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100

Questions Answered

22

Years of Membership

In Practice Since 1978

About Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Introduction
We are privileged to live in the beautiful countryside and serene surroundings of the Highlands-Cashiers area in the Blue Ridge part of the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. To this, before retirement in 2023 we brought an established tradition of quality, excellence and patient satisfaction. This made us unique in providing quality Plastic Surgery in a totally relaxed and rejuvenating atmosphere. We offered a full range of cosmetic consultations and procedures including non and minimally invasive ones, skin care and facial aesthetic services in a warm and comfortable environment.

Professional Background

Board certified in Plastic and Hand Surgery
Twenty one years on the faculty of the University of Oklahoma
In first group of surgeons taught liposuction in US by European Innovators, took back to University to study the physiologic effects.
Past President of the American Association for Hand Surgery
Developed or modified multiple reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

Education & Training

Private Practice Highlands, NC, 1999-2023

Private Practice and clinical Faculty, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, 1992-1999

Full Professor of Plastic Surgery, teaching future surgeons and caring for patients, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, 1978-1992

Plastic Surgery Residency – Washington University, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, 1976-1978

General Surgery Residency – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 1972-1976

US Navy, Field Surgical Officer, Vietnam and Jacksonville, FL 1970-72

Straight Surgical Internship – Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX, 1969-70

M.D. Degree – Medical College of Georgia, 1969

Undergraduate – Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 1962-1965 (Entered Medical School at the completion of third year).

Questions Answered

Asked 2019-12-28

Hi, I had my upper lip injected with hyaluronic acid filler a month and a half ago. That was not the first time I had the procedure done. And I always get only upper lip injected, my lower lip is naturally very big. This time I asked for filler to be injected with a cannula, in order to minimize…

2 Answers
Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Answered: 2019-12-31
I am sorry to hear about your problems. It does sound like that, after you saw a doctor, you received very reasonable treatment. From your description, it seems like you had a combination of problems related to improper placement of the filler and small hematomas (what was expressed with the incision that was bloody) from the injection itself. The combination did leave a scar. The steroid was designed to reduce that scar as much as possible, but only time will tell whether it will totally resolve of not. This may take many months, and, maybe, a year or more. Unfortunately, watchful waiting is probably your best option now, as doing too much only adds more scarring. Continue to work with the doctor you have seen and be patient.
Asked 2019-11-11

How soon after lip injections can you switch to a different brand? I recently received Juvederm lip injections but want to switch to a different HA filler. Is there a time frame I should wait before getting a different filler?

2 Answers
Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Answered: 2019-11-12
It is quite possible to inject different products, including different brands, on the same day. If you are not happy with the results, I suspect it is not the brand but the injector. See someone with significant experience in treating the lips.
Asked 2019-05-15

My one eyebrow is lower than the other which causes my one eyelid to droop. Should I go for Botox or fillers to lift my brow? I am 37 years old. Thanks

2 Answers
Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Answered: 2019-05-31
Drooping Single Eyebrow You need to see a plastic surgeon experienced in ophthalmic surgery. One frequent reason that one eyebrow is higher than the other is that you have unilateral or asymmetric ptosis (droop) of an or both eyelids. If this is the cause, you need surgical correction. If not, he/she can give you the options that are right for you.
Asked 2019-05-01

Can a mini facelift be done under local anesthesia?

5 Answers
Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Answered: 2019-05-04
Yes, a mini facelift, or even a full facelift, can be done under local anesthesia. However, be careful what you wish for. Most facelifts, especially mini ones, done under local anesthesia do not give full correction of the problem and do not last very long. Many also lead to poor or visible scars as, instead of placing the pull on the deep tissues which requires more undermining, tension is placed on the skin. Make sure you choose someone who is an expert in facial rejuvenation and can show pictures of excellent, long lasting results with the procedure you will have.

Additional Information

Male
Office Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Board Certifications
American Board of Surgery (ABS) 1978
American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), 1980
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand, 1990 (1st year offered), recertified 2000 & 2010
Society Memberships
The Aesthetic Society
American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS)
North Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons (NCSPS)

Community:
Rotary International
Team Captain, American Cancer Society Relay for Life

In Oklahoma:
Susan G. Komen Foundation, Advisory Board, 1995-1999
American Cancer Society, Oklahoma City Chapter, Chairman of the Board, 1995-1997
Fine Arts Institute, Board of Directors, 1991-1993
Edmond Educational Endowment
1639135692
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