Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic Laser Surgery
Laser surgery is frequently used to correct skin imperfections through a process called skin resurfacing. Most procedures can be done on an outpatient basis. Examples of cosmetic procedures include the removal of:

• Wrinkles
• Freckles
• Acne Scars
• Age Spots
• Tattoos
• Port Wine Birthmarks

Benefits Of Laser Surgery

• Faster Recovery
• Lower Cost
• Less Trauma to Tissues
• Less Blood Loss
• Minimal Risk of Infection

Types of Cosmetic Procedures offered at St. Mary's Laser Surgery Center:

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
To help you look younger and fresher.
Usually takes several hours to perform. In general, the surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve contour. Underlying muscles are tightened and excess skin is moved. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incision. Most patients are back to work in 10 to 14 days.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharosplasty)
To correct droopy, baggy eyelids.
Usually takes one to two hours to perform. Underlying fat along with excess skin and muscle can be removed during the operation. Most people are ready for work in a week to 10 days, but may be sensitive to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several weeks.

Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
To improve the way your breasts look.
A breast implant is a silicone shell with either silicone gel or a saltwater solution known as saline. Saline-filled implants are available on an unrestricted basis. However, the Food and Drug Administration has determined that gel-filled implants be available to women participating in approved studies. In the procedure, the surgeon lifts your breast and skin to create a pocket either behind the breast or underneath the chest wall muscle for the implant. Patients are up and around in 24-48 hours and sore for three to four weeks.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
To improve the natural contour of your tummy.
Large fat deposits of loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise can be removed. The surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall and from the lower abdomen all the way up to the ribs through an incision along the pubic area from hip bone to hip bone. A second incision is made around the navel. Underlying muscles are drawn together, narrowing the waistline and tightening the abdominal wall. Excess skin and fat is removed and impaired with sutures.

Lipsuction also may be used to decrease abdominal fullness. Your surgeon will advise if a partial abdominoplasty will work for you. Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours; partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. This is a major surgical procedure and it may take weeks to months to feel like yourself again.

Liposuction (New Technology Uses Ultrasound)
To remove pockets of excess fat and improve the contours of your body.
St. Mary's has acquired the latest technology in liposuction, which utilizes ultrasound to break down fat for a much safer, more gentle removal of unwanted fat with minimal blood loss. The procedure is usually performed in an hour or two, depending on the amount of fat to be removed. The usual areas for pockets of excess fat are under the chin, on the hips, thighs, and stomach, under the arms and breast areas. Men are more likely to collect fat around the waist and under the chin. All plastic surgeons on the St. Mary's Medical Staff are Board Certified and trained in the new ultrasound technology.

Laser Resurfacing
To smooth the face, or remove freckles, age spots, and tattoos.
With the use of a laser, outer layers of damaged skin are stripped away. Wrinkle removal is accomplished when the new skin grows back, for a smoother and tighter appearance.

Laser surgery also is effective for removing age spots, freckles, and tattoos which are just below or within the outer layers of skin. Pockets of pigment that cause freckles and age spots, or tattoo inks, are lifted away, allowing new skin to regrow without the blemish. New skin is bright pink to red for weeks, sometimes months, after the procedure. After about two weeks, makeup can be used to conceal this temporary color.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
To improve your facial appearance, and to correct breathing problems.
Usually requires one to two hours, though more complicated procedures may take longer. Some surgeons perform rhinoplasty from within the nose, making incisions inside the nostrils. Others prefer an "open" procedure that requires and incision across the strip of tissue separating the nostrils. The surgeon may remove a hump, trim cartilage to reshape the nose, narrow the nose, reshape the position of the septum, or a combination of the above procedures. Most patients return to school or work in a week or two.

Today's Aesthetic Surgery

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery today is a far cry from what it was many years ago. Because of surgical advances and improved procedures, it has become not only safer, but more popular and affordable.

We want you to know that St. Mary's and the Knoxville Anesthesia Group, P.C. are confident that we can provide, with our Cosmetic Surgery Program, the safest environment, the greatest care, and the most knowledgeable health professionals to assist the surgeon you've chosen, or we will recommend a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at your request.

Save both time and money!

Streamlined admission and discharge will save you time, so you can plan your procedure within your normal schedule.
Our single discount price for both hospital and anesthesia is convenient as well. This fee includes normal, preoperative care, routine care during the procedure, normal postoperative care, including all supplies, drugs, and equipment use, and professional nursing and anesthesia services. Lab work, pathology, or other tests deemed necessary will be billed separately. This fee is estimated up front and will increase only if your actual surgery takes longer or complications result.

For more information, please call (865) 524-5514.

For more information regarding physicians that perform laser surgery, please call St. Mary's Physician Referral Service, (865) 545-MD4U (6348).