10 Questions to Ask Yourself

Tag Archives: procedures

It’s a brand new year! Are you thinking of making a change in 2014? If you’re considering having any kind of cosmetic procedure, it’s a good idea to take some time to reflect on your motivations, hopes and expectations for the process and results.

Here are a few questions it’s important to ask yourself as you decide whether a procedure is right for you.

  • What are the main reasons I want to have this procedure?
  • Does the area or issue I want to address keep me from going out in public?
  • Does it keep me from having relationships or friendships with people?
  • How much will money influence my selection of surgeon and procedure?
  • Have I talked to others who have had a similar procedure, and what were their experiences like?
  • How much of my day do I spend thinking about having the procedure?
  • How do I feel about the cosmetic surgeon I have selected? Do I feel ease and trust in the relationship? Is this choice the best fit for me?
  • Do I have any questions remaining about the procedure?
  • Will I be able and willing to take the time needed for recovery and proper care after the procedure?
  • How do I envision my body and my life being different after the procedure?

Cosmetic procedures can certainly complement other positive life changes, but they should not be looked to as a way to completely change your life. It’s vital to make your goals for the procedure realistic and part of an otherwise healthy, balanced life.

As you are considering all your options, feel free to give us a call with any questions at  770-955-9000.

 

Dr. Colgrove and the staff at Vinings Surgery Center have an innovative new technology to offer patients who want to reduce wrinkles, tighten loose skin and contour problem areas of the body: ThermiRFTM. 

ThermiRFTM uses radiofrequency (RF) technology, which for more than 75 years has been safely used in cardiology, pain management, dermatology, plastic surgery and other medical specialities. This technology allows physicians to precisely locate an area for treatment, then apply a specific dose of controlled radiofrequency energy to a portion of the targeted area for wrinkle reduction, body contouring, lifting, relaxation of frown lines and skin tightening.

ThermiRFTM is the first aesthetic therapy that uses temperature control technology, which is a safer than laser and other RF technology currently being used. All procedures done with ThermiRFTM can be performed in the office setting and do not require any down time. Patients can have procedures done  during a lunch hour and return to work.

ThermiRFTM can be used to tighten small areas of adipose tissue (fat) deposits in areas including:

  • Frown reduction
  • Submental
  • Axillary fold
  • Arms (tricept area)
  • Abdomen (love handles)
  • Knees

The ThermiRFTM device is FDA-cleared and provides a minimally-invasive solution for tightening and fat reduction anywhere on the body. A tiny radio-frequency probe delivers the prescribed dose of safe RF energy through the non-insulated tip of the probe to heat the targeted loose tissue and fat cells. This is a very accurate method to selectively target the loose tissue and fat pockets results in controlled tissue reduction and tightening. Over time, the treated fat cells are drained via the lymphatic system and then excreted as urine and the lax tissues tighten.

The prescribed temperature is set by the clinician to ensure a comfortable yet effective treatment for each patient. The ThermiRFTM Platform controls the temperature of the handpiece tip that is in contact with the patient. The clinician can set the desired temperature and know that it is being delivered to the patient. Once the handpiece tip reaches the target temperature, a digital clock measures time. With precise temperature and time, the clinician can target and control the therapeutic dose. The system increases safety and delivers more reliable clinical outcomes.

Call 770-955-9000 to schedule your consultation today!

Many people ask the question, “How long will the results of my tummy tuck last?” Having the procedure done by a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon is crucial, but the key to results longevity lies largely with the person having the procedure. The long-term success of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) depends largely on maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.
If you don’t have a workable post-tuck maintenance plan, you may unintentionally put the weight back on and slowly undo the work that has been done. It’s important to create an effective post-surgery plan for eating and moving before you have your tummy tuck done. 
  • Do a little research and find the sport, class and/or physical activity you will enjoy most.
  • Do you like to be outside?
  • Do you do best in a class environment, with the motivation and support of those around you?
  • Do you prefer to play on a team?
  • Do you need the guidance and accountability a personal trainer could provide?
  • Do you enjoy the serene solitude of solo exercise?
Pick the plan that works for you and get started! 
Make sure you check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime, and ensure that you have fully recovered from your procedure before getting active. Once you have the go-ahead, it’s time to get moving–but make it fun! 

One of the best things about the internet is getting the chance to gauge and benefit from the opinions of others before you make a big decision. While much of what you find should be taken with a grain of salt, it can be helpful to see what people are saying about their experiences.

RealSelf’s Worth It Ratings index reflects the combined opinions of RealSelf community members regarding various cosmetic procedures. Each member shares whether their elective skincare, dental, bariatric or plastic surgery procedure was “worth it” in his or her experience.

Of 1,597 reviewers who rated the Mommy Makeover, for example, 98 percent said the procedure was well worth the $12,750 average cost. The tummy tuck, costing an average of $7,925, got a 96 percent rating from 4,876 reviewers. The Brazilian Butt Lift, about $7,100, scored 93 percent among the 3,178 raters. The facelift, around $11,100, received a rating of 87 percent from the 624 RealSelf raters.

