by Deborah Conway

“Nobody wants to feel like they’re not pretty,” said Kristin, a 39-year-old visitor to the Autumn Open House at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center on Griffin Road in Portsmouth. For some, the definition of “pretty” is the cleansing and relaxing effects of a therapeutic facial, while for others it is the ability to overcome the trauma and disfigurement of an injury or disease through reconstructive surgery.

I had been invited to the open house event at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center to be a “model” for the evening. Having never considered breast augmentation, microdermabrasion or any of the other services that they offer, I had no idea what to expect. What I found was wonderful.

The waiting areas, offices and treatment rooms were overflowing with adult women and men of every age. Although some had been there before, many were, like me, new to this experience and full of questions for the doctors, nurses, and aestheticians and office staff. The evening was planned so that visitors would have the opportunity to observe treatments, speak with the models on whom the treatment was demonstrated, and obtain information from the care providers.

25-year-old Catherine was a cancer survivor and had already undergone breast reconstruction surgery at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center. “I have so much more confidence now”, she said. According to Dr. Brannon Claytor, one of the two plastic surgeons at Atlantic Plastic Surgery, reconstructive surgery takes the patient “from trauma and fear to normalcy”. He added, “Our patients are normal women” and men, not “movie stars”. Meghan, 33, had sustained an injury, and freely offered that “Dr. Lawrence Gray reconstructed my nose”.

For those interested in breast augmentation, Atlantic Plastic Surgery has one of a handful of Axis 3 digital systems in New England and is able to provide three dimensional images, allowing the patient to see the anticipated results of her procedure.

For Shelly, age 45, “I’ve never been here before and [the open house] was a good opportunity” to gather information. “I am most interested in Botox, for my forehead”, she shared. “I was scheduled to receive Xeomin, an evolution of Botox, injections in my own forehead and I found the procedure to be relatively painless and the results fantastic.”

I was scheduled for laser hair removal under my arms and even now, 3 weeks post my one and only treatment, I have not experienced any regrowth. The husband of a woman with whom I spoke was interested in this procedure, and I reassured her that it was not at all painful.

For those seeking to ameliorate the scarring effects of acne, microdermabrasion is effective and safe. Fraxel, or laser resurfacing of the skin, is the most impressive procedure they have available for reducing or eliminating the appearance of both scars and fine lines. According to Kristen, the “model” for this demonstration, the procedure was uncomfortable, but not terribly painful, and the results were indeed impressive.

Sandy, a Certified Aesthetician at Atlantic Plastic Surgery, provides therapeutic facials for both men and women. “It is a little less aggressive than other procedures, and is more relaxing.” The enzyme exfoliates and the microdermabrasion and oatmeal mask stimulates the skin. I had the procedure and found it to be quite relaxing. I experienced a noticeable improvement in the tone, color and overall health of my skin.

Atlantic Plastic Surgery also offers a wide array of skin care products. Madeline, Dawn and Lynn, 3 friends whose ages range from 46 to 68, all agreed that “if you come here you may pay a little more, but you also wouldn’t need the over the counter products in your ‘product graveyard’ that don’t work”. “I feel like what I am doing here is working.”

In addition to these procedures and products, Atlantic Plastic Surgery also offers schlerotherapy, liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts and other procedures as well as Lattise for eyelash growth, Obagi Medical level skin care and Vivite skin care products. There are many other procedures and products not mentioned here. The Skin Wellness Center offers free skin consultation and digital skin analysis. What have you got to loose, except perhaps a few scars, lines and areas of discoloration? You may even walk away with a few more curves, and a lot more confidence.

Dr. Mark Ballentyne of the Skin Wellness Center at Atlantic Plastic Surgery was recently awarded Board Certification by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Ballentyne, completed an extended course of study in which physicians gain comprehensive education and technical training in the evolving science of aesthetic medicine from January to September, 2011. On November 5th, 2011, Dr. Ballentyne underwent the written and oral exams and was awarded board certification.

