Tennessee Cosmetic Surgery | The Plastic Surgery Group P.C.

Get Ahead of the Spring Rush and Save!

2010-01-29T07:59:00.000-08:00

Now is your opportunity to Save! Schedule your surgery before March 31st, 2010 and receive 10% off the surgeon's fee for your first procedure and 15% off the surgeon's fee for your second procedure. Call Today! 423-756-7134

Weekend Update

2010-01-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

Just returned from the twenty sixth annual breast surgery symposium in Atlanta. The symposium is an international conference jointly presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

The big buzz remains fat injections and Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM). ADM (Trade name ALLODERM) is a product prepared from human skin which has shown to have great application in both reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. Tissue expanders and ADM now can create a bio-engineered reconstruction that is safer and more natural in appearance. ADM can also be used to correct aesthetic implant problems such as contracture and implant malposition or drift after augmentation.

Fat auto-injections were once again applauded for their usefulness in breast reconstruction. However, on the horizon may be fat injections for implant free breast augmentation. Study is currently underway by plastic surgery's academic organizations to assure safety in this application.

I was delighted to see that the breast surgery techniques practiced here at The Plastic Surgery Group remain cutting edge, reproducibly safe, and performed around the world.

In the future, "form / shape" stable breast implants are currently under study by the FDA. Offered in many countries outside the U.S., these firmer "gummy" implants hold their manufactured shape and may contribute significantly to the field of breast reconstruction. They may even be applied to difficult aesthetic breast problems where today's cohesive gel implants fall short. Hopefully the FDA will complete its study in 2010.

Look for our "brand new" Logo in 2010. The PSG has gone all electronic. At your request, we can now contact our patients by email so you can be sure not to miss any special offers.

Weekend Update

2009-12-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

We have great skin care news for our patients . The PSG is now offering FRAXEL LASER technology to its patients. This is not just any LASER. The FRAXEL LASER combines the best attributes of the old Carbon Dioxide LASERS with a new technology that minimizes after treatment down time to that of a sunburn. Some redness and swelling that ends in about three days. It takes about a half hour, and is usually repeated once a month for three months. It can be done with just topical anesthesia. This technology can be used with our typical skin care systems, BOTOX, and injectable fillers to maintain a healthy, youthful, blemish-free complexion. Check out the link to the FRAXEL website, and our "articles" section for more info. I'm sure that you'll be as impressed as I am. I'm scheduling mine soon.

News from MENTOR and their new Memory gel referral Program. Mentor wants to give patients who refer their friends for memory gel breast augmentation up to two $50 American Express Gift Cheques. That's a great deal. Visit LoveYourLook.com for more information.

More scientific information is accumulating about liposuction. The Aesthetic Surgery Journal (the largest scientific aesthetic surgery journal in the world) published a review of over 26,000 liposuction cases during the last 25 years. This review from a single group of plastic surgeons concluded that postoperative pain and scarring were the same in their patients who had traditional, ultrasonic, and laser liposuction. The surgeons also noted that the aesthetic results were the same among the patients who had undergone liposuctions using all three technologies. This points out to me, again, that it's not so much the tool as it is the craftsman. This very large review suggests that I should remain guarded in promising marked and "long- lasting" skin retraction with any liposuction technique. Aesthetically unacceptable excess skin needs to be managed surgically to maximise contours and produce sustained changes. This remains true for the face, breasts, torso, and extremities. Ultrasonic, power-assisted, and LASER liposuction do require less of a calorie expenditure on my part during surgery, but that's not a particular advantage to my patients.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year. Talk to you next year!

Dr B.

Weekend Update

2009-11-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday's "Breast Cancer Network of Strength" luncheon was a great event. It not only featured Dr. Rehm as an escort, but also, many of our breast reconstruction patients as models. One of our patient/ models had just had surgery 48 hours before her walk on the runway. That's strength. Congratulations to all the models and survivors as well as to the organizers of the event. It certainly was an uplifting experience.

I've been getting a lot of questions about BOTOX and DYSPORT lately. Which to use? What are the prices? Which is more or less effective? Does one last longer than the other? Check out our "Articles" section. By next week, there will be an entry which will answer all your questions.

Just got back from a visit to LARIMAR. It is just beautiful, there. So restful. Laura, at the front desk, told me that they have a self tanning product there that works perfectly, every time. No more orange palms and blotchy skin. With winter on the way, there couldn't be a better time to try it.

Take advantage of our Holiday aesthetic surgery packages which feature a complimentary injectable with every surgery scheduled by New Year's Eve. Holiday gift certificates are also available. Remember, sometimes the best gifts don't come in a box.

Enjoy the warm weather and have a great weekend,

Dr. B

Let Your Holidays Shine!

