The Surgical Artist's Blog

Laser technology has been all over the news. Laser resurfacing is one that gets lots of attention for its ability to help build healthy new tissue taking years of sun damage off of the skin and giving a youthful, vibrant glow. It can erase sun spots, fine wrinkles, improve texture, and actually tighten the skin immediately after the treatment.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we offer two fractionated lasers - the  CO2 laser and the Profractional Erbium laser. Its laser energy bores tiny holes into the skin. Each laser has its own benefits that make it more appropriate for patients but works similarly.

In general, the CO2 laser is the gold standard of resurfacing lasers for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction; whereas the Erbium laser has strengths for reducing sun spots (both brown and red) thus evening the skin tone and will improve the skin texture. Further, the Erbium laser allows us to treat some darker skin types with minimal risks. Both lasers help provide that healthy glow that most patients desire.

Southern Surgical Arts is committed to providing our patients with the best possible results and there are times when one of the lasers is more beneficial for the patient. In most cases, our surgeons will allow the patient to choose the laser; but there are other times where the surgeon makes a particular recommendation. "It is important we purchase almost every genre of laser technology so that our patients know that we are recommending the precise best laser for their skin type and goals," says Dr. Chad Deal.

The recovery time usually involves one week of being swollen, red and "scabby." Most patients are wearing makeup within 6-10 days and happy to show the world their new rejuvenated skin by then. The cost of laser resurfacing begins at $1899. A patient can also choose light sedation during the procedure in order to minimize discomfort.

Because there are possible complications with laser resurfacing. This includes redness, swelling and peeling and it does carry a small risk of infection so patients are prescribed anti-viral pills. "Choosing a surgeon who has experience performing laser resurfacing procedures will also help minimize risk," said Dr. Carey Nease. At Southern Surgical Arts, our surgeons have performed thousands of these procedures over the past four years.

A consultation with one of our board-certified cosmetic surgeons will be necessary to determine which laser is best for you. You can reach us at one of our convenient locations:

Chattanooga, One North Shore: 423-266-3331
Calhoun: 706-629-8622

The board-certified cosmetic surgeons at Southern Surgical Arts pursue the latest laser technology to minimize recovery time, scarring and produce optimal results at their practice in Chattanooga. Face lift and facial rejuvenation techniques with the artistic cosmetic surgery skill and produce more natural and youthful results. With over ten years and 3,600 significant facial cosmetic surgical procedures, Dr. Vincent Gardner,  Dr. Chad Deal, Dr. Micheal Kluska and Dr. Justin Gusching offer not only extensive experience; they've stayed on the cutting edge by employing the latest techniques and technology.

Southern Surgical Arts, Chattanooga's leading cosmetic surgery center, is staying on the cutting-edge of aesthetic enhancements by bringing the latest technology to their two locations. Recently introduced to patients, both the Dermapen® and Gentle Max Pro laser are producing stunning results.

Recently awarded "Best Professional Skin Rejuvenation Device" at THE Aesthetic Show 2012, the Dermapen is an advanced skin micro-needling. The fractional micro-needling device works to tighten, lift and rejuvenate the skin and is effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing pore size and acne scars.



The unique spring-loaded needle tip of the Dermapen uses an automated needling motion that minimizes pain and discomfort, while better promoting an even absorption of topicals, such as PRP, hyaluronic acid, hydrogenated collagen, Vitamin C and peptides into the skin. Triple-board certified cosmetic and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nease says, "The results are youthful looking skin with even tone and texture with the added benefit of very little downtime. Little downtime and immediate results are important to our patients and what we are known for."

The second new cosmetic enhancement technology to be added to Southern Surgical Arts' cosmetic surgery center is the Gentle Max Pro laser from Candela. This versatile laser offers a cooling system that helps cool the skin to make each patient's experience better and faster. The laser also treats hemangiomas (cherry moles), rosacea (redness), beard bumps (PFB), pigmented lesions (brown/age spots), spider veins and broken capillaries.

"The Gentle Max Pro is the newest and most advanced laser on the market. With its addition, Southern Surgical Arts now has more than ten lasers that can treat most cosmetic concerns," states Dr. Deal, Southern Surgical Arts' second board certified cosmetic surgeon.

As an introductory offering to celebrate the arrival of the Dermapen and Gentle Max Pro laser, Southern Surgical Arts is running various limited time specials. This month clients can try Dermapen micro-needling at 25% OFF! This reduces the regular price of $300 to only $225 for one treatment. Additionally, a series of three Dermapen treatments can be purchased for only $599, regularly $800. Laser treatments are also on special with Southern Surgical Arts offering all laser treatments purchased this month for a 50% savings.

To learn more about the latest technology available at Southern Surgical Arts or to schedule an appointment with one of their Aesthesticans, please call the cosmetic surgery center's Chattanooga office at 423-266-3331.

For a full line-up of cosmetic procedures offered visit www.SouthernSurgicalArts.com.

