Monthly Archives: August 2013

Women in politics are constantly in the spotlight and can’t hide their appearance and cannot avoid being frequently analyzed from every angle.  Hillary Clinton is just one example of many women in politics, or the entertainment field who are under fire over their appearance and the stigma behind the idea of these women seeking anti aging cosmetic surgery/treatments for a “refreshed” looking face.  Betty Ford is one of the bold ladies  who had cosmetic surgery decades ago and discussed it for the benefit of all women.  She chose a fresh new face to go with her beautiful life!  Hillary Clinton did likewise and others have followed. Hollywood celebs such as Nicole Kidman and Jane Fonda also blazed the trail for women and they helped remove the “taboo” against age defying cosmetic procedures.

One of the arguments has been that surgery isn’t just about improving your looks,  it is also about improving your self esteem and self confidence. Removing grumpy, fatigued, stressed, sad/angry facial aging can be positively life changing.

It is today’s trend and even renowned portrait artists have found that this generation will be young not just once…but at least twice!  Jonathon Yeo has done portraits of Tiger Woods, Paris Hilton, Sarah Palin, Nicole Kidman and others, and understands that portrait painting today is much about telling the story of a contemporary generation.   Yeo learned that this quickly growing phenomenon of “looking younger” is here to stay. To equip himself for the task, he has observed several facelift surgeries to understand the muscles being pulled in different directions.  This helped him with facial interpretation.

Our advanced techniques and instruments allow us to perform facelifts today’s that are incredibly natural looking and age defying. We don’t change you. Your traits are your traits.  We simply remove some years of facial aging to restore a refreshed, more youthful look.  See all