Plastic Surgery Center of the South Helps Patients Achieve Positive Self-Image Extreme Makeovers in-Marietta
by Bunny Tharpe
Plastic surgery is no longer something to be noticed but seldom discussed in public. It’s become part of the mainstream, as evidenced by the popular television series Extreme Makeover. But even with the unashamed demand for enhancing one’s features and the affordability of most procedures, it’s important for potential patients to manage their expectations and partner with a reputable surgeon to ensure the best care.
Drs. E. Anthony Musarra II, James E. Leake and Michael Petrosky merged their private practices to form Plastic Surgery Center of the South seven years ago. All three are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and combined share more than 55 years of experience. They have devoted their careers to providing the most effective, up-to-date techniques and procedures available by focusing on their continued education and research. Most cosmetic surgery procedures are performed onsite in one of their state-of-the art surgical suites.
“Patients need to understand what to expect before they embark on any cosmetic procedure,” explains Musarra. “One procedure or product may not be best for all areas of the face or body or best for every patient. That’s where our expertise comes in. We know what works and what doesn’t, and of course, not every patient needs surgery.”
“Our practice is focused on helping our patients achieve a good self-image;’ Petrosky says. “We offer a superior choice of products and services that allow our patients to reach this goal. In fact, Plastic Surgery Center of the South provides a full range of both surgical and non-surgical procedures available today to enhance one’s appearance.”
One of the top procedures performed by Musarra, Leake and Petrosky is breast augmentation, a procedure that can enlarge small breasts or restore breasts to their natural size due to atrophy after childbearing.
A recent patient who received breast augmentation surgery at Plastic Surgery Center of the South shares, “My breasts were not the same size; one was smaller than the other and in a bathing suit, I was very self-conscious. I felt like everyone was looking at me. By having breast augmentation I was able to feel good about myself. I was no longer afraid of how I looked in a bathing suit or my clothes.”
Leake states that liposuction, also known as body contouring, is a very popular procedure. “While this procedure can’t replace dieting as a means of losing weight, it is an effective treatment for removing localized fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. We can remove fat deposits from troublesome areas such as the abdomen, hips, legs, arms and neck-giving the patient a very satisfied result.”
If you are considering a face and/or neck lift, fall and winter are the best times, explains Musarra, because patients need to limit their sun exposure for a couple of months. “This procedure actually has a fairly quick recovery time with wonderful results;’ he says.
The average age for this procedure is 40 to 60 and procedures can range from a mini lift, also called a “band-aid” lift, to a full face and neck lift. Incisions are made above the hairline at the temples, along a line in front of the ears, and behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck is lifted, a small incision is made under the chin, then the underlying muscles and connective tissue are tightened, the skin is pulled back in place, and excess skin removed before closing.
Linda, a patient who underwent both a face and neck lift a year ago, says, “I am very pleased with my outcome. I am 50 and had some loose skin that I wanted tightened. I was looking for a very natural, refreshed look. I think that it took off years! Friends (who don’t know) aren’t sure ifI changed my hair style or that I look just more rested and fit.”
Eyelid surgery is also a very popular procedure for both men and women. It removes excess fat, muscle and skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids to reduce the drooping and puffiness to present a more youthful appearance. Although vision may be slightly blurred immediately after surgery, most patients are able to read and watch television the following day.
Petrosky is quick to add that Plastic Surgery of the South also offers non-surgical procedures to help men and women improve their appearances. One of the most popular of these is Botox®, a toxin used to paralyze the muscles that cause facial wrinkles. Most often, it is injected into the frown lines between the eyebrows, the forehead lines and the crow’s feet around the eyes. The effects usually last between four to six months. According to Leake, Plastic Surgery Center of the South offers several “Botox Evenings” throughout the year, where patients (new and old) can come in and receive Botox injections for just $225 an area. Patients should call the office at (770) 421-1242 for upcoming dates and times.
Other popular non-surgical procedures are injectable fillers such as collagen and/or Radiance® to fill in, smooth out or make plumper those desired areas. In addition, Plastic Surgery Center of the South’s medical esthetician offers a wide range of services including the most popular, micro-dermabrasion, to remove the top layer of skin, treating black heads, white heads, large pores and sun damage to reveal smoother, tighter skin and photofacial rejuvenation and skin care products only available in physicians’ offices. Rounding out these offerings are laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair and vascular therapy to reduce the appearance of spider or facial veins.
