Debunking Common Plastic Surgery Myths

Debunking Common Plastic Surgery Myths

According to 2017 annual plastic surgery procedural statistics, over 17.5 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the US.

For many individuals, plastic surgery offers a way to turn back the sands of time, improving both the way they look and feel.

Non-invasive procedures such as dermal fillers and laser treatments have grown in popularity, and even traditionally invasive procedures are now less invasive with developments in technology, contributing to their growth in demand.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery are a popular area of discussion. With new levels of interest in these techniques, it is important to do research into who will be operating on you. If you are considering plastic surgery, it is necessary to first debunk a few common myths, leaving you prepared for your future appointment.

Invest in Yourself

Whether you need medically necessary reconstructive surgery or a cosmetic boost in confidence, plastic surgery can help. When making this decision, however, it is important to seek out a certified surgeon with the experience and satisfied clientele to back up their claims. You only get one body, so make sure to take good care of yours by fully researching any decisions.

Myth #1 – Every Cosmetic Surgeon is A ‘Real’ Plastic Surgeon

Having a valid medical license is all that is required to allow a physician to call themselves a plastic surgeon. It is essential to research any plastic surgeon before allowing them to operate on you. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery do have differences.

Dr. Jim Brantner is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform many different procedures. When you trust him with your surgery, you are in good hands.

Myth #2 – All Certifications Are Equal

The American Board of Plastic Surgery, or ABPS, certification is what you need to look for when considering who will perform your surgery. Attaining this certification requires 6 to 9 years of training, followed by an extensive written and oral examination.

Other certifications may not be as extensive, meaning that you may be at risk. Take care when selecting your surgeon.

Myth #3 – Procedures Are Always Done in Accredited Facilities

Non-certified plastic surgeons do not have to operate in accredited facilities. Plastic surgery is still surgery, so it is important to be operated on in a place where your health is being protected.

Besides working out of a few hospitals, Dr. Brantner also has an in-house facility. The East Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center offers the best in modern technology for those who need a 23 hour stay or less. Other facilities include:

 

  • Johnson City Medical Center
  • Franklin Woods Community Hospital

 

No matter the procedure, Dr. Brantner will do whatever it takes to make sure your health is put first.

Myth #4 – Questioning your Surgeon is Rude

This is your body and surgery is a serious procedure that is both expensive and comes with a certain level of risk. Any plastic surgeon who truly cares about the work they do will never hesitate to answer your questions, make sure you are informed about any risks, and showcase results from their past work.

Dr. Jim Brantner is ready to answer any question you may have regarding your procedure. Knowledge is key to understanding how the body works and how to best recover from surgery.

Myth #5 – Plastic Surgery is Only for the Rich and Famous

Decades ago plastic surgery was a “luxury” confined to those with the levels of income necessary to subsidize procedures. However, plastic surgery and cosmetic techniques have come a long way since then, and are both socially and economically viable options for anyone from any walk of life or level of income.

And you don’t usually need to pay upfront. Many providers offer in-house financing options with favorable terms to help you achieve your goals without putting you or your family into financial hardship.

Myth #6 – Only Women Have Plastic Surgery

Untrue. Men are just as self-conscious about their appearance as are women (even though they may openly talk about it less than their female counterparts).

Every year more men are turning more to plastic surgery to achieve a youthful and fit appearance.

Myth #7 – A Good Plastic Surgery Job Will Not Leave Scars

Any type of “invasive” surgery that requires incisions will result in some kind of scarring. However, skilled plastic surgeons and the latest techniques and technology have come a long way in greatly minimizing scarring.

If you have concerns be sure to discuss them with your surgeon.

Myth #8 – Plastic Surgery Lasts Forever

While plastic surgery is designed to provide long-term, nothing lasts forever. A number of factors will determine how long your surgical results will prevail. Healthy lifestyle habits such as staying away from smoking and alcohol, as well as a balanced diet, good sleep habits and regular exercise can all help.

Hire the Right Professional for Your Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

At Jim Brantner Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we treat you with dignity and respect. The decision to have plastic surgery can be a very personal one, and we would love to answer any questions you may have about the process.

Dr. Jim Brantner is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery. With both military and civilian experience, Dr. Jim Brantner is able to serve a variety of needs.

Younger Looking Skin with No Long-term Commitment

Younger Looking Skin with No Long-term Commitment

Summer might have a reputation as the season for lounging by the pool and taking leisurely road trips, but “organized chaos” is probably closer to the truth. During the summer months mothers and professionals in Johnson City have their hands full. If you’re looking for a quick aesthetic boost before your next vacation, but don’t have time for a full surgical recovery, a non-surgical procedure could be your busy-season solution.

Chemical Peels

fresh faced older womanDermatologists have made chemical peels famous for rejuvenating the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and smoothing blemishes on the face. Chemical peels are a quick, easy procedure with little downtime. TCA peels may result in some redness, puffy skin, or mild peeling for up to a week. The recovery time for a microdermabrasion or glycolic acid peel is much milder, and rarely lasts longer than 48 hours. Our experienced technician will carefully remove the rough outer layer of skin to remove blemishes and reveal the smooth, youthful skin below. Chemical peels are a simple procedure with minimal discomfort. A patient can undergo a glycolic acid or microdermabrasion treatment on their lunch break and return to work that afternoon, or stop by for a chemical peel during travel preparations and head off to the beach several days later.

Injectable Fillers and Botox

Botox, Juvederm, and fat injections are the cosmetic procedure of choice for non-surgical improvement of wrinkles and creases around the face. Botox is popular among both male and female patients for its subtlety and effective results. Botox treatments involve injecting a prescription medication into the muscle to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Juvederm is an injectable filler used plump the lips and treat wrinkles and creases around the mouth and chin. The results of Botox last several months; Juvederm treatments last around a year. During a fat injection treatment Dr. Brantner will remove fat from the patient’s stomach area to inject into their face. Fat injections are used to treat loose skin, facial depressions, and wrinkles or creases in the face. The effects are usually permanent, and have lower risk of complications because the injectable material came from the patient’s own tissue.

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments are an easy way to see fast results. Chemical peels, injectable fillers, and Botox treatments have minimal procedure and recovery time, making them minimally disruptive to a patient’s busy schedule. To schedule a procedure, contact Dr. Brantner’s scheduling coordinator.

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Skin Rejuvenation without the Downtime

Skin Rejuvenation without the Downtime

cosmetic facial rejuvinationChemical peels even skin tones, remove blemishes, and make fine lines less apparent, rejuvenating the skin in under an hour. Microdermabrasion peels restore the skin in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect, no-commitment “lunchtime” facial rejuvenation treatment. If you want a visual boost as you decide between a facelift or Botox—or you’re simply too young to worry about fine lines and wrinkles—microdermabrasion is the ideal way to restore your skin to a healthy, youthful glow.

Microdermabrasions

Physicians developed dermabrasion to improve patients’ acne scars, pock marks, and other facial blemishes. Microdermabrasion uses a gentler version of the same technology to smooth the skin and stimulate collagen production, revealing healthier, more youthful skin. Unlike dermabrasion, microdermabrasion involves no anesthetic and works for all skin types. The procedure involves a gentle application of micro crystals to remove the rough top layer of skin. This non-surgical cosmetic procedure has no recovery time. Patients may experience a slight pinking of the skin for up to 24 hours.

Restoring Your Natural Glow

Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the skin, removing a layer of dead cells to reveal the unblemished, collagen-rich skin below. It treats sun damage and discoloration, reduces the appearance of fine lines and acne, and smoothes stretch marks and light scarring. Microdermabrasion is safe for all ages and skin tones. Patients with facial blemishes, dull skin, and uneven facial coloration respond well to microdermabrasion peels. Restore your smooth, natural glow and reveal the real you.

Call our scheduling coordinator to set up an appointment with our microdermabrasion practitioner.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos

The Truth About Botox

The Truth About Botox

Botox is one of the most widely known cosmetic procedures. Celebrities talk freely about their Botox injections, making this non-surgical treatment feel accessible to everyone. During a Botox treatment, a doctor injects prescription medication into the muscles of the face, reducing the appearance of lines and creases. Educate yourself about Botox and the typical misconceptions associated with non-surgical wrinkle treatment.

Why Choose Botox?

botox injections cosmetic enhancementDo you have crow’s feet, laugh lines, or worry lines between your eyebrows? Wrinkles can negatively impact self-esteem, making you view yourself as tired, irritated, or aged. Botox injections allow patients to visibly smooth wrinkles without undergoing invasive surgery. A “lunchtime procedure,” Botox takes less than fifteen minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Patients usually see results within several days of the injection. The skin continues to smooth for up to 30 days, improving a patient’s appearance subtly over the course of several weeks. The effects of Botox last up to 4 months, giving patients smoother, more youthful looking skin without the commitment of a surgical facelift.

Botox: Fact vs Fiction

  • If I have a Botox treatment, I won’t be able to move my face.

Botox injections decrease the muscle activity that cause frown lines. They do not affect your ability to show emotion, but they do reduce visible creases when laughing or frowning.

  • Everyone will know I had Botox.

Dr. Brantner tailors his procedures to provide natural, beautiful looks for his patients. Botox injections smooth wrinkles over the course of several days, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Those closest to you may notice the change, but the subtlety of the procedure allows you to visibly enhance your appearance without calling attention to the improvements.

  • Botox has no lasting benefits.

The effects of Botox last between 3-4 months, but you can maintain your results with regular treatment. After several Botox injections, you will begin to notice that lines return more gradually.

  • Botox is made for women.

Both men and women can enjoy the benefits of Botox treatments.

To learn more about Botox, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brantner.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos