On March 17, Dr. Paul Daraei of Astra Plastic Surgery appeared as the featured guest on News/Talk WSB Radio’s “The Weekly Check-Up.”

During the show, Dr. Daraei and host Dr. Bruce Feinberg discussed several topics, including Dr. Daraei’s path from medical school to his current field of plastic surgery, how facial and reconstructive surgery have evolved over the years, and the wide variety of advanced plastic surgery procedures available today.

“What I enjoy most is working with people, getting to know them and talking about what bothers them,” Dr. Darei said. “If I can help them in any certain way from a surgical perspective or minimally invasive procedure, I’ll do that – and the joy I get from those outcomes is really what motivates me.”

Dr. Daraei also fielded calls from a number of call-in guests, who posed questions about lingering issues from past surgeries, recovery times and side effects from certain types of procedures, and reconstructive options for patients having undergone cancer surgery.

Click below to hear Dr. Daraei’s “Weekly Check-up” segment in its entirety!

https://weeklycheckup.com/2024/03/17/paul-daraei-md-of-astra-plastic-surgery/

Dr. Paul Daraei has a strong commitment to excellence and patient centered care. He is a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon specializing in all surgical and non-surgical procedures of the head and neck. Astra Plastic Surgery is proud to have Dr. Daraei as a member of our facial plastic surgery team at our Alpharetta and Cumming offices. He completed a highly rigorous head and neck surgical program, followed by a fellowship dedicated only to cosmetic facial plastic surgery. He has committed himself to working with prestigious and elite surgeons nationally and internationally to provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art care for his patients in the Atlanta area.

Dr. Daraei serves as Clinical Instructor at the Emory University Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, helping to train the next generation of residents and fellows. He is certified through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Throughout his years as a plastic surgeon, Dr. Daraei has worked with some of the most prestigious surgeons both nationally and internationally, allowing him to provide his patients with comprehensive and state-of-the-art care for his patients in the Atlanta area. He has published articles in prestigious medical journals, given multiple talks at head and neck surgery conferences, and published book chapters on the art of facelift surgery. Dr. Daraei is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, and Emory University Department of Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Christopher Killingsworth receives peer-driven honor

Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Killingsworth is recognized as a Top Doctor in the January issue of Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine and in the April issue of The Atlantan magazine. The lists annually honors notable physicians among the area’s healthcare landscape.

“It’s an honor to be featured on this year’s Top Doctors list,” says Dr. Christopher Killingsworth, founder and managing partner of Astra Plastic Surgery. “At Astra, we commit ourselves to excellence and dedication to our patients. We take pride in having top tier physicians on our team, and this accolade is a testament to the exceptional quality of care the practice provides.”

Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors and The Atlantan magazines use a database of top doctors compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., an established healthcare research company based in New York. Each physician included is chosen through peer nomination, research, and a stringent vetting process. The publications feature 1,732 Top Doctors and 51 Rising Stars representing the following counties: Bartow, Bibb, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, and Spalding.

To schedule an appointment, call 678-208-6008 or visit AstraPlasticSurgery.com.

Dr. Christopher Killingsworth is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder and managing partner of Astra Plastic Surgery. A graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Killingsworth earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed residency training in general surgery with a focus on breast and cancer surgery, vascular surgery, and minimally invasive techniques at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (SESPRS), the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons (GSPS), the Georgia Society of the American College of Surgeons (GSACS), and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He practices at the Cumming and Alpharetta locations.

Astra Plastic Surgery was established in 2012, recognizing the need for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the North Atlanta area. Our locally acclaimed staff provides exceptional results with compassion and integrity. With three locations in Georgia, we are dedicated to addressing all your cosmetic concerns and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals using innovative techniques.

Interviews are available upon request.

Believe it or not, summer is only a dozen weeks away. While we’re only at the start of spring, now is the time to start getting summer-ready. If your goals this year include cosmetic enhancements, non-surgical procedures might be right for you. These quick in-office treatments can achieve noticeable results by Memorial Day — all without excessive downtime or incisions.

Before we get any further into 2024, here are some of the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures to schedule now.

