October is breast cancer awareness month with the color pink appearing almost everywhere. As an Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Hunter Moyer understands firsthand the effects of breast cancer and is dedicated to educating patients about their available breast reconstruction options.

Dr. Moyer wants to stress to all patients that they have options.  Many women choose breast reconstruction as a healing step in their journey to restore their physical appearance. Reconstruction can either be immediate and performed at the same time as a mastectomy or delayed until after a mastectomy or other cancer treatments are completed. During the procedure, Dr. Moyer will rebuild the breast mound, recreate the nipple and/or areola, and reposition breasts to improve symmetry.

Breast reconstruction can be performed using implants, tissue expanders, and tissue flaps. Tissue expanders are usually required for reconstruction to gradually expand tissue on the chest wall to cover and support an implant or flap. Like breast augmentation, there are saline, silicone, and highly cohesive “gummy bear” implants available to enhance the appearance of breasts.

Another option, tissue flaps, harvests healthy fat, skin, and muscle from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast. At Atlanta Plastic Surgery, Dr. Moyer has refined reconstructive flap techniques including the latissimus flap, DIEP technique, and TRAM flap technique. Dr. Moyer and his medical team will discuss each of these options and counsel patients to which option is best suited based on body structure, amount of healthy tissue available, and overall aesthetic goals.

Throughout October, many organizations and reconstructive surgeons participate in breast cancer awareness events to help further educate and raise proceeds towards breast cancer research. To learn more about your reconstructive options or other plastic surgery procedures, please contact our office today. Be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates.

Earlier this year in March 2013, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performed the first free tissue transfer surgery ever at Northside-Forsyth Hospital. Free tissue transfer, a technique in reconstructive plastic surgery, is a procedure that relocates healthy tissue to repair another area of the body. Dr. Moyer performs free tissue transfers to address injuries caused by trauma, severe burns, or cancer removal. While this is a highly complex procedure, free tissue transfer surgery is a possible option for breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery at both Northside hospitals in Atlanta and Forsyth County.

Free tissue transfer harvests healthy skin, fat, muscle, or bone in the form of a flap that is transferred from the donor site to another site. Along with the tissue, blood supply is transferred so arteries and veins are also transferred and reconnected to vessels at the receiving site using a surgical microscope. Dr. Moyer examines areas requiring a tissue flap as well as the areas where tissue may be safely harvested. By using materials from the patient’s own body, the risk of infection and post-operative risks are significantly reduced. Tissue transfers can provide natural-looking plastic & reconstructive surgery results and resolve a range of conditions and injuries.

This procedure is commonly used in a number of reconstructive treatments including facial and breast reconstruction. Dr. Moyer performs breast reconstruction surgery with various tissue flap techniques including the TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous), a reconstructive technique refined at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. In addition to tissue flaps, patients can also choose breast reconstruction with implants. Dr. Moyer surgically inserts saline or silicone implants to restore the breast mound.

For more information on reconstructive or cosmetic procedures that Dr. Moyer performs, contact us to schedule your consultation. For more news and updates on plastic surgery, follow Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

In the October 2012 issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer conducted a study titled, “The Effect of Silicone Gel Bleed on Capsular Contracture” with Drs. Ghazi and Losken, also from Atlanta. In the study, the latest generation silicone gel breast implants, also known as highly cohesive gel implants, were tested for its effect on a common breast implant complication. Capsular contracture is an implant complication that occurs when the body forms excess scar tissue around an implant, creating a hardened breast texture and appearance. Dr. Moyer’s study explored how silicone gel bleed, or when the silicone fill of an implant leaks out of the shell, affected the breast.

The use of silicone breast implants in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction is increasing each year, according to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The highly cohesive silicone implants used in the study are Mentor’s Contour Profile Gel® (CPG) and Allergan’s Natrelle 410® implants. Since these implants are fairly new, Dr. Moyer has extensively researched the safety of these breast implants in his lab both at Emory and Georgia Tech.

Results conclude that the silicone gel fill does not harm the patient’s body, as the new implants are stronger and safer, and that even in the event of an implant rupture, the body will react locally but not systemically. Dr. Moyer continues investigating techniques and new developments in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

For more information on a procedure or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today. Also, connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery news.

