Making Your Decision on Plastic Surgery Procedures

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Now that we’ve moved into a new year, you may be considering moving ahead with a change (big or small) in 2012. If you’re planning to have a cosmetic procedure this year, be sure to devote the needed time and attention to your decision-making process. There are many tools and guides available to help you make the choice that’s right for you—both now and in the future. It’s important to ask yourself some key questions, and be complete and truthful with yourself in your answers. The most crucial thing to ask yourself is, “Why do I want to have this procedure?” While cosmetic procedures can certainly complement and boost other positive life changes, they should not be looked to as a way to completely change or overhaul your life. Make sure your goals for the procedure are realistic and a constructive part of a bigger picture of a healthy, balanced life. Here are some more great questions to ask yourself as you decide whether a procedure is right for you. For more in-depth reading, the book, The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion by Robert Kotler MD, has tons of practical tips, questions to ask yourself and your doctor, and helpful checklists. And you can of course always give us a call with any questions at  770-955-9000.

Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove to Schedule a Consultation

For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas. See Our Cosmetic Surgery Price List

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.

Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove to Schedule a Consultation

For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com

Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas.

See Our Cosmetic Surgery Price List

Male Breast Reduction

For men who feel self-conscious and avoid certain physical activities due to gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, male breast-reduction surgery can be a tremendous help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), gynecomastia is common in men of any age and can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs. The ASPS explains that gynecomastia is characterized by:
  • Excess localized fat
  • Excess glandular tissue development
  • A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
  • Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)
Male breast-reduction surgery is performed using general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and the procedure typically takes about an hour and a half. When male breast-reduction surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. For more details about risks and recovery, click here. Click here for more information from the ASPS about gynecomastia.

Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove to Schedule a Consultation

For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas. See Our Cosmetic Surgery Price List
When considering any cosmetic surgery procedure, it’s practical and very wise to give thought to how much recovery time you’ll need. It will be tremendously helpful to know what to expect in the hours, days and weeks after your procedure. You also can help prepare those around you, including the people you work with, by letting them know ahead of time what to expect and helping them plan for it as needed. As far as immediate recovery from anesthesia is concerned, times can vary from patient to patient, but most people recover from anesthesia within just a few hours. You may feel groggy or nauseated at first, but most patients are well recovered, awake and able to read a book by the evening of their procedure. During the first couple of postoperative days, it is likely that you will need a bit of assistance, depending on your procedure.

Here are some guidelines for popular procedures, to give you an idea of what you may need.

  • Liposuction: Patients are typically able to get around unassisted by the second day (earlier if smaller areas are liposuctioned). Most patients are able to go back to work in four to six days after the procedure.
  • Breast Surgery: Although the patient may not be able to raise arms above the head, the patient can usually do most things unassisted by the second day. The patient can usually return to a desk job five to seven days after the procedure. Two weeks may be required for jobs that require exertion, such as food server or flight attendant.
  • Facelift: The patient can get around alone on the second day. It may be ten days to two weeks before the patient feels comfortable being seen in public again.
  • Eyelid Surgery: The patient can get around unassisted on the second day. The patient may want to wear sunglasses and surgical makeup when going out in public after the third day. He or she can go back to work about the sixth postoperative day.
  • Tummy Tuck: It may require up to four days before the patient can get around alone. Patients who have a desk job may return in ten days. More strenuous jobs like a food server or letter carrier may require at least three weeks.

Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove to Schedule a Consultation

For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas. See Our Cosmetic Surgery Price List  
Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure, and proper sizing of implants is a crucial step in achieving a successful outcome after surgery. Cup size will vary and breasts will look different depending on the type of clothing you wear. With careful planning and attention to sizing, you will achieve the look you want.

Here are a few tips for getting an idea of the size implant that will be ideal for you:Breast Implants After

  1. Purchase a bra that you want to fill upon completion of the surgery. Take the bra to the doctor’s office prioBreast Implants Beforer to surgery and try different size implants with different types of clothing.
  2. Pick out photographs from the Internet or magazines to demonstrate the size you prefer. It will be helpful to pick out one too large, one too small, and one as close as possible to the ideal size.
  3. Use the “rice test” at home to experiment with sizing. Fill a zipper bag with rice and place beneath your bra to see how it looks. This also allows you to understand how that extra weight feels on your chest and shoulders.
Read the full article here and find even more from Dr. Robert A. Colgrove and Vinings Surgery Center at bestselfatlanta.com.

Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove to Schedule a Consultation

For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas. See Our Cosmetic Surgery Price List
For a limited time at Vinings Surgery Center, choose Natrelle® Silicone Breast Implants for your breast augmentation and get a free Botox® Cosmetic treatment or Latisse®.  (Offer good through October 2011.) We also now offer the ON-Q® PainBuster®, which provides local pain relief for up to 5 days after surgery so you can get back to normal faster. Call 770-955-9000 with any questions or to book your appointment!

Contact Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove to Schedule a Consultation

For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas. See Our Cosmetic Surgery Price List

Welcome to the blog of plastic surgeon Robert A Colgrove, Jr., M.D. Located in Atlanta, Dr. Colgrove’s Vinings Surgery Center is an AAAASF Accredited Surgery Facility where plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, and reconstructive surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. We offer an environment uniquely qualified to provide a comfortable, yet professional atmosphere while you receive the highest quality medical care. Every member of our medical and support team has been chosen for their caring attitudes as well as their professional credentials.

We feel an informed patient goes into surgery with more confidence and realistic expectations. From breast implants to tummy tucks, information is conveyed by viewing educational videos, reading descriptive pamphlets, reviewing before and after photographs of patients who have had a similar surgery, and having a detailed consultation which usually includes computer video imaging. Our goal is to ensure that your experience is optimally pleasant and beneficial to your health and well-being.

Please take a minute to explore our website to learn more about us and the services we can offer you. Whether your interest is in Facelift Surgery, or a Facial Filler, hopefully, this site will answer some basic questions for you, but we encourage you to contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation. This will allow us to use our expertise to give you the attention you deserve.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation



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    1900 The Exchange SE
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    Atlanta, GA 30339
    770.955.9000