Women today are opting for more subtle, natural looking options in all forms of cosmetic surgery, particularly when it comes to breast augmentation.  In the past, large, round breast implants were common, but today, modestly-sized, shaped implants, which have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top, have become increasing popular.  While round implants have a tendency to make the breast appear fuller and can achieve more projection and cleavage, in some cases they can appear less natural and more artificial, particularly when sized too large to comfortably fit the patient’s frame.  Shaped breast implants mimic the natural form and contour of the female breast, achieving results that are often indistinguishable from the real thing.  Round implants are also easier to insert, since they are the same shape all over and so resist rotating out of place.  Shaped implants, on the other hand, may shift within the “pocket” created for them during surgical implantation, making the breast appear distorted and unusual.  To alleviate this concern, the most advanced shaped implants have a textured surface, allowing healing tissue to adhere to the implant and making accidental repositioning far less likely.

One of the most recent advances in breast augmentation is the introduction of what are known as “gummy bear implants.”  These shaped and textured implants are filled with a more cohesive form of silicone with a thicker consistency than traditional silicone or saline.  This makes them “form-stable”, which not only creates a firmer final result, but is also ideal in that the cohesive gel maintains its shape even in the case of accidental rupture.

Some women, specifically those who are generally happy with the size of their breasts but uncomfortable with the sagging that occurs with age, have shown a preference for breast lift, or mastopexy, procedures over augmentation with implants.  In fact, according to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic surgeons, the number of breast lift procedures performed in the United States has increased by 70% since 2000, almost double the rate of increase in breast augmentations.  A breast lift can reposition the breasts to a higher, more youthful position while making them appear more firm and lifted.  Often, some of my patients opt to combine breast lift and breast augmentation to not only gain higher placement of the breasts on the chest, but also to make them fuller with implants.

If you’re interested in a breast procedure that I offer, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Connect with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

Many people would like to look younger but few people can find the time, given our busy, fast-paced, and highly active lifestyles, to take days off to recover from an extensive surgical procedure.  Fortunately, I offer a wide array of non-surgical facial rejuvenation options that require minimal downtime and can provide subtle and elegant changes perfect for those not quite ready for the more comprehensive changes that full surgery may entail.  In fact, given so many different options, it may be difficult to determine which is best suited to your needs.  So here is a comparison of the most popular facial rejuvenation treatments to help you determine exactly which one is right for you.

There are a number of effective treatments that can be incorporated into your daily routine to additionally help take care of your skin.  In my recent two-part skin care series, I detail “the good, the not so good and the bad” side of skin care products that I recommend to my patients who wish to further maintain their facial rejuvenation results.

If you are interested in the facial rejuvenation procedures I perform, contact us today.  Also, connect with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and latest news.

As we get older, and the effects of time and gravity increasingly take their toll, muscle and skin begins to sag.  Our metabolisms slow and the fat that was once able to be burned off, is now seemingly impossible to get rid of.  As a result, the once-trim midsection of youth begins to grow and stretch.  Weight gain or pregnancy can cause the muscles in the abdomen to stretch and separate and, as a result, even losing weight can’t tighten that midsection despite our best efforts.  Fortunately, I perform cosmetic procedures like abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, to address specific abdominal concerns for my patients.

Abdominoplasty can help improve the appearance of the midsection, especially after significant weight gain or loss. It helps flatten the lower abdomen and tighten stretched skin and may also help relieve skin rashes or infections that happen under large flaps of skin.  Generally, I perform tummy tucks by creating an incision in the lower abdominal region that is easily hidden by underwear and bathing suits. Unwanted skin and fat are removed and the skin is tightened downward.  The shape and length of the incision are primarily determined by the amount of excess skin.  Once the abdominal skin is lifted, underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.  Liposuction is performed on the flanks to further enhance the hourglass appearance and excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together while maintaining a natural navel appearance.

Tummy tuck results present a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.  During your recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to the surgical sites, and you may be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals.  I always give my patients specific, post-operative instructions and always encourage them to ask any specific questions about what to expect during the recovery period.  Individual recovery times can vary significantly, but maintaining a good line of communication with me is the best way to reduce the risk of any complications arising from elective procedures.

