The Surgical Artist's Blog

Are women the same the same size as the women of the 60s? The answer is no. Studies show our lifestyles are different. We exercise less and we live in a super-sized society at every drive through. Yet television and other social factors show small waists and ultra-thin features on our young women that are unrealistic and unattainable in a healthy lifestyle.  This creates a demand for cosmetic surgery to seek a figure that the media elevates as beautiful.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we perform procedures that help women achieve their desired results while considering what is healthy and realistic for their age and body-type. Liposuction is on the rise because of such shows as Mad Men but it is not a weight loss procedure.  "Our practice performs liposuction to the abdominal and flank areas for a more hourglass figure," said Dr. Chad Deal. "We can also perform a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction to achieve a patient's needs if the patient is a candidate."   Dr. Deal said that he occasionally recommends against surgery when the patient has unrealistic expectations or when the surgery is not indicated.

Mommy Makeovers are also more popular at our practice. "After child birth, women want to look the way they did before their children were born," said Dr. Carey Nease. Mommy Makeovers often include breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck and liposuction. The makeover is custom for each Mom and can also include procedures such as vaginal rejuvenation.   Dr. Nease said the goal of a Mommy Makeover is the restoration of a Mom's body with some enhancements, and to make a woman more confident in her appearance.

Mad Men and television may show us the most beautiful people on earth but Southern Surgical Arts wants to help you achieve results that enhance your own natural beauty. We invite you to visit our extensive Before and After Gallery to see the results our surgeons achieve.

Need a few recommendations for fixes to summer figures and faces? Here are a few from Southern Surgical Arts:

Southern Surgical Arts has been selected as the Reader's Choice for Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice in North Georgia. "We are pleased to be selected as the Reader's Choice for Cosmetic Surgery in North Georgia! Our goal is to provide our patients with artistic cosmetic surgery like FaceLifts, Breast Augmentations, Tummy Tucks and SmartLipo.  We specialize in natural enhancements with minimal downtime and minimal scarring using the latest technology available," said Dr. Carey Nease and Dr. Chad Deal.

We recently came across an article that was titled, Invisible Eyelid Surgery Now a Reality. This technique for eyelid surgery may have a new name; but it has been a surgical option at Southern Surgical Arts for many years. In fact, the CO2 laser is used in a facelifting technique called the Laser Facelift, in which our Triple Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, Carey Nease pioneered.

In the Laser Face Lift technique, we use the CO2 in conjunction with the Smart Liposuction and often Fat Transfer. However, "The CO2 laser has many benefits for the skin, including tightening the skin around the eyes," said Dr. Nease. "I've used this laser in my practice for many years for more than just eyes but overall facial rejuvenation that helps reduce wrinkles and sun damage."

If you are looking for added benefits to your eye surgery or overall facial rejuvenation, seek out a surgeon who has the most advanced laser technology. At Southern Surgical Arts, we are proud to be the most advanced laser practice in North Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Question: How does the CO2 laser compare to chemical peels?

Answer: The CO2 laser is very different from a chemical peel.  The laser treatment is intended to significantly rejuvenate the facial skin, including removing a majority of the skin's sun damage, pigment changes and fine lines.  It should also be able to tighten the skin and soften deep wrinkles and improve acne scarring.  The down time is usually 3-7 days.  Most chemical peels have the goal of mild to moderate skin exfoliation, improvements in surface texture, resolution of acne breakouts, and an overall "glow."  Down time is typically 1-3 days, if any. A deep chemical peel can have significant rejuvenating effects, but with the more advanced fractional CO2 laser technology available, the deep chemical peel is rarely used in our practice.

Answer provided by Triple Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, Carey Nease in Chattanooga, Tennessee and North Georgia. Call for your appointment at Southern Surgical Arts: 423-266-3331 or 706-629-8622.

Question: How Do Chemical Peels Affect Rosacea?

Answer: People with Rosacea typically have very sensitive skin and a chemical peel can cause the skin and vessels to react and flare up more. Thus, causing more redness and sensitivity. I would recommend treating the skin with a good at home regimen and possibly treating with an IPL/fotofacial.

Answer provided by our Aesthestician, Leigh Hudgens in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Call for your appointment at Southern Surgical Arts: 423-266-3331

We recently found a fabulous article titled Botox and the Beauty Premium: Can Taking 10 Years Off Your Face Add 10K to Your Salary? The author (and we recommend you read this blog in full) suggests that although Botox and Fillers can make you look younger, the long-term alternative is surgery  ( face lifts, brow lifts, eye lifts, etc.) for a 15 to 20 year difference.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we carry a full line of injectables and fillers to suit our patient's needs when surgery is not an option. But we do offer longer-lasting surgical techniques such as Laser resurfacing, fat transfer, physician grade chemical peels, and a Laser-assisted  Cosmetic Facelift that will give you a naturally youthful result and avoids the pulled, plastic look that you typically see with the Plastic Surgery facelift. "The face lifting technique that our practice provides uses the latest laser technology and expertise, training and skill to provide you with natural results, so that you will look refreshed, younger but not different," said Dr. Carey Nease.

There are always advantages and disadvantages to competing products. Dysport was approved in 2009 to provide temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines. This was the first time Botox had a competing product. And now, there is a study that shows Dysport works better on crow's feet than Botox.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we offer both Botox and Dysport to our patients. With studies like this and better "challenger" marketing, Dysport is making some headway in the marketplace. "More and more of our patients are trying Dysport but many are still loyal to Botox," said Dr. Deal. "Botox has created brand loyalty through its marketing programs and that has been a powerful tool for Botox."

If you'd like to try Dysport in the crow's feet area, we suggest you take advantage of our summer special, which allows you to get one area of Dysport or Botox for $200. Call today for your appointment.

Calhoun: 706-629-8622
Chattanooga: 423-366-3331
Contact us on the web at http://southernsurgicalarts.com/index.cfm/PageID/2646