My staff and I would like to thank each and everyone one of our concerned patients for your support in helping to remove the Cosmetic Tax from the Senate bill. Your letters and calls were key toward that achievement.
We need our senators and representatives to remain focused on the goals of health care reform and not place additional tax burden on the middle class.
Sincerely,
Lawrence N. Gray, M.D.
Myth: People tend to over moisturize, believing they are correcting their symptoms of dry skin.
Reality: Everyone is different, but most people need correction at a cellular level. By treating skin at a cellular level, as with a medical level skin care regimen, cells become healthy enabling skin to produce its own moisture. This usually occurs within 3 to 6 months. When cells are healthy again skin produces the correct moisture balance without applying a moisturizer.
Myth: If you have acne, you have oily skin.
Reality: There are commonly two types of skin conditions with acne: normal to oily and normal to dry. If you treat your acne as an oily skin condition and you are actually an acne patient with dry skin, you can make your acne much worse. It is best to have skin specialist assess your skin so you know for sure which type of skin you have and how to treat it. At the Skin Wellness Center at Atlantic Plastic Surgery, we treat normal to dry skin with a moisturizer with gylcerin. We treat normal to oily skin with a lotion with either a benzoyl peroxide ingredient or a salicylic acid ingredient.
Myth: Moisturizing oily skin makes matters worse.
Reality: An oily complexion does feel moist to the touch, but oil and moisture are two different things. As you age, you need to use a moisturizer even is your skin is oily. The oiliness of your skin will seal in the moisture you have, but won’t replace the moisture that you lose as you age. Oily skin is best treated with a thorough, but gentle cleansing and an appropriate skin care regimen designed for oily skin.
Myth: You can change the size of your facial pores.
Reality: You can minimize the size of your facial pores, but they don’t go away. You can greatly reduce pore size by using Glycolic acids, retinols or by having a Fraxel treatment. Ask your skin care professional for their specific recommendation for your skin. Here, the use of the Visia Skin analysis provides a great assistance by clearly showing the patient their areas of skin damage and particularly if their pore size can be improved.
Myth: People believe they may be allergic to Retin A because of their skin’s initial reaction of redness and flakiness.
Reality: Retin A is a highly effective product and much more powerful than anything that can be purchased over the counter. Even if the over-the–counter product says it contains Retinol, it is not in concentrations high enough to produce the results that can be achieved through the use of Retin A and Obagi as supervised by a physician.
Myth: People believe that you should not go in the sun if you are using Retin A.
Reality: You can go in the sun after using Retin A if you use sunscreen of 35 or more (UVA and UVB) and reapplying often if you are having prolonged sun exposure. You are only prone to burning if you do not apply sunscreen.
Myth: People believe that tanning their skin first in a tanning bed before they go on a sunny vacation, protects their skin by building up a “base tan”.
Reality: People are damaging their skin significantly more by pre-tanning. Any amount of tanning demonstrates damage to your skin. Tanning beds are even worse than tanning outside. Use a sunscreen daily.
We have the New Clarisonic Opal! The newest innovation combines sonic infusion technology with our Anti–Aging Sea Serum. You have seen the benefits of our sonic cleansing — softer, smoother skin — now experience what sonic infusion can do for your wrinkles.
The Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System provides an immediately noticeable reduction of fine lines and wrinkles that lasts for hours, with results that build over time. The sonic action gently clarifies and revitalizes the skin without the harsh chemicals or abrasion you’ll find in microdermabrasion and other treatments.
By cleansing daily with Clarisonic, you’ll remove dirt and oil better than with traditional manual washing. Even makeup is removed six times better than standard cleansing. And skin is left so clean it actually absorbs products like serums and moisturizers better.
Call for pricing and to reserve your Clarisonic.
Botox Cosmetic was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002. It has become increasingly popular. The wrinkle controller and reducer is easy, quick, affordable and no more embarrassing than going to the dentist. It is now the most common beauty treatment by both women and men and is the fastest way to give your face a noticeably refreshed look.
In April of 2009. a second botulinum toxin type A, named “Dysport” was approved by the FDA. Introduced by Medicis, the makers of Restylane, Dysport is now available as an alternative to Botox Cosmetic for use in smoothing the lines and wrinkles you already have and also for preventing lines and wrinkles from progressing. My patients have been very pleased with the results
At Atlantic Plastic Surgery, I have helped hundreds of patients achieve a more youthful and less stressed appearance with the use of both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport. When injected by an experienced physician, both products are highly effective in reducing lines caused by muscle contractions typically for frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. I educate my patients about both products and let them select. Most patients have the same questions:
Which product last longer?
My initial impression is that the two products are very similar. Patients may see a slightly faster onset of action with Dysport vs. Botox. They both are approved to last up to four months.
How long does it last?
The effects last for up to 6 months for some patients or as brief as 3 to 4 months for patients whose muscles are stronger and do not seem to hold the product as well.
Which product starts working faster?
Dysport does claim to start working a day sooner than Botox Cosmetic.
Which product gives you more value for your dollar?
Competition between the two companies has provided patients with an opportunity to save money with discounted pricing and mail in rebates making this a great time to come in and discuss which product would be right for you.
Is Botox safe?
Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are both safe. Adverse effects are very uncommon andare temporary.
What other similar products are on the horizon?
Alternatives will continue to be brought forward. Soon patients will be hearing more about Purtox from Johnson & Johnson.
Regarding “Smart Lipo” or laser liposuction, there has been no scientific study performed that has demonstrated to established plastic surgery societies that there are any benefits to laser liposuction.
Laser liposuction also carries the risk of burning the skin.
I have personally have seen 2 disasters with patients who had laser liposuction performed by non-plastic surgeons.
Laser liposuction also carries the risk of burning the skin.
Traditional liposuction is still the treatment of choice throughout the world for the surgical reduction of fat.
Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center offers an ideal solution to the problem of achieving your goal of cosmetic enhancement, without debt or finance charges: The Cosmetic Surgery Lay-away Plan.
After your consultation with Dr. Lawrence Gray, our Patient Care Co-ordinator will meet with you to design a savings plan, together, that will work best for your needs. A initial down- payment of $500 (or when you have reached that amount in your account) will allow you to schedule your surgery and lock in your price.
Over the next 12 months, or whatever period of time you designate, payments are made in the amount you decide. Atlantic Plastic surgery Center will honor your price for the period of one year. In the event that you decide against your procedure, you are refunded, in full. For additional information, please contact us at 1-800-633-6860 or by e-mail at drlgray@atlanticplasicsurg.com.
Mentor Corporation held it’s 3rd annual “Leads” meeting, September 25th to the 27th, 2009, in Denver, Colorado.
Mentor, a division of Johnson and Johnson and maker of breast implants, selects the top 25 breast implant surgeons from around the country. Dr Lawrence Gray was the only surgeon selected from the Northeast and was among the 14 surgeons chosen all three times. Surgeons are selected on the basis of being a leader in the field on surgical volume.
The gathering was held to discuss new product development, to receive input from the surgeons based on their practice experience and to present an update on the merger with Johnson and Johnson.
“I experienced pleasant calmness with no pressure.”
“Everything was so nice, making me feel comfortable and top priority.”
“The staff at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center was so pleasant, making you feel very comfortable. I love the nurse, Dr. Baker and especially Dr. Gray.”
“Although I cannot imagine how many patients come through the door, you made me feel like the only one.”
“I was nicely surprised at how completely professional everyone is. Friendly and inviting. Plus, everything was explained so accurately.”
“I was very nervous. This was my first surgery. The staff was so nice and professional, it put me at ease.”
“It was a very happy environment and at the same time, highly professional. I absolutely love Dr. Baker (anesthesiologist). He wins a person’s trust with his thorough interview before surgery his attention to addressing all all my concerns.”
“…I was was very comfortable there–they were peaceful and attentive, and gave reassuring care. I was also reassured by the excellent reputation of Dr Gray.”
“The personal touch and professionalism of the staff was top notch. The privacy of the facility was a nice feeling.”
“I am very pleased with the level of care and and professionalism of all the staff. Dr. Gray is very talented. The facility was state of the art, beautiful and the staff were warm and inviting. Dee really helped make this a stress-free environment. She was fun!”
New England Cable News Network broadcast a report on Wednesday, September 23rd , about 3D Surgical Simulation, filmed at Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center. Dr. Gray is the first surgeon in New England to have this advanced technology.
“What will I look like?” is the number one question patients ask Dr. Lawrence Gray when considering breast augmentation. Now, Dr. Gray of Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center, located on Griffin Road in Portsmouth, NH, can accurately answer this question in 3D pictorial form. Dr. Gray said, “Previously, no one had any accurate way of sizing implants before. To me, a big change I see is, after surgery, how really happy they are. This is exactly what they want”.
The report featured an actual patient of Dr. Gray’s, who stated, “I wanted to (have breast implants) but I couldn’t picture what I would look like in the end. The technology allowed me to see what I would look like from every angle, which made my decision a lot easier. The report can be seen by going to http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/2009/09/23/Imaging-software-helps/1253748559.html.
Using the very latest in medical technology, The Portrait 3D Surgical Simulation Platform by Axis Three, Dr. Gray and his staff can give patients an actual visual of themselves simulating the before and after – in photo realistic 3D. In the broadcast report, Dr. Gray’s nurse, Kerri Norton, demonstrated with the patient exactly how the imager works and how it helps Dr. Gray and the patient work together to select just the right implant—size, form and shape, that best compliments their individual body. Additionally, this cutting edge technology allows greater guidance and direction for more accurate customization, placement and shaping of the implants especially helpful for any asymmetry issues. Importantly, this visualization enables patients to see the desired outcome in realistic 3D from all angles—overhead, side, front views, before the procedure is performed and make any necessary adjustments. The simulation is also helpful for patients to understand if breast implants alone would correct sagging skin or if they might need a breast lift.
On average, Dr. Gray performs about 250 breast augmentations a year, more than 4 times the national average. Currently, there are only 10 of these visualization machines in the U.S. “At Atlantic Plastic Surgery, our patients love this new technology. It allows them to ‘try on’ various sizes and shapes to determine what is right for their body and visually make any adjustment or changes,” says Dr. Gray. “It increases the comfort level of the patient and with the help of the software; we can show the patient a range of sizes, shapes and placement and take precise accurate volume measurements optimizing what is best for their body. We compare the “before” with up to 5 simulated results.” The Portrait 3D Surgical Simulation Platform by Axis Three is available at Atlantic Plastic Surgery at no extra charge and is included as part of the consultation. “At Atlantic Plastic Surgery, our goal is to make sure our patients are very happy with their result for a long time to come.”
A new product to reduce wrinkles between the eyebrows, across the forehead, and around the eyes (crow’s feet)! Dysport, which is similar to Botox Cosmetic, takes just a few minutes and lasts 3 to 4 months.
Both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are a natural, purified protein used to treat the cause of the wrinkle—overactive muscles — by blocking the signals that tell those muscles to contract. Botox cosmetic is now FDA approved to treat wrinkles and excessive sweating. Dysport is also FDA approved for the treatment of wrinkles and to control excessive sweating. Both products have been used in Europe for almost 20 years.
Both products are safe and highly effective in the treatment of wrinkles on the face. But, Dysport works faster –in only 1-3 days vs. 4-7 days for Botox Cosmetics. And Dysport is a better value per unit than Botox Cosmetic. Though Dysport is a new treatment in the US, given it’s success in Europe over the last 20 years, it will likely be as popular as Botox within a short period of time.
When administered properly by a highly trained clinician, you will still be able to make normal facial expressions, but without the wrinkles or frown lines. Both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are injected with a very small needle in tiny amounts to the recommended area. An important distinction is that Botox and Dysport are measured differently (much like feet vs. meters) which accounts for the difference in pricing. Dysport costs less for the same treatment. The effects of Botox and Dysport usually last 3-4 months, however with repeated treatments, the effects may last up to 6 months.
Two Introductory Specials
Your first Dysport treatment for $100 off! A $350 value for $250.
Or
Dysport with a Restylane treatment: Two syringes of Restylane and one site of Dysport for $720, normally, $1,350.
For more information about plastic surgery in southern New Hampshire, near Boston and Maine in Portsmouth, contact Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center.
Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center
100 Griffin Road, Suite B
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801
1-866-264-7738