CoolSculpting®

Even with routine exercise and a nutritious diet, some stubborn fat just won’t respond to traditional weight loss methods. Sound familiar? If so, CoolSculpting® might be the tool you need for that final firming. Without any anesthesia, stitches, or extensive recovery, this in-office procedure achieves noticeable slimming effects. It works by freezing away fat cells through a handheld device without damaging any skin or surrounding tissue. Your body then eliminates the targeted fat cells through dissolution, so you’ll look leaner in your target zones.

CoolSculpting® is most effective for areas on the body where skin can be pinched between your fingers, including your abdominal region, back, thighs, and hips. The right number of treatments will depend on your specific goals, but some patients see visible results in as little as three weeks. You’ll most likely see peak results in about six weeks — plenty of time for summer if you schedule soon!

Laser Skin Resurfacing

We know that summer is the season for sunblock: SPF is non-negotiable for both skin cancer prevention and slowing the signs of aging. But unfortunately, existing sun damage can’t be reversed with sunscreen. In-office cosmetic treatments are your best bet for that.

Laser skin resurfacing enhances the tone and texture of your skin, eliminating common sun damage issues like sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as blemishes and other concerns. In this procedure, our skincare team uses a handheld laser to heat layers of your skin, triggering collagen production. This powerful protein promotes elasticity and cell regeneration, improving your skin’s tone and texture. Expect full results within two to three months, right in time to show off smoother skin during summer getaways, backyard barbecues, and long holiday weekends.

PRP Facial

If you’ve searched online for “non-surgical cosmetic procedures near me,” don’t be alarmed when you come across the vampire facial. Also known as a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial, the technique combines two powerful cosmetic treatments for skin rejuvenation.

First, our skincare experts use microneedling to create micro-wounds on the surface of your skin. Then, they apply PRP, a solution derived from your own body rich with regenerative properties. The micro-wounds enable deeper saturation of PRP into your skin, resulting in increased collagen, improved moisture retention, and diminished appearance of fine lines and other flaws. Though this procedure does require four to six days of healing time, results will appear in several weeks and continue to reveal themselves within six months. Skin appears smoother, tighter, and fuller – in other words, primed for summer selfies.

Schedule Your Summer Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedure with Astra Plastic Surgery

Get glowing before summer by scheduling your cosmetic treatments with Astra Plastic Surgery. With a talented plastic surgery team and knowledgeable skincare experts, we’re ready to help you unveil the best version of yourself for the coming season. You can request a free consult using our online form or by calling 678.990.3551.

At last, the season of fresh starts is upon us. If you’re ready to greet the warmer weather with a refreshed look, you’re in good company: many people choose springtime to schedule their beauty brush-ups. Here are a few of our most popular plastic surgery procedures to consider this time of year.

What Makes Spring Ideal for Plastic Surgery?

By planning your self-renewal for springtime, you’re taking a page right out of Mother Nature’s playbook. As leaves return and flowers bud, your beautiful new look will bloom right alongside them.

Beyond the seasonal parallel of reemergence, spring is simply a practical choice for scheduling cosmetic procedures. With fewer holidays on the calendar, you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted recovery without the pressures of upcoming get-togethers. And, moderate weather means you can still stay mostly covered up — no worries about exposing your surgical sites as they heal. Wearing layers will make it easy to keep bandages, post-surgical drains, and swelling concealed. By the time tank top weather rolls around, you’ll be all healed up and ready to reveal your results.

Which Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Best for Spring?

Liposuction

If you’ve ever wished for a magic wand that could make unwanted fat disappear, liposuction is the answer. And you’re certainly not alone in this struggle: liposuction was the number-one plastic surgery procedure for 2022, with more than 325,000 procedures performed in the US.

As we age, our ability to eliminate fat wanes, and diet and exercise aren’t always enough to achieve your desired physique — which is where liposuction comes in. This powerful technique achieves natural contours in areas where fat tends to linger, including the neck, arms, chin, stomach, hips, back, butt, and thighs. Schedule your liposuction this spring to banish swimsuit season stress.

Breast Augmentation

Whether you’ve always wanted fuller (or smaller) breasts, you’ve started to see the not-so-fun side effects of gravity, or both, a breast augmentation can give you more confidence in your figure. Unlock the curves you’re after with this procedure, which can enhance both the size and shape of your breasts. With techniques like breast lifts, implants, breast reconstruction, and treatment for gynecomastia, our plastic surgery team will achieve natural-looking, proportional results.

Spring is the best time for breast augmentation since cooler temperatures will allow you to keep your incisions covered as you heal without having to layer up too heavily. But with warm weather approaching, sundresses, bikinis, and tank tops are just around the corner. Booking your procedure now means you’ll be on your way to a new level of confidence for the summer.

Facelift

That first wave of warm weather often has us feeling carefree and youthful. For a freshened-up look that reflects your vivacious spirit, there’s nothing quite as powerful as a facelift. While injectables can reverse some signs of aging, a facelift significantly reduces deep creases and tightens the face for a smoother, natural look. The process won’t change your overall features but diminishes the effects of gravity so you look and feel like your familiar self again.

Book Your Springtime Plastic Surgery Procedure at Astra Plastic Surgery

No matter how you choose to hit reset for springtime, Astra Plastic Surgery can have you looking your best for the season. With both surgical and non-surgical procedures available, we offer a customized approach to achieving your unique cosmetic goals. Let’s discuss yours during a free consult, which you can schedule by calling 678.990.3551 or by using our online form.

Consolidation of services to enhance patient experience and provide access to state-of-the-art equipment

Astra Plastic Surgery, an acclaimed North Georgia-based cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, is now offering patients a first class surgery center in Alpharetta. Located near Georgia State Route 400, Old Milton Parkway (Exit 10), this cutting-edge facility is a testament to the practice’s commitment to delivering excellent, personalized care.

“We are excited to offer a new location that will provide our patients with the best cosmetic procedures close to home,” says Dr. Christopher Killingsworth, founder and managing partner of Astra Plastic Surgery. “The surgery center eliminates the need for external resources. By consolidating our services, we can ensure excellent care is provided at every stage of a patient’s cosmetic procedure.”

With a spacious 5,700 square feet, the surgery center is equipped with state-of-the-art, proven technology in order to provide excellent outcomes. From cosmetic enhancements to specialized breast reconstruction following cancer treatment, Astra Plastic Surgery offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet individual needs.

Conveniently located between the Cumming and Sandy Springs offices, the facility is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Offering in-house surgical procedures allows Astra Plastic Surgery control over all aspects of the patient’s medical journey to guarantee a seamless process from start to finish. Patients can expect an enhanced experience with streamlined communication and flexible scheduling options.

The surgery center’s hours will be 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To schedule an appointment call 678-208-6008 or visit AstraPlasticSurgery.com.

Astra Plastic Surgery was established in 2012, recognizing the need for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the North Atlanta area. Our locally acclaimed staff provides exceptional results with compassion and integrity. With three locations in Georgia, we are dedicated to addressing all your cosmetic concerns and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals using innovative techniques.

Interviews are available upon request.

On Sunday, February 11, Dr. Christopher Killingsworth of Astra Plastic Surgery appeared as the featured guest on News/Talk WSB Radio’s “The Weekly Check-Up.”

During the show, Dr. Killingsworth and host Dr. Bruce Feinberg discussed several topics, including the origins of plastic and reconstructive surgery, what led Dr. Killingsworth to medical school, and the variety of reconstructive procedures Astra Plastic Services offers its growing list of patients.

Both Drs. Killingsworth and Feinberg examined the crude beginnings of cosmetic surgeries, which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Back then and mostly since, reconstructive surgery was reserved for major injuries which left patients deformed or seriously debilitated. These days, however, the procedures are must more commonplace.

“Plastic surgery goes back a long way,” Dr. Killingsworth explained. “There’s a lot that people don’t know about it that is extremely interesting… Obviously people know the cosmetic stuff pretty well because it’s very publicized.”

Dr. Killingsworth went on to talk about what led him to medical school. He initially thought he’d go into family practice, but realized he liked the instant feedback and gratification involved in performing surgery and moved for a time into a vascular surgery rotation.

“I liked vascular surgery and considered that very heavily, but I got exposed to what I didn’t know about plastic surgery,” Dr. Killingsworth noted. “I was completely blown away by what we could do. Ultimately, vascular surgery and plastic surgery are pretty similar. [Plastic surgery] is very exacting. It takes a little bit of an OCD kind of mentality to do a good job. And eventually, plastic surgery had me.”

Dr. Killingsworth recounted the opening of his first Astra Plastic Surgery office in Cumming, and how he came to expand the practice to other offices in Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Alpharetta. “Given that we see a lot of the same patients,” he said, “We were able to bring on additional providers so that we have people who specialize in other things in the practice as well.

