The Mini treatments idea was born about 20 years ago based upon the needs of younger patients (40ish) who wanted the benefits of cosmetic procedures, who didn’t need full blown treatments such as facelifts, and whose schedule demanded less downtime etc. These are younger Boomers, Generation X and now also includes the Millennials. What we learned back then was:  1) that aging occurs in stages,   2) that younger people usually need less invasive treatments, and that  3) “mini” options could work very well as long as they started early enough (at the first signs of aging) and maintained the results.  Http://www.davinciplastic.com.

Modified versions of traditional procedures being done today are much more refined, than those offered 20 years ago, by virtue of more advanced precision instruments that enable us in achieving totally natural looking results with increased longevitiy.  Yes, smaller surgeries are right for many people, usually those in their 40’s and early 50’s who are seeing visible age related changes.

Here’s the Bottom Line for today’s Mini Treatments chosen by our patients: 1)  look younger faster,  2) less downtime/ shorter recovery,  3) quicker results, 4) smaller incisions, 5) permanent results when possible.

There are many, many people who qualify for and benefit from these  mini procedures.  What surgeons expect from their patients is this:  realistic expectations.

For the next few blogs I want to cover “mini” procedures:  who they’re for and the many benefits.  This will include the Face, nose, eyes, and neck procedures.  So, look for these blogs.  I also want to do a “primer” on injectables to get you up to speed on what’s really involved there today.

MINI PROCEDURES ARE MAINSTREAM TODAY and are as much in demand as Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and our other great fillers.  Let’s start with the face:

Mini Facelifts “refresh” the face by addressing the most common signs of aging like sagging skin in the lower 1/3rd of the face and possibly the upper neck during one procedure. The Benefits include shorter recovery time, shorter incisions/nearly invisible scars and permanent yet subtle improvement.  Limitations include:  inability to effectively correct excessively slack skin and large areas of wrinkles. Longer incisions are required to deal with excessive skin laxity.  True Mini Facelifts correct the underlying structure and loose skin.  Beware of “fake” mini lifts that are superficial only; that claim to be done in under an hour and without anesthesia.  This is not a true facelift and will not achieve desirable results especially in older patients who may need more work than the mini can offer.

BOTTOM LINE:  the Mini Facelift is terrific for many people who opt for it soon enough and who choose a board certified plastic surgeon who is fully trained and experienced in performing facial surgeries.

MINI FACELIFT OVERVIEW:   1) WHO IT’S FOR…those in late 30’s, 40’s or early 50’s with fairly good skin laxity and the first signs of aging in the mid and lower face.  Younger patients have fewer signs.    2) ANESTHESIA:  Local or sedation   3)  LENGTH OF SURGERY:  2-4 hours,   4)  RECOVERY:  some swelling, bruising and general discomfort for a few days.  Resolves on it’s own with rest and oral pain medication.  5) RESULTS: usually last for 5 to 10 years with maintenance.

Hope your summer is going well.  Let’s talk about your concerns and help you get your best face forward!

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”

Since I’m specially trained and very experienced in reconstructive and revision surgeries I do a lot of “Nose Jobs.”  Patients of all ages, stages in life and from all cultures come to me because they are unhappy with a previous nose (rhino) surgery.

Rhinoplasty surgery is done to change the size, shape  and form of the nose and/or to correct functional problems such as difficult breathing caused by a broken nose (deviated septum), fracture or disease.  So, when the outcome from a nose surgery is not desirable, often I am asked to fix it.  Following are some very important points you need to know and understand about revision nose jobs.

Revision Rhinoplasty is always more challenging than the original (primary) rhinoplasty surgery.  Several reasons for this are as follows:

1. The geography of the nose was altered during the first surgery.  This involved removal of cartilage which provides form and structure for the nose
2. The cartilage needed for the revision surgery must then be borrowed from someplace else
3. An extra incision is required to allow for borrowing the needed cartilage
4. The nasal lining has typically turned to scar tissue in the operated nose
5. Risk of little spider veins increases with a second surgery (telangectasias)
6. Revision Rhinoplasty is very complex and detailed since nasal form has to be restored and function (breathing mechanisms) have to be repaired
7. These challenges increase the time involved in the surgery
8. Very Few surgeons are qualified to perform these highly specialized revisional surgeries

Even though Revision Rhinoplasty has its own set of unique considerations, it is among the most rewarding of all surgeries.  The nose is the most prominent feature on the face so getting it right is most rewarding to people having this surgery.

HOW I PERFORM REVISION RHINOPLASTY:  There are 2 methods used for nose surgeries:  Open Technique and Closed Technique. Open involves incisions made inside the nose and 1 under the nose between the nostrils.  Closed means incisions are inside the nose only.

Revision Rhinoplasty surgery is frequently performed using the open approach which allows for more “complex” nose jobs to be corrected with natural looking, desirable outcomes.  Borrowed cartilage is taken from behind the ear, when needed,to restore nasal form and function.  This incision is well hidden.  The under the nose incision is barely visible and fades to a very faint thin line over time.

Here are 3 frequent questions I’m asked:

1. About anesthesia…I use local with sedation or general.  We determine that during your consultation to choose what’s best for you.

2.  Who can have Revision Rhinoplasty?  Men and women of all ages (must be in good health) and teen boys and girls who are fully grown.

3.  How long does the surgery take?  This depends upon the complexity involved.  It could be from 45 minutes to 3 or 4 hours.  The important thing here is to achieve a pleasing outcome with restored function.

These are the top three questions.  The rest are on my website: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

If you have nose problems from a previous surgery and have been afraid to approach it again…let’s talk.  I am specially trained in these surgeries and have been performing them for years. I still perform them on a regular basis using today’s most refined instruments and techniques…those that are proven safe and reliable. My patients get the results they desire and deserve.

HAVE FUN in the SUN.  BUT REMEMBER THE HATS, GLASSES, SUN SCREEN, WATER, UMBRELLAS ETC.

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”