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Breast Augmentation
Deciding to have breast augmentation surgery is a very personal decision. Each woman's decision is different and is based on her own individual needs, desires, and expectations. Thanks to advances in cosmetic surgery, many surgical breast enhancement options are available at our Roswell practice near Atlanta. Breast augmentation patients can have breast implants to add volume, the breasts can be reshaped, breasts that are unequal in size or shape can be corrected, and we can also rejuvenate breasts that have lost shape or fullness. Whatever your reasons are for choosing breast augmentation, Dr. Brian Howard can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, resulting in great personal satisfaction and well-being.
About Breast Implants
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either a saline solution or silicone gel. Silicone breast implants were once banned due to fears of adverse side effects; however, new advances and associated research have dispelled such concerns. In November 2006, silicone breast implants were approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Given that breast implants come in different sizes and different shapes, there are various considerations that must be addressed before undergoing breast augmentation surgery. During your consultation at his office in Roswell serving the greater Atlanta area, Dr. Brian Howard will determine which type of breast implants are best suited to meet your unique needs. Using his surgical expertise and understanding of body contour aesthetics, Dr. Howard will determine the best possible way to provide enhancement that looks as natural as possible.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure involves the placement of breast implants either beneath the muscle in the chest wall or on top of the muscle and just behind the tissue of the breast. As with the type and size of breast implant used, the placement of the implant requires a number of considerations that need to be addressed. Dr. Brian Howard will make a determination on the best way to place the breast implant during a consultation at his office. Many patients who have visited our office in Roswell serving the greater Atlanta area have been pleased with the level of care during the breast augmentation process.
Apart from breast augmentation surgery, there are other breast enhancement surgeries to consider that can improve the contour or appearance of your breasts. These breast enhancement procedures include breast lift, breast reconstruction, and breast reduction.
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Breast Reduction
Medical problems arising from large breasts can range from backaches and neck pain to breathing problems and skin irritation. Patients at our Atlanta-area office usually decide to have breast reduction surgery for non-cosmetic reasons. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate a range of medical problems.
Performed under general anesthesia, breast reduction ("reduction mammaplasty") is designed to reduce the size of the breasts. Several techniques are available at our Atlanta-area office for breast reduction surgery. Dr. Brian Howard's recommendations for your procedure are customized to meet your individual needs and goals.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Generally breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and tissue from the breast area. Depending on individual needs, the nipples can also be repositioned during breast reduction surgery. Breasts should be fully developed before reduction mammaplasty is performed unless the problem is causing serious medical problems.
Dr. Howard and his skilled team will discuss your breast reduction procedure with you in detail to ensure that you are fully informed about what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.
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Breast Lift
The effects of gravity, pregnancy, weight loss and aging can cause the breasts to lose their shape and sag. Our Atlanta-area office offers breast lift for women who want to reverse these effects and improve their appearance.
Performed under general anesthesia, the goal of breast lift surgery is to elevate the breasts to a more youthful position. Breast implants can also be inserted during this procedure to enhance results. The addition of implants can help restore firmness and volume to the breasts. Dr. Brian Howard and his experienced staff will discuss your options for breast lift surgery and the doctor will recommend the best technique to achieve your individual goals.
The Breast Lift Procedure
During the breast lift procedure, Dr. Howard will remove excess fat and skin and raise the breasts to a higher position. This also involves repositioning the nipple. The areola ó the dark area around the nipple ó can also be reduced during the procedure. The breast lift can last from one to four hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
As observed at our office in the Atlanta area, patients who choose to have breast lift surgery and breast implants usually have longer lasting results; however breast lift will not produce permanent results or stop the aging process.
Most of the pain from breast lift is experienced within the first 48 hours following surgery. Patients should be prepared to wear a surgical bra for several weeks following breast lift surgery.
Dr. Howard will review your medical history, examine your breasts, and discuss your goals and expectations at your initial consultation. Your consultation is an opportunity for you to become familiar with our office and discuss your goals for breast lift surgery. We encourage you to ask as many questions as possible at this time.