The American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine teaches the art, science, techniques and procedures of aesthetic medicine to licensed physicians. The AAAM is the exclusive USA member of the International Union of Aesthetic Medicine, (UIME) comprised of 29 member societies and 20,000 members. Their courses are the only such courses recognized in the USA, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East by the UIME. Their worldwide faculty are experts in their respective fields.

Dr. Mark Ballentyne has been the Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center since 2003 and is a national trainer for Allergan and Medicis, makers of some of the world’s most popular dermal fillers, due to his technical skill, extensive experience, and eye for superior results. He has established a strong reputation for his talent in performing the lip augmentation procedure, facial rejuvenation with BOTOX® Cosmetic injections and dermal fillers, photo-rejuvenation (Intense Pulsed Light or IPL), sclerotherapy, medical level skin care treatments, Fraxel laser treatments and chemical peels. Visit our website at www.atlanticplasticsurg.com to learn about the complete range of plastic surgical procedures or call Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center at 1-800-633-6860 for additional information.

Each year more than 254,000 American women face breast cancer, many of whom choose reconstructive surgery to re-establish the shape and look of the breast. Medical and technological advancements are being made every day to give them better choices and produce more realistic and natural-looking results.

Dr. Brannon Claytor, an expert in breast reconstruction surgery following cancer brings his expertise and new options to Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center. After completing plastic surgery training Dr. Claytor completed an additional fellowship in breast microsurgery, oncologic reconstruction and hand microsurgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Current options include immediate breast reconstruction, which is done at the same time as the breast removal, a mastecomy. An advantage to this is that the chest tissues have not been damaged by radiation therapy or scarring, producing a superior looking final result are improved. Women who have already had a mastectomy, can have a delayed reconstruction, even after several months or years. This may be a better choice for some women, depending on medical or health reasons. With both immediate or delayed reconstruction, options for the patient’s own tissue and prosthetic materials can be used, or a combination of both.

A new option in breast reconstruction surgery that is gaining popularity is “Autologous Free Fat Graft Reconstruction”, which uses fat instead of implants or tissue transplant. Fat is harvested from the patient’s own abdomen and injected into the area of the chest where the breast was, with preparations ahead of time.
Decisions about reconstructive surgery depend on the patient’s personal factors such as the patient’s overall health. During a consultation, Dr. Claytor will discuss the benefits and risks of each type of reconstruction with the patient. Visit our website at www.atlanticplasticsurg.com to learn more about Dr. Claytor and the complete range of plastic surgical procedures or call 1-800-633-6860 for additional information.

Plastic Surgeons who are members of the The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recently testified at the FDA Panel on Breast Implants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a panel hearing on silicone gel-filled breast implants, the purpose of which was to evaluate the progress of long-term studies mandated when silicone gel-filled breast implants were approved by the FDA to return to market in 2006. A key focus was to discuss innovative approaches to gathering data for future post-approval studies.

After two days of discussion and testimony, FDA officials said silicone breast implants were safe and the studies would continue. “Women should feel assured that the F.D.A. continues to believe that currently marketed silicone breast implants are safe,” said William Maisel, MD, MPH, chief scientist in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Excerpted from ASAPS E-Bulletin 9/8/11

Most plastic surgeons agree that silicone gel-filled implants are the implant of choice over saline-filled implants. Among the numerous reasons are the more natural look and feel of silicone implants, the better guarantee of the product and the fact that over 90 % of the rest of the world uses silicone breast implants over saline. Silicone implants are increasingly chosen in the United States also to improve the size and shape of breasts.
Dr. Lawrence Gray of Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center strongly agrees. Dr. Gray has had more experience with silicone breast implants than any other surgeon in New England. He has participated in the Silimed core study from the start in 2005 and is in its 7th year. This important study follows-up on 250 patients. Dr. Gray states, “A big advantage I have seen is that the rupture rate of silicone is under 1%, but the rupture rate on saline is about 4%”.

Silicone implants have been continually improved and re-engineered. They now have a thicker, stronger casement, which reduces the risk of ruptures or leakage. Another improvements allows for cross-linking, in which molecules adhere to each other better and increasing the ability of the silicone to retain its shape. This characteristic is called, ”memory gel.” Rippling is a complaint that is sometimes heard with regard to saline implants. But, silicone implants are less likely to have rippling due to the cross-linking technology, which allows for the superior casement. Silicone implants are also a better product for thin, small-breasted women because they give a more pleasing result. Visit our website at www.atlanticplasticsurg.com to learn about the complete range of plastic surgical procedures or call Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center at 1-800-633-6860 for additional information.

Dr. Lawrence Gray and Dr. Mark Ballentyne announce the addition of Dr. R. Brannon Claytor to Atlantic Plastic Surgery, following Dr. Claytor’s six years of practice in Portland, Maine. He is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as in hand surgery. Dr. Claytor is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, offering our patients a high level of skill, outstanding training and commitment to excellence in cosmetic, reconstructive and hand surgery.

Dr. Claytor has an impressive academic background and a history of publications and presentations. His two-year plastic surgery residency at University of Massachusetts Medical School also included a three-month training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye and Ear Throat Hospital in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He then completed an additional year in breast microsurgery, oncologic reconstruction and hand microsurgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He was on the teaching faculty of the Lahey Clinic and served as a clinical instructor at Maine Medical Center for the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Claytor is an active member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Claytor will be on staff at Portsmouth and York hospitals and will also operate at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center’s private, licensed facility. Dr. Claytor’s proven, exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques will provide patients with the latest and best in cutting-edge care. Visit our website at www.atlanticplasticsurg.com to learn about the complete range of plastic surgical procedures by Dr. Claytor or call Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center at 1-800-633-6860 for additional information

The Skin Wellness Center at Atlantic Plastic surgery Center is seeing a steady increase in patients over 40 and even higher numbers of patients over 50 having non-surgical facial rejuvenation to combat the effects of aging. People who are considering a cosmetic touch-up to their face and neck are turning toward dermal fillers and Botox Cosmetic®. “Both men and women are taking better care of themselves with diet and exercise. They still feel young and want to look as good as they can for their age. Many patients start addressing the signs of aging in their 40’s. Many more people who are in their 50’s want to eliminate deep wrinkles and sagging that have already developed”, states Dr. Mark Ballentyne, of the Skin Wellness Center.

The effects of age, gravity, exposure to sunlight, and the stresses of life all take a toll on a person’s face. Facial (dermal) fillers provide temporary to long-lasting solutions administered through a few tiny facial injections to the problem area of the face. Facial fillers volumize creases and folds in the face in areas that have lost fat and collagen as we age. Facial fillers rejuvenate the face by reducing or eliminating nasolabial folds, wrinkles around the eyes, sagging skin around the mouth, raising scar depressions, enhancing thin lips, gives increased definition to the upper lip, and replaces soft-tissue volume loss, such as in the cheeks. A variety of facial fillers such as Juvederm® and Restylane® replace this lost volume, recapturing a younger looking face. Dermal fillers last from 6 months to a year or more, depending upon the specific filler. They vary somewhat in cost, but frequent specials and price discounts are offered.
The convenience and remarkable results of today’s non-surgical treatments, such as Botox Cosmetic®. is making them more and more popular. Botox Cosmetic®. treats deep creases between the eyebrows, around the eyes and mouth, across the forehead causing wrinkles, making the patient look older. Botox Cosmetic® effectively relaxes the facial muscles underneath the skin which causes the wrinkles, smoothing them out, helping to restore a more youthful vibrance to the face and improving confidence as well.

“Botox Cosmetic® and dermal fillers may be smart options for many patients with moderate lines and wrinkles, while others with more severe wrinkling or skin sagging may benefit most by a mini- or full facelift”, states Dr. Mark Ballentyne. Visit our website at www.atlanticplasticsurg.com to see Facial Injection “Before and After’s”.

