The Surgical Artist's Blog

I met with a patient on Monday who said she is so happy with Dr. Nease and me (Amy) for taking the time to listen to her and her skincare issues. She said that she has been to several dermatologists in the Chattanooga area and no one has been able to help her. She also expressed that the improvements she has seen in her skin and the SSA staff has just changed her whole life. It was very touching just listening to her feedback, and I'm so glad to be a part of the best Cosmetic Surgery practice in the area. We are making a difference, and it was a great day at the office! ~ Amy

Now that the kids are back in school and routines are in place, it’s time to do something for yourself. Let Southern Surgical Arts pamper you in a tranquil relaxing environment. After we analyze your skin, we can add a medical treatment to correct some of the summer time damage by performing a micro or chemical peel. Also, we can discuss prescription skincare like Obagi or Skinceutical products to help prevent future damage.

Call the office today and let Angie or Alex set up an appointment for you ~ Amy Cheek, LPA

We recently had a patient who was interested in having fuller, more noticeable lips. She has had fillers, such as Juvederm, in the past. She liked her results with the filler, but it only lasted about a year. She wanted something permanent, something she wouldn't have to come back and have redone down the road. She asked if we had something to accomplish her goal. And guess what......we did.

Dr. Nease recommended lip augmentation with a new, state-of-the-art silicone lip implant. It is a straightforward procedure and can be done using local and light sedation. The implant is made of high grade silicone and is designed to last. Once placed, that's it. No more yearly trips to have your lips reinjected.

The patient had the implant placed. At her one week followup visit she was thrilled with her new look. She still had some minimal swelling, but the overall look was subtle but very nice. ~ Dr. Gardner

Things are progressing for our new Cosmetic Surgery Center in Downtown Chattanooga, and we are weeks away from breaking ground. Just last Thursday, we hosted an Open House at our architect's office, HK architects, for area realtors and anyone interested in knowing more about the project. We had final drawings, artist renderings, display boards, and food and wine on hand for all to enjoy the excitement.

And, just today, the Chattanooga Times Free Press ran the story about me passing my third board exam given last month by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. It's an exciting time at Southern Surgical Arts! I'm looking forward to establishing our new state-of-the-art surgery center in the Southside District of Chattanooga in 10 to 12 months and becoming an active member of the community.

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements of the groundbreaking later this month.

I have exciting news about my practice and Southern Surgical Arts! I have been selected as one of only 20 Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship training programs in the country by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) beginning July 2010. The program is designed to train future Cosmetic Surgeons for a one year period in the field of general cosmetic surgery. Expertise in both facial and body cosmetic surgical procedures is the primary goal, and eligible candidates include ABMS board-certified general surgeons, plastic surgeons and head and neck surgeons. The AACS is a prestigious organization of Cosmetic Surgeons from around the country, established nearly 30 years ago. There are currently about 3,000 members of the AACS and more than 500 board-certified cosmetic surgeons in the USA. I am both an active member of the AACS and diplomat of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which is a requirement for Directors of Cosmetic Surgery training programs.

I am pleased to announce my new fellow, Vincent Gardner, MD, who is a board-certified general surgeon from Birmingham, AL. He joined me July 1st and has quickly become a part of the team at Southern Surgical Arts. Upon completion of the program in June, 2011, Dr. Gardner will be considered an expert in facial rejuvenation surgery, cosmetic breast surgery including augmentation, lift and reduction, tummy tucks and liposculpture. He has been well received by my current patients, he has excellent surgical skills and I have high expectations that he will successfully complete my program and contribute to the field of Cosmetic Surgery.

Interested surgeons who qualify and wish to apply for my 2011 position will find the application information on the AACS website, www.cosmeticsurgery.org.

Yesterday, the Daily Citizen News told me that I was selected as Best Cosmetic Surgeon in the Northwest Georgia and Dalton area. I am honored to receive the award for the second year in a row, and I appreciate all the people who voted for me.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we always strive to give the best customer service, the best cosmetic surgery results, the best medical spa results, and we pursue the latest laser technology with a passion so that our patients can feel confident in getting the outcomes they expect and deserve. For those in the Chattanooga area, our new surgery center building project is starting soon. Check out our website page for details about our planned state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery center in the historic Southside District.

I am in sunny Miami, FL today attending a superb facial cosmetic surgery meeting with surgeons from all over North and South America, and even a few from Europe. This morning we reviewed some great eyelid and brow rejuvenation techniques that give lasting results and help to keep our patients safe as well as make them happy. Several lectures were given from well-known surgeons around the world, and some have more than 40 years of experience! This is extremely valuable for me as a young cosmetic surgeon, and many of the issues discussed gave me confidence in knowing that my training was excellent and that I am doing both safe and very effective procedures that should consistently produce beautiful results for my patients in Chattanooga and the North Georgia area. A new technique for lower face and neck rejuvenation was discussed that should help make my results more dramatic and also long-lasting. I'm looking forward to a night out for sushi tonight and then more lectures tomorrow, which will focus on rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) and then skin rejuvenation with lasers and chemical peels.

Southern Surgical Arts is celebrating the 1st Anniversary of Latisse! We know our patients are loving their longer, darker and fuller lashes! So now you can receive up to a $100 rebate on your next Botox Cosmetic or Juvederm XC treatment. You will receive a $50 mail in rebate for each treatment scheduled before July 15, 2010.  Please ask about joining our Brilliant Distinctions Program which will reward you with additional savings toward Allergan products (Botox, Latisse & Juvederm XC). Please feel free to call the office at 706-629-8622 or email me at tracie@southernsurgicalarts.com for more information on savings on your favorite products for gorgeous eyes, lips and facial rejuvenation! Tracie

Have you looked in the mirror lately and wondered what those brown spots or splotchy areas are? These areas are hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure, acne scars, pregnancy or the natural aging process, are some of the causes of this condition. The Pigment Balancing Masque, by SkinCeuticals, is a customizable brightening treatment targeting these damaged areas. By treating these areas with the Pigment Balancing Masque, one can dramatically improve the uneven appearance of photodamaged skin.

The Pigment Balancing Masque combines high-performance brightening, anti-inflammatory agents, and a powerful exfoliant to accelerate cell renewal and diminish hyperpigmentation. The series normally consists of 4-6 treatments.  Come by and see me in the Calhoun, GA office, or visit our Dalton, GA location to learn more about our complete line of skin care products & services, as well as our cosmetic surgery options.  Treatments cost $125 ~ Amy C.

I am excited to share with you another patent pending formulation from SkinCeuticals.  Hyperpigmentation is the #1 skincare concern globally, affecting people of all skin types, ethnicities and age groups, and skin brightening is the fastest growing category of take-home skincare in the United States.

To be successful hyperpigmentation products must:

1. Reduce the production of excess melanin
2. Reduce the transfer of melanin to the top of the epidermis
3. Break-up and remove the existing melanin clusters on the skin's surface

Prior to the introduction of Pigment Regulator, by SkinCeuticals, no topical product has been able to address all three steps of hyperpigmentation safely and effectively.  Visit Southern Surgical Arts at one of our locations in Calhoun or Dalton, Georgia to learn more regarding this treatment .  Let the leader in the field of skin care therapy, Southern Surgical Arts, help you to look and feel your best. Tammy and I are here to get your skin beautiful for Spring and Summer. Call us! ~ Amy C.