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Marietta, GA 30068

Liposuction Surgery Overview

Posted on July 2, 2014 by adminpsi

Liposuction is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to reduce excess fat deposits from specific parts of the body, and improve the body contour and proportion. The procedure effectively reshapes and reduces such pockets in the body where stubborn fats do not respond to diet or exercise. Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing liposuction procedure to his patients in and around Atlanta, GA.

Areas of Treatment

Liposuction can be performed in various areas of the body that are typically vulnerable to the deposition of excess fat tissue. These localized fat pocket areas may include the following:

Thighs
Hips and buttocks
Abdomen and waist
Upper arms
Back
Inner knee
Chest area
Cheeks, chin and neck
Calves and ankles

Liposuction is one of the unique procedures that can easily be performed along with several other types of procedures performed by a cosmetic surgeon. However, liposuction also has its limitations, and patients should be clear what it can or cannot do for them. It is not a weight reduction procedure, and it is not an effective solution to reduce cellulite. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. McCluskey will explain all aspects of liposuction with his patients in Atlanta, GA during the initial consultation.

Techniques

The liposuction procedure involves surgical insertion of tiny, slender tubes or cannula through small incisions made discreetly in targeted areas of the body. Excess fat is suctioned out through the cannula as the surgeon moves them underneath the skin to dislodge specific fat deposits. Some of the key techniques to perform liposuction today include the following:

Tumescent Liposuction

This technique involves the injecting of a significant amount of lidocaine local anesthetic solution into the targeted fatty tissue before the traditional liposuction can be performed. This technique usually helps in the avoidance of general anesthesia during the procedure.

Ultrasound Liposuction

This innovative technique involves the use of ultrasound energy to liquefy the stubborn fat cells, which makes them easier to dislodge. The surgeon may use this technique to remove unwanted fats from the upper abdominal area, sides, and back.

Laser Liposuction

Low energy laser beams are aimed at the targeted fat deposits in this technique. The intense laser energy helps liquefy the fat, which is then removed through a tiny cannula. Laser liposuction makes the treatment relatively less invasive compared to traditional techniques.

Recovery and Results

The length of the recovery in case of liposuction will depend on the type of technique used, the areas of treatment and the patient’s natural ability to heal. The treated areas will be wrapped firmly in elastic bandage to help reduce bruising and swelling. The compression garment may have to be worn for about three to four weeks.

Most people are able to get up and move immediately after the procedure, once the effects of anesthesia or sedation have disappeared. On average, it takes about a week to 10 days before the patient can return to work or perform other light activities normally. Results of liposuction are long lasting, providing the patient maintains an active lifestyle and a balanced and healthy diet.

For more information on treatments and procedures offered offered by Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey visit:

Why You Should Be Wearing SPF Every Day

Posted on July 2, 2014 by adminpsi

As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’ and when it comes to skin care this saying is definitely true. SPF is vital for both preventing skin cancer and slowing the signs of aging. Botox, fillers, and surgical procedures such as face lifts are all well known for their ability to take a few years off our appearance. Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing any sagging skin, and adding volume to aging faces are all things that can be accomplished in the caring hands of a certified surgeon but will not reverse the damage that UVA and UVB cause to the skin.

Photo Credit: CNN

It is important to apply a broad spectrum SPF cream to protect the skin from both types of damaging rays. UVA rays are responsible for the aging effects of the sun, while UVB rays are responsible for the development of skin cancer. While many of us only apply sun screen while we are at the beach or pool, damage can be caused at any time including on cloudy days, or unexpected times like sitting in your car. Many windshields and car windows offer no UVA protection and can lead to the uneven results shown on this truck drivers face (right).

The areas that show the signs of aging and sun damage are unsurprisingly the ones that we have on display most often. The face, neck, upper chest, hands, as well as the feet are always giving away our age but can all be helped by applying SPF daily. It is important to use a lotion with at least SPF30 and apply it at least 20-30 minutes prior to leaving the house so that it can work effectively. When you are applying make up, sun screen or a primer with SPF should be the last thing you apply to your face before makeup.

Another key point, just as our mothers always reminded us, is to keep reapplying the sun screen. Using SPF 30 translates to you skin being able to withstand burning 30 times longer than it usually would, but we can never be truly sure how long that time will be.

Reapplying every 90 minutes-2 hours that you are outdoors will help to ensure your skin is thoroughly protected from any damaging rays.

Following these simple steps daily as well as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated and having an active lifestyle will all help to preserve beautiful, youthful skin for many more years.

For information on procedures offered by Dr McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta visit https://psiatlanta.com/ and http://sexualaesthetics.com/

Cheek Dimple Surgery

Posted on July 1, 2014 by adminpsi

Cheek dimples have been considered an attractive facial feature for a long time, and been the envy of many. Dimples are simply caused by a defect in the cheek muscle which allows the skin to adhere to deeper tissue, creating a dimple. For patients that wish to have dimples it is this simple defect that needs to be recreated. After marking precisely where the dimples will be, the surgeon can then make an incision inside the mouth and suture to create a dimple. The procedure can be performed simply and quickly under local anesthetic with no incisions made to the outer cheek so there are no visible scars but instant results. Side effects will involve some soreness in the mouth, and in the initial stages of recovery dimples may be visible when the patient is not smiling but this will reduce over time. For the following 24 hours patients can take on soft food and liquids, like smoothies, before resuming eating solid foods at the surgeon’s discretion.

For more information about procedures offered by the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta and Dr. Paul McCluskey visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

Breast Augmentation For Transgender Patients

Posted on July 1, 2014 by adminpsi

Breast augmentation has long been the most popular procedure in plastic surgery as well as being a hugely important step in many gender reassignment cases. In transgender breast augmentation cases the choices of implant types and sizes is exactly the same, with the same beautiful results expected, but there are some points to take in to consideration.

Typically in male to female transgender cases the patient has broader chest and shoulders that will accommodate larger implants, smaller implants may look too narrow and appear unnatural. As well as a wider chest, nipples will typically be lower on a male chest than a females so the natural breast crease will often have to be lowered so that the nipple is more centered on the implant.

Another aspect that is important during consultation is whether the patient is currently using hormone therapy. Patients who have been using hormone therapy will tend to have developed breast tissue and this can be associated with ptosis (or drooping) that would have to be taken in to account when planning the procedure. Many transgender patients are good candidates for trans-axilalry augmentation where the incision is made in the armpit because of the lack of ptosis of the breast tissue.

Finally it is important for the patient to pay close attention to instructions from their surgeon to allow the implants to ‘drop’ in to a natural position on the chest. Because the pec muscle is generally larger in transgender patients the muscle has a tendency to hold the implant higher on the chest wall, with massage and compression the implant will fall in to a lower and more natural place on the breast.

For more information on procedures offered by Dr McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

Posted on June 26, 2014 by adminpsi

Breast augmentation is a fairly customizable procedure with choices available for breast implants and the placement of incisions and positioning of implants. A fantastic and judicious cosmetic surgeon will educate the patient about various options before finalizing a treatment plan for breast implant surgery.

Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon who makes use of breast augmentation before and after photographs to help his patients make the right choices. Patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive state of the treatments at his practice.

What are Breast Implant Before and After Images?

Before and after images in case of breast augmentation surgery refer to a pair or group of pictures belonging to an earlier patient who has received the same procedure successfully. The pictures include images taken prior to the surgery and after the surgery at a time when bruising and swelling have resolved and the full effects can be seen clearly.

The cosmetic surgeon will take these pictures in a discreet way with the consent of the patient, and with the sole intent to educate new patients about various aspects of breast implant surgery. The pictures serve as a visual tool to explain the potential effectiveness of the procedure to the patient.

Making the Right Choice of Implants

In breast augmentation surgery, the final outcome can often be impacted by the choice that a patient makes initially about the type of breast implants. Breast implants are available saline and silicone types, and the shape of the implants can be round or teardrop shaped. Sizes of implants can range from 120cc to 960cc. Even the projection of implants, which refers to their distance from the chest wall, can be different.

Choosing the most appropriate combination can be difficult for a patient. This is where the plastic surgeon can use breast augmentation before and after photos to help the patient make the right choice according to their aesthetic needs. Dr. McCluskey uses these pictures for his patients in Atlanta, GA during the initial consultation for breast implants.

Keeping Pragmatic Expectations

When a new patient decides to visit the surgeon’s office for a breast implant consultation, she may only have a vague idea of how this procedure may enhance the size of her breasts. Some patients may have a completely different picture in mind about how they will appear after the surgery.

This can lead to misplaced expectations, which can cause disappointment in the end for the patient, even if the procedure is performed exactly as per the treatment plan. Such undesirable situations can be avoided when the surgeon makes use of breast augmentation before and after images. This will ensure the patient keeps pragmatic expectations and achieves the best satisfaction from the procedure.

Including Pictures on the Website

Plastic surgeons may choose to provide a set of breast augmentation before and after photos on their practice website. This can help new patients access the pictures in the comfort and privacy of their home or office even before they are ready to visit the surgeon for an initial consultation.

For more information on treatments and procedures offered offered by Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey visit:

Fuller, More Youthful Lips

Posted on June 24, 2014 by adminpsi

Patients of all ages come to a consultation with Dr. McCluskey with a common question: How do I get natural looking, fuller lips? Luckily for them there are a wealth of options to help these patients achieve the look they desire!

There are four equally effective procedures that can give patients the ample lips they desire, return a youthful appearance, and help with any loss of the cupids bow.There are many reasons patients seek lip augmentation. Fuller, plumper lips with the desirable cupids bow are traditionally associated with youth and beauty, so for those who have either lost or have never had fullness of the lips, augmentation can create a beautiful difference. Loss of fullness in the lips is extremely common with age, as well as the space between the nose and top lip elongating to give a drawn and drooping appearance to the mouth.

Fillers (like Restylane or Juvederm)

In the hands of a skilled surgeon fillers give an beautifully natural fullness to the lips. Fillers are a fantastic option for those who are concerned with the permanence of the procedure as results will fade in 6-12months.

Fat Transfer

The most cost effective treatment option, fat transfer involves harvesting fat through liposuction and injecting the fat in to the lips as desired. This can be combined with a liposuction procedure or the amount of fat needed can simply be gathered. With fat transfer, up to 50% of the fat will be reabsorbed in to the body so it essential to transfer a greater quantity of fat to achieve the final look.

Lip implant

This is an option for a fuller lip is the insertion of a lip implant, like Permalip, which are available in thee sizes: 3mm, 4mm and 5mm.

Lip Lift

A lip lift is a simple procedure that involves making an incision just below the nose to lift the lip creating a more youthful top lip. With this procedure the scar is invisible hidden below the nose, it is most commonly combined with one of the above procedures to also give a fuller lip.

In the caring hands of an experienced surgeon all options above will result in natural, youthful outcomes and satisfied patients. The procedure used in each case is completely unique to the patient’s aesthetic goals. Each of these procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, or a dental block numbing the mouth with swelling commonly lasting from two to five days and patients returning to their usual activities, including eating, almost immediately. As with all procedures it is extremely important that the patient follows their Doctor’s postoperative instructions!

For information on other procedures offered by Dr. McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery

Posted on June 22, 2014 by adminpsi

Breast augmentation is a major plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size of breasts by insertion of saline or silicone implants. The recovery in this surgery can differ from one patient to another, depending on a number of factors. The skill and technique with which the cosmetic surgeon performed the surgery, the choice of implants, the extent of surgery, and the natural healing capacity of the patient will determine the course of recovery.

Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing breast implant surgery to patients in Atlanta, GA and nearby areas. He will discuss the recovery process with his patients in detail at the time of initial consultation. Patients who are concerned about the pain involved, risks and length of recovery can address their doubts and concerns during the consultation.

Initial Recovery Phase

Once the surgery is completed, the patient will be taken to the recovery area at the surgical facility and kept for a few hours under monitoring and observation. The patient’s breasts will be wrapped in dressings, and a surgical bra may be provided for additional support. Most patients will have to wear the support bra for several weeks to hasten the healing process. The procedure is likely to be performed general anesthesia, but a majority of patients are in a position to go back home the same day.

As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. McCluskey recommends his patients in Atlanta, GA to arrange for someone to drive them home, and preferably stay with them overnight for the first night. Before leaving, the surgeon may provide the patient with a set of instructions to be followed during the initial recovery period. Medications to provide relief from pain and prevent infection may be prescribed for a few days. A follow-up visit date of around one week from the date of surgery will be given to the patient.

First 10 Days of Recovery

Mild pain and soreness in the breasts will be experienced for the first five to seven days. Swelling and bruising is common during the initial weeks, but will start reducing after the first week if the patient follows recovery instructions of the cosmetic surgeon carefully. Most patients are in a position to go back to work after the first week once the sutures have been removed.

However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for about four to six weeks. Tightness in the chest and mild difficulties in breathing are common during the first week or 10 days. During this period, the patient may try to rest in a semi-upright position as far as possible.

Contacting the Plastic Surgeon

Most patients will remain comfortable with the pain relieving medications as prescribed by the surgeon for the first few days. However, if the patient feels unusually sharp and persistent pain in the treated areas, she should contact the surgeon promptly. A stinging or burning sensation in the wounds, acute or unusual swelling in the breasts, or formation of pus are also symptoms that must not be ignored.

For more information on treatments and procedures offered offered by Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey visit:

Slimmer Arms for Summer

Posted on June 17, 2014 by adminpsi

Many patients who visit us for a consultation are unhappy with the size of their arms, and while general toning or weight loss may help, excess skin can still be an issue. Exercises that target the triceps will particularly help with toning and losing fat associated with the under arm but excess skin and targeted fat loss for this area would require a surgical solution. The procedures involved in this area would include liposuction and possibly an arm lift.

