were so nice and compassionate; I was very nervous and terrified for what was going to happen. Almost 2 years since the surgery I feel great and my breasts look natural and perfect.”

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Colgrove, call (770) 955.9000.

Even if you made it your New Year’s resolution to get more fit and toned in 2014, there are some frustrating areas that just don’t respond to a healthy diet and exercise. One of those stubborn fatty areas is the arms–but there is help!

Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) is a procedure that tightens loose or sagging skin around the upper arms, sometimes not-so-affectionately called “bat wings”. Arm liposuction is often conducted at the same time as the arm lift.

At Vinings Surgery Center, Dr. Robert Colgrove uses some of the most advanced liposuction techniques to remove localized fatty tissue deposits and create beautiful body contours. He customizes each treatment according to the unique needs of each patient, an approach that allows him to consistently deliver remarkable liposuction results. Because each patient’s situation is different, only a personal consultation with Dr. Colgrove can help you determine which liposuction method is the best for you.

Liposuction precisely breaks apart and emulsifies fat deposits for easy, safe removal. The result is a more beautifully sculpted appearance with less time off for recovery. The length of the surgery is generally 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery, and is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous actives can be performed within 2 to 4 weeks after procedure. The results of this procedure are permanent when accompanied by an appropriate diet and exercise.

Here are some happy words from a recent patient of Dr. Colgrove’s who had an arm lift:

“Dr. Robert Colgrove did a arm lift and took off excess skin from my elbows. Both turned out better than I expected. Downtime wasn’t painful. Only took two weeks off work.
I would definitely recommend this procedure. My arms look 20 years younger than before. The scars are looking better everyday and should not be noticeable by summer when I get in to my tank tops.”

For more reviews, as well as before and after photos of arm lift procedures, check out RealSelf.com.

Call (770) 955-9000 to schedule your consultation today.

 

MENTOR® MemoryShapeTM Breast Implants, a teardrop-shaped implant that balances shape and feel, are a wonderful new option to consider for either augmentation or reconstruction procedures. Dr. Robert Colgrove offers these innovative implants at Vinings Surgery Center.

Here’s a bit more about the MemoryShapeTM Implant, also commonly known as the “gummy bear implant”―what makes it unique and whether it’s an option for you.

Ultimately, Dr. Colgrove will help guide you to your ideal implant type, taking into consideration your body type and desired outcome. In the meantime, becoming informed is the best thing you can do.

Here are a few things that make the MENTOR® MemoryShapeTM Breast Implant different:

They’re trusted and proven. With more than 10 years of surgical use, and available in more than 70 countries worldwide, MemoryShapeTM Breast Implants are a leading choice for women who could benefit from an implant that helps create the natural shape of the breast.

They’re teardrop-shaped. MemoryShapeTM Implants are teardrop-shaped and made of a highly cohesive silicone gel that maintains the implant’s shape, and much like the silhouette of a natural breast, they gently slope to a full projection point in the lower portion of the implant. Also, a teardrop-shaped implant is thinner at the top, therefore it gradually blends into the upper chest.

Youthful firmness. The cohesive gel is formulated unlike any other to give your breasts a youthful feel.

Gentle texture. Each MemoryShapeTM Implant features SILTEX® Texture, a gentle imprinting process designed to help keep your implants in place.

Proven safety. After a decade of availability worldwide, MemoryShapeTM Implants, are FDA approved and available in the US.

Made in the USA. MemoryShapeTM is the only shaped implant that’s made in the USA.

Patient satisfaction. Women who had breast augmentation or reconstruction procedure with MemoryShapeTM Implants reported a three-fold increase in satisfaction scores, with improvements in self- esteem, appearance and quality of life.

Visit www.mentordirect.com for more, and call 770-955-9000 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Colgrove.

 

 

A picture really is worth a thousand words–especially where personal transformation is concerned!

Looking at the real results you’ll see in the before-and-after photos of Dr. Colgrove’s patients can be an important part of your personal decision-making process, giving you an accurate view of what the procedure you have in mind can do.

Peruse the galleries on the Vinings Surgery Center website for face, breast and body to see an array of transformations for a wide array of body types. Nonsurgical before-and-after photos will be coming soon, so check back often!

 

In February, the FDA approved Allergan’s Natrelle 410 form-stable, shaped breast implant for general cosmetic use. This implant, also known as the “Gummy Bear Implant,” is considered by many plastic surgeons to be superior due to its firm composition–it actually feels like a gummy bear.

According to CBS News, plastic surgeons and patients have been waiting over ten years for this implant to be approved. This is the latest in a generation of silicone implants that may provide a more natural “tear-drop” look compared to other silicone options. The implants contain more cross-linking in the silicone gel than earlier models which makes it more cohesive, which in turn makes the implants firmer.

The FDA’s approval was based on seven years of data collected from 941 women. Side effects are similar to other breast implants, including tightening of the area around the implant, the need for re-operation or removal, an uneven appearance or infection. The investigators also observed cracks in some of the implants, which is characteristic of the silicone gel and is unique to this implant.

The pros of the new implant: They give a more anatomical-looking, natural result and they are less prone to leading to wrinkling and visible edges that other implants may cause. The downsides: Some women may not like the added firmness, and the implant requires a slightly larger incision. The implant may be especially beneficial for women who have survived breast cancer and are undergoing reconstruction.

For the full article, visit CBSNews.com.

Now you can get Dr. Colgrove’s expert advice and answers wherever you go! We’re excited to announce the launch of our new mobile app! This1982-01 iPhone app features information, interactive features, photo galleries, and more–all straight from Vinings Surgery Center to your fingertips.

Using the app, you can access frequently asked questions, learn about procedures and services, see the latest blog posts, and use the interactive treatment journal.

You can also browse through before-and-after photos to help you in your cosmetic surgery decision-making process.

Download the new FREE Vinings Surgery Center App now!

 

Q: How many plastic or cosmetic surgery operations can a person have at one time?

A: A patient is safe if the time spent under general anesthesia is limited to five hours or less. The number of procedures done also depends on what other physical ailments the patient may have. For example, if the patient has diabetes or high blood pressure, it may be necessary to limit the number of areas to be surgically rejuvenated because the medical conditions may delay healing.

Q: What medications, vitamins and supplements should I stop taking before having plastic surgery?

A:  Before undergoing any invasive procedure, patients must stop taking any aspirin or ibuprofen containing products and Vitamin E. If a surgical procedure lasts more than an hour, you must also stop taking birth control pills two to four weeks before your procedure. Smoking can severely interfere with healing and good wound formation. I recommend quitting tobacco use at least two weeks before your procedure and for four weeks afterwards.

Q:  How old does a person need to be to have plastic surgery?

A: Performing plastic surgery on people younger than 18 can be difficult because the person can still grow. For this reason, the patient must be at least 18 for breast augmentations and reductions and any procedure done for reasons of vanity. Ear pinning requires the patient to be at least 10. The patient must be at least 14 for rhinoplasty. You can never be too old for plastic surgery, although surgeons must take into account the safety of anesthesia for those over 65.

— Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. of Vinings Surgery Center is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has maintained a private practice since 1986. He performs cosmetic surgery of the breast, body and face, specializing in breast augmentation, breast implants, breast lifts, breast reduction and breast revision surgeries.

Spotlight on: Anita Zargar, RN, BSN

What she does at VSC: What keeps my job exciting is that each day is a little different. Mondays are predominantly for surgery re-checks and surgery consultations. On these days, I assist Dr. Colgrove with patient examinations in order to ensure they are progressing accordingly after surgery. Wednesdays are when most pre-operative appointments are done. I especially enjoy pre-ops because it allows an opportunity to further educate our patients with the knowledge they need regarding expectations during the day of surgery and after surgery. Lastly, on Fridays, I spend my day in the operating room helping Dr. Colgrove with surgery followed by monitoring my patient’s condition in the recovery room until they are ready to be discharged home.

Joined Vinings Surgery Center in: April of 2011

What she loves most about what she does:  I enjoy working with patients that are choosing to better their lives and attitudes by undertaking cosmetic surgery. I have the opportunity to build a relationship with my patients from the moment they walk in for their consultation until they have progressed through their post-operative appointments. It’s a rewarding feeling to be there for them every step of the way!

What  she hopes her clients gain from treatment: The perception of an individual is oftentimes a reflection of how they view themselves. With that said, my hope for patients is to transform their specific insecurity to confidence so they can channel it to their goals and successes. What I find the most rewarding in my work is to see patients return after surgery with renewed confidence!

Her biggest piece of advice for patients: Be open and confident about what you want to achieve with your desired look. At Vinings Surgery Center, we care about each one of our patients and want them to have the best experience possible.

What she does when she’s not working: I am currently in graduate school obtaining a master’s to one day become a family nurse practitioner. When I am not studying, I spend my time exercising and spending time with my friends and family.

Spotlight on: Tonya Brannon, RN, BSN

What she does at VSC: My main focus includes pre-op appointments, were I spend at least an hour with patients prior to surgery to discuss what they can expect the day of surgery, after the surgery and everything in between, including lab results, prescriptions, what to wear and address any questions or concerns they may have. I am also in the operating room with the patient during surgery and help patients recover until they are ready to go home.

Joined Vinings Surgery Center in: July 2007

What she loves most about what she does: Our patients have a choice and they chose us. So it is my responsibility to make sure every patient is as comfortable as possible through the entire process and make them feel confident in their decision.

What  she hopes her clients gain from treatment: No matter how small or big the procedure is, whether it is Botox or a tummy tuck, I want patients to enjoy the process of working with us, and most importantly LOVE the outcome so they can walk with their head held a little higher. Everyone is nervous when they come in, and that is OK! But we do this everyday and we are going to take care of you every step of the way. So sit back and enjoy the ride, because it is an exciting experience.

Favorite things to do for fun: I have a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old … I don’t have time for fun! They are my whole world, so I enjoy spending my days with them and quite time with my husband of 11 years. When I do have spare time I enjoy running.

Come meet Tonya in person! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 770-955-9000 or email vsc@colgrove.com.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women today, possibly affecting one out of every eight women. Many women make a complete recovery from breast cancer, and breast reconstruction can be a very helpful step in that process.

Breast reconstruction can be done at the time of a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at some point afterwards (delayed reconstruction). It may be accomplished by the use of a breast implant, the body’s tissues, or a combination of the two. The breast reconstruction procedure and products that are right for you will vary depending on desired outcome, personal preferences and clinical factors.

Breast reconstruction using the body’s tissue without the use of implants is called autologous flap surgery. It uses a combination of skin, fat, and/or muscle that is moved from areas such as the abdomen, upper back, upper hip, or buttocks to the chest, where it is shaped into a new breast. Not every woman is a candidate for this type of breast reconstruction, and it is best to discuss the pros and cons of these procedures with your surgeon.

You can hear women who have undergone breast reconstruction talk about their personal experiences here.

Compiled using information from yourbreastoptions.com.

 

 

 

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