Since our faces are often the first places to show signs of aging, many patients seek procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and sun damage. In Up in Cumming Magazine’s August 2013 issue, Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer answers frequently asked questions on facial cosmetic surgery and discusses both surgical and non-surgical options available at his practice at Northside Forsyth.

His wide range of treatments include non-surgical procedures such as Botox® and facial fillers, which are short, minimally invasive injections that help smooth wrinkles and lines. Additionally, Dr. Moyer offers chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing, which can tighten facial skin and address uneven skin tone, acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Many patients choose these beneficial, minimally invasive procedures due to their practically non-existent downtime.

For patients with more comprehensive skin concerns, Dr. Moyer performs surgical procedures such as brow lift and facelift surgery to remove excess skin and fat from areas of the face. He also can rejuvenate eyes by removing hanging, excess skin from the upper eyelids and under-eye bags that contribute to a tired appearance with Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). In addition to information about procedures, Dr. Moyer also provides helpful, proactive tips to prevent facial aging, such as continually wearing  sunscreen and moisturizer, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and attaining a good night’s sleep.

If you are interested in facial rejuvenation treatments or any other cosmetic procedure, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Also be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more updates and news on plastic surgery.

Our faces are often the first place to show signs of aging. There are many facial cosmetic procedures available for patients who want to eliminate wrinkles, lines, furrows, and sagging skin. One of the most popular facial cosmetic procedures is blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, as the eyes are often the first facial features to show noticeable aging. Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs blepharoplasty on both upper and/or lower eyelids to eliminate “tired eyes” and restore a youthful appearance.

To rejuvenate the eye area, Dr. Moyer removes excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper eyelid. Lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin along with under-eye bags. Using a technique pioneered at Emory Hospital, Dr. Moyer corrects the lower eyelid while restoring volume to the cheeks for a more rested appearance. Dr. Moyer carefully makes small incisions along the natural creases of the eyelid skin to minimize scarring. Depending on the patient’s needs, Dr. Moyer can perform blepharoplasty on both eyelids or on the upper or lower eyelid only.

Blepharoplasty is commonly combined with other facial procedures for overall rejuvenation. Since eyelid surgery only addresses the eye area, patients can choose a necklift, brow lift or facelift procedure to tighten excess skin and smooth wrinkles and lines. It is also important for patients to maintain their plastic surgery results with non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Minimally invasive treatments such as cosmetic injectables, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing help prevent signs of aging from appearing in the future.

If you are interested in facial rejuvenation, contact us at our Cumming or Atlanta office today. Be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news and updates.

Not exactly from Brazil and not necessarily a lift, the Brazilian Butt Lift nonetheless combines two great procedures for one outstanding result. No one is sure from where the name originates, as it was not started in Brazil or by a Brazilian surgeon. In addition, it is not a traditional butt lift as there are no large scars and no synthetic implants. The Brazilian Butt Lift combines liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, back and upper thighs (to slim your waist and legs) with re-injection of this fat into your buttock to improve dimples and plump up your bottom. The results are dramatic and give the hourglass shape of youth.

Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs Brazilian butt lifts instead of using synthetic material such as silicone implants because the risk of infection is minimal, scars are smaller, and results are better. By using your own fat, you know that results are natural and will change in proportion to your body’s changes. Results from Brazilian butt lifts are permanent and will be noticeable directly after the procedure. While the body naturally re-absorbs some of the fat, the remaining fat will fill in the targeted injection area. The fat transfer technique has also been applied to other procedures such as breast reconstruction and the treatment of facial aging.

Prior to the procedure, Dr. Moyer meets with each patient to determine targeted areas to remove fat and how much fat will be transferred for a proportional result. For patients who are simply concerned with excess, unwanted fat, Dr. Moyer also performs liposuction individually to remove fat from specific problem areas.

If you are interested in a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure that Dr. Moyer performs, contact us today to schedule your consultation. For more news and updates on plastic surgery, follow Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Breast augmentation and breast lift procedures are commonly performed in combination. Breast augmentation uses breast implants to enhance the shape and size of breasts, while breast lift surgery restores breasts to a more youthful position. Breast lifts address problems caused by factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation, and gravity that can cause skin to lose its elasticity and the breasts to shift downward as we age. While patients can choose breast lift as an individual procedure or with traditional breast augmentation using implants, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer uses an auto augmentation technique to lift and reposition breasts while also using excess breast tissue to augment the breast’s size and shape.

Traditional breast lift surgery is performed by making an incision around the areola and under the breast’s crease to trim excess skin and reshape the breast for a firmer, natural position. The areola and nipple can also be repositioned or reduced for a more proportional result. Breast lift surgery alone will not significantly alter breast size or increase volume in the upper part of the breast. Breast lift with auto augmentation, which is short for autogenous tissue transfer augmentation, uses existing excess breast tissue as a substitute for an implant to augment the breast. Since auto augmentation is performed using the patient’s own tissue rather than foreign material, post-operative risks are minimized.

To perform a breast lift with auto augmentation, Dr. Moyer performs a traditional breast lift to tighten skin and reposition the breasts. After completing the lift, Dr. Moyer uses inferior breast tissue from the sagging lower area of the breast to restore fullness to the upper portion. Auto augmentation preserves excess breast tissue by transferring tissue to serve as an “implant” instead of simply discarding excess skin and tissue. This technique provides a natural and safe way to enhance breasts without implants or additional surgery. However, it is important to discuss treatment options with Dr. Moyer to discuss your aesthetic goals and which procedure will achieve the most natural results.

If you’re interested in breast surgery or any other cosmetic and reconstructive procedure that Dr. Moyer offers at his Atlanta and Cumming practices, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding and selfless jobs a woman can have, but the physical changes that occur to you can leave some women desiring the body they once had.  There has been an increasing trend in women electing a “mommy makeover” procedure: a combination of cosmetic procedures aimed at rejuvenating the breasts and abdominal area to help women achieve their pre-baby bodies.

The beauty of a mommy makeover is the ability to customize a combination of procedures from tummy tucks and liposuction to breast lifts and breast augmentation based on your individual needs.  This gives Dr. Hunter Moyer the ability to target and effectively treat problem areas in one surgery.  Pregnancy can cause dramatic changes to the body despite healthy diet and exercise routines.  Some women experience loose skin, stretch marks, sagging breasts and exercise-resistant fat deposits that can only be corrected with body contouring procedures.  The best candidates for mommy makeover are those who have reached a desirable weight and are no longer breast feeding their infants.

Popular mommy makeover components like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is desirable as it tightens the abdominal muscles to smooth the midsection, remove unwanted fat and excess skin.  Stretch marks are reduced while also narrowing the waistline to reveal a more contoured look.  In addition to the abdominal areas, pregnancy can affect the breasts.  Whether due to breastfeeding or volume fluctuation, the breasts often lose their elasticity and shift downward, creating a pendulous shape.  Fortunately, cosmetic breast procedures like breast lift can correct breast position by removing excess skin, reshaping the breasts and lifting them higher.  Dr. Moyer eliminates sagging and creates a more proportionate and youthful aesthetic.  Breast lifts are often combined with breast augmentation to increase volume, and Dr. Moyer also offers the auto-augmentation lift where some of your excess inferior breast tissue is used as an “implant” during the lift.

Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer believes that every woman should feel their best: he spends quality time with each of his patients to answer any questions and tailor the right procedures for optimal results.  To find out more about the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures that Dr. Moyer offers, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.  Don’t forget to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for all the latest news and updates.

Featured in The Atlantan’s May 2013 issue, Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer answers frequently asked questions about breast implants. With the FDA’s recent approval of Allergan’s Natrelle 410 highly cohesive silicone gel implants, many patients have asked about their implant options for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. In the article, Dr. Moyer addresses the differences between silicone implants and the new “gummy bear” form stable implants.

Saline and silicone implants are silicone elastomer shells filled with either sterile saline solution or a silicone gel. Both are also FDA approved for use in breast enhancement and breast reconstruction surgery. Allergan’s 410 cohesive gel implants contain a stronger outer shell and are filled with a thicker, form-stable silicone gel, reducing the likelihood of leakage or shape loss.

If you are interested in breast surgery or any other cosmetic procedure Dr. Moyer performs, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Be sure to also connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and news.

For patients interested in breast augmentation, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer will be hosting a free question and answer session at Northside Forsyth’s 1400 building, suite 390 on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 6 pm. During the Q&A, patients can ask questions about breast implant options and breast procedures they’re interested in. Dr. Moyer will present information on saline, silicone, and the most recent FDA-approved Allergan 410 cohesive gel breast implants. To attend this free event, please RSVP to Rebecca Brock at (404)-250-3393.