Liposuction in the upper arm can have great results to remove excess fat and can help to shrink the skin. Arm liposuction is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia or combined with other procedures. In cases where upper arm excess skin is also an issue, the only way to reduce the amount of extra skin is to surgically remove it. This procedure is called an arm lift and there are two types of incisions that can be made depending on the amount of excess skin. The first type involves an incision that will be hidden in the underarm and is suited to sagging of the upper arm that is common with aging. The second type of arm lift is designed for greater amounts of excess skin associated with extreme weight loss and involves an incision from the elbow to the armpit, in this case scarring is usually a concern for patients but the incision usually heals well with the scar fading over time. During recovery it is important to keep arms compressed, but under guidance from Dr McCluskey patients may resume their day-to-day activities and exercise to continue to tone and sculpt the arms with in a matter of weeks!

These procedures allow patients to attain slimmer, more youthful looking arms with a relatively short recovery period and beautiful results!

For information on other procedures offered by Dr McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta visit

http://sexualaesthetics.com/
https://psiatlanta.com

Slimmer Thighs

Posted on June 17, 2014 by adminpsi

Thighs are a long time problem area for many patients of all shapes and sizes. Thighs can be slimmed through exercise, however the inner thigh, particularly the upper inner thigh, is an area that many women carry fat in which can be helped significantly with liposuction. With the excellent results liposuction of this area can produce, slimmer thighs are a realistic expectation. In older patients, excess skin can also be a factor in the thighs looking larger than they really are. In the case of excess skin a thigh lift can be performed to remove any excess skin and further the slimming of the thighs, which is the optimal result for many patients. In younger patients a thigh lift is very rarely required so liposuction is effectively used to create a slimmer inner thigh. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with a very limited down time before patients can return to their normal activity and exercise routines.

Through Instagram, The Chive and other social media platforms, we have seen the rise of an obsession with the ‘thigh gap’ especially in younger patients. Up until recently many of us were blissfully unaware of thigh gaps and had no idea they were a desirable trait. Many women have long been unhappy with the size of their thighs, but now a frequent question in consultation is “How do I get a thigh gap?” A thigh gap is a characteristic that is determined solely by your body type, and while slimming the thighs through liposuction or exercise may produce a “gap” it is not something that can be guaranteed through surgery. If a patients goal is simply to slim the thighs then liposuction with a possible thigh lift is sure to meet or even exceed their expectations!

For more information on procedures offered by Dr McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost Atlanta

Posted on June 13, 2014 by adminpsi

Pre-op consultations are an important part of the process in any cosmetic surgery procedure such as breast augmentation. The cosmetic surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure with the patient, including the estimated costs. The goal is to help the patient make an informed decision. As an experienced plastic surgeon in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Paul McCluskey ensures that his patients are fully apprised of the cost aspect at the time of initial consultation.

Basic Cost Related Queries

During the initial consultation for breast augmentation, the patients should ask a few basic questions to clarify their doubts, including questions related to the cost of procedure. The questions may include some or all of the following:

What is expected total cost of the breast implant procedure?
Does the cost estimate include or exclude the costs of breast implants, medical tests, post-op visits and surgical garments?
What about the anesthesia costs and the costs of the surgical facility?
Are any financing options available via the office of the cosmetic surgeon?

Insurance Aspects

In most cases, breast augmentation is performed as an elective procedure for cosmetic purposes. Therefore, the cost may not be covered under the patient’s health plan. However, if the procedure is performed for restorative reasons following a mastectomy or breast injury, full or partial costs may be covered by the health insurer.

As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. McCluskey will address the patient’s queries with regard to various aspects adequately. Patients in and around Atlanta, GA may consult with him for breast augmentation and other procedures.

Average Costs

The cost of breast augmentation may be broken down into several components as follows:

Surgeon’s Fee

The breast surgeon may charge a fee according to their qualifications, experience and recognition in the field of breast surgery. The fee may range from $4,500 to $6,500 in most cases. The fee may also depend on the complexity and length of the procedure involved.

Cost of Breast Implants

Saline implants may cost between $1,500 and $2,000, while silicone implants will usually cost above $2,000. Some of the new qualities of highly cohesive silicone implants may cost more because of the use of advanced technology and materials.

Anesthesia and Operating Room Costs

The fee charged by the anesthesiologist and the operating room expenses may usually cost in the range of $3,000 to $5,000, depending on several factors. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) suggests that patients should choose the most appropriate plastic surgeon and practice for a procedure such as breast augmentation, and surgeon’s fee and other costs should only be a secondary consideration.

Overall Cost of Breast Augmentation

The overall cost of breast augmentation procedure may be anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000, accounting for various cost components and different factors. The national figures released by the ASPS for 2013 suggest that the average cost of breast augmentation was $3,678 in the U.S. However, this quantum excludes the costs of anesthesia, operating room costs, and other related expenses. Monetary figures vary from one practice to another depending on various factors.

For more information on treatments and procedures offered offered by Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey visit: