Question 1

How do I choose a Botox or filler injector in Augusta and the CSRA?

Accepted Answer

A practical checklist: (1) Ask who supervises the injectors, their specialty, and how available they are. (2) Ask about the injector&#8217;s training and how long they have been injecting. (3) For fillers, ask whether hyaluronidase &#8212; the emergency reversal enzyme &#8212; is stocked on-site. (4) Ask how they charge: per unit is transparent; per area can hide dosing. (5) Look for consistent before-and-after photos of real patients. (6) Check reviews that mention natural-looking results.
At Augusta Plastic Surgery, the answers are: board-certified plastic surgeons who train and supervise our injectors and are routinely on-site; senior RN injectors with years of experience; hyaluronidase stocked; per-unit pricing; 4.8 stars across 479 Google reviews &#8212; and our community has voted us the best place for cosmetic surgery treatments year after year in Columbia County Magazine.
Schedule a visit or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 2

What is the difference between a med spa and a plastic surgery practice for injectables?

Accepted Answer

Both can deliver excellent results, and every med spa in Georgia is required to have a physician medical director. The differences worth understanding: the supervising physician&#8217;s specialty (at some med spas it is a physician from another field, such as internal medicine or anesthesiology; at a plastic surgery practice, it is surgeons whose specialty is the face), how involved and available that physician is, and the range of alternatives on offer &#8212; a practice that also performs surgery and laser treatments can tell you honestly when filler is not the best tool for your goal. Neither model is wrong; they are different levels of depth behind the same syringe.
At Augusta Plastic Surgery, injectables are delivered by senior RN injectors trained by and working under the direct supervision of our board-certified plastic surgeons, who are routinely on-site during treatment hours.
Want to see the difference? Schedule a visit or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 3

Does it matter who injects my Botox?

Accepted Answer

Yes &#8212; more than the product itself. Botox is the same vial everywhere; the result depends on the injector&#8217;s knowledge of facial anatomy, dosing judgment, and what happens if something goes wrong. Questions worth asking anywhere you go: Who trained the injector? What physician supervises, what is their specialty, and how available are they? What is the plan if there is a complication?
At Augusta Plastic Surgery&#8217;s Botox Bar, our injectors are trained by and work under the direct supervision of board-certified plastic surgeons who are routinely on-site &#8212; and we charge per unit, never per area, so you only pay for what you need.
Questions about your specific goals? Schedule a visit or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 4

Am I a good candidate for dermal fillers?

Accepted Answer

Dermal fillers are injectable gels that restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Unlike Botox (which relaxes muscles), fillers physically restore volume and structure.
Ideal Candidate Profile

Facial volume loss: Hollowing under the eyes, flattened cheeks, or thinning lips
Static wrinkles: Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, vertical lip lines visible at rest
Lip enhancement goals or desire for non-surgical contouring (jawline, chin, cheeks)
Good health: No active skin infections or bleeding disorders; not pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Treatment Areas
Lips, cheeks, under-eyes (tear troughs), nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jawline, chin, and temples. We use Juvederm-family hyaluronic acid fillers &#8212; reversible and natural-feeling.
Who Should Avoid Fillers
Avoid if you have active skin infections near injection sites, severe allergies (especially to lidocaine), autoimmune connective tissue disorders, or a history of severe scarring.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 5

Am I a good candidate for Botox?

Accepted Answer

Botox temporarily relaxes facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles &#8212; lines that form from repeated facial expressions.
Ideal Candidate Profile

Dynamic wrinkles: Crow&#8217;s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines (the &#8220;11s&#8221;)
Age: Typically 25-65+. &#8220;Preventive Botox&#8221; in the late 20s is increasingly popular
Good health: No neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis)
Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Realistic expectations: Botox softens expression lines but doesn&#8217;t fix volume loss or skin laxity (that&#8217;s where fillers and other treatments come in)

Beyond Wrinkles
Botox is also used for lip flips, chin dimpling, neck bands, gummy smile correction, masseter reduction (jawline slimming), migraines, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) &#8212; we offer treatment for several of these at Augusta Plastic Surgery.
Who Should Avoid Botox
Not appropriate with a neuromuscular disease, pregnancy/breastfeeding, active infection at the injection site, or known allergy to botulinum toxin.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 6

Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?

