Kalos Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery LLC, is proud to serve patients with the highest standards of care and the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques in plastic surgery. Our Atlanta practice offers a full range of procedures for both men and women, including surgical and non-surgical options that are cosmetic or reconstructive in nature.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Your plastic surgery outcome is only as good as the plastic surgeon you choose. As a double board certified and fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Stong can help you achieve your ideal results in facial plastic surgery, with outcomes that are natural, balanced, rejuvenated and attractive. Maintaining transparency with our patients is important to us. If you are considering facial plastic surgery, we strive to keep you well-informed about your available options and educate you on what to expect during your procedure. To help you feel comfortable with your decision, we have included a number of Plastic Surgery FAQs throughout our website. The FAQs will provide in depth, detailed information related to individual procedures to help educate you prior to your initial consultation.
Our Mission
Kalos is derived from the ancient Greek word for āBeautiful.ā Modern ideal aesthetics are based on principles and standards developed by the ancient Greeks. We believe that successful plastic surgery procedures should take these ideals into account to restore form and function while simultaneously maintaining a natural, balanced, more youthful look. At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC, we place these principles at the forefront of our treatment planning, keeping in mind both surgical and nonsurgical considerations. Dr. Stong is a world renowned plastic surgeon who is committed to applying the most advanced techniques available in facial plastic surgery. By focusing not only on surface beauty but also on the underlying anatomy that supports it, he is able to provide superior, long lasting results.
Whether you are restoring the form and function of your face during a reconstructive procedure or want to rejuvenate your appearance to look younger, we value the importance of meeting and even exceeding your personal goals at every level of the process. Dr. Stong is also recognized for his excellence in revision plastic surgery, which benefits patients who have had previous surgery with unsatisfactory outcomes. We believe that each patient deserves the opportunity to look their absolute best regardless of their past experiences, as your appearance can impact your quality of life, self-esteem, relationships and even your professional career.
The Right Surgery for the Right Patient
We define the success of our plastic surgery procedures by the satisfaction of our patients. Therefore, you will find that we go out of our way to extend attentive, patient-centered care at all times. This includes listening to your specific desires and goals for plastic surgery and recommending treatments that will give you the best possible results.
Our expansive range of plastic surgery procedures means that we can address all types of aesthetic concerns in a way that balances oneās personal level of comfort with their financial needs. We know that many patients are concerned with the downtime and recovery associated with plastic surgery. Rest assured that our practice not only offers the most advanced non-surgical services in facial rejuvenation, but we also offer minimally invasive surgical techniques for many of our procedures that require less downtime and allow accelerated healing. Our practice is highlighted by the outstanding results we give patients in the following procedures:
Facelift or Neck Lift
Almost universally in women, a neck lift is performed as part of a facelift procedure through well-concealed incisions around the ear. A facelift is designed to reverse signs of facial aging by lifting the loose or sagging skin and muscle layer of the face and restoring it to a more youthful position. For patients who want the most natural and longest lasting results in facelift surgery, choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon with strong credentials in the latest techniques is critical. While there are many types of facelift techniques available, Dr. Stong performs the most advanced deep plane facelift technique through the smallest mini facelift incisions. Patients benefit from less downtime, faster recovery and results that are remarkably natural and longer lasting than less sophisticated facelift techniques. We continue to observe and monitor any advances in facelift surgery to understand and assimilate new or better techniques into our surgeries. In men, a direct neck lift as an isolated procedure can be performed to re-define the cervicomental angle and eliminate the waddle of skin under the chin and jaw.
Rhinoplasty or Nose Job
As a surgeon with dual board certification in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Stong carries the distinctive expertise that is required for superior results in rhinoplasty surgery. Not only is Dr. Stong equipped with intricate, deep specialized knowledge of the nasal anatomy, but he also understands the relationship of the nose relative to other facial structures and uses a keen, artistic eye to customize the most balanced results for each patient. Commonly known as a nose job, a rhinoplasty is tailored for both men and women with advanced surgical techniques to create attractive, sustainable results. From reshaping a crooked nose or reducing the size of the nose to refining the nasal tip or correcting a previous nose job, you can depend on Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC for excellence in all facets of rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.