2009-11-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

The Plastic Surgery Group invites you to take advantage of the following special. If you are seen in consultation with one of our physicians between now and December 31, 2009 and schedule surgery for one of the following cosmetic procedures (breast augmentation, mastopexy, abdominoplasty,rhinoplasty, liposuction, facelift, browlift and blepharoplasty) , you may choose to have one of the following at no additional charge:

One (1) area of Botox,
One (1) syringe of Restylane or Juvederm,
One (1) vial of Sculptra with the purchase of a second vial,
One (1) Latisse

Promotion expires December 31, 2009 and the cosmetic procedure must be performed by February 26, 2010. Please present a copy of this blog entry at the time of your consultation. Not valid with other promotions or discounts.

Make an appointment today by calling 423-756-7134.

Guidelines for Replacing "Old" Breast Implants

2009-11-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Uncertain about the timing or necessity of replacing implants from the 60's, 70's, or 80's? Read Dr. Brzezienski's most recent article titled http://www.refinedlooks.com/replacing-old-implants.htmGuidelines for Replacing "Old" Breast Implants. If you have additional questions contact our office at 423-756-7134.

Weekend Update

2009-10-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Fat injections continue to receive considerable press. Plastic Surgery News October/November reports extensively on fat injections and stem cell research. The applications of the fat injection technique are widening steadily. I have been particularly happy with their results in breast reconstruction. The treatment of radiated sites in the head and neck as well as breast are promising for the correction of significant deformities. The Aesthetic Surgery Journal for September and October also contains a superb article on fat injections of the breast. It discusses an experience of nearly 900 applications in the last ten years.

From the aesthetic end, facial volume restoration and hand rejuvenation are becoming more and more reliable as a main stream treatment. This is all exciting news because it represents a new solution to some very difficult to solve problems.

LIFECELL has informed me that they have introduced their new breast reconstruction website - http://www.breastreconstructionmatters.com/. I have visited it, and think it is great. It contains solid information which is delivered in an organized, thoughtful manner.

One of my favorite patients who happens to be an editor brought me in a article from the October 2009 "marie claire Magazine" entitled "Doctors without borders". This is yet another article about disastrous results from aesthetic surgery performed by unscrupulous practitioners. It relates the stories of Shawn King and Priscilla Presley (two very bright women) and how they were taken in by their "up scale" surgeon. The article goes on to warn about doctors that fly in and out for a week of surgery here and there, bootleg procedures, BOTOX parties. Frankly, it was enough to make a grown plastic surgeon cringe. Read it for yourself before you decide on who is going to be your plastic surgeon.

The holidays are closing in fast. Look your best for your special holiday occasions. The Plastic Surgery Group schedulers are working double time to be sure that our discerning clientele has the opportunity ready themselves for the rigors of the holiday party scene. Even if aesthetic surgery is beyond your budget this year, I'm sure that our spa partner LARIMAR has the trick to help you look great and feel rested this season. I think I'll head over there right now.

Dr. B

Dr. Rehm to escort at the Breast Cancer Network of Strength 2009 Fasion Show.

2009-10-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jason Rehm will be escorting breast cancer survivors at the Breast Cancer Network of Strength 2009 Fashion Show on Sunday, November 8th. This show features 28 local breast cancer survivors as models to benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

Bizymoms Online Interview

2009-10-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Click here to view Dr. Brzezienski's Bizymoms Online Interview. http://bizymoms.com/chattanooga/surgery/chattanooga-reconstructive-surgery.php

Dr. B's Saturday Update

2009-10-17T07:30:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the twelve finalists in "Chattanooga's Biggest Loser". After the first week, Joe Green, Larry Joiner, and Noreen Risko are in the lead. Keep up the good work!

Our Plastic Surgery Department received the published copy of our latest academic journal contribution. The research details the results of monitoring reconstructive microsurgical operations with an infrared camera. As the Erlanger Medical Center motto goes: "We practice what we teach".

MENTOR CORP. has introduced its new breast reconstruction website. Its got a lot of great information especially regarding tissue expansion and silicone implant reconstruction. From the aesthetic side, Mentor has introduced the Le Mystiere aesthetic bra. They also have a special for augmentation patients thru December. A Le Mystiere bra will be fitted and provided for all patients undergoing breast augmentation through out the time of the special. Check out their website.

Finally, Wednesday, I met with the Legislative committee for the Tennessee Medical Association. Participating in organized medicine is very important to me. Activist physicians help pave the way for the best in health care reform. The safety of patients and access to care in Tennessee remain our chief concerns.

Dr. B

Potential Pitfalls of Improperly Researching a Procedure

2009-10-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Troubling news out of Florida. FOXnews.com reports that a 37 year old mother has lost her life after liposuction in a medspa by a Dr. who is not a board certified plastic surgeon. This Dr. had a background in occupational medicine. It is so tragic that this problem continues to repeat itself. Until firmer legislation is passed, any doctor can claim to be anything. The responsibility for choosing the right doctor is yours.

