What is a Tummy Tuck?

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As we get older, and the effects of time and gravity increasingly take their toll, muscle and skin begins to sag.  Our metabolisms slow and the fat that was once able to be burned off, is now seemingly impossible to get rid of.  As a result, the once-trim midsection of youth begins to grow and stretch.  Weight gain or pregnancy can cause the muscles in the abdomen to stretch and separate and, as a result, even losing weight can’t tighten that midsection despite our best efforts.  Fortunately, I perform cosmetic procedures like abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, to address specific abdominal concerns for my patients.

Abdominoplasty can help improve the appearance of the midsection, especially after significant weight gain or loss. It helps flatten the lower abdomen and tighten stretched skin and may also help relieve skin rashes or infections that happen under large flaps of skin.  Generally, I perform tummy tucks by creating an incision in the lower abdominal region that is easily hidden by underwear and bathing suits. Unwanted skin and fat are removed and the skin is tightened downward.  The shape and length of the incision are primarily determined by the amount of excess skin.  Once the abdominal skin is lifted, underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.  Liposuction is performed on the flanks to further enhance the hourglass appearance and excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together while maintaining a natural navel appearance.

Tummy tuck results present a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.  During your recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to the surgical sites, and you may be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals.  I always give my patients specific, post-operative instructions and always encourage them to ask any specific questions about what to expect during the recovery period.  Individual recovery times can vary significantly, but maintaining a good line of communication with me is the best way to reduce the risk of any complications arising from elective procedures.

If you’re interested in body contouring, cosmetic, or reconstructive procedures that I offer, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Connect with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

The Latest Options in Body Contouring

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Many patients exercise regularly but still can’t seem to get rid of excess fat, whether from weight gain or pregnancy.  With the advances in medical science and technology, body contouring procedures can sculpt and refine the body to help maintain a youthful and vital appearance.  Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs body contouring procedures that have become increasingly popular among patients.  According to the latest American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2013 statistics, liposuction ranked one of the top five most performed cosmetic surgical procedures, and the number of tummy tucks and buttocks lifts have both increased by roughly 80% since 2000.

Patients who experience localized amounts of fat that may be resistant to diet and exercise are ideal candidates for liposuction.  Dr. Moyer uses three fat removal methods to suit each patient’s specific needs.  Thru very small incisions (less than ¼”), Dr. Moyer uses a small hollow tube (or cannula) to suction out fat cells.  In tumescent liposuction a special anesthetic fluid is injected, which numbs the area and causes the fat cells to swell, making the fat easier to remove.  Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses high frequency sound to liquefy the fat, leaving the skin and other tissue unharmed.  Not only does this allow the fat to be suctioned more easily, but the stimulating vibration can tighten and revitalize the overlying skin as well.  Finally, Body Jet (or water-assisted) liposuction uses sterile water to loosen undesired fat for removal.  However it uses a closed system design, withdrawing the fat so it can be later used for other fat transfer or augmentation procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift.

Over the years, weight gain or pregnancy can cause the muscles in the abdomen to stretch and separate.  As a result, even losing weight can’t tighten the midsection as much as some patients would like.  A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is designed not only to remove unwanted fat and eliminate excess skin from the mid-section but also to retighten muscles along the abdominal wall that may have separated, restoring the smooth, lean contours of a more youthful physique.  Dr. Moyer makes an incision in the lower abdominal area, easily hidden by underwear or bathing suits, and tightens the skin downward to make sure the naval maintains a natural appearance.

Utilizing excess fat removed through liposuction, Dr. Moyer can perform buttock augmentation (or Brazilian Butt Lift) through fat transfer.  The fat that has been removed is carefully purified and then re-injected into the buttocks to re-contour the area.  Using the patient’s own fat instead of an implant creates a more natural contour.  During consultation, Dr. Moyer works with patients to determine the precise target areas for both removal and re-injection to make sure that the patient can get the expected results they desire.

If you are interested in body contouring procedures Dr. Moyer performs or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.  Also, connect with Dr. Moyer on FacebookTwitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and the latest news articles.

Looking Forward to a New Year in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

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As we begin 2014, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer and his medical team reflects on last year’s accomplishments and research and look forward to the New Year. In 2013, Dr. Moyer continued his research on breast surgery techniques and improving patient safety. He has participated in studies for the Keller Funnel™ to enhance safety and efficiency for breast augmentation and research on the new highly cohesive “gummy bear” implants. With the breast survey discussing cosmetic procedures, patients could provide their opinions and preferences to further assist Dr. Moyer’s plastic surgery research.

In addition to research, Dr. Moyer has continued refining techniques such as the auto-augmentation with breast lift and a unique suspensory facelift developed at Emory University. With his patient’s safety and satisfaction as a main priority, Dr. Moyer and his team at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. won a Patients’ Choice Award for 2013. This title is awarded to physicians who have received near perfect ratings among online review sites. Finally, he was excited to announce his official certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery in December.

For the upcoming year, Dr. Moyer looks forward to continue seeing patients and authoring and researching studies on new technology, surgical techniques, and implant designs. If you’re interested in a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure with Dr. Moyer, please contact us today. Be sure to connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery updates.

Dr. Hunter Moyer Officially Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

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Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer has received board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery after completion of a rigorous examination process and meeting educational and required training standards set by the board. Board certification assures patients that their physician has successfully attained the knowledge, education, and experience to provide safe and high quality care in their specialty.

With patient safety and surgical advancements at the top of his priorities, Dr. Moyer continues to refine and develop the latest techniques to benefit his patients. He has participated in studies investigating acellular dermal matrices and the Keller Funnel™ to improve breast surgery. In addition to breast procedures, he also performs cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the body and face. He performs a special facelift procedure originated at Emory University in which deeper suspensory ligaments are tightened to prolong facial surgery results.

Dr. Moyer is also an active member of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (SESPRS). He is available at both Northside-Forsyth Hospital in Cumming and Northside Hospital in Sandy Springs (Atlanta).

For more information on the procedures that Dr. Moyer performs, please contact us today to schedule your consultation. Also be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates.

The Keller Funnel™ Improves Patient Care and Safety during Breast Augmentation Surgery

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With plastic surgery research and patient safety as two of his main priorities, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer continues to research and implement the latest techniques and technology for plastic and reconstructive surgery. Recently, Dr. Moyer participated in a study on the Keller Funnel™, an FDA Class I device that facilitates the placement of breast implants into the patient’s body. This device improves patient care by decreasing the risk of infection and post-operative complications.

Breast augmentation surgery is designed to increase the size and volume of the breasts through the surgical insertion of saline, silicone, or highly cohesive silicone gel implants. The Keller Funnel™ assists breast enhancement by allowing direct transfer from the implants’ packaging to the patient’s breast cavity. The funnel minimizes the amount of skin contact and potential contamination during surgery, leading to reduced risk of infection and complications such as capsular contracture.

One of the main differences between saline and silicone breast implants, aside from the implant’s fill material, is the placement of them in the patient’s body. Saline implants are initially empty so they are inserted and then filled with sterile saline solution to the desired volume while silicone implants are already pre-filled and formed. The Keller Funnel™ allows Dr. Moyer to safely place silicone and highly cohesive silicone gel implants using smaller incisions like the ones used for saline implants, reducing the size and appearance of scars.

If you are interested in breast enhancement surgery or any other cosmetic procedure, please contact us today. For more plastic surgery updates and research studies, follow Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Dr. Hunter Moyer of Atlanta Plastic Surgery Named a 2013 Patients’ Choice Award Recipient

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Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer won a Patients’ Choice Award for 2013. According to statistics provided by Patients’ Choice, this honor is awarded to only approximately 5 percent of physicians nationwide who have received near perfect rating scores on online review sites. Patients’ Choice reviews public ranking and other quality measures such as medical certifications and continued, consistent ratings over the course of the year of the award.

Many patients refer to online resources to choose their physician and share their experiences regarding their procedure and care. Dr. Moyer has received exceptional ratings among online review websites and is now included on the Patients’ Choice database where patients can locate physicians of all specialties with quality care in their communities.

Dr. Moyer and his medical team sees patients at both of his practice locations at Northside-Forsyth in Cumming and Northside-Sandy Springs in Atlanta where he performs an array of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, breasts, and body. In addition to providing optimal care for his plastic surgery patients, he also continues to author and research studies on new technology, breast reconstruction techniques, and breast implant designs to improve results and patient experience.

If you’re interested in a procedure with an Atlanta Patients’ Choice Award Doctor, please contact us today to schedule your consultation. Also be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery updates.

Share Your Thoughts on Breast Augmentation with Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s Survey

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As a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast procedures, Dr. Hunter Moyer conducts research and investigates the latest breast implants and techniques to improve patient care. To better understand patient preferences, he invites his patients to participate in a voluntary survey on cosmetic breast surgery. The survey focuses on breast augmentation, a cosmetic procedure that enhances breast size and volume with an implant.

Please take our breast survey and share your thoughts on this popular cosmetic procedure. We greatly appreciate your time and input!

For more information on breast procedures or to schedule a consultation for your procedure, contact us today. Be sure to also connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates.

Lift and Enhance Breasts with Auto Augmentation Technique

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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.