Southern Surgical Arts has unveiled their newly designed website for Chattanooga, North Georgia and North Alabama cosmetic surgery patients



Today, Southern Surgical Arts has announced the launch of a redesigned website created to cater to both the visual and logical cosmetic surgery patient. On the new site, the Chattanooga cosmetic surgery center provides a wide range of information on Smart Lipo, Face & Neck Lifts, Cosmetic Breast Surgery, Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and numerous other outpatient operations.

Equipped with an extensive portfolio of before-and-after photos along with short videos for patients who prefer to see the Southern Surgical Arts’ difference, the site is one of the most aesthetically designed sources for cosmetic surgery available. Supporting the website’s visual appeal is a generous amount of written information on available cosmetic surgeries including factual data, surgery statistics and biographical backgrounders on the surgery center’s board certified surgeons.

Also found on the website is a patient portal for existing cosmetic surgery patients. The portal gives access to electronic medical records, consent forms, general financial information and the treatments process, all through a secure log in.

“After enhancing the appearance of our patients, we felt it was time to give our own practice website a facelift,” said Dr. Nease, Southern Surgical Arts’ triple-board certified Cosmetic and Facial Plastic Surgeons. “We set out to create an intuitive, user-friendly website and ended up with a clean and professional page that I feel will make the whole process for our patients a pleasant experience.”

Visit www.SouthernSurgicalArts.com to view the new website and discover endless possibilities in surgical enhancement.

Cosmetic Surgery increased by 5% in 2011 according the the American Society of Plastic Surgery. This includes a total of 13.8 million cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures combined.

The hit TV show, The Doctors, recently featured laser technology from Sciton. Did you know that we have this laser in our Chattanooga office? Southern Surgical Arts' has many lasers that treat the skin, including the Sciton Joule that was featured in this show! This particular laser treats sun damage, unwanted hair, veins, vasular lesions, acne, fine wrinkles and much more!

Dr. Oz is also featuring the Sciton laser on Monday, January 16 to demonstrate the benefits and efficacy of Sciton's BBL (BroadBand Light) and MLP (MicroLaserPeel) used in combination. Dr. Avram who is on the show will illustrate how he achieves excellent results with limited downtime. Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal can provide a complimentary consultation to see how you can achieve the results you want with limited downtime!

Be sure to tune in Monday, January 16th on Channel 12 (WDEF) in Chattanooga!

For a complimentary consultation, call our office today and receive 10% off your first laser treatment.

Chattanooga, One North Shore: 423-266-3331

As the holidays near, patients want to look and feel their best. At Southern Surgical Arts, we offer spa services, non-invasive procedures and surgical procedures to help you feel confident during the holidays. Here are a few tips from our staff to help you look and feel your best.

It's that time of year; parties, company dinners, family get-togethers and you want your skin to look great through the entire season. Here are some helpful tips to keep your skin looking great for the holiday:

For years, economists have said that the baby boomer discretionary income has fueled the Face Lift market for cosmetic surgery practices. Pair that with cosmetic surgery becoming more widely accepted, and advancing laser technology and science, it's a recipe for any baby boomer to become overwhelmed with their options. Cosmetic surgery includes many elective procedures for the face and body, but studies show that baby boomers are ready to have their facial appearance reflect how they feel on the inside.

"I've done more than 2,000 face lifts and facial rejuvenation procedures, and we are seeing more patients who want a more natural look," said Dr. Nease, a Triple-Board Certified Cosmetic and Facial Plastic Surgeon at Southern Surgical Arts. Seniors in good physical health can be considered for most cosmetic surgeries. Advancing age is rarely a disqualifying factor. Those with any significant medical problems may be discouraged from any invasive surgery or anesthesia and may be steered toward less invasive procedures that may still be beneficial.

Last year there were 84,685 surgical procedures among patients age 65 and older, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. They included 26,635 facelifts; 24,783 cosmetic eyelid operations; 6,469 liposuctions; 5,874 breast reductions; 3,875 forehead lifts; 3,339 breast lifts; and 2,414 breast augmentations.

Except for a brief turndown during the recession, those numbers have been rising for years now, and experts say the trend seems likely to accelerate as baby boomers begin to pass age 65.

The Cosmetic Face Lift is a face lifting technique offered by our fellowship trained and Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons. Because Dr. Deal and Dr. Nease are trained in the latest techniques, the Cosmetic Facelift provides a more natural, refreshed, rejuvenated look that the traditional plastic surgery facelift. The ideal candidate is usually more than 50 years of age. Less invasive options such as Botox and the Laser Facelift are also available.

Southern Surgical Arts offers complimentary consultations to all cosmetic surgery patients. For more information on facial rejuvenation procedures and face lifting techniques, please call for an appointment or visit our website at www.southernsurgicalarts.com.

Chattanooga, Tennessee
One North Shore
423-266-3331

Calhoun, Georgia
706-629-8622

Recap of statistics:
84,685 surgical procedures in 2010 among patients 65 and older, a 21 percent rise from 2009

Cosmetic surgeries done for people older than 65 in 2010 include:
26,635 facelifts
24,783 cosmetic eyelid surgeries
6,469 liposuctions
5,874 breast reductions
3,875 forehead lifts
3,339 breast lifts
2,414 breast augmentations
Source: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery