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.

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.

In the October 2012 issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer conducted a study titled, “The Effect of Silicone Gel Bleed on Capsular Contracture” with Drs. Ghazi and Losken, also from Atlanta. In the study, the latest generation silicone gel breast implants, also known as highly cohesive gel implants, were tested for its effect on a common breast implant complication. Capsular contracture is an implant complication that occurs when the body forms excess scar tissue around an implant, creating a hardened breast texture and appearance. Dr. Moyer’s study explored how silicone gel bleed, or when the silicone fill of an implant leaks out of the shell, affected the breast.

The use of silicone breast implants in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction is increasing each year, according to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The highly cohesive silicone implants used in the study are Mentor’s Contour Profile Gel® (CPG) and Allergan’s Natrelle 410® implants. Since these implants are fairly new, Dr. Moyer has extensively researched the safety of these breast implants in his lab both at Emory and Georgia Tech.

Results conclude that the silicone gel fill does not harm the patient’s body, as the new implants are stronger and safer, and that even in the event of an implant rupture, the body will react locally but not systemically. Dr. Moyer continues investigating techniques and new developments in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

For more information on a procedure or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today. Also, connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery news.

Featured in The Atlantan’s May 2013 issue, Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer answers frequently asked questions about breast implants. With the FDA’s recent approval of Allergan’s Natrelle 410 highly cohesive silicone gel implants, many patients have asked about their implant options for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. In the article, Dr. Moyer addresses the differences between silicone implants and the new “gummy bear” form stable implants.

Saline and silicone implants are silicone elastomer shells filled with either sterile saline solution or a silicone gel. Both are also FDA approved for use in breast enhancement and breast reconstruction surgery. Allergan’s 410 cohesive gel implants contain a stronger outer shell and are filled with a thicker, form-stable silicone gel, reducing the likelihood of leakage or shape loss.

If you are interested in breast surgery or any other cosmetic procedure Dr. Moyer performs, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Be sure to also connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and news.

For patients interested in breast augmentation, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer will be hosting a free question and answer session at Northside Forsyth’s 1400 building, suite 390 on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 6 pm. During the Q&A, patients can ask questions about breast implant options and breast procedures they’re interested in. Dr. Moyer will present information on saline, silicone, and the most recent FDA-approved Allergan 410 cohesive gel breast implants. To attend this free event, please RSVP to Rebecca Brock at (404)-250-3393.

If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up a copy of Jezebel Magazine’s March issue to learn the latest on lasers from Dr. Hunter Moyer, AYA Medical Spa, and Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. Last month, Atlanta Plastic Surgery added Sciton® laser technology to their menu of non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures. In the article, Dr. Moyer helps to answer commonly asked questions about Sciton®. This new skincare technology is available at AYA Medical Spa, owned and operated by Atlanta Plastic Surgery, at their Northside location in Atlanta. As a laser resurfacing option to eliminate wrinkles, scarring, acne, uneven skin tone, and unwanted hair, Sciton® can treat most skin types. See the article below to learn more.

If you are interested in Sciton® laser technology or other non-surgical or surgical procedures, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Also be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more updates and news on plastic surgery.