Monthly Archives: June 2013

International travel for the purpose of having some “specialized” cosmetic procedure is very common today. At DAVinci we have a significant family of International patients and that trend is growing weekly.  Patients from around the world come to us for the “Premium” procedures we offer including refined surgical techniques and results they love.

Often, people book Medical Vacations because they want the privacy, a little get away and because they think “it’s a better deal.”  Many of them regret the face or bad breast job they now have to live with, until they show up in my office for “Revision” surgery.  I recently blogged about Revision Rhinoplasty (nose jobs) and Revision Facelift surgeries and Revision Breast surgeries using the premium Natrelle410 implants.  Please refer to those blogs for more info.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS TRAVEL TO DAVinci for “peace of mind” knowing I am skilled and qualified to perform the often delicate, difficult procedures they desire. I can and do perform these amazing procedures because I am specially trained in plastic and facial plastic surgery and am experienced to do so.   Beware of media ads promising affordable breast implants, facelifts, nose surgeries and more.  Know before you go that you are in trustworthy hands!  Look at the education, training, certification and experience of the surgeon you are considering.

PATIENTS TRAVEL to DAVinci for PREMIUM PLASTIC and FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERIES Things our international patients know about DAVinci: 1) We do complete detailed planning and a tailored treatment plan for each patient.   2) Our medical team has years of experience and are highly qualified  3) All surgeries are performed in an AAAASF or JCAHO certified surgical suite fully equipped with world class technology/precision instruments…same as a hospital  4)  I am triple board certified and fellowship trained and teach other surgeons globally the specialized techniques I developed and use  5) Each patient is followed closely with ongoing post procedure care  6) Many patients combine the medical treatments with a mini vacation to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the beautiful Washington, D.C. area  7) I only perform procedures within the scope of my ability and expertise, 8) The FDA, as overseer of all things medical in the USA protects against procedures being offered that may not be safe & effective .

Our patients proudly show off their results everywhere they go…as soon as can!

PREMIUM PLASTIC and FACIAL PROCEDURES offered at DAVinci include:  Revision Facelift Surgery,  Revision Rhinoplasty surgery and Breast Augmentation using Natrelle410 supreme implants.  This includes revision breast surgeries to replace old or problematic implants, reconstructive breast surgery following mastectomy for cancer or prevention (see blog on Angelina Jolie) and other reasons.

PEOPLE TRAVEL TO DAVINCI BECAUSE Revision Surgeries are difficult and more complex than the primary surgery.  Scar tissue and rearranged anatomical features as well as normal age related changes have to be dealt with.  Most surgeons are not educated, trained or experienced in dealing with revision surgeries.  See https://www.davinciplastic.com.

PEOPLE TRAVEL TO DAVinci because they know their results will be supreme and the support they receive is the best! From the first contact by phone, face to face or eMail, and for the rest of their lives…our patients have come to trust and rely upon the “reliable” medical skill and sensitive, caring family we are…all of us from all around the world!

FIRST TIME READING MY BLOGS?  I’m Steven Davison, M.D. specially trained in plastic and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries.  Our office:  DAVinci Plastic Surgery is located in wonderful Washington, D.C. and here’s my website for complete info:  http:www.davinciplastic.com.

Hope everyone’s summer is going well and you are healthy and happy.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

A recent study conducted for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons reported that 80% of those people surveyed said they would prefer and choose a facial plastic surgeon rather than a general surgeon or physician.  As the numbers of people who have cosmetic procedures done each year continues to grow…so does the need for education about how to recognize and choose “qualified” cosmetic/plastic surgeons.  Thus, the reason for my blog topic this time.

Stats tell us there are over 782,000 doctors in the United States but only 3.5% are really qualified to perform aesthetic (cosmetic) procedures.  So, It’s critical that before you go…you know about your doctor/surgeon.

In addition to the right education, training and experience,  Board Certification is important in helping you identify a surgeon who is truly qualified to perform your chosen procedure.  Why?  There are multitudes of doctors who are not Board Certified nor are they members of important medical organizations/associations. So here’s the “why” about being Board Certified:  Certifiying medical boards have rigorous testing/exams based upon the highest standards possible to ensure that a doctor knows, understands and is qualified to practice medicine and perform procedures within the scope of his proven abilities.  There are different boards for different areas of specialization.  The same goes for medical societies and associations that were established decades ago.  These exist to further educate, support and monitor physician/surgeon members, also to educate the population and give them a place to seek help with problems involving member physicians.  Every doctor/surgeon who chooses to become Board certified, must submit to this high standard and the rigorous oral and written exams in order to be eligible for board certification.  Board certification does not guarantee certain results but it does ensure that the surgeon is educated, well trained, skilled and qualified to perform that surgery.

Examples of Certifying Medical Boards and associations:  1) ABMS – The American Board of Medical Specialties (every doctor should apply to this board.)  2) ABPS – The American Board of Plastic Surgery (for certification in the speciality of “plastic” surgery). 3) ASAPS – The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (for plastic & cosmetic surgery of the face and body). 4) AAFPRS – American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.  (World’s largest association of “facial plastic” surgeons and reconstructive surgeons)  These surgeons focus solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck. 5) American College of Surgeons, 6) The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is thousands of members strong…with only one high standard to assure you are getting a surgeon who is qualified to perform your procedure.

Do Your Due Diligence  – Surgery of any kind is a serious event and you should want the most qualified surgeon performing your procedure.  You can “google” the doctor/surgeon you are considering and check credentials, qualifications, experience, testimonials and more before making a final decision to use that physician. Surgeon’s Websites should be comprehensive including education, training, medical degree(s), fellowships, experience and qualifications.  Know before you go!  https://www.davinciplastic.com.

Cosmetic v Plastic Surgery…there is a difference.  Cosmetic surgeons have considerably less training whereas a “plastic” surgeon gets 5-7 years of specialized surgical training.  Cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the aesthetic appearance and Plastic surgery is used to improve/restore function and reconstruct after trauma or illness.  Plastic surgery can include “cosmetic” procedures also.

Ask the right questions:  1) Is the surgeon Board Certified…which boards and for how long?   2) Does he/she have hospital privileges?  3)  Is their surgical suite certified?  4)  Does the surgeon practice within the scope of their chosen field?

Look at Patient Portfolios…a picture really is worth a thousand words! 

Revision surgeries are on the rise…because unqualified doctors and beauty beauty professionals are doing procedures they have no business doing! Every year, my colleagues and I see more patients desiring “revision” surgeries to undo the disappointing, disfiguring damages inflicted upon them by the hands of unqualified doctors and so called professionals.  Please trust your face and body only to a qualified plastic surgeon!

Well, this blog is a bit long….but I couldn’t leave out any of the info included.  Please read and consider.

Enjoy the sun…with the right precautions!

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Because time and facial aging does not stop after you get a facelift procedure, I get many, many requests for facelift “do-overs” correctly called Revision FaceLifts. There are many reasons patients become dissatisfied with their previous facelift and these distortions often cause self consciousness.  Be it the poor technique chosen, the surgeon’s lack of experience and skills, trauma or illness experienced by the patients, age related changes, no matter the reason, a Revision FaceLift can correct the sagging, aging features and restore a refreshed youthful appearance once again.

Revision FaceLifts are more difficult than the primary surgery due to scar tissue, altered anatomical positions and other unknown factors from the previous surgery that we may have to deal with.  When patients come to me asking for correction of a past facelift, it’s always helpful if they bring the operative report from the primary surgery.  This can give a baseline of information about the exact procedures that were performed and techniques used to do so.

Trusting Your Face to to a Qualified Facial Plastic Surgeon is critical!  Revision FaceLifts are a very complex surgery requiring maximum training and the expertise and skills of someone who has performed many, many facelifts and who does them regularly.  Also, being able to match the right surgery to your specific needs is imperative!  I know.  I see the unhappy results from the hands of unqualified physicians and the despair it causes those wearing the face with less than desirable results.  So, don’t be fooled by the mass advertising today being used to brand certain kinds of facelifts as the latest and greatest…Please understand that “one surgery/procedure does not fit all faces.”

• Revision FaceLifts Correct disappointing results and freshen a previous facelift from years ago.
• Employs new, proven techniques to restore youthfulness
• Is customized to your specific needs & realistic expectations
• Rejuvenates the face & neck again with longer lasting results
• Dr. Davison is highly esteemed among his peers & patients for his vast knowledge, honed skills & surgical expertise
• Patients travel from around the globe to entrust their face to my skilled hands

Revision FaceLift Overview:  After matching the right facelift and technique to your specific needs, I customize your facelift to match your desired outcomes, goals and dreams.  The surgery will be designed to tighten and lift muscles, remove excess skin, remove and/or distribute and sculpt fat to replace volume and restore curves for a truly natural looking outcome.  What to expect after your facelift surgery:  swelling, bruising, numbness and some discomfort is normal and to be expected for several days. Discomfort is easily managed with oral pain medication.  Every day, these issues resolve a little more until one day, you forget about them.   Surgery is performed in a state of the art out patient surgery center that is fully accredited and equipped with all the necessary technologies to perform all surgeries and to handle any situation.

CHOOSING A QUALIFIED SURGEON IS CRITICAL!  Visit my website to check out my credentials: www.davinciplastic.com.

OK.  Feels like summer is here so please remember to “sun protections” I’ve talked about in previous blogs and then go enjoy your family time!

Many patients “travel” to Washington, D.C. for the premium plastic surgery  procedures I offer, including: Revision FaceLift, Revision Rhinoplasty, Breast Implants (revision) and Breast Augmentation…using the revolutionary and superior Natrelle 410 Breast Implants.  Advanced, refined techniques and superior technology is life changing.  Watch for these blogs.

Stay safe and be healthy.

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.”