Dr. Hunter Moyer has launched his newly redesigned website, specifically focused on keeping you abreast of the latest developments in plastic surgery, updating you about special events and important information, and giving you the insights gleaned from Dr. Moyer’s own blog, with expert commentary on topics ranging from skin care to minimally-invasive cosmetic surgery.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, with years of refined training in reconstructive and cosmetic breast, body and facial procedures, Dr. Moyer understands that the decisions we make about our bodies affect every aspect of our lives. Therefore, he makes patient communication and education one of his top priorities. The new website is specifically designed to reach out to his patients and keep them informed.

For more information on a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure Dr. Moyer performs 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.

Whether you call them laugh lines or crow’s feet, those wrinkles that insidiously creep in on the outer edges of eyes can have a profound effect on an otherwise youthful appearance. For years, Botox® Cosmetic has remained a pioneer among facial rejuvenation treatments and a staple for relaxing wrinkles between the eyes and on the forehead. Botox® has been FDA-approved for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles for over a decade and in 2013 received an additional FDA approval for the treatment of the moderate to severe lines around the eyes known as crow’s feet.

To commemorate this recent development, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer is hosting Evening Aesthetics, a Botox® event at his office in Cumming, on April 22nd, 2014, 5pm to 8pm. The event will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a relaxed atmosphere. Dr. Moyer will also answer questions about the latest in plastic surgery and unveil a new skin resurfacing system developed at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. Dr. Moyer will be personally administering Botox® injections for $8 per unit, and all in attendance will have a chance to win Latisse® eyelash enhancement. While the event is free and all are encouraged to attend, space will be limited so please RSVP to 404-256-1311 or afrey@atlplastic.com. For more details on the event, see the invitation below.

We look forward to seeing you at the event! If you have any questions about the event or a procedure Dr. Moyer performs, contact us today. To stay up to date on the latest news and special events, follow Dr Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Similar to reading labels on the food we consume, it is important to look beyond the superficial ingredients of any skin care regimen to better understand the benefits and potential harm. In the previous blog on this site, I shared my thoughts on the good side of skin care and some of the key components to help you maintain healthy, radiant skin. With many of today’s products, we are bombarded with claims of dramatic results from “revolutionary” technology. In reality, many of these claims are purely theoretical and often have little to no clinically proven results. In the second part of this series I discuss my thoughts on the “not so good” and the “bad” claims of products that you should consider skipping on your next trip down the skin care aisle.

The “Not So Good”

Vitamin E: Much like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is a potent anti-oxidant, skin lightener and moisturizer. In the lab, Vitamin E has proven an active collagen remodeler that might help in smoothing thick scars. Unfortunately, in our clinical experience topical Vitamin E has not been shown to improve scarring; the serum is extremely oily and can actually lead to acne breakouts.

My recommendation: if you’re going to buy a product with an active form of vitamin E, look for one that has tocopherol; however, I highly recommend Vitamin C over Vitamin E for all skin care regimens.

Collagen and PSP®: Topical collagen and processed skin cell proteins (PSP®) are touted to bolster dermal collagen and plump up your skin. It is true that the deep layer of skin responsible for structure and tightness is composed of collagen, elastin and other proteins; however, the outer layers of skin are designed to prevent these large compounds from leaking out. By the same measure, the outer layer of skin prevents the penetration of any large product placed topically. Collagen and proteins are simply too large to penetrate the skin.

The cosmeceutical industry understands this and has developed peptide and penta-peptide formulas, the new buzz words in skin care products if you will. Peptides are small fragments of a larger protein or collagen fiber that can be absorbed into the skin. The idea behind PSP® is that the peptides act as agents to breakdown collagen and protein, which will trigger your body into repair mode and stimulate new collagen and elastin production. Unfortunately, there is no data to support this theoretical claim.

My recommendation: save your $100 a month and consider a chemical peel or laser treatment.

The “Bad”

Gold Infused Nano-particle Creams: In my opinion, these products are a complete scam. Everyone loves gold, and we all like high-tech names like nano-particle (a fancy term for tiny particles). For example, one such product combines gold particles with silk to produce an “anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, healing and preserving” cream. Unfortunately, gold was named the 2002 American Contact Dermatitis Society’s allergen of the year and silk is a well-known inflammatory enabler.

My recommendation: unless you want to develop a severe rash for the low price of $420 a bottle, avoid such creams.

Stem Cells: Stem cells will be the source of medicinal cures in the distant future but are the hollow promise of many companies today. We do know that our adult bodies are full of regenerative cells that can be harnessed for cures; however, the science has not caught up with the marketing promises. Most stem cell creams on the market take a mixture of your natural signaling molecules and plasma from around harvested stem cells (not the stem cells themselves) that are mixed into a standard moisturizer. These cell messengers are then applied to the skin with the promise of causing your own skin stem cells to react and rejuvenate. The theory behind this is sound, but not proven.

My recommendation: stick to anti-oxidants as they work by binding to and removing toxic waste products from your skin. Damage from UV radiation, smoking and general aging cause the breakdown of skin and in turn release free radicals (molecules with too many electrons attached). Anti-oxidants absorb these free electrons and convert them back to a normal, non-harmful waste product.

If you are interested in finding a skin care treatment that is right for you or a cosmetic procedure I perform, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Stay connected with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer, on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more updates and news on skin care and plastic surgery.

Each person’s face ages differently, so there are various anti-aging procedures to address everyone’s needs. Younger patients often begin non-surgical procedures to treat early, minor signs of aging while patients with deeper wrinkling and excess skin may pursue facial cosmetic surgery to fully address. Since facial and skin concerns range from wrinkles and fine lines to lax skin and muscle, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer offers both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures to treat patients of any age and skin condition.

Patients with minor wrinkles and lines and surface concerns can benefit from minimally invasive treatments. Botox® and fillers are minimally invasive cosmetic injectables that smooth out wrinkles and lines. Facial fillers specifically restore lost volume in the cheeks and mouth. For sun spots and scars, chemical peels or laser therapy can improve skin texture and encourage collagen production for healthy, clear skin.

Surgical procedures like facelift and brow lift are available for patients with advanced signs of aging. During facelift surgery, Dr. Moyer removes excess fat and skin and re-tightens facial muscles. In some instances, facial tissue and fat can be repositioned to naturally fill areas of lost volume. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) corrects drooping eyelids and removes fat deposits below the eyes. Eyes are a common area of concern as they are one of the first areas to exhibit signs of aging.

Additionally, patients can combine non-surgical procedures with surgical procedures to maximize their results. If you are interested in a facial treatment or any other procedure, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Be sure to also follow Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates and plastic surgery news.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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+.