If you’re interested in body contouring, cosmetic, or reconstructive procedures that I offer, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Connect with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

After a lumpectomy or mastectomy to remove breast cancer, many patients choose to undergo breast reconstruction, an elective surgery for women who desire to rebuild their breasts after breast cancer treatment.  Since each breast cancer patient’s journey is different, there are several reconstructive techniques to address the amount of remaining tissue, the severity of the cancer, and the patient’s body structure.  However, regardless of the particular form of reconstruction, all patients want to back to normal, healthy activities as soon as they possibly can.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs a wide range of breast reconstruction techniques, taking into account each patient’s unique breast cancer journey and works to develop the most ideal recovery plan.  Each patient’s road to recovery is different.  The most important aspect of follow-up consultations is the ability to monitor the healing process and advise when an appropriate time is to re-introduce regular physical routines.

A TRAM flap procedure uses a part of the lower abdominal muscle, its blood vessels, and some abdominal fat to rebuild the breast, therefore recovery should be gradual.  Patients can generally start walking the next day, with expected tenderness and soreness at the surgical site.  Calf and deep breathing exercises for the first two to three days can assist in preventing blood clots.  Three to four days after surgery patients can begin arm rehabilitation exercises to reduce swelling and, once the drains are removed, can start stretching the chest and shoulders as well.  Regular walks during recovery have been shown to be beneficial, but patients should avoid all abdominal exercises until at least six weeks after surgery and then only with your surgeon’s approval.  Start slowly and gently while continuing your stretching exercises and walking or other low-intensity aerobic exercise.

The latissimus dorsi flap technique uses an oval section of muscle, skin, and fat from below the shoulder and behind the armpit to rebuild the breast.  Because this type of reconstruction affects the shoulder muscle, you should wait to start any gentle shoulder stretching until about two weeks after surgery, and for about three months after surgery to do any resistance/strength exercises.  If you have any shortness of breath, pain, or tightness in your chest, stop exercising immediately. Directly working with your surgeon to develop a plan of movements that are right for you is beneficial in minimizing adverse effects to newly constructed breasts.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction utilizes fat, skin, and blood vessels, but no muscle from the wall of the lower belly to rebuild the breast.  Because no muscle is used, most women may recover more quickly than a TRAM flap patient.  After DIEP flap surgery, recovery is similarly experienced as with TRAM flap surgery, although strength training can probably be resumed earlier, with approval.

There are a number of factors to be considered when planning the road to recovery for breast reconstruction patients.  Thoroughly discussing your progress and future steps is vital to ensuring the safest recovery possible.  If you are interested in discussing breast reconstruction options or your plan to recovery, please contact us today. Be sure to follow Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

Working as a board certified plastic surgeon has blessed me in many ways.  I get to not only do what I love on a daily basis, but I also have the opportunity to work with some of the best patients around.  One patient in particular, Austin, is one who has truly inspired me.  His harrowing story is one that I had the pleasure of being a part of and I am excited to feature Austin in my first patient feature series.

The events that occurred on May 25, 2013 set into motion a story of adversity and triumph.  As a rising sophomore at Bremen High School, Austin led an on-the-go kind of life.  Sharing his father’s love of wrestling, Austin continued the family tradition and had his sights set on finishing the 2013 season with an individual state championship title.  On that summer day in May, Austin was involved in a four-wheeler accident that could have easily derailed his dream, but Austin’s determination would later prove otherwise.

When Austin came to me during his initial consultation, he had one of the worst orbital blowouts I had ever seen.  The left side of his face had been severely crushed: his maxillary jaw was fractured and there was essentially no eye socket left to support his eye.  His mother Jennifer recalled, “I honestly wasn’t expecting the extent of damage Dr. Moyer described.  I was petrified because it was my baby and it was his face.  One of my good friends highly recommended Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s providers to help Austin with this surgery because she had been impressed by the results her own son had.”  As a parent of two young boys myself, I genuinely connected with Jennifer’s concern for Austin and I was determined to help them during his arduous journey to recovery.

Austin’s surgery required precise execution and an experienced medical team to complete.  My team and I surgically placed three synthetic plates, eight screws and a cheek implant in a single combination procedure to restore the infrastructure to the left side of his face.  To reduce any visible scarring I was able to operate through the eye and the inside of the mouth.  As I met with Austin for several follow-ups to monitor his progress, I was elated by how quickly Austin was healing.

What really inspired me the most about Austin was what he accomplished next.  In addition to his facial procedure, Austin had broken both of his wrists and had to undergo surgery to repair those injuries.  It was uncertain if he would ever be able to wrestle again with the extent of the damage he sustained and the nature of the sport which could easily compromise his recovery.  Despite not being cleared by his physician, Austin focused on staying active and exercised every day for three months while he watched his teammates practice from the sidelines.  Just a mere two days after he was cleared, and after only one team practice, Austin was back on the mat and competed in his first dual competition late in the season.

Five weeks later he went on to secure his first GHSA Class AA state champion title for his weight class, all while wearing a protective face mask that undoubtedly made it difficult to see out of.  Jennifer described his tenacity best, “wrestling is his life, his motivation.”

Having to overcome what some might consider a large set-back served as a driving force for Austin’s success.  The focus and perseverance he exhibited is certainly something to be admired and it has been such a humbling experience to follow his journey.  Today the  family is back to their constantly on-the-go routine.  Jennifer recently shared, “We are extremely happy with Austin’s results.  Everyone who knows about the accident is amazed at his recovery and the results of his procedure, especially since there are no scars.  Austin is now driving and while the accident was horrible, I think it made him more self-conscious and aware of his surroundings.”

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is hearing about the great things that happen in the patients’ lives that I have the fortune of getting to know; all of their stories remarkable in their own right.  If you are interested in sharing your story and being my next patient feature, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  Be sure to also stay connected with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer, on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for future patient features and updates.

Plastic surgery is a constantly growing and changing field.  Every day we are making new discoveries and innovations.  One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the realization that plastic surgery can do more than just enhance the body and address the physical changes that time can cause to your body.  Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer has observed that younger patients are taking advantage of newer, less-invasive procedures to make subtle, pre-emptive changes by starting these facial rejuvenation treatments earlier than ever before.

Cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate and smooth facial skin have become increasingly popular among patients aged 18 to 30.  In fact, members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) performed 90,000 wrinkle-relaxer procedures and nearly 30,000 soft-tissue filler treatments for those 30 and younger last year, according to the 2013 ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures. Those totals are 50% (wrinkle-relaxers) and 63% (fillers) higher than the previous year for the same age group.

Cosmetic injectables like Botox® smooth and relax the fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet caused by facial expressions and the natural effects of aging.  The effects can generally last four to six months and, with repeated use, Botox® can train the muscles to relax, making the lines and wrinkles appear less severe for longer periods.  However Botox® will not replace tissue that has been lost, so damage caused by the sun and gravity will not respond to treatment.

Facial fillers like Juvéderm®, Sculptra®, and Restylane® facilitate the softening of deeper facial creases and add volume to the lips and face, restoring the plump, firm, fullness of youth.  Cosmetic injectables give patients extra lift that previously could only be achieved with more comprehensive surgical procedures such as facelift.  Providing patients with results ranging from six months up to two years, facial fillers can even prolong facial plastic surgery results to help maintain a youthful appearance.  Dr. Moyer safely and effectively administers Botox® and facial fillers to adult patients in-office with minimal discomfort and without the need for extensive downtime.

If you are interested in facial rejuvenation procedures Dr. Moyer performs or would like 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.

Many patients exercise regularly but still can’t seem to get rid of excess fat, whether from weight gain or pregnancy.  With the advances in medical science and technology, body contouring procedures can sculpt and refine the body to help maintain a youthful and vital appearance.  Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs body contouring procedures that have become increasingly popular among patients.  According to the latest American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2013 statistics, liposuction ranked one of the top five most performed cosmetic surgical procedures, and the number of tummy tucks and buttocks lifts have both increased by roughly 80% since 2000.