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Breast Reconstruction
If you have had or are preparing for a complete or partial mastectomy, deciding on an additional surgery such as breast reconstruction can seem like a daunting task. Dr. Brian Howard and his skilled staff have helped countless post -mastectomy patients work through the many details involved in preparing for this procedure. At our Atlanta-area office, breast reconstruction often involves more than one procedure so it is important to determine if you are ready to make a commitment to another major surgery. This decision is important in determining the appropriate time to have your procedure.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The type of breast reconstruction surgery performed depends on a variety of factors such as health, age, and surgical goals. This is why establishing a good working relationship with your doctor is important in weighing all of the many decisions there are to be made. Dr. Howard's communicative nature and thoughtful manner helps to put patients at ease. Additionally, our skilled breast reconstruction team provides the quality support needed to ensure that your surgery is a success.
Many techniques are available at our Atlanta-area office for breast reconstruction. The techniques most commonly performed are flap and expander reconstruction.
Expander Reconstruction
During the expander reconstruction procedure, a balloon expander is inserted under the breast muscle and over a period of time the expander is slowly filled with a saline solution. Once the desired size is achieved, the doctor will insert a permanent breast implant.
Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction involves the use of a skin flap that is created from another area of the body (usually abdomen, buttocks, or back). The newly created skin flap remains attached to its original source and is tunneled under the skin to the breast area. This newly created flap can either serve as the breast mound itself or it can provide a pocket in which a breast implant can be placed.
Breast reconstruction can make an extremely positive change in the life of a person who has lost one or both breasts.
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Tummy Tuck
Many people battle with excess fat in the abdominal area. Despite a healthy diet and exercise, some people find it difficult to eliminate deposits of fat from this region and begin to look for alternative ways to improve their appearance. At our Atlanta-area office, abdominoplasty (also known as "tummy tuck") provides a potentially ideal solution for people struggling with excess abdominal fat.
The Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Procedure
Abdominoplasty primarily involves the removal of fat and skin from the abdominal region. Underlying muscles can also be tightened during the abdominoplasty procedure. While many techniques are now utilized to perform an abdominoplasty, a traditional tummy tuck, the most commonly performed, requires an incision from hipbone to hipbone. During the procedure the skin is separated from the abdominal wall. Next, the vertical abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess fat and skin are removed. The navel is also repositioned during the procedure.
During a consultation with Dr. Brian Howard, he will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty. People who are planning to have a baby or lose a substantial amount of weight should postpone abdominoplasty surgery. If you are in relatively good health, you may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty, though your candidacy can be further explored during a consultation.
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Liposuction
Sculpting and enhancing the body at our Atlanta-area office with liposuction has become one of the most popular ways to make a considerable improvement in body image. Struggling with stubborn pockets of fat can be a maddening problem, particularly when one is following a healthy diet and exercise program. Liposuction, first introduced in the United States more than 20 years ago, has been the solution to this bothersome problem for many people. In some cases, Dr. Brian Howard can combine liposuction with other cosmetic procedures, such as face lift or tummy tuck, to further enhance the results of cosmetic treatment.
Liposuction Techniques
The goal of liposuction is to remove pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Our office near Atlanta offers several liposuction techniques. Generally, the procedure involves the use of a cannula (tube) to suction fat from the body. Liposuction is most commonly performed on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and hips. The result is a more sculpted, shapely silhouette.
Power-assisted Liposuction
Power-assisted liposuction involves the insertion of a tube through a small incision in the area of fat. The tube will then vacuum the fat cells out. This form of liposuction is performed under anesthesia and generally only takes a few hours to complete. Some bruising and soreness is common for about 10 days after the treatment.
Tumescent Liposuction
Our Atlanta-area practice also offers tumescent liposuction, considered the safest form of the treatment because it gets rid of large pockets of fat with little blood loss. After an injection of saline solution, flexible metal tubes called cannulas are inserted into the problem area to remove the fat cells. Patients who have tumescent liposuction typically have very short recovery periods. Many are able to return to work the next day and resume exercise within a week.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
This method of liposuction removes large amounts of fat by using sound waves and tumescent saline injections. The sound waves liquefy the fat, making it more easily extracted. Ultrasonic liposuction also reduces skin dimpling.
To effectively maintain your newly sculpted shape, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended.
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Arm Lift
Whether due to aging, genetics, or a substantial weight loss, unshapely, sagging arms can be an embarrassing problem. An arm lift (or "brachioplasty") is a procedure designed to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue from the upper arm. The procedure can significantly reduce the size of the arm and create a more attractive, shapely physique.
The Arm Lift Procedure
During the arm lift procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, the doctor will first make an incision along the inner portion of the arm. The doctor then removes excess skin and fat and tightens underlying muscles. Once the incision is closed, the doctor will apply a dressing and a compression garment. Reshaping the arm and tightening arm muscles through arm lift surgery can make a dramatic improvement in your shape and bring balance to the body.
Most people are up and moderately active within a few days following brachioplasty surgery. Full recovery usually takes three to four weeks.
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Body Lift (Post-Bariatric Surgery)
When a person loses a significant amount of weight, whether due to pregnancy or bariatric surgery, many discover that their skin has not conformed to the body's smaller frame. This excess skin tends to droop, sag and impair self-esteem. A body lift is often the surgery of choice for people experiencing this problem.
The Body Lift Procedure
Body lift is a more complicated procedure than abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) as it involves the abdomen as well as the buttocks, hips, thighs, legs, and back. Body lift procedures vary from patient to patient, but, generally the goal of the surgery is to remove excess fat and skin and tighten muscles.
A body lift is a complicated procedure, but one with many benefits. Patients should be fully informed going into their surgery and be prepared for a four to six week recovery period. A body lift should only be performed once a steady weight has been maintained.
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Facelift
People in the Atlanta area who come to our facility for face lift surgery usually want to reverse the effects of sun exposure and aging. As we age, the skin tends to lose elasticity, wrinkle, and sag. Folds and fat deposits appear around the neck, the jaw line grows slack, and deep creases form between the nose and mouth. At the Atlanta-area practice of Dr. Brian Howard, facial plastic surgery is among the most popular cosmetic procedures for people who want to renew their appearance and reduce the visible signs of aging.
The Face Lift Procedure
During a face lift, Dr. Brian Howard will remove excess fat and skin and tighten the underlying facial muscles. A traditional face lift is a complicated procedure performed on an area that extends from the neck to the forehead. However, advances in facial plastic surgery have made way for more innovative techniques that are less invasive and require shorter recovery times.
The type or extent of face lift to be performed depends upon the individual needs and desires of each patient. At his office serving the greater Atlanta area, Dr. Howard his facial plastic surgery team will make recommendations that will produce the best results for you. Dr. Howard will determine the best possible treatment plan to meet your unique aesthetic needs.
People who are unhappy with their appearance have a variety of facial plastic surgery options available to them. Our facility is conveniently located in Roswell outside of Atlanta, Georgia. During your initial face lift consultation, we will provide information on procedural techniques, costs, risks, and benefits. This will ensure that you will be as relaxed and anxiety-free as possible from pre-surgical preparation through post-operative recovery.
In addition to face lift, Dr. Howard offers other facial rejuvenation procedures at his office in the Atlanta area. Additional facial plastic surgery procedures you may wish to consider include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty, and brow lift. These additional procedures can also be discussed during your consultation to ensure a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
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Rhinoplasty
Many people who are dissatisfied with the shape of their nose choose our practice outside of Atlanta for rhinoplasty ("a nose job") because of the reputation of Dr. Brian Howard, a skilled cosmetic surgeon. Rhinoplasty involves surgically altering the contour of the nose. Dr. Howard strives to produce results that are as natural looking as possible for his patients. Rhinoplasty should provide an aesthetic improvement in the appearance of the nose so that it complements other facial features. Some of our rhinoplasty patients have also noticed a significant improvement in breathing problems following the surgery.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty can be performed using a variety of techniques. Generally, the rhinoplasty procedure involves manipulating and adjusting the cartilage in the nose. This is accomplished by first making an incision from outside of the nose (referred to as an "open rhinoplasty") or from within the nose (referred to as a "closed rhinoplasty") and detaching the skin from the structure of the nose. Dr. Brian Howard then adjusts the bone and cartilage in the nose to meet the goals and objectives of the surgery. The procedure usually lasts one to two hours and most patients are able to return to work in one week.