Check out RealSelf.com to see more Worth It Rating and add your own review!

A picture really is worth a thousand words–especially where personal transformation is concerned!

Looking at the real results you’ll see in the before-and-after photos of Dr. Colgrove’s patients can be an important part of your personal decision-making process, giving you an accurate view of what the procedure you have in mind can do.

Peruse the galleries on the Vinings Surgery Center website for face, breast and body to see an array of transformations for a wide array of body types. Nonsurgical before-and-after photos will be coming soon, so check back often!

 

We have a new look of our own here at Vinings Surgery Center!  The new Colgrove.com has a completely fresh, enhanced look and tons of wonderful new features for you to enjoy.

You’ll find an extensive gallery of before-and-after photos to help you make your decision about your own cosmetic surgery. You’ll also get thorough information about each procedure Dr. Colgrove performs, from what your consultation will be like to what to expect during recovery.

Of course you’ll find our blog with all the latest news and plenty of great answers to your plastic surgery, anti-aging and skincare questions. Also on our new site are words from past patients, sharing their experience and thoughts on their process with Dr. Colgrove.

Once you get a chance to check out all there is to see on our new site, please let us know what you think!

The lines that appear on our faces as we age are as unique as our individual personalities and lives. So, Vinings Surgery Center offers a filler that  tailors itself to the unique needs of your face to erase the lines you want to get rid of.

Belotero Balance® dermal filler has unique properties that allow it to adapt within the skin for soft and even correction. It’s designed to integrate into your skin and mold to your distinct facial contours. By adapting to the individuality of your skin, it softens lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth for smooth and natural results that are uniquely you. The versatility of the product makes it strong enough to handle deep treatment areas such as nasolabial folds (smile lines around the mouth), yet soft enough to treat more delicate areas such as vertical lip lines (thin lines that appear above the lip line). A product of Merz Aesthetics, Belotero Balance® is made of a material called hyaluronic acid or HA, which naturally exists as a component of your skin. By binding to water, it fills in wrinkles and folds, allowing immediate and smooth correction.

Click here to see more befores and afters, and call 770-955-9000 to schedule your appointment.

 

The arrival of spring means it’s time for those legs to come out and play! Don’ t let spider veins hold you back from kicking up those bare heels and enjoying the season. Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective and virtually painless way to eliminate this annoying problem. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, at least half of all women develop small clusters of red, blue or purple veins that appear on the thighs, calves and ankles.

In some women, spider veins become noticeable in their early 20s. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40s. Men get spider veins, too. However, usually they are concealed by hair growth on the leg. A number of factors may contribute to the development of spider veins in the legs, including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, weight gain, and occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, such as running, professional nursing, etc.

Sclerotherapy can be a more effective and longer-lasting vein solution than laser treatments, since it gets to the source of the spider veins and eradicates them completely. It requires no anesthesia and is usually performed in an outpatient setting. Two or more sessions, each lasting about 20 to 30 minutes, are usually required to obtain optimal results. Although everyone is different, you can generally expect to receive one injection for every inch of spider vein that is treated. Bright light and magnification may be used to ensure maximum precision while the skin is held taut to inject sclerosing solution.

A cotton ball and compression tape is often applied to each injection site as it is finished. After treatment, you may be instructed to wear support hose to help your legs heal. You may feel some cramping in your legs for the first day or two after treatment. This discomfort is temporary and usually doesn’t require prescription medication.

Click here for animation showing how sclerotherapy works.

For more information or to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Colgrove, call (770) 955-9000.

Spring is a time for renewal, and you can bring new life and youthfulness back to your face this season with RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler at Vinings Surgery Center.

Youthful skin has plenty of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid which give it volume, support and suppleness. As a part of the aging process, these natural support structures become less abundant, which unfortunately means facial lines, wrinkles and skin laxity.

RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler works immediately so the results are instant. Once injected, RADIESSE Volumizing Filler adds the volume and lift needed to diminish lines and folds. It acts as a scaffold under the skin, providing structure and stimulating natural collagen to grow. The production of natural collagen continues for several months, with natural results proven to last a year or more in many patients.

RADIESSE®  is made up of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel. Over time, the gel is absorbed and the body metabolizes the CaHA microspheres, leaving behind only your own natural collagen. Finally, it is FDA approved to mix with lidocaine, an anesthetic, to significantly reduce injection-related pain.
Call 770-955-9000 today to make your appointment!

Now you can get Dr. Colgrove’s expert advice and answers wherever you go! We’re excited to announce the launch of our new mobile app! This1982-01 iPhone app features information, interactive features, photo galleries, and more–all straight from Vinings Surgery Center to your fingertips.

Using the app, you can access frequently asked questions, learn about procedures and services, see the latest blog posts, and use the interactive treatment journal.

You can also browse through before-and-after photos to help you in your cosmetic surgery decision-making process.

Download the new FREE Vinings Surgery Center App now!

 

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