Acellular Dermal Matrices Benefit Breast Reconstruction

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Recently published in the February 2014 issue of The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, Dr. Hunter Moyer co-authored a study titled “The Effect of Radiation on Acellular Dermal Matrix and Capsule Formation in Breast Reconstruction.” Alongside Drs. Pinell-White and Losken, also from Atlanta, Dr. Moyer investigated acellular dermal matrix technology and patient safety for breast reconstruction. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are engineered materials that imitate and substitute for a patient’s tissue when there is an inadequate amount of healthy tissue available.

As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Moyer frequently conducts research and participates in studies relating to implant technology and surgical techniques. He is committed to advancing the field of plastic surgery as well as maximizing safety for his patients.

Dr. Moyer’s study primarily focuses on ADMs’ effects on patients who underwent breast reconstruction with implants. ADMs are commonly used for support during breast surgery, specifically reconstruction because of the ease of use and numerous benefits. As an engineered material, cellular ingrowth and tissue integration are important for transforming the material to biologic tissue. Results conclude that ADMs appear to limit the degeneration of skin elasticity and inflammation that can occur with radiation.

For more information on a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. Also, connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and the latest news articles.

Eyelid Surgery Can Be Performed for Patients of Various Ages

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Many patients choose blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to address the signs of aging that appear near the eyes such as drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, and a hollowed, tired appearance. Since eyelid surgery restores a more youthful, refreshed look, many assume that this procedure is only requested by patients in their mid-40s to 60s. However, younger patients can choose blepharoplasty if they are concerned with early signs of aging or the appearance of their upper eyelids. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer further explains the facial procedure and shares his safe, in-office technique.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids, depending on the patient’s areas of concern. To rejuvenate the upper eyelids, Dr. Moyer removes excess skin and fat and tightens the lid to open the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat deposits below the eyes that create under-eye bags. Dr. Moyer can also restore volume to the cheek area below the eyes for a more youthful result by repositioning fat and muscle. Incisions for eyelid surgery are hidden in natural creases or within the eyelid.

To save patients time and extra anesthesia and hospital costs, Dr. Moyer performs eyelid surgery in-office in about one hour. Patients can benefit with cosmetic improvements as well as an improved scope of vision. Downtime typically lasts one week, and results are permanent and long-lasting. With many years of experience, Dr. Moyer performs this procedure weekly.

After your surgical procedure, patients can maximize results with a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing to further reduce scarring and improve skin tone. If you are interested in eyelid surgery or other cosmetic procedures, 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.

Planning Your Breast Augmentation: Facts on Implants

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According to the latest statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation has consistently been the top cosmetic surgical procedure since 2006. Cosmetic breast surgery is a safe and transformative procedure, but it is highly important for patients to conduct their research and make informed decisions about their surgery. With the numerous online tools available and various sources claiming different information, plastic surgery research can often feel overwhelming. To help his patients learn more about breast enhancement and their implant options, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer shares a brief list of facts and reputable resources.

  • The FDA has approved three types of breast implants: saline, silicone, and highly cohesive silicone gel (also known as “gummy bear implants”).
  • Implants come in a variety of shapes, textures, and sizes to fit different bodies. During your consultation, there are tools such as sizers and imaging technology to help determine a proper size for your aesthetic goals.
  • Instead of breast cup sizes (A,B,C..), implants are measured by cubic centimeters (cc’s) which are determined by the amount of saline or silicone used to fill each implant.
  • The Keller Funnel™ is an FDA-approved device to directly transfer the implant from its packaging directly to the patient so the risk of contamination and complications are significantly reduced.
  • Surgical incisions can be made on various areas of the body to insert the implant such as under the breast, in the armpit, or even the belly button. The most common location is under the breast as scarring is covered and it provides direct access to the breast cavity.
  • Breast implants can be used for both cosmetic purposes as well as reconstructive. Depending on the patient’s body and preference, implants can be an option for breast reconstruction.

As a board certified plastic surgeon with vast experience in breast procedures, Dr. Moyer always reminds patients to check their surgeon’s background and credentials as well as implant information from the manufacturers.

  • The FDA publishes data sheets and approval information on their website.
  • Accredited professional associations like ASPS and The American Society of Aesthetic Surgery (ASAPS) provide lists of procedures and current events relating to plastic surgery. ASPS also has a list of questions to ask your surgeon regarding breast surgery.
  • Implant manufacturers such as Allergan®, Mentor®, and Sientra® offer breast implant information and safety guidelines.

If you are interested in breast augmentation or any other cosmetic procedure Dr. Moyer offers, please contact our office today. Be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates and plastic surgery news.

Nose Surgery as a Cosmetic and Reconstructive Facial Procedure

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Rhinoplasty is a facial procedure that reshapes the nose and can be either cosmetic or reconstructive. Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose can choose this surgery to alter the nose’s bridge, base, or tip. Many patients also choose rhinoplasty as a solution for respiratory issues, such as a deviated septum. As a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs rhinoplasty for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.

During nose surgery, an incision is typically made inside the nostrils. Sometimes a small incision is made externally under the nose to aid access to internal structures during the procedure. The skin is then lifted for Dr. Moyer to address nasal shape and size. The nose can be carefully sculpted by reshaping the tip, reducing the base, and lengthening or shortening the bridge.

Patients also seek rhinoplasty for reconstructive purposes to address any breathing obstructions. Dr. Moyer commonly performs cosmetic rhinoplasty in combination with reconstructive rhinoplasty to improve overall aesthetics for his patients. To maintain a proportionate result, some patients also combine rhinoplasty with other facial procedures such as blepharoplasty or a facelift to achieve a rejuvenated appearance.

If you’re interested in rhinoplasty or another procedure, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates on plastic surgery.

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.

Breast Reduction Surgery to Benefit Both Men and Women

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Often with breast procedures, many patients first think of breast enhancement or breast lift surgery. Another procedure, breast reduction surgery, addresses overly large breasts that contribute to physical and emotional problems such as poor posture, body pain, skin irritation, and self-image issues. Breast reduction surgery can be performed for both men and women who have been affected by the size of their breasts.

Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs breast reduction surgery by making a surgical incision to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breast area. Some women may additionally choose breast lift or liposuction to address sagging skin or unwanted fat. Nipple surgery can also be performed to achieve proportional results. During consultation, Dr. Moyer meets with each patient to discuss concerns and aesthetic goals to produce the best cosmetic surgery results possible for the patient’s body.

While many people commonly think of women when it comes to breast reduction surgery, men can also be affected by excessively large breasts.  A condition known as gynecomastia, overly large breasts can cause similar self-esteem issues for men. Gynecomastia doesn’t present the same physical restraints as macromastia (overly large breasts in women), but many men cannot resolve their breast size through diet and exercise alone. During male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Moyer uses similar techniques as he surgically excises excess glandular tissue then focuses on removing extra fat through liposuction and tightening surrounding tissue for a more masculine result.

If you’re interested in learning more about breast procedures or other cosmetic procedures that Dr. Moyer performs, please contact our office today. Also be sure to connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

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.