The year-end statistics for 2007 revealed that the number of performed breast augmentation procedures in the United States continued to rank highly.  It was only outdistanced by liposuction surgeries.  This represents a 4.1% increase in the number of breast augmentations from the previous year.  Continued improvements in the design and delivery of both saline and silicone implants has helped to drive the increase in the number of augmentations.  I anticipate an ongoing increase in breast augmentation demand in my practice for both silicone and saline.

Sculptra

            Sculptra is quickly becoming my method of choice for augmenting the face without any downtime or any anesthesia!  Performed in the office, Sculptra injections are well tolerated by most patients who can return to normal activities and apply make-up immediately!

            Sculptra is made up of a synthetic material which has been used for years in dissolvable stitches and facial implants.  Due to the natural biocompatibility of the molecule, no skin testing is required and injections are done on the same day as the first consultation at my office.

            Injections are done two to four weeks apart until optimal results are seen.  It is safe to combine Sculptra injections with other injectables such as Botox or Restylane, and I perform this commonly.  Most patients reach that goal in three to five injections.  Results, although variable, can be expected to last two years or more!  Side effects are rare, but may include temporary bruising and swelling. 

            Call our office today and schedule your appointment to discuss Sculptra today!

Last year, Botox injections were the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States!  Despite the current challenging economy, customers continue to embrace the wrinkle relaxing results from Botox. 

FDA approved for treatment of wrinkles between the eyebrows (called the glabella), Botox is effective for frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and the “crow’s feet” or “smile lines” around the eyes.  Nice results can also be seen with wrinkles around the lips and to help reverse the frown at the corners of the mouth.

Botox is also possibly effective in decreasing the occurrence of migraine headaches.

An exciting bit of news is that Botox should soon have competition in the US from competitor Reloxin.  Reloxin is currently in review with the FDA and we eagerly await their decision to expand patient options for wrinkle treatment.

How Does it Work?

Laser hair removal uses laser energy to produce hair reduction. The hair is heated by the laser, the heat is transferred to the hair follicle, and the follicle responds by going into a dormant state.

How Many Treatments?

Typically, between three to five treatments are administered at four to eight week intervals depending upon the location of the hair and individual patient response. Following the initial series of treatments, subsequent treatments may be administered at longer intervals if necessary. Maintenance treatments may be required to keep all the hair away in a given area. After the first treatment, the hair in a given area is usually reduced in amount and thickness for a long period of time, but may not be completely gone. To keep an area completely free of hair, maintenance treatments are always required. The maintenance treatments may eventually be required only yearly or even longer.

How Much Does It Cost?

Most patients find the treatment’s lasting effects and improvement in lifestyle with the reduced hair growth more than worth the cost. The cost of a laser hair removal treatment varies depending on the area being treated and the number of treatments in a package. Each individual has a unique pattern of hair growth so it is difficult to give a precise estimate of the number of treatments required to eliminate your problem hair. The safest approach is to set up a consultation with Dr. Howard’s office in Roswell, Georgia, to better understand prices for your particular case.

Fraxel laser has something for everyone!

The Fraxel laser has expanded the non-surgical options for rejuvenation of the face, hands, and the neck. It has also shown great promise for improving scars, both old and new. Exciting results have been achieved on stretch marks, surgical scars, and traumatic scars and has become the treatment of choice for scar improvement in my office. Dramatic improvement in facial wrinkles, especially fine wrinkles, is commonly achieved with this laser. Most people require between three to six treatments, depending on what is being treated and what the final goals are. Downtime is between two to five days and discomfort is typically minimal. Combined with dermal fillers or Botox, the Fraxel laser provides and exciting option for non-surgical rejuvenation!

New SmartLipo MPX turbo charges your results!

SmartLipo has improved its cutting edge technology to help tighten your lax skin while removing unwanted areas of fat. By adding a second laser wavelength to the system, we can now more effectively tighten your skin to improve the overall final appearance of your SmartLipo procedure. Laser lipolysis has expanded the role of body sculpting and liposuction and provided more options for the cosmetic surgery patient. Most areas can now be performed as an office procedure without general anesthesia. Most patients also experience a faster and less painful recovery as well. Call Dr. Brian Howard’s office to schedule your appointment and consultation!

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion has withstood the test of time in the cosmetic industry as an effective, noninvasive method of removing unwanted layers of dead skin and stimulating collagen formation in the skin to help with fine wrinkles and pigmentation.

And no downtime! This has made Microdermabrasion a very popular treatment for those who can’t afford the downtime with more invasive treatment options. It has earned the nickname the “lunchtime peel” because patients can return immediately to work or play following every treatment.

To give effective results, treatments are provided in packages, with each treatment requiring approximately 30 minutes. Most patients will need five to twelve treatments and result in a polished, healthy glow in their skin.

Side effects are very uncommon and make this treatment safe for all skin types and color. Treatments are commonly combined with other treatments such as Botox or facial fillers to maximize your results!

Additional Education Resources for Patients

All patients should seek out as much information as possible about their procedure and their surgeon prior to making any final decision. Here at Dr. Brian Howard’s office in Roswell, Georgia, we want to assist our patients as much as possible in their pursuit of becoming a fully informed patient, and therefore a better surgical candidate. For additional information on breast implant and breast augmentation safety, breastimplantsafety.org is extremely educational and a highly recommended source. For any injectable procedure, injectablesafety.org is another very valuable educational resource. Please contact our Atlanta, Georgia office for any other questions about any of your cosmetic surgery interests!

The New MedSpa is here!

Dr. Brian Howard and his staff are pleased to announce the opening of his new MedSpa at his office in Roswell, Georgia, in the Greater Atlanta area! Offering a full and extensive menu covering all aspects of skin care and treatment, Dr. Howard has expanded skin treatment options for men and women of all skin types and color.

Dr. Howard is especially pleased to announce that his new Aesthetician is a highly trained and experienced skin clinician who comes with high accolades from her peers and clients. Trained in multiple types of skin care lines, peels, and even laser treatments, our Aesthetician brings experience and expertise to our new MedSpa.

We will now offer laser hair removal, laser treatment of spider veins and rosacea, and laser treatment of skin pigmentation. Along with our Fraxel laser, we now can provide broad spectrum laser treatment options within the pleasant accommodations of our office.

Call now and ask for a complimentary consultation with our Aesthetician to fully evaluate your skin and learn about the many exciting treatment options available to you!