Posted on February 1, 2012 in Latest News, Uncategorized
Juvederm Ultra vs. Juvederm Ultra Plus
Richmond Aesthetic Surgery is now offering Juvederm Ultra Plus XC. Juvederm is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment for wrinkles and folds of the face, as well as augmenting thin lips. Juvederm is a dermal filler based on hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body, used to smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. This means it not only fills in wrinkles, it replaces what the skin has lost over time. It is primarily used in areas around the eyes (crow’s feet), the heavier folds around the mouth (“parenthesis” sign), and any other areas that may need “filling” and/or “lifting”. The primary difference between Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus is that the Ultra is designed more for fine lines to moderate wrinkles. The Ultra Plus creates volume for more severe folds. There are many situations where both can be used. Juvederm injection is a quick, in-office procedure and you can see the difference immediately! Feel free to contact our office for a complimentary consultation.
Posted on January 25, 2012 in Latest News
Over 10 million Americans have gotten tattoos; later more than 50% end up having them removed. Decades ago, the thought was if you got a tattoo, you were stuck with it forever. Now, with modern technology, you can have them removed!
Richmond Aesthetic Surgery proudly offers laser tattoo removal right here in our office. Laser tattoo removal involves high-energy lasers; we use a Medlite Q-Switch laser that directs a powerful beam of colored light at the tattoo. The beam penetrates the ink and breaks it up into small particles. The laser pulsates over the skin and uses heat to break up the tattoo ink, something like a severe sunburn. The number of colors, which colors, the size, and the age of the tattoo all go into consideration for the number of sessions needed. Pricing is dependent on the number of sessions that will be needed. Call our office for a complimentary consultation with Emily, our certified Physician Assistant, and she will provide you with a free quote.
Posted on January 20, 2012 in Latest News, Skin Care
Richmond Aesthetic Surgery is now offering SkinCeuticals skin care line. Not only are we carrying an array of products for different skin types, but we are also offering chemical peels!
SkinCeuticals offers a large product line that helps to accommodate each skin type. There truly is something for every skin type and something to combat each individual’s concerns. To help you achieve more immediate results, the SkinCeuticals chemical peels are a great option!
Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment with our master aesthetician today, please call 804.423.2100!
Posted on November 3, 2011 in Latest News
There are many reasons women choose breast augmentation. Some include, enlarging their breasts to make their bodies more proportional, reshaping/enlarging to correct what pregnancy and motherhood has done to them, or balancing their breasts because they differ in size or shape. There are many options available for women that decide breast augmentation is right for them. These options include saline-filled implants and silicone gel-filled implants. For many women, the decision to do so isn’t the problem, but deciding which implant is better for them.

Saline implants are filled with a sterilized saltwater solution and are filled once placed in the breast pocket during surgery. This allows the surgeon to adjust the volume if needed. The rupture rate for saline implants is 1.8% per year and you must be at least 18 years old.
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel, which is not a liquid or semi-liquid. It holds together uniformly while retaining the natural give that resembles breast tissue. Silicone implants are pre-filled and inserted in the breast pocket during surgery. The rupture rate for silicone implants is 1% at 6 years and you must be at least 22 years old.
Both implants are very safe and FDA approved. Both are available in a wide range of sizes and profiles to fit different body types. Consult with your Dr. Zemmel, together you can discuss and decide which implant is the right choice for you.
Posted on October 26, 2011 in In the Media, Latest News

Plastic Surgeon in Richmond Now Offering Keller Funnel for Breast Implants
Dr. Neil Zemmel, a plastic surgeon in Richmond, VA, is now offering the Keller FunnelTM to deliver silicone gel breast implants for breast augmentations. Dr. Zemmel says the innovative technology will help him achieve better results for breast augmentation in Richmond because it allows for smaller incisions and an even further reduced risk of infection. By implementing this new technique, he says he hopes to further his attention to patient comfort and natural results.