During a consultation at our office outside of Atlanta, Dr. Howard will determine if rhinoplasty is the proper treatment option for you. He will also answer all of your questions in greater depth, detailing the risks, benefits, and other potential concerns, and discussing whether an open rhinoplasty or a closed rhinoplasty is best suited to meet your needs. This will ensure that you will be as relaxed and anxiety-free as possible from pre-surgical preparation through post-operative recovery.
In addition to rhinoplasty, Dr. Howard offers other facial rejuvenation procedures at his office. Additional facial plastic surgery procedures you may wish to consider include face lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and brow lift. These additional procedures can also be discussed during your consultation to ensure a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
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Brow Lift / Forehead Lift
Many factors can have adverse effects on the forehead, as it is one of the most exposed areas of the body. As we age, the skin on the forehead may begin to lose elasticity, causing it to form wrinkles. Many patients who visit our Atlanta-area office often choose brow lift surgery to correct this problem.
The Brow Lift Procedure
A brow lift tightens the skin and underlying muscles of the forehead to produce a more refreshed, youthful appearance. During a traditional brow lift, the skin of the forehead is gently lifted, excess tissue is removed, and muscles are manipulated and adjusted to create a more rejuvenated appearance.
The brow lift procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, and our expert team can usually complete the brow lift procedure within one to three hours.
Brow lift can lead to a dramatic improvement in your appearance. Dr. Brian Howard and his staff have the experience and skill to ensure that your procedure is a success. During a plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Howard can determine if a brow lift or a combination of facial rejuvenation procedures is right for you.
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Blepharoplasty
The thin skin around the eyelid area is particularly sensitive to the effects of sun and other environmental factors. Over time, excess skin, fat and wrinkles may begin to appear around the eyes. Our Atlanta-area office offers eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) to correct this problem.
The Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Procedure
During blepharoplasty, the doctor removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelid. Depending on individual surgical goals, patients may require an upper eyelid procedure, lower eyelid surgery, or both. Upper eyelid surgery helps to correct the drooping that occurs as a result of excess fat and skin and can even improve vision. Lower eyelid surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of puffy eyes ("bags"). Whatever your surgical goals may be, our plastic surgery team has the skill in eyelid surgery to give you the results you desire.
Often, our blepharoplasty patients choose to combine other procedures such as face lift with their eyelid surgery. At your consultation, Dr. Brian Howard will provide you with options that will produce the best possible results.
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Otoplasty
The practice of Dr. Brian Howard has been providing women, men, and children in the Atlanta area with quality otoplasty (ear surgery) for many years. Ear surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is most commonly performed to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. People also have ear surgery to correct malformed ears and ear lobes that have been split from the use of earrings.
The Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) Procedure
The method our team uses in performing otoplasty depends on each patient's individual surgical goals. Dr. Howard has been performing otoplasty for many years and has the expertise to provide you with the best results possible. The ear reaches its adult size at about the age of three. Therefore, children should undergo otoplasty when the cartilage in the ear is strong enough to endure the surgery.
Otoplasty provides balance and harmony to the appearance and also helps to increase self-esteem. During a consultation with Dr. Howard, he will answer all of your questions about the procedure and will discuss the risks, benefits, and other surgical concerns in greater depth.