In addition to the facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, body-sculpting, and non-invasive treatments Astra offers, the “mommy makeover” has become in-demand procedure and represents 70 percent of the services Dr. Killingsworth personally administers.

“So, the term ‘mommy makeover’ is not really a specific procedure. It’s usually a combination of procedures that differ depending on the things that are going on with that specific patient. And usually, we’re addressing things that change after pregnancy and childbirth. Usually those things are related to the breast and abdomen. There can be other areas we address too, but those are the two main areas that are commonly affected.”

Drs. Killingsworth and Feinberg also discussed Astra’s new surgery center, which will be opening soon on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta.

“Going forward we’ll be able to do some of our cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries in our own setting where we will have control over the whole process. It’ll be a good experience for patients and for outcomes,” Dr. Killingsworth said.

“Occasionally,” he added, “We’ll have combination procedures that that can take a while, and patients will feel more comfortable [in the Surgery Center] if they can stay a little bit longer with us.”

Dr. Christopher Killingsworth is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

He was repeatedly selected as the “Best Cosmetic Surgeon” by the Best of Forsyth Reader’s Choice Awards. Dr. Killingsworth is recognized as a Castle Connolly “Top Doctor.” He graduated from the University of Florida with highest honors and completed an award-winning research thesis in the area of vascular surgery (Lifeline Foundation Research Initiatives in Vascular Disease). He then attended the Medical College of Georgia for medical school, where he earned the William B. Dion award for Most Outstanding Student Pursuing a Career in Surgery. Dr. Killingsworth went on to attend the prestigious University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he completed a five-year residency in general surgery, focusing on breast and cancer surgery, vascular surgery, and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques.

If you’d like to partner with Astra to develop an ideal treatment plan that meets your needs, visit AstraPlasticSurgery.com today.

Click below to hear Dr. Killingsworth’s “The Weekly Check-up” segment in its entirety!

Valentine’s Day has historically celebrated romantic relationships, but recently, we’ve come to see it as a way to celebrate all types of love. From galentines to bromances, any variety of adoration count. In fact, we’d argue that the best way to enjoy this season is to start by showing yourself some extra love. 

No need to wait for Cupid’s arrow — here are some self-care procedures you can pursue all on your own.

Perfect Your Pout

Soft, full lips are perfect for a Valentine’s kiss, but they look great in selfies, too. No matter your relationship status, adding volume to your lips can create a more youthful look and help you feel more confident. Our non-invasive lip fillers involve a simple in-office injectable for increasing volume and definition. The results are customizable, so you’ll have full control over your kisser.  

Fight Aging with Fillers

As we age, our face begins to lose collagen and elastin in areas like our cheeks and jawline. We also lose volume and definition around the lower part of our face. If you’re experiencing unwanted sagging or frown lines, treat yourself to Juvéderm®. An FDA-approved injectable, Juvéderm® is a powerhouse filler that restores volume to targeted spots like deep wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth, as well as sagging jawlines. 

You don’t have to undergo surgery to receive age-fighting results, either — these dermal fillers are a non-invasive alternative to restoring youthfulness with minimal downtime.

Smooth Things Over

Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean we all welcome them with open arms. If these troubles are keeping you from smiling back when you look in the mirror, join the bands of people who have embraced Botox®. These injections have risen sharply in popularity over the last couple decades, and it’s no surprise why. The Botulinum toxin within them treats wrinkles in common trouble zones (think the forehead and eye area) by strategically blocking the signal from your nerves to your muscles. The result: smoother, more youthful looking skin without the scalpel.

Sculpt Away Trouble Spots

If you’ve been showing your body self-love through nourishment and movement but still struggle to get stubborn trouble spots to budge, send excess fat packing with CoolSculpting®. Whether you’re not quite feeling the love about your love handles, or you want to break up with belly fat, this non-invasive procedure offers a powerful alternative to liposuction and other surgical procedures. 

CoolSculpting® works by freezing fat cells to reduce buildup in localized areas, resulting in a leaner appearance without the need for needles, anesthesia, or downtime. Your body simply absorbs the frozen cells, revealing a leaner physique within several weeks.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Procedure Today

No matter how you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, cosmetic procedures are a great way to prioritize self-care this season. Our board-certified plastic surgeons and industry-leading injectorsare ready to learn more about your goals. Find out more about our wide range of options during a free consult. You can request an appointment using our online form or by calling (678) 990-3551. 