Patients who experience localized amounts of fat that may be resistant to diet and exercise are ideal candidates for liposuction.  Dr. Moyer uses three fat removal methods to suit each patient’s specific needs.  Thru very small incisions (less than ¼”), Dr. Moyer uses a small hollow tube (or cannula) to suction out fat cells.  In tumescent liposuction a special anesthetic fluid is injected, which numbs the area and causes the fat cells to swell, making the fat easier to remove.  Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses high frequency sound to liquefy the fat, leaving the skin and other tissue unharmed.  Not only does this allow the fat to be suctioned more easily, but the stimulating vibration can tighten and revitalize the overlying skin as well.  Finally, Body Jet (or water-assisted) liposuction uses sterile water to loosen undesired fat for removal.  However it uses a closed system design, withdrawing the fat so it can be later used for other fat transfer or augmentation procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift.

Over the years, weight gain or pregnancy can cause the muscles in the abdomen to stretch and separate.  As a result, even losing weight can’t tighten the midsection as much as some patients would like.  A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is designed not only to remove unwanted fat and eliminate excess skin from the mid-section but also to retighten muscles along the abdominal wall that may have separated, restoring the smooth, lean contours of a more youthful physique.  Dr. Moyer makes an incision in the lower abdominal area, easily hidden by underwear or bathing suits, and tightens the skin downward to make sure the naval maintains a natural appearance.

Utilizing excess fat removed through liposuction, Dr. Moyer can perform buttock augmentation (or Brazilian Butt Lift) through fat transfer.  The fat that has been removed is carefully purified and then re-injected into the buttocks to re-contour the area.  Using the patient’s own fat instead of an implant creates a more natural contour.  During consultation, Dr. Moyer works with patients to determine the precise target areas for both removal and re-injection to make sure that the patient can get the expected results they desire.

If you are interested in body contouring procedures Dr. Moyer performs or would like 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.

Dr. Moyer invites patients to Evening Aesthetics and unveils Redesigned Website; puts focus on skin rejuvenation.

ATLANTA, GA, April 18, 2014, Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer is hosting Evening Aesthetics at his office in Cumming, from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday, April 22^nd, 2014.  The event will compliment the launch of his newly redesigned website and serve as the opening announcement of a new skin therapy.  During the event, Dr. Moyer will personally administer Botox® injections for $8 per unit.  Those in attendance enjoy beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to win free Latisse® eyelash enhancement, Vitamin C cream and Revision Sunscreen.

He is pleased to have this opportunity to unveil the culmination of years of development in his stem cell lab.  The same research that has led to Dr. Moyer’s multiple patents is now available to patients through a groundbreaking facial rejuvenation process.  Dr. Moyer is also excited to launch his newly redesigned website, specifically focused on keeping patients abreast of the latest developments in plastic surgery and updating them about special events and important information.

“I have always believed that having an open channel of communication with my patients is vital to any procedure being successful in the long term,” explains Dr. Moyer.  “Communication means making a connection and everyone connects in a different way.  I am always looking for new media to establish a more meaningful relationship with my patients.  The website and the Evening Aesthetics event are ways I hope to encourage a new dialogue with everyone.”

While the Evening Aesthetics event is free and all are encouraged to attend, space is limited.  Those who are interested are encouraged to RSVP to 404-256-1311 or afrey@atlplastic.com.  Full details about the event are available on the website, or in Dr. Moyer’s newsletter.

About Dr. Hunter Moyer

Hunter R. Moyer, M.D. is a plastic surgeon in the Atlanta area.  He is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and graduated with a medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, where he also completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residencies. He is an active member of the Plastic Surgery Research Council and Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a Resident Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dedicated to continual research in order to advance plastic and reconstructive surgical technology, Dr. Moyer has published articles in journals like Annals of Plastic Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on topics like tissue rejuvenation, breast implant design and more.

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+.