Blepharoplasty or Eye Lift
The eyes are often the first facial features to show evidence of aging through sagging or drooping eyelids and excess fat. While some people may be genetically predisposed to drooping eyelids, gravity and aging commonly affect the eyes and cause many patients to look sad, tired and older than they really are. Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids to drastically rejuvenate oneās appearance. Dr. Stong is an elite facial plastic surgeon with refined skill in improving the appearance of the eyes through blepharoplasty, which often includes removing loose skin in the eyelids and eliminating the excess fat that cause puffiness or under eye bags. Dr. Stong is known for his use of fat transpositioning when improving the appearance of the eyes. This technique involves repositioning the lower eyelid fat into the hollow or tear trough underneath the eyelid to improve dark circles while also creating an attractive and smooth transition between the lower eyelids and the cheek. Dr. Stong only uses proven techniques that provide superior results and prevent visible scarring.
Facial Reconstruction Surgery
While many of our procedures involve facial cosmetic surgery procedures, we understand that there are some patients that have suffered skin cancer, facial traumas or have some type of congenital anomaly and need our expertise to perform facial reconstruction. Our facial reconstructive techniques are designed to restore form and function, but they are ultimately guided by aesthetic principles of balance and beauty so that patients can regain the full confidence they deserve. Dr. Stong routinely helps patients with Mohs skin cancer reconstruction to provide seamless and natural looking closures to skin cancer removal defects. Whether we are correcting a facial deficit that you were born with or helping you overcome traumatic facial injuries, you can trust our Atlanta practice for a compassionate, patient-centered approach and superior results in reconstruction.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC, we understand that some patients want to improve their appearance without surgery. To accommodate this, we offer a full menu of non-surgical treatments that can turn back the hands of time without incurring the associated downtime of surgery. Dr. Stong is known for his distinctive bruise-free injectable technique, which allows patients to receive the latest injectables and fillers to improve facial wrinkles and volume loss without the unwanted swelling and bruising associated with other techniques. We also offer the most advanced laser skin rejuvenation treatments that can comfortably and effectively address wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars and more. While our non-surgical treatments are customized to produce dramatic results, they can also be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures for the most rejuvenated results possible.
For more detailed information on our procedures, please explore our Frequently Asked Questions throughout our site. Please schedule your initial consultation by contacting our Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon today to setup an appointment at your convenience. Regardless of your age, gender or the severity of your concerns, you will find that our practice has all you need to become a more confident you.
Plastic Surgery FAQ
- What is plastic surgery?
- Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction and cosmetic surgery of the face and body. Reconstructive surgery is generally performed for birth defects, for specific disease processes, or due to traumatic injury. Plastic surgery can involve the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects to improve its form and/or function. The skin, musculoskeletal system, cranio and maxillofacial structures, extremities, hand, breast and trunk, and external genitalia may be involved in plastic surgery. Plastic surgery has two specific disciplines: cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery. Generally speaking, plastic surgery is guided by aesthetic surgical principles to restore form and function, and is determined to be cosmetic or reconstructive surgery depending on whether or not it is considered elective.
- What is facial plastic surgery?
- Facial plastic surgery is a component of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and can be separated into two categories, reconstructive and cosmetic. While both categories focus on improving the structures and features of the face, the guiding principles and overall treatment goals may differ. Reconstructive facial plastic surgery is designed to repair or restore function to a defect or abnormality of the face, including those from a congenital condition, accidental injury, burns, surgical revision and skin cancer. Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery are scar revision, facial paralysis, reconstruction after Mohs surgery, oculoplastic eyelid reconstructive surgery, ear reconstruction, cleft lip and palate reconstruction and nasal reconstruction. Cosmetic facial plastic surgery is used to enhance the appearance of facial structures and features, often improving the signs of aging. Common procedures include facelifts, eye lifts, rhinoplasty, neck lifts and facial injectables. A skilled facial plastic surgeon will use dedicated, proven techniques to create the most aesthetically pleasing results, regardless of whether or not the specific procedure was reconstructive in nature.
- What is a plastic surgeon?
- A plastic surgeon is a doctor who is surgically trained to reshape or alter the form of the body, for functional and/or aesthetic purposes. In doing so, a plastic surgeon can improve a patientās appearance and self-image through both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. While a general plastic surgeonās training differs from a facial plastic surgeonās training, they are the two most widely accepted fields in plastic surgery in the United States, and worldwide, for their training standards and board certifications to perform plastic surgery procedures in their respective disciplines. In general, a facial plastic surgeon is certified within the field of ENT and will therefore have more experience and training in head and neck plastic surgery. A facial plastic surgeon completes training that is exclusive to facial procedures. This may include facial cosmetic surgery training in both residency and fellowship. Additional fellowship training signifies expertise and experience beyond a plastic surgeonās peers who did not complete a fellowship. A general plastic surgeon, however, has more exclusive training, experience, and certification in body plastic surgery, including body contouring procedures such as breast enhancement, tummy tucks, etc. The most esteemed plastic surgeons are those that are trained, experienced and skilled in reconstructive procedures as well as possess an artistic eye for natural beauty, balance and aesthetics.
- What is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?
- A board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They usually complete either a residency in general surgery or Otolaryngology. They then go on to complete a 2 to 3 year residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Some will go on to complete fellowships. A Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon is one who is trained to repair abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. This type of surgeon can be chosen to improve function as well as to restore or create a normal appearance as well as perform cosmetic procedures on the body and face.
- What is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?
- A Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon is one who has undergone dedicated training and certification to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries on the face. These may include procedures to repair congenital abnormalities or defects from traumatic injury or disease. Although the primary focus of a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon is to restore function or create a normal appearance, he or she should also posses the talented artistry and cosmetic surgical skill it takes to provide the most aesthetically pleasing results.
The most qualified facial plastic surgeons have completed a five-year residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery followed by an additional year of fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A facial plastic surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto)-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Facial plastic surgeons are qualified to perform plastic surgical procedures from the neck up such as rhinoplasty, eye lid surgery and facelifts as well as reconstructive surgery of the head and neck.
- What is a double board certified, fellowship trained, facial plastic surgeon?
- A double board certified, fellowship trained plastic surgeon simply means that the surgeon has completed ENT training and is certified by American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He or she will have also completed an additional year long fellowship exclusively in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is certified by the ABFPRS. Dr. Benjamin Stong is among an elite group of facial plastic surgeons in the country who is dual board certified and fellowship trained, making him exceptionally qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures from the neck up.
- What is a cosmetic surgeon?
- The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve or enhance the aesthetic appearance of a person, while plastic surgery is often used for reconstruction of form and function and may or may not include cosmetic enhancement. A cosmetic surgeon performs procedures and techniques that are primarily guided by enhancing visual appearance while keeping function in mind. This includes goals to improve aesthetic appeal and create balance and proportion. A cosmetic surgeon typically obtains training and experience after completing their residency training in plastic surgery or Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Cosmetic training is often acquired by completing a post-residency fellowship.
It is important to understand that not all cosmetic surgeons are board certified plastic surgeons. Some physicians who call themselves cosmetic surgeons are not practicing under the guidance of a properly credentialed board, such as The American Board of Plastic Surgery or American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and thus they are not held to the highest standards of training and certification.
- What is a facial cosmetic surgeon?
- A facial cosmetic surgeon is a physician who carries specialization and training in cosmetic surgery of the face. These may include Facial Contouring (Rhinoplasty, Chin, or Cheek Enhancement), Facial Rejuvenation (Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Neck Lift, Brow Lift) as well as Skin Rejuvenation (Laser Resurfacing, BotoxĀ®, Filler Treatments). When finding a facial cosmetic surgeon, patients should look for one who has a Board certification by The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOto-HNS) and The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. ABFPRS is held to the highest standards among all types of doctors that perform facial cosmetic surgery procedures.
- What does double board certification mean in plastic surgery?
- General plastic surgeons can be dual board certified by The American Board of Surgery (ABS) or The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOto-HNS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). They typically perform plastic surgery on the entire body with no advanced training in facial plastic surgery.
A dual board certified or double board certified facial plastic surgeon has undergone extensive education and training to obtain two certifications. Dr. Stong is dual board certified facial plastic surgeon. This means that he is board certified in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS).
The ABFPRS outlines board certification credentials as surgeons who have completed the following:
- Has completed an approved residency in one of the two surgical specialties that include identifiable training in all aspects of facial plastic surgery (otolaryngology/head-and-neck surgery or plastic surgery, generally)
- Is double boarded, having earned prior certification in one of those specialties through the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada
- Has successfully completed a two-day examination
- Has submitted for peer-review an acceptable record of at least two yearsā clinical experience, including operative reports of a minimum 100 facial plastic surgeries
- Holds proper licensure and subscribes to the ABFPRS Code of Ethics.
Dr. Stong proudly displays an ABFPRS diplomate logo, which is a recognition of excellence and symbolizes the highest level of specialization, education, and certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery.
- What are the most common facial plastic surgeries?