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Chin / Cheek Enhancement
A weak or receding chin and hollowed cheeks can make the face appear tired and even affect the appearance of other facial features. Dr. Brian Howard uses the highest quality implants to ensure that your procedure is a success. Chin and cheek enhancement procedures can give your face a more balanced, symmetrical appearance.
The Chin / Cheek Enhancement Procedure
The goal of chin and cheek enhancement is to create a more well-defined chin and jawline and add volume to the cheeks. Facial implants are very effective in achieving this goal. Implants augment the chin and cheek area by adding contour and definition to the face.
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Lip Augmentation
As we age, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear around the lips, and the corners of the mouth may begin to droop. Lip augmentation can enhance your lips by making them fuller and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure is designed to create full, attractive lips that work in harmony with other facial features.
The Lip Augmentation Procedure
Several techniques are available for lip augmentation surgery. For instance, natural or synthetic implants can be used to make the lips fuller, or the body's own tissue can be manipulated to achieve this same result. Lip augmentation can also be accomplished using a number of injectable fillers such as Restylane® or fat injections.
Whatever results you are interested in achieving, Dr. Brian Howard and his knowledgeable staff will work with you to make certain your procedure is a success.
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Fat Injections
Fat injections can be used to address a variety of cosmetic issues such as wrinkles, fine lines, facial folds, and other imperfections in the skin. Fat injections may be a treatment good option for patients who are ineligible for more invasive facial rejuvenation surgeries but would like to improve their appearance.
The Fat Injection Procedure
The fat used in this procedure can be harvested from the patient's own body, which eliminates the possibility of tissue rejection. The fat injection procedure can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and can significantly improve the appearance of the face by adding definition and volume. The duration of the procedure will depend on the extent of the work involved.
If you are in relatively good health and want to eliminate wrinkles and other imperfections in the skin, fat injections may be the perfect solution for you.
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Sculptra®
Sculptra® is a highly effective treatment for patients with noticeable loss of fat in the face (lipoatrophy). This condition, which is common among HIV patients, causes a sunken or hollowed-out appearance.
The Sculptra® Procedure
Sculptra® is injected directly under the skin, stimulating cells to produce collagen. This works to thicken the skin and improve volume in the face. One of the best effects of Sculptra® is that it lasts a considerably long time ó in some cases, up to two years after a single treatment.
Sculptra® is also used to smooth out wrinkles and correct other skin depressions such as eye rings and scars. Even better, Sculptra® is not derived from animal proteins and therefore requires no skin testing.
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BOTOX®
Combine the stresses of everyday life with environmental elements such as sun and cold, and you've got a recipe for damaged skin and wrinkles. The environment is full of toxins that are damaging to the skin. As the largest and most visible organ in the human body, the skin is highly susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. Over the years, much work and research has gone into developing treatments to reduce these visible signs of aging. At our Roswell practice near Atlanta, Dr. Brian Howard offers BOTOX® Cosmetic as a convenient, quick, and easy way to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
About BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic therapy was originally used to treat dystonia (a neuromuscular disorder) and pain. It was soon discovered that BOTOX® Cosmetic was also highly effective in the temporary reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Since then, our office serving the greater Atlanta area has used BOTOX® Cosmetic as a convenient, effective means of achieving smoother, younger looking skin. In some cases we can use BOTOX® injections as a non-surgical alternative to facial plastic surgery options such as face lift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a sterile form of botulinum toxin. When injected into the skin, BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks the nerve cells that cause muscle contractions responsible for the repetitive actions that produce wrinkles. Our patients find BOTOX® Cosmetic to be particularly effective in the treatment of crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines. The frequency of which BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are needed varies with each individual. Most patients receive BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments every three to four months in order to maintain results.
Unfortunately, as is sometimes common with popular products and treatments, some people have suffered damage as a result of BOTOX® Cosmetic being injected by untrained, unqualified people. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections should always be performed by a qualified, trained medical professional. During your consultation with Dr. Howard, he will determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX® injections. If not, he will recommend other non-surgical treatments to consider instead.
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