Dr. Neil Zemmel is announcing his use of the Keller FunnelTM for silicone gel breast augmentation at his Richmond plastic surgery practice, with the hopes of achieving smaller scars and more natural-looking results. According to a recent survey of doctors using the Keller FunnelTM, 75% reported reduced infection and nearly 70% believed it lessened patient bruising and the incidence of capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant). Dr. Zemmel says the new technology can offer patients even more enhanced breast augmentation results with silicone gel implants, which were reported in the latest survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as the preferred choice by women undergoing the procedure.
The Keller FunnelTM is a cone-shaped, nylon device with a special interior coating allowing surgeons to insert breast implants with minimal force. Dr. Zemmel says using the device offers a wide range of benefits to patients, including a package-to-breast no-touch technique, which can minimize the risk of infection; and limited local stress on the implant shell, which can preserve implant structure and shape during the procedure. He also says the Keller FunnelTM allows him to reduce incision length and provide patients with more placement options for the implant.
Dr. Zemmel says the Keller FunnelTM will further his ability to provide patients with the latest in plastic surgery techniques and technology. He adds that, ultimately, he hopes each advancement leads toward the safest and most efficient results possible and even higher levels of patient satisfaction.
About Neil J. Zemmel, MD
Dr. Neil Zemmel graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA and the University of Virginia Medical School. He was selected into the 6-year combined Plastic Surgery training program at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, where he served as Chief Resident of Plastic Surgery during his last year. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Located at 14051 St. Francis Blvd # 2209 in Midlothian, VA, Dr. Zemmel’s practice can be reached at (804) 435-5866. He can also be contacted online via the website vabreastsurgery.com or facebook.com/drzemmel.
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Posted on October 4, 2011 in Breast Cancer Awareness, Latest News
This month is a great opportunity to promote the importance of early detection and regular screenings. You should perform a breast self-exam at least once a month.
Look for any changes in breast tissue, such as changes in size, a lump, dimpling or puckering of the breast, or a discharge from the nipple. If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important you see a physician immediately.
Regular screenings can find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer when caught early is 98%, when it’s not, 23%. 
Richmond Aesthetic Surgery would like to help raise breast cancer awareness. Every Friday during the month of October, we will donate 10% of all Botox and Juvederm sales to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Please contact us to schedule your appointment and raise awareness for this great cause!
Posted on October 1, 2011 in Latest News, Skin Care
Obagi Professional-C Serum
Vitamin C is well known for helping with your immune system and wound healing. There are many foods such as tomatoes, oranges, sweet potatoes, strawberries, and other fruits as well as a daily vitamin that you can find to help with your daily intake. You may not know this, but vitamin C is also great for your skin! Not only does it promote healthy tissue strength and collagen growth, it protects your skin from free radicals that cause premature aging. Don’t rush off and start mashing up those foods and spreading it all over your face just yet! There isn’t enough vitamin C there to do anything, but make a mess.
Obagi Professional-C Serums use advanced scientific formulas to neutralize free radicals such as damaging sun rays and environmental conditions, before they can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Obagi uses stabilized L-ascorbic acid, the only form of Vitamin C that can be effectively absorbed by the skin. L-ascorbic acid is essential for cross-linking collagen molecules which builds collagen. Obagi Professional-C Serums delivery system and unique formula results in greater penetration to all layers of the skin and greater stability, providing maximum daily antioxidant protection.
The benefits of Obagi Professional-C Serums:
- Helps maintain normal cellular turnover
- Builds collagen
- Lightens and brightens skin
- Reduces inflammation
- Decreases transepidermal water loss
- Protection from future damage
Obagi Professional-C Serums offers 4 concentrations:
- Professional-C Serum 20%
- Professional-C Serum 15%
- Professional-C Serum 10%
- Professional-C Serum 5%
Call our office today for a complimentary consultation to determine which one is right for you!
(804) 423-2100
Posted on September 22, 2011 in Latest News

After months of being outdoors and under the sun, “Fall” back to skin care basics with the Obagi Skincare system. The Obagi regimen will restore and protect your skin and help it to return back to its optimal health. Obagi is specially formulated to:
• Minimize the signs of premature aging
• Reduce future sun damage
• Help skin look, feel, and act younger and healthier
Obagi has many products and systems geared to many different skin types:
• Acne-prone
• Uneven skin tone
• Premature aging
• Sun damage
Call Richmond Aesthetic Surgery today for a complimentary consultation. Let us help you find the best fit for your skin and its needs. The earlier you start, the less you need to “repair”.
Posted on May 3, 2011 in In the Media, Latest News

Dr. Zemmel on 2010 ASAPS Stats
According to a recently released study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation was once again the most commonly performed procedure in 2010 in the United States, while nonsurgical procedures performed decreased slightly from 2009 totals. Dr. Neil Zemmel says he has experienced similar findings at his Richmond, VA plastic surgery practice.
The most recent study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) finds 9.3 million cosmetic enhancement procedures were performed in the U. S. in 2010. While nonsurgical procedures decreased slightly from 2009 totals, the number of surgical procedures increased nearly 9%, with breast augmentation accounting for nearly 20% of the overall total. Richmond plastic surgeon Neil Zemmel, MD says he has experienced similar statistical results at his practice, as breast augmentation is his most common procedure at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery.
One reason Dr. Zemmel says he believes breast augmentation is so popular is because the procedure has one of the highest satisfaction rates among all plastic surgery procedures. He says with greater than 94% of patients reporting a highly satisfying result, including women reporting an increase in self-confidence. In order to attain a high satisfaction rate, Dr. Zemmel says he relies on his extensive experience along with the development of an individualized treatment plan to ensure his patients’ expectations are met.
Dr. Zemmel adds that patient education is extremely important, which is why he believes in the importance of conducting cosmetic surgery studies and compiling statistics similar to those in the ASAPS 2010 report. Without a correct assessment of the current state of their industry, Dr. Zemmel says plastic surgeons would not be able to provide their patients with explicit, in-depth evaluations based on the latest information and cutting-edge technology and techniques available.
About Dr. Zemmel
Neil J. Zemmel, MD earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia Medical School. He then entered the Plastic Surgery training program at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, where he spent six years studying the latest general and plastic surgery technology. Dr. Zemmel also served as Chief Resident of Plastic Surgery during his final year of training. He has participated in medical missions with Operation Kids, which travels annually to Guatemala to help children in need of cleft palate, cleft lip, and burn reconstruction procedures. Dr. Zemmel is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; he has also published articles regularly in a range of medical journals, and has lectured on a wide range of topics in the cosmetic enhancement industry.
Richmond Aesthetic Surgery is located at 14051 St. Francis Blvd. #2209 in Midlothian, VA, and can be reached at (804) 435-5866, or found online at www.vabreastsurgery.com or the Plastic Surgery Richmond Facebook page.
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Posted on March 17, 2011 in Latest News, Skin Care
We’ve all heard about the wonderful new skin care treatment that you can have done over your lunch break. The result of the peel is glowing skin. But what is it? Where is it done? The elusive “lunchtime peel” is more properly called the Obagi Blue Peel Radiance. It is a salicylic acid-based peel that is great for all skin types. It penetrates through the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis, which is the uppermost and most damaged layer of skin, and exfoliates it to leave glowing, radiant, and fresh skin. As an added benefit, it works especially well for acne prone skin because the main ingredient is salicylic acid.
The best part about this peel is that it is gentle yet effective so there is no down time. No hiding out for a week while your skin recovers. You’ll be out and following your normal routine immediately after. The in-office procedure is quick and easy. The benefits are remarkable. You should expect to see improvements in photodamage, overall skin tone, and texture.
Call us anytime to set up your appointment for this easy and affordable procedure!