We all tend to feel our best when we’re also looking our best. Which means plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments can be a form of self-care — and it’s always a good time to show yourself some TLC. But there are certain times of year that may be better suited for one procedure over another. If you’ve been considering a cosmetic change, here are some tips to help you pinpoint the best time to schedule your makeover.

The Best Times of Year for Plastic Surgery

Choosing the optimal season or time of year to have plastic surgery can significantly impact the recovery process and overall experience. In the following list, we outline the best times of the year for different types of plastic surgery, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, post-operative care, and personal comfort. Whether you’re planning a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, or facelift, understanding the ideal timing for your chosen procedure can contribute to a smoother and more satisfying outcome. Here are the best times to get plastic surgery:

1. Well Before Major Events

Want to look your best before a wedding, reunion, or other special gathering? We don’t blame you! But since many cosmetic procedures require at least some amount of healing time, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving yourself plenty of space to recover before any special occasions.

Recovery Timelines for Plastic Surgery Procedures

Timelines are different for each type of procedure, but in general, here are some to bear in mind:

• Breast augmentation: You can work from a desk at home 3-4 days after your procedure. Most breast augmentation patients return to work at a desk in an office after 1 week. After your breast augmentation you should wait for 4-6 weeks before engaging in exercise, vigorous activity, and swimming (to avoid submerging the incisions).
• Tummy tuck: Recovery times vary, but many patients take up to a month off work. You can begin working remotely at a desk from home 1 week after the procedure. Some patients can resume working at a desk in an office 2 weeks after a tummy tuck. After your tummy tuck, you should wait 4-6 weeks before participating in exercise, vigorous activity, and swimming.
• Liposuction: Generally, recovery is easier due to small incisions. After liposuction, patients typically go back to working at a desk in an office 2-3 days later. Light aerobic exercise is allowed after 3 weeks after lipsocution. However, patients should wait for 4-6 weeks before engaging in vigorous exercise and swimming.
• Facelift: Patients can work remotely 1 week after a facelift. Typically, you can resume working in an office after 2 weeks of recovery, but you may need to wear makeup to cover incisions. We suggest waiting for 4-6 weeks before participating in exercise.

Of course, there are many other cosmetic procedures, all of which will have various healing times. And while injectables and other in-office treatments don’t require surgery, they may still lead to temporary bruising and swelling. We’ll go over the healing process during your consult so you can plan accordingly.

2. Before (Or After) the Holidays

The holidays are hectic enough, and since you’ll probably be gathering with loved ones and attending events through the season, it’s best to save this time of year for other forms of self-care. Injectables, CoolSculpting®, and other noninvasive procedures often require less healing time, and these may be scheduled more easily during the holidays, but save more time-consuming procedures for later. After the hustle and bustle is behind you, there’s no better way to hit reset for the new year than so you can feel your best.

3. During Downtime

From annual vacations to professional commitments and busy birthday months, you already know which calendar pages fill up quickest for you. Aside from the holidays, you’ll want to schedule your procedure well outside these other busy windows. Not only will you give your body sufficient time and space for recovery, but you’ll also avoid having to attend events with post-procedure bruising or swelling.

4. When It Works Best for You & Your Procedure

The winter months of January and February are often hailed as the best time of year for plastic surgery, and in many situations, that may certainly be the case. After all, you’ve probably just seen all your loved ones for the holidays, you’ll have several weeks (or months) of wearing extra layers to cover up any wounds or swelling, and it’s well enough before bathing suit season. Tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast augmentation are often done during cooler weather, when it’s easier to cover up and allow scars time to fade.

But there are also compelling arguments for scheduling procedures other times of year, too. If you travel during the winter or love skiing, for instance, you might find that spring or even summer are better-suited for your procedure. Late summer and early fall are also mostly free of major holidays, so the calendar tends to open up these times of year.

Schedule a Free Consultation for Plastic Surgery

Looking to get a cosmetic procedure on the calendar for 2024? Our cosmetic surgeons will discuss exactly what to expect so you know the right time to schedule. Find out more during a free consult: call 679.990.3551 or request an appointment online.