Accepted Answer

A lip lift shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum), creating a more youthful upper lip with more visible pink lip (vermilion).
Ideal Candidate Profile

Long philtrum: More than 15-17mm from nose base to lip border &#8212; a hallmark of facial aging or a congenital trait
Minimal upper lip show: The lip appears thin or rolled inward at rest
Desire for permanent results (unlike filler)
Non-smoker with good healing potential &#8212; the incision sits at the base of the nose

Lip Lift vs. Lip Filler
A lip lift shortens the philtrum and increases lip show permanently but doesn&#8217;t add volume; filler adds temporary volume and shape with no scar. Many patients combine both &#8212; a lift for structure, filler for volume.
Who Should Wait
A lip lift may not be right if your philtrum is already short (under 14mm), you have a history of keloid scarring, you smoke, or you haven&#8217;t yet tried lip filler to see what enhancement suits your face.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 7

Am I a good candidate for a chin implant?

Accepted Answer

Chin augmentation with an implant enhances a weak or recessed chin to improve facial balance and profile harmony.
Ideal Candidate Profile

Weak or recessed chin: A chin that appears too small relative to your other facial features
Desire for improved profile: A stronger chin-to-neck angle and better jawline definition
Normal dental bite: A significantly misaligned bite may call for jaw surgery instead
Age: Facial growth complete &#8212; typically 17-18+

Chin Implant vs. Filler

Implant: Permanent, one-time procedure; adds 4-12mm of projection
Filler: Non-surgical, temporary (12-24 months); good for mild deficiency or &#8220;testing&#8221; the look before committing to surgery

Who Should Wait
Delay if facial growth isn&#8217;t complete, you have an uncorrected bite problem, or you&#8217;d like to try filler first to preview the change.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 8

Am I a good candidate for otoplasty (ear surgery)?

Accepted Answer

Otoplasty reshapes, repositions, or reduces the size of the ears. It&#8217;s one of the few cosmetic procedures commonly performed on children as well as adults.
Ideal Candidate Profile

Protruding ears: Ears that stick out more than 2cm from the head
Asymmetry, oversized, or misshapen ears including congenital differences
Age: Children as young as 5-6 (when ears are ~90% adult size) through adulthood
Good health: No active ear infections

For Children
Ears should be nearly fully grown (typically by age 5-6), the child should be able to follow post-op instructions (wearing a headband), and importantly, the child should want the surgery. Early correction can prevent teasing and self-esteem issues.
For Adults
There&#8217;s no upper age limit &#8212; many adults who were self-conscious about their ears throughout life find otoplasty transformative. We also address stretched earlobes and gauge/piercing repair.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 9

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

Accepted Answer

Blepharoplasty removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids for a more rested, youthful appearance. It can also improve peripheral vision when drooping lids obstruct sight.
Ideal Candidate Profile

Excess upper eyelid skin: Hooding that creates a tired appearance or hides the eyelid crease
Under-eye bags: Puffiness beneath the lower lids
Good eye health: No untreated glaucoma, severe dry eye, or detached retina; thyroid eye disease must be stable
Good overall health: Diabetes and hypertension should be controlled
Age: Typically 35+, but younger patients with genetic predisposition may qualify

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty
Upper addresses hooding (shorter procedure, can be local anesthesia); lower addresses bags and puffiness; quad treats both in one session.
Insurance May Cover It
When upper eyelid drooping impairs peripheral vision (documented by visual field testing), functional blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance.
Eye Health Considerations
Dry-eye patients need careful evaluation, and contact lens wearers should plan to wear glasses for about 2 weeks during recovery.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.

Question 10

Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

Accepted Answer

A neck lift addresses sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle banding in the neck and jawline &#8212; often called &#8220;turkey neck.&#8221;
Ideal Candidate Profile

Visible neck aging: Loose skin, vertical platysmal bands, jowling, or a persistent double chin
Age: Most commonly 45-70, earlier with genetic predisposition
Stable weight, non-smoker, controlled blood pressure

Neck Lift vs. Facelift
A neck lift focuses below the jawline. If you also have jowling or midface sagging, a lower facelift combined with a neck lift gives more comprehensive, harmonious results.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
For mild laxity, options like FaceTite or skin-tightening treatments may provide modest improvement &#8212; ask us which is right for your degree of laxity. For moderate to severe neck aging, surgery remains the most effective solution.
Who Should Wait
Delay if you have uncontrolled blood pressure, smoke, or are considering significant weight loss.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.

Lip Augmentation

Common Concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?

Ideal Candidate Profile

Lip Lift vs. Lip Filler

Who Should Wait

What is Juvederm?

What is lip augmentation?

Lip Injections

Fat Grafting to the Lips

What is lip lift recovery like?

Days 1-3: Immediate Post-Op

Days 4-7: Early Recovery

Weeks 2-3: Social Recovery

Weeks 4-8: Progressive Healing

Months 3-12: Final Results

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