- Rhinoplasty and Eyelid Surgery are by far the most common facial plastic cosmetic surgeries performed. For women, facelift surgery is also frequently requested. When it comes to non-surgical procedures to improve facial appearance, Botox remains the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world. Botox and bruise-free facial fillers are becoming increasingly popular as patients seek to camouflage facial aging and/or delay surgical procedures.
- What are the most common facial plastic surgeries in men vs women?
- While men and women may both seek facial plastic surgery to restore a youthful appearance or enhance their natural beauty, there are specific procedures that are more effective and more common in men versus women. Men often seek procedures such as Rhinoplasty, Eyelid lift/blepharoplasty, Direct Neck Lift, Facelift and Botox to address the signs of facial aging and/or achieve a more atractive, masculine appearance. Women continue to request facelifts, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and Botox as leading facial plastic surgeries. Dr. Stong is careful to tailor each facial plastic procedure to the unique needs of a male versus a female patient, as there are distinct features that are attractive in men that may not be appealing for women. An experienced plastic surgeon understands how to create dramatic, natural-looking results in men without feminizing their appearance.
- Why do patients get plastic surgery?
- Patients choose plastic surgery to correct an aesthetic flaw or enhance their appearance. This can be driven by reconstructive needs to repair an abnormality or defect, which often includes restoring proper function and/or a normal appearance. Plastic surgery may also be chosen as an elective procedure to improve oneās self-image and restore a more youthful appearance. Plastic surgery that is cosmetic in nature typically involves procedures to improve the effects of aging on the face or body and enhance beauty in specific features. Plastic surgery involves a wide spectrum of procedures, including surgical and non-surgical techniques.
- Why do patients get facelifts?
- Patients who want the best and most long-term solution to address facial aging choose a facelift. Facial aging commonly includes loss of volume and skin elasticity, which produces sagging, wrinkles and fine lines on the face. A facelift involves removing, lifting, and tightening this loose skin and tissues of the cheeks and neck, which creates a more attractive definition and contour to the cheeks, jawline and chin. Patients who choose facelift surgery gain long-lasting results of a more youthful, rested appearance that facial injectables cannot offer.
- Why do patients get a rhinoplasty?
- Rhinoplasty is one of the most sought after cosmetic surgery procedures, especially among men. Patients choose rhinoplasty to address unwanted nasal features that may have developed over time, from an injury or that were present at birth, such as a large nose, crooked appearance, nasal hump, wide nostrils or bulbous tip. Rhinoplasty can involve specific techniques to reduce the size of the nose, re-sculpting the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils and/or altering the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
- Why do patients get a blepharoplasty?
- Patients undergo blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery) to rejuvenate the eyes and address aging concerns in the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty is an effective procedure to improve excessive upper eyelid skin (hooding) lower eyelid wrinkles, excess fat or puffiness in the upper and lower eyelids as well as bags underneath the eyes. Both men and women who are concerned with signs of aging around the eyes and want a long-term solution can make excellent candidates for eyelid surgery.
- What are bruise free injectables?
- Bruise free injectables involve the use of the revolutionary Micro-cannula technique, in which a blunt-tip cannula (small cylindrical tube) is used instead of a traditional sharp hypodermic needle. This significantly reduces the likelihood of piercing a blood vessel during a facial filler injection, which means virtually no bruising and very minimal swelling in result. Micro-cannula injections are much safer and more comfortable for the patient and provide improved accuracy for the plastic surgeon. Dr. Stong is one of very few plastic surgeons in the country who use bruise free injectables almost exclusively when offering facial filler treatments.
- What is a Hair Transplant?
- A hair transplant is a surgical procedure used for men and women with hair loss, but is especially beneficial for patients with male pattern baldness. During hair transplant surgery, hair is harvested from the donor areas of the scalp (usually the back and/or sides) and transplanted into to areas that are thinning or bald. These recipient areas typically include the front, top, or crown of the scalp. Hair transplant is performed using one of two methods: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) (strip method) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) using automated NeoGraft technology. Once the healthy hair follicles are transplanted, the hair looks very natural and will continue to grow for a lifetime. FUE using NeoGraft continues to be the preferred hair transplant method available, as it involves no linear scar, no stitches and minimal downtime. With an FUE transplant, patients are free to wear their hair short.
- How are lasers used in skin rejuvenation?
- Laser therapy can be used to address wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, telangiectasia, veins, acne and scars on the face. The use of lasers to provide skin rejuvenation can be considered a multiplatform approach, as there are many different types and levels of lasers available that are specifically designed to target certain skin concerns. At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC, we offer the most advanced laser systems, including those that treat spider veins and vascular lesions, those that target rosacea, age spots and pigmentation as well as those that build collagen and smooth out the skin surface. Our practice offer the latest laser technology in fractionated and non-fractionated ablative laser skin resurfacing that provides total skin rejuvenation while also adding mild skin tightening through thermal contraction.
In general, laser therapy works by using short, concentrated single wavelength energy pulses to the affected area of skin. This removes the unwanted or damaged target. With skin resurfacing or ablative procedures, new skin cells replace the ones removed and fibroblasts are stimulated to produce collagen, which ultimately gives the skin a firmer, more youthful appearance. Laser skin rejuvenation can be used alone or to enhance other cosmetic facial cosmetic surgeries.
- Why do patients need reconstructive surgery?
- Patients may need reconstructive surgery to repair or restore function to a defect or abnormality of the face or body. This may include defects from a congenital condition, accidental injury, burn, surgical revision or skin cancer. Examples of facial reconstructive plastic surgery includes oculoplastic surgery, Mohs skin cancer reconstruction, scar revision, nasal reconstruction and facial paralysis correction. An experienced facial plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery understands the primary goal of restoring proper form and function of the affected area, but will ultimately be guided by aesthetic principles to create the most natural and attractive outcome.
- Why do patients get Mohs or skin cancer reconstruction?
- Skin cancer can be deadly if it is not detected early and removed entirely. Mohs microscopic surgery is by far the most effective procedure to remove skin cancer. In fact, with Mohs surgery patients gain a skin cancer cure rate that exceeds 99 percent for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancerous skin are methodically removed and carefully examined by a Mohs surgeon until only cancer-free tissue remains. Although this technique is extremely effective, it can require plastic surgery to close and repair the wounds left behind. This is most often the case when Mohs surgery is performed on the delicate features of the face, including the eyelids, lips, ears and nose.
Mohs reconstruction involves meticulous technique to restore the facial lesion to optimal aesthetics. This type of reconstructive facial plastic surgery may involve camouflaging incisions in relaxed skin tension lines as well as using primary closure/elliptical closure, local flap closure, regional flap closure and/or skin grafts. Dr. Stong is a skilled Mohs Reconstructive Surgeon who uses sophisticated skin closure techniques to restore proper form and function of the affected facial area as well as to create the most undetectable scar and natural appearance after skin cancer surgery.
- How does plastic surgery improve a personās quality of life?
- There are many ways that plastic surgery can improve or enhance your quality of life. A rejuvenated and attractive appearance can improve self-confidence, enrich your relationships and even strengthen your professional career. For many patients, plastic surgery simply allows them to look as good as they feel, which can be an invaluable advantage at any stage of life. For reconstructive patients it can restore ones confidence and self-esteem allowing them to live normal lives.
- What are the biggest concerns patients have before plastic surgery?
- As with any type of surgery, there is often an associated level of patient anxiety and health risks. However, for plastic surgery, many patients are concerned about the post-operative period including social downtime, finding someone to take care of them as well as managing their work schedule and family/social commitments during recovery. We carefully listen to each patientās concerns prior to surgery. Many patients are pleased to discover that we offer multiple plastic surgery procedures that involve minimally invasive techniques and require little downtime.
- In general, what is the healing time frame from a plastic surgery procedure?
- While each procedure is distinct, complete healing from most plastic surgery occurs over a year to 18 months time frame. This does not mean that you will not see results much sooner, as this is a general guideline as to when your body should be fully healed and recovered internally and externally. Bruising and swelling may last about 2 weeks. However, the initial recovery and healing time period is variable based on the specific plastic surgery procedure performed. The use of drains following a procedure may extend healing, but they may sometimes be necessary and can ultimately improve outcomes.
- How do I prevent complications from plastic surgery?
- Your plastic surgery outcome is only as good as the plastic surgeon you choose. It is very important to consider a balance of experience and training when electing a plastic surgeon. In addition, choose a plastic surgeon that carries the best board certifications (or dual certifications) for your specific desired procedure. For example, to avoid complications in facial plastic surgery, consider a surgeon who is double board certified in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) for the most highly regarded credentialing. A plastic surgeon with both strong experience and elite training can profoundly increase your chances of achieving results that are natural, balanced and aesthetically pleasing.