Dr. David Hill is a plastic surgeon at The Graivier Center and loves his job. He revels in the tiny details of his work and is a warrior about helping patients heal and feel and look their very best. We caught up with him to talk about the intricacies of injections and innovations in his field.
Alpharetta City Lifestyle: Plastic surgery is a remarkable specialty that covers a broad spectrum of procedures with rewarding outcomes. From aesthetics to reconstruction, it must be incredibly rewarding to be able to change people’s lives by enhancing their appearance and creating improved self-esteem and quality of life.
Dr. David Hill: Having been extensively trained on nearly all aspects of the body from head to toe, I still enjoy operations involving all areas of the body. I keep my skills in tip-top shape by varying the types of cases I perform weekly. This ensures that I am both mentally and physically prepared to solve any issue involving any area that a patient may have. Recently, face and neck lift procedures have become increasingly popular due to virtual meetings. These operations can be technically challenging as you are working around some of the most important structures of the face. This difficulty is perhaps what makes these cases even more rewarding. Fortunately, we have many good options to repair and tighten the area whether it’s less invasive procedures such as liposuction with ThermiTight or a MyEllevate neck lift, to a full lower face and neck lift. There are many great options, and through a private consultation, we select the option that will best fit the outcome you are seeking.
ACL: We’re hearing a lot about QWO (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes), a newer FDA-approved treatment. Tell us more!
DH: From the injectables, QWO has quickly become one of the most popular cellulite treatments. It’s a great winter treatment to become summer-ready. The Graivier Center has also been selected to participate in a hyper dilute Radiesse Injection trial to receive FDA approval specifically for use of in the décolleté area. Traditional Radiesse acts as a volumizer, versus the hyper dilute version, which rejuvenates by strengthening collagen, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Graivier was one of the first to utilize the hyper dilute form of Radiesse and we have been using it successfully to rejuvenate the hand and neck areas. We are excited to help bring this injection option towards FDA approval.
ACL: Botox is everywhere. What should we look for before making the big decision about this injection?
DH: While injections such as botox and fillers are becoming increasingly common, with med spa locations as accessible as a coffee shop, it is important to get to know your injector. Basic injection training may deliver results for most patients, but experience and knowledge of anatomy is crucial in preventing problems and complications. Injecting into a blood vessel is one of the most severe complications, but it is treatable if recognized and acted upon in a timely manner of about 90 minutes or less. If untreated, it could lead to skin loss and possible blindness. Some of our referrals involve patients who need to reverse their injections due to issues such as infections, granuloma development (severely inflamed areas) and extreme bruising. Problems can arise in any area of injection, but some of the higher risk areas include the glabella (between the eyebrows), under the eyes and mid-face. These are medical procedures. Thus, I recommend you take time to make your decision and ask questions prior to treatment.
ACL: You are busy!
DH: Yes! Another rewarding aspect of surgery is the ability to provide care not only in the U.S., but also abroad performing mission work. In the past five years, I was fortunate to partake in nine medical mission trips to countries ranging from Columbia and Guatemala, to the Congo and Zimbabwe. It is always a wonderful opportunity to teach and learn, as well as develop everlasting friendships.