This summer, Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center is showing our appreciation for the dedication and tireless care given daily by healthcare professionals in so many different settings. We are offering 10% off Dr. Gray’s surgeon fees on all surgeries now through 9/2/11 ! Whether you are a school nurse, a hospital nurse, a dental hygienist, a doctor or any  other healthcare provider, call us to learn more and take advantage of this offer: any surgical procedure that we offer, scheduled by 9/2/11 is 10% off the surgeon’s fee.

Dr. Lawrence Gray of Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire attended the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2011 annual meeting, “Affirming the Science of Aesthetic Surgery” held May 6th through May 11th In Boston, Massachusetts. Over 2,000 surgeons from around the world participated in this prestigious, educational conference. Among the educational objectives of the conference were obtaining replicable, safe surgical outcomes and interpreting and applying evidence –based medicine in aesthetic surgery medicine. Thought and opinion leaders from around the world were present to share knowledge via panels papers, special presentations, courses and seminars.
Among the numerous scientific sessions and discussion forums Dr. Gray attended were: “Optimizing Outcomes in Breast Augmentation”, “Lipo-abdominoplasty and Body Contouring”, “Facial Rejuvenation”, “Integrating Surgical Shaping with Volumetric Enhancement”, “Rhinoplasty and Altering the Bony Framework of the Nose”, “New Technologies in Liposuction, Established Techniques and Combined Procedures”, and “Cosmetic Medicine: Achieving Excellent Results”. The hot topic at this year’s annual meeting was fat grafting to the breast. New and innovative techniques were discussed that produce more natural results than are currently offered.
Dr. Gray was also re-certified as an inspector for the American Association for Accreditation for Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and is scheduled to inspect an office in Massachusetts in June. For more information contact Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center at 1-800-633-6860 or on line at www.atlanticplasticsurg.com.

Dr. Lawrence Gray has just returned from a two-week volunteer trip to Retalhuleu, Guatemala sponsored by Rotary Clubs in the U.S. and Guatemala. Dr. Gray participated in a medical group who performed over 100 life changing cleft lip and palate surgeries on children from infancy to 18. Children with cleft lips face being ostracized due to their appearance. Children with cleft palates have difficulty speaking and eating. The corrective surgeries radically improved their lives.

The families of the children showed enormous devotion in their determination to obtain the reconstructive surgery for their children. Some families traveled up to 16 hours by bus to arrive at the clinic. One family walked three hours just to arrive at a bus stop. The especially arduous journey of two-year-old Antony and his family began five months before the arrival of the Rotaplast mission, when Antony’s mother, and her husband attempted to sell their truck to pay for cleft palate surgery locally for their son. The family was attacked by a gang demanding money, but not having enough money to satisfy the thieves, the gang opened fire. Both parents and Antony were hit, but Antony’s father died. A bullet had entered one side of his jaw, exited the other side and lodged in his son’s shoulder.
 All were left for dead.

Antony and his mother were picked up and taken to a hospital where they received medical attention. The assailants were captured and a trial was held in Guatemala City. Other gang members threatened the lives of Antony, his mother and his grandmother, because the elderly woman attended the hearings pleading for justice for her dead son. One assailant faces 50 years in prison for murdering Antony’s father and 25 years for the attempted murder of Antony. 


Learning of the Rotaplast surgical mission, Antony and his mother made their way to Retalhuleu. Antony was seen on pre-clinic day, was accepted and scheduled for surgery the next day. In the OR, Antony did not respond well to the anesthesia and surgery was stopped. The child needed to be on antibiotics for at least five days before surgery could be attempted again. 
But, Antony and his mother lived too far away to leave and return. The compassionate mission staff pooled enough money for the mother and child to secure a hotel and meals until Antony could be re-evaluated for surgery the following Monday. After 5 days, Antony was cleared for surgery and underwent a successful cleft palate revision. The long ordeal was over.

Dr. Gray has participated in 8 other reconstructive surgery missions to Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Vietnam, and Venezuela. In each country, the clinic staff, as they struggle to take care of as many cases as possible, learn of formidable situations and conditions faced by both children and adults with facial deformities. Dr. Gray, and all the medical and support staff on these missions, find the experience of helping the children, adults and their families to be life changing for both patient and staff.