A study recently published in the journal Cell shows a link between environmental and genetic factors that cause congenital defects. Researchers from around the world including Australia, Japan, Canada, and the United States, link “nature” and “nurture” in the formation of birth defects involving the spine, organs, brain, craniofacial regions, and more.

Researchers found that hypoxia, a period of low levels of oxygen in-utero, along with genetic risk factors like having only one copy of a gene increase the chances a child will develop congenital scoliosis. Those involved in the study say this connection isn’t a far stretch for other congenital disorders as well including cleft lip and cleft palate.

Hypoxia during pregnancy can be caused by many factors including smoking, high altitudes, prescription drugs, and poor control of sugar levels in diabetics. Sally Dunwoodie, head of Embryology Laboratory at the Victor Chang Cardiac research Institute in Australia says that “the combination of genetic risk as well as exposure to low oxygen” instead of just the genetic risk alone meant patients were 10 times more likely to develop congenital disorders.

Though this development requires more research to link to craniofacial disorders, it is an important step in the right direction for scientists studying congenital disorders. Not only does it mean we have answers as to why certain children develop these traits, but it also means we can revise protocol for pregnant women to reduce congenital defects in their children.

In children, cleft lip and cleft palate can result in trouble eating and speaking without impediment. Surgeries for this condition begin at a young age and continue until about 18 years old, until the facial bones have fully developed. Being able to prevent even some cases is a beneficial addition to medicine.

Dr. Fernando Burstein is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and also holds a board certification in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) who works with adult and pediatric patients. He is also the past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ plastic surgery section and the Director for the Center for Craniofacial Disorders at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.  For more information on Dr. Burstein and his practice, visit our website. You can stay up to date on the latest plastic surgery news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Now through the end of June, the makers of Restylane®, Perlane®, and Dysport® are offering special discounts on wrinkle-reducing injectables.  If you’ve been contemplating facial rejuvenation, but aren’t quite ready for a facelift, or are looking for a treatment to reduce the signs of aging that have begun to crop up, injectables could be your answer.

Designed to relax the wrinkle-causing muscles between the brows and along the forehead, Dysport® injections are $50 OFF when you receive treatment between May 1^st and June 30^th.  All you have to do to receive the discount is register on the Dysport® website, download and complete the designated rebate form, and mail it in with your itemized receipt.

Unlike Dysport® which relaxes muscle, Restylane® and Perlane® are facial fillers made of hyaluronic acid (HA) that fill in areas of lost volume caused by aged-related collagen loss.  Patients who receive treatment before June 30^th will get $40 per mL on Restylane® (2 mL min, 9 mL max; including up to 1.5 mL per lip) and Restylane-L® (2 mL min, 6 mL max).  You can save $50 per mL on Perlane® or Perlane-L® (1 mL min, 6 mL max), but must receive treatment between May 1 and June 30, 2012, and submit a redemption form (which can be found online), product box end flaps with the hologram, and an itemized receipt by July 31, 2012.

Not sure which injectable is right for you?  Call our office and schedule a consultation with our board certified plastic surgery nurse, Debi Cooper.  For access to the lasted Atlanta facial rejuvenation specials be sure to connect with Dr. Burstein on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Our May spotlight patient, Chris, is always on the go. Originally from New York, he has travelled around the world since college living almost everywhere including the west coast, England, and Japan. Now settled in the U.S. with an IT company, Chris maintains his breakneck speed with three daughters, a racecar, and motorcycle driving hobby. Before seeing Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Fernando Burstein, though, his fast-paced lifestyle was interrupted by his sleeping habits.

“I wasn’t sleeping because I couldn’t breathe well at night,” says Chris. Between football and wrestling during his youth, he had broken his nose multiple times resulting in a deviated septum that blocked his airways. Chris’s girlfriend convinced him to look into having his nasal passages reconstructed so he’d be able to breathe and sleep better.

Chris admits he was very apprehensive about his reconstructive rhinoplasty surgery, “I’d never been under anesthesia before and wasn’t sure what the final results would look like.” Dr. Burstein and his medical team worked to ensure Chris felt comfortable going into the procedure, answering all his questions thoroughly and giving him the specialized attention and care they give each patient. “You feel like you’re getting special treatment,” says Chris.

After the surgery, Chris says he recovered quickly and is pleased with his natural-looking rhinoplasty results. His number one priority—sleeping better—was achieved through the surgery as he is now able to breathe throughout the night without interruptions. He’s happy with his results on a personal level, as well, “You look in the mirror and you like what you see better than you did before… I’m really glad I did it.”

For other spotlight patient stories, make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also stay up to date on the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery news by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

A recent media wave has been touting the popularity of chin enhancement surgery, quoting recently released statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In 2011, the number of patients undergoing chin surgery  increased 71%—a huge leap.

Many facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Fernando Burstein and patients alike are citing the lower face as one of the areas that begins to show signs of age first. Skin under the chin and along the neck often begins to sag, making our chins look recessed and giving us the unwanted “turkey waddle” characteristic of aging. Similarly, patients are noticing that from the side, their profiles don’t exhibit the distinct jawline they’d once held in their youth.

There are multiple options for those looking to enhance their chins. “Chinplants” are commonly made from hard silicone and shaped like a narrow chin guard to augment the chin. Inserted surgically, these prosthetics sit on the edge of the chin with scars hidden under the chin or within the mouth. While this method is effective, patients are more likely to experience infection and rejection of the chin implant materials.

True to his anti-aging philosophy, Dr. Burstein believes in approaching chin enhancement naturally, using the patient’s own tissues to minimize the chance of infection and implant rejection. Depending on cosmetic goals, Dr. Burstein moves a patient’s own chin bone forward during genioplasty instead of a foreign object to augment the jawline. This helps tighten loose neck muscles, helping to increase the anti-aging effect, and can be combined with neck liposuction for an overall lower face rejuvenation.

It’s not only women looking to increase the definition in their jawlines, chin enhancement surgery was up 76% among men alone last year. Often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty surgery to completely balance overall facial proportions, genioplasty is just one procedure that can help patients achieve facial balance. Male rhinoplasty is becoming more popular, too, with more men investing in cosmetic surgery to look as young as they feel and compete with younger individuals in a work environment.

Dr. Burstein works to enhance, not change, a patient’s appearance and achieve their desired aesthetic. For more information on plastic surgery news and events, follow Dr. Burstein on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Read parts One and Two here.

Are there any side effects from Ultherapy® Skin Tightening?

Some patients experience redness in the treatment area for a short time following an Ultherapy® session. In a few cases, patients have experienced swelling and sensations of tingling or tenderness for a few weeks after treatment. However, these are generally mild and temporary in nature. The majority of patients experience no major side effects and can return to daily activities after treatment.

Is Ulthera® ultrasound skin tightening safe?

Ultrasound technology has been used safely in medical imaging for over 50 years. Ultherapy® ultrasound skin tightening is approved by the FDA to help patients achieve firmer, less droopy facial and neck skin. Determined safe in clinical trials, tens of thousands of Ulthera® treatments have been performed safely throughout the world.  It is important, however, to only seek Ulthera® treatment from a provider who is experienced in administering the treatment.

How many Ultherapy® treatments will I need?

Many patients see skin tightening results after just one treatment with Ultherapy®. Because the treatment induces the body’s collagen production ability, it may take a few weeks for the collagen stores to rebuild and produce maximum results. Patients with more advanced signs of aging and less skin elasticity may benefit from more than one treatment. Yearly touch-up treatments can help patients keep up with the aging process.

For more information on Ulthera® Non-Surgical Facelift with Dr. Burstein or to schedule your consultation, contact our office.

Dr. Fernando Burstein invites you to Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s AYA Medical Spa for our Ultherapy® Open House. Join us April 19^th from 6-8pm at the AYA Phipps Plaza location to learn more about how Ulthera® works.

Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, have the chance to partake in FREE pretreatment consultations, receive $500 OFF a full-face Ultherapy® skin tightening treatment, and be entered for a chance to win a FREE Obagi Nu-Derm customized skincare kit ($400 value). It’s an event you won’t want to miss. Check out the flyer below for more details!

Ultherapy® is the most recent development in skin-tightening technology. Using the power of ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen, Ulthera® firms skin from the inside helping to eliminate sagging brows and lax skin under the chin. Because the surface of the skin isn’t affected, Ulthera® is a great solution for patients of all skin tones and skin types.

While the event is free, space is limited. Please RSVP to (404)842-1772.

Stay up to date on the latest news and events from Dr. Burstein by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

The recent influx of news stories surrounding fake plastic surgeons performing cosmetic procedures in salons and the like demonstrates that the refrain can never be overstated: Do your research when planning for plastic surgery! These instances emphasize the importance of patient education and finding a board certified plastic surgeon. The people featured in the news were often looking for a deal on cosmetic surgery and were duped by people posing as qualified surgeons.

The American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) has a standard set of criteria that surgeons must meet before becoming board certified. The process is voluntary, meaning surgeons can choose to become board certified after their training by passing the ABPS written and oral exams. Before exams, every surgeon must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon through an accredited program. These years of additional training can include specialty training like Dr. Fernando Burstein’s training in otolaryngology (specialized surgery of the head and neck) in which he is also certified.

Certification takes a long time to achieve for a reason. The more experience you have, the better you become. Dr. Burstein was certified by the ABPS in 1991 and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons. Specializing in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Burstein performs everything from facelift surgery to combat signs of aging to reconstructive procedures for adults and children to remedy congenital defects and the results of trauma.

Before choosing a plastic surgeon, it’s imperative to research him or her thoroughly. Ask for certifications and organization memberships. Look up testimonials  from previous patients, and find the surgeon’s before and after galleries to see the results others achieved. Board certification is more than just a title, it’s earned.

To stay updated on the latest plastic surgery news, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. For more information on the procedures Dr. Burstein performs and to learn more about his training and experience, visit his website.

Natalie has been in surgery more times in her young life than most people do their whole lives. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Natalie has undergone multiple procedures from birth to help remedy the congenital disorder. After moving to the United States from England, her parents found Dr. Burstein—who came highly recommended. He worked along with a team of surgeons on her initial cleft palate reconstruction. When she was 16, Natalie and Dr. Burstein discussed the changes she wanted to accomplish and a potential final surgery. However, her parents were worried that her facial features would change as she grew, and decided to hold off until she had fully matured.

Years later at her parents’ suggestion, Natalie went to see Dr. Burstein again to complete her final surgery.  She underwent a final cleft palate reconstruction including genioplasty (chin surgery) to augment her chin, which never fully developed as a result of her cleft palate, and a rhinoplasty in which cartilage from her ear was used to help reconstruct her nose.

Nowadays, Natalie spends her time working in real estate with her family’s firm and is interested in working with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to help children who have cleft palates overcome social barriers. “It’s so easy to get off track in school, especially, when you don’t have a support system like I did, which is why I’d love to work with teens with similar cleft issues so they aren’t derailed from learning.” Natalie, who understands the teasing and speech difficulties often caused by the condition, attended speech classes to help her speak normally before her surgeries.

When asked how she felt about Dr. Burstein and his medical team, Natalie can remember nothing but positive experiences. “I feel like I’ve known him all my life, and I couldn’t imagine having anyone else do my surgery.” She’s even recommended Dr. Burstein to a few friends who were interested in rhinoplasty, saying that his patients look the same, but have subtle improvements in all the areas they wanted.

Her life after the surgery is great, Natalie says. “I’ve always had a positive life, but after the surgery I feel good about myself from within. It’s nice to go on a date or drive a car and not worry about your profile.”

Dr. Burstein is highly trained in pediatric and adult reconstructive surgery and even served as the Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) at Scottish Rite from 1991 to 2001 and is currently the director of the Center for Craniofacial disorders for CHOA. For more information on plastic surgery with Dr. Burstein, contact our office.  You can also follow Dr. Burstein and his medical team on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

In a study published in the 2012 January/February edition of the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, researchers found that rhinoplasty surgery affects the perceived age of patients—making them look younger. Most patients see nose surgery as a procedure for patients ranging in age from late teens to their 60s. While rhinoplasty does help restore function and aesthetics to the nose, this new research development shows it can also serve as an anti-aging procedure.

As we age our bone density decreases, which is one reason our facial features can appear more sunken or droopy the older we get. The same process takes place in the structures of the nose. The supporting structures weaken as we age resulting in nasal tip sagging which makes the bridge of the nose look more protrusive giving the appearance of a hump in the nose.

Rhinoplasty surgery, whether in adults looking to regain their youth or in those hoping to breathe more easily, works to both maintain and/or restore function while reshaping the nose to better harmonize with other facial features. The overall procedure inherently helps to improve the appearance of those who may be experiencing the “characteristics of the senile nose” as the article describes them.

In the study, a private facial plastic surgery practice reviewed the standardized before and after pictures of 53 rhinoplasty patients who were 1 year post-op. Fifty participants were asked to estimate and rate the age of the individuals in each picture. The rating group was split in two and shown the before and after images at least one month apart. One was shown the before images first, the after images later; the pictures were shown in reverse order to the other group.

The results of the survey show that the average rhinoplasty patient looks almost 2 years younger after surgery. Some patients were rated as looking up to four years younger. After further analysis, researchers found that the smoothing of the dorsal hump, or the bump on the bridge of the nose, helped patients achieve an even more youthful appearance.

While rhinoplasty often isn’t the first procedure to come to mind when considering plastic surgery for anti-aging, it can be part of a larger treatment plan to help patients achieve a younger-looking aesthetic. For more information on rhinoplasty surgery or other anti-aging procedures, contact our office. You can stay up to date on the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery news by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

In a recent edition of the “Social Q’s” advice column published in The New York Times, columnist Philip Galanes answered a question posed by a woman in Los Angeles regarding her sister’s facelift surgery. The reader, Wendy, wrote she’d not seen her sister in over a year but, “judging from her Facebook profile, I think she may have gotten a facelift for her 50th birthday… she looked all tucked and botoxed and nothing like herself. What should I say?”

Galanes advises Wendy to avoid jumping to conclusions as photo editing software is easy to come by nowadays. If her sister did undergo cosmetic procedures like a facelift and wanted Wendy to know about them, she would have told her. “She may feel judged or self-conscious, though if I am reading between the lines correctly, a part of you may want her to feel that way,” says Galanes.

While reports are suggesting that anti-aging cosmetic surgery procedures are becoming more socially accepted by both men and women, there are still many people who feel that undergoing even non-invasive anti-aging procedures like skin resurfacing are considered “cheating” Father Time. Celebrity news websites constantly report on the latest star assumed to have gone under the knife, perpetuating the notion that procedures like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and forehead lift are grounds for criticism.

What many people may not realize is that no two people age the same way. Photographs of twins placed side by side show that while heredity does determine certain elements of how your skin ages, lifestyle and environmental influences are also important. Factors like sun exposure, smoking, stress, lack of sleep, and an unhealthy diet all contribute to how old you look. Some individuals choose to age naturally, foregoing anti-aging procedures, while others want to look as young as they feel.

Many people believe that cosmetic surgery is about changing your appearance or the facial features with which you were born. However, most board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons can attest that changing the patient’s overall appearance is often the exact opposite of their goals. Instead, surgeons like Dr. Fernando Burstein work to enhance patients’ features, helping them to look younger, but still look like themselves. The best results mean that those who know the patient will notice something different, but won’t be able to pinpoint exactly what has changed. Dr. Burstein and his medical team work to provide patients with optimal care to achieve their desired plastic surgery results.

For more information on anti-aging procedures or to stay up to date on plastic surgery news, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.