Our practice receives calls or emails from patients who have had disappointing results from procedures performed by health care practitioners outside our practice. These patients feel they have been intentionally misled by marketing maneuvers designed to sell easy solutions, although not inexpensive solutions, for a variety of cosmetic image concerns. As an example, Lipo-Dissolve, Threadlifts, Endermologie, Body Wraps, Thermage are but a few on the current "buzz" list. Patients requesting procedures because they have seen or read a glowing marketing description need to be aware of the potential pitfalls of improperly researching a product or procedure. A consultation with a respected plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is the single most important piece of research that can be accomplished. The discerning plastic surgeon thoroughly investigates any "new" equipment or procedure in the marketplace and assesses its value based on safety and the result that can be achieved from its use. See our recent article titled Astroturfing.

Dr. B's Saturday Update

2009-10-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

I just returned from the advanced breast reconstruction surgeon's forum sponsored by Life Cell in Chicago. It was a great information gathering session with some of the busiest breast reconstructionists in the U.S. present. I was very happy to see and hear that our practice remains on the cutting edge of technology. The surgeons I spoke with share an enthusiasm for tissue expansion reconstruction using "alloderm"(see the LIFECELL website) as an assist. Results were very much on track with ours. Multiple new techniques were discussed which have similar application in aesthetic breast surgery.

The surgeons also indicated that they were expanding the use of fat injections in their reconstructive population. I have also found the fat injections with exacting technique can improve a wide host of contour problems both in aesthetic and reconstruction patients. All in all, a fantastic educational event.

Last Sunday, I attended the kick off for Chattanooga's Biggest Loser. I have been asked by the Harvey's to serve as their official plastic surgeon. I gave a little talk about aesthetic reconstruction after great weight loss. We discussed the most common surgeries; but, most importantly, how to move through the process safely. I congratulate all those who are about to embark on the journey to better health with the Harvey's. Keep an eye open for media coverage of Chattanooga's Biggest Loser.

I also had an online interview with the Casmina Dole at Bizymoms. Bizymoms.com is the world's largest site both in traffic and pages dedicated to work-at-home moms. I look forward to a continued relationship with this very informative site.

Watch for further "Saturday updates". Email your questions to Kathy and we'll be happy to respond. Dr. B.

-Dr. B

Great News for Medspa lovers!!

2009-09-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Larimar Medspa and The Plastic Surgery Group have entered into a unique partnership that will benefit all of our patients / clients. Larimar's experienced and licensed staff will work with you to develop just the right skincare treatment plan for you. All of this will be done in a relaxed and soothing environment. Our patients / clients will receive a 20% discount on their first service of choice. Please visit Larimar's website at http://larimarmedspa.com/ or call 423-755-8880 to schedule your complimentary consultation today!

Sculptra Aesthetic Special Pricing Offer

2009-09-11T13:53:00.001-07:00

For a limited time The Plastic Surgery Group will be offering Sculptra Aesthetic for one third off of our normal pricing. Sculptra Aesthetic is a unique, long-lasting filler that restores youthful fullness that is lost as part of the aging process. Results of your treatment may last 2 years or longer. Call 423-756-7134 today to schedule your complimentary Sculptra Aesthetics consultation or email Kathy from our homepage http://www.refinedlooks.com/meet.htm for more information.

The Difference Between "Real" Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons

2009-09-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mark Brzezienski comments on recent front page Chattanooga Times Free Press article http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/06/aesthetic-turf-war/. He defines the difference between "real" plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons and who is best qualified to perform your plastic surgery procedure. http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_158298.asp

We are so pleased that patients like our office. Here are some additional patient comments.

2009-06-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

I want to thank you for your help and quick response to my questions. I made inquiries to other facilities prior to contacting you, and it took days (if I even heard back) to get information.
This type of service is what brought me back to your facility, and the good service I received last time. (Patient of Dr. Kennedy)

Dr. Brzezienski,

A million thanks to you! You are an incredible plastic surgeon and doctor. There are not words to describe how much better I feel about myself.

Patient Satisfaction Surveys

2009-04-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

We were reviewing patient satisfaction surveys from last quarter. We are pleased to share these comments with you.

Thank you for your great care when I had my surgery. Everyone was great and I appreciated your patience. I know I had lots of questions and was a little nervous but you all were wonderful.

Everyone was great! Dr. Sargent and the nurses answered all my questions fully and honestly.

Everyone was so kind and a joy to meet. I appreciate the professionalism and quality care!

Very pleased with results. Follow up appointments have been very timely and considerate of patient. Excellent staff!

Thanks for the Hugs!

My experience here was very joyful – everybody was pleasant, thoughtful. I’m very happy with Dr. Kennedy and the results. I would recommend this place to others.

It was great. I felt very at ease and comfortable.

Everyone I encountered behaved in a very professional and courteous manner. I would highly recommend your services to anyone looking for this type of procedure.

Feminine Rejuvenation

2009-04-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Feminine Rejuvenation is a procedure we have had a lot of questions about lately. To learn more about feminine rejuvenation click here.

Journal entries bring national honor to accident victim

2009-03-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

Click here to read Chattanooga's Times Free Press article describing the response two of our group members, Dr. Mark Brzezienski and Dr. Larry Sargent, were called upon to give to a tragic accident last summer. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/08/chattanooga-journal-entries-bring-national-honor-a/