Depending on the patient’s needs a minimally invasive or endoscopic forehead lift may be used. Here we use small incisions in the hair and a camera device to perform the surgery. The result? Brows can be lifted and the frown muscles relaxed through these incisions with minimal downtime. Generally done on an outpatient basis, a forehead or brow lift can be a minor procedure that achieves maximal results.  Contact our office today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Women who are finished having children and who want to address issues like: breast firmness, nipples that point downwards, and of course, sagging breasts are good candidates for a mastoplexy. Contact our Tallahassee office today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Click here to learn more about Tallahassee breast augmentation procedures.

by Greta Cooper

(from the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists Newsletter. Click here to download a PDF of the article)

My clients often ask me what the most effective anti-aging product is. They are usually surprised when I tell them that I believe it is sunscreen. I have a large display of anti-aging skin care products out in the lobby, so why am I choosing sunscreen to be my #1 anti-aging product?

The sun has the most impact on how our skin will age. This is a fact: 80% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure. Consequently, finding the right sunscreen is critical. Our clients need to feel comfortable wearing it daily. It has been challenging for me to find an aesthetically pleasing, chemical free sunscreen that my clients will wear. In my opinion, the proper sunscreen must include titanium
dioxide and/or zinc oxide in its active ingredient list. (The higher
the % of each, the better.) Physical sunscreens seem to be superior
protection than chemical choices for a few reasons:

• They reflect the sun, not absorb it.
• More stable in sunlight
• Non irritating
• Better protection from UVA (aging ray)

There is new evidence to support choosing a sunscreen with
antioxidants. At www.modermedicine.com they state:

Some topical sunscreen products now include antioxidants. “Antioxidants are the new frontier in sunscreen research. No sunscreen blocks all of the damaging rays of the sun, so antioxidants are necessary to block the UV radiation that ‘got past
the sunscreen,’” Dr. Draelos says.

One recent 12-week clinical study, conducted by Thomas Meyer, Ph.D., and colleagues at Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Memphis, Tenn., measured the effects of daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreens containing blends of antioxidants proven to significantly reduce formation of free radicals in the presence
of UV light. A poster was presented at the 2010 annual American Academy of Dermatology. Results showed that women who began the study with mild-tomoderate photodamage had notable improvement in multiple parameters that contribute to the cosmetic signs of premature aging, including visible dryness, mottled skin tone, laxity, roughness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In our office, we have two plastic surgeons, one P.A. and two aestheticians. A large percent of our time is spent treating the effects of the sun. Our clients spend their hard earned money on anti-aging skin care including retinols, antioxidants and amino acids to combat free radical damage. We offer growth factors and peptides that also have good science behind them as well. The other aesthetician, Annie, and I educate ourselves on delivery systems and how inactive ingredients affect active ones. We consult with the doctors as to effective multi-layered treatments that include IPL, chemical peels, and even Fraxel technology. Since so much money and time is spent on the effects directly related to the sun, it
stands to reason that we should educate ourselves and our clients on proper sunscreen habits.

Before I start any treatment, I spend time getting to know my client. I find out what their attitude toward sun protection may be. Then I work with them to pick the sunscreen that best suits their skin type and lifestyle. For our part, we have chosen chemical free, easy-to-wear, antioxidant rich sunscreens. I hand out samples to try. I want them to love their sunscreen. If I cannot accomplish this at the beginning, any treatment of photodamage is almost pointless.

Greta received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1981. Since then she has taught school, had experience in retail sales and spent 24 years working for Delta Air Lines. Her interest in skin care led her to earn her license as an aesthetician and join Southeastern Plastic Surgery in Tallahassee. Greta has attended the International Dermal Institute for advanced study. Her areas of experience include teen acne and anti-aging treatments.

Email Greta at gcooper@se-plasticsurgery.com

Judging by the numbers it’s hard to believe that dog is truly man’s best friend.  Dogs bite more than 4.7 million Americans each year.   On average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States seeks medical attention for a dog bite. Fortunately, most dog bites are preventable through appropriate pet selection, proper training, responsible approaches to animal control, and education of dog owners and potential victims.

