What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

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When your conversations are Skype video conferences and your pictures are all in ultra-high definition even minor facial imperfections can seem obvious to the entire world.  Damage from wind and sun and the relentless effects of time and gravity can leave skin looking marred and blemished far beyond its years.  Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer keeps abreast of the most advanced technology to help minimize facial imperfections and leave skin looking fresh and revitalized with laser skin resurfacing.

Laser skin resurfacing uses high intensity light to vaporize the damaged skin in the outer layers of skin.  This creates a uniform “injury” to your skin, similar to deeper chemical peel or dermabrasion but with extremely precise control of the depth and location of the damage.  The removal of the damaged skin effectively reduces the appearance of acne, scars, and sun or liver spots, while stimulating the production of collagen.  As the skin heals, the newer skin that forms is younger-looking and more elastic, alleviating the appearance of wrinkles and the fine “smile lines” while giving the skin a fresh, healthy glow.

Sciton® laser skin resurfacing is the most advanced FDA-approved system that Dr. Moyer uses to remove damaged skin.  As Sciton® laser strength is fully customizable, it can be safely used on patients of all ages with a variety of skin tones and pigments.  An added benefit of Sciton® technology is that its intense beam of focused energy treats the most minute imperfections without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Laser resurfacing is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, with varied treatment times that depend on the specific area/s being treated.  Minor swelling can be expected as well as a mild itching or burning sensation over the next few days.  Additionally, skin may become dry and begin to peel during the healing process which (depending on the skin condition that was treated) can last for several days.  After treatment, it is particularly important that you use a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 45 or higher that screens ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays like those recommended in Dr. Moyer’s previous blogs on skin care.  By limiting your time outside you’ll not only protect your skin from harmful rays that can lead to skin cancer, but decrease the risk of adverse effects caused by light sensitivity.

If you are interested in skin care technology or the facial rejuvenation procedures Dr. Moyer performs, contact us today.  Also, connect with Dr. Moyer on FacebookTwitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and the latest news articles.

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.