Children are the most common victims of dog bites, followed by the elderly and USPS employees. Approximately half of the 800,000 Americans who receive medical attention for dog bites each year are children. And when a dog bites a child, the victim’s small size makes the bite more likely to result in a severe injury.

“Dog bites are a very real threat and account for more than 40,000 facial attacks per year,” said Laurence Z. Rosenberg, board certified plastic surgeon. “Facial injuries include cuts, abrasions, lacerations and punctures.  Many wounds result in disfiguring scars, and often the target area on the face includes the lips, nose and cheeks” In emergency room care, 75 percent of children are victims of bites on the face, neck and head compared to 30 percent of adults.

“In Tallahassee, we treated more than 15 patients annually with a variety of concerns ranging from severe lacerations to the face to torn limbs and crushing wounds,” he said.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has created a number of safety tips to prevent dog bites.

HOW YOU CAN AVOID DOG BITES

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.
• Never run from or scream at a dog.
• Be “still like a tree” when an unfamiliar dog comes up to you.
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and stay still.
• Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Tell an adult if you see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely.
• Don’t look a dog right in the eye.
• Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Don’t play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• If a dog bites you, tell an adult right away.

BE A SAFETY-SMART OWNER

• Never leave infants or children alone with any dog.
• Spay/neuter your dog.
• Train your dog in obedience.

• Don’t play aggressive games with your dog.
• Follow leash laws.
• Keep your dog healthy; an unnoticed injury can make a dog aggressive.
• Your dog should be part of the family. Unsocialized “outdoor” dogs are more likely to bite than “indoor” dogs.

Dogs bite for a variety of reasons.  Some breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rotweilers, German Shepherds, Huskies and Doberman Pinschers are more aggressive.  Other facts that increase the tendency to bite could include maltreatment or even the behavior of the victim.  Everyone should be careful about bending over dogs if they are lying still, entering their territory, teasing or waking them or playing with dogs until they become overexcited.  If bitten, request proof of rabies vaccination from the dog’s owner, get the owner’s name and contact information, and contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records. Then immediately consult your doctor. Clean bite wound(s) with soap and water as soon as possible.

The doctors at Southeastern Plastic Surgery, Ben J. Kirbo, M.D. and Laurence Z. Rosenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., provide some of the newest, most technologically advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. In addition, the practice provides a full line of skin care services. Drs. Kirbo and Rosenberg are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For more information about dog bites, scar revisions and plastic surgery options, please contact us or call Southeastern Plastic Surgery at 850-219-2000.

“When it comes to breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, information is power because knowing all your options will help you make the very best decisions,” said Laurence Rosenberg, MD. “The quality of the breast implant that goes into your body is as important as the skill of the surgeon who puts it there.”

Ben. J. Kirbo, MD, says that safety is a critical factor with any surgery and implants have always received attention in the media. Southeastern Plastic Surgery (SPS) offers patients the FDA-approved MemoryGel™ breast implants, which are among the best implants available. These specific implants have been successfully used and trusted for 20 years by millions of women all over the world. After almost two decades of research and testing with surgeons and patients, MemoryGel™ breast implants are now available to women in the U.S. Theses implants feel more like natural breast tissue – without compromising reliability or the safety of patients.

Southeastern Plastic Surgery recognizes that many individuals are seeking customized breast enhancement. The wide
variety of Memory Gel™ breast implants allows SPS achieve the best match between the ideal you have been envisioning and your individual body frame.

Endowed or not, always remember to self-exam for breast cancer

Download a PDF of this article.

Today’s modern brides and often mothers of the bride begin their skin care regiment as much as six months in advance of the big day. At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, you’ll learn about a variety of options ranging from Microdermabrasion to chemical peels to facials and even hair removal treatments.

We’ve developed a comprehensive program and timeline aimed at achieving the healthy and radiant skin every bride desires to greet her wedding day.

To ensure that your complexion is as radiant as possible, call and learn about our countdown to find the services that fit your goals.

All skin care treatment plans at Southeastern Plastic Surgery are developed by medical professionals and licensed aestheticians.

Call 850.219.2000 for more information and be on your way to healthier skin.

Medical spa services are available by appointment Monday through Friday.

We recommend calling as far in advance as possible to ensure availability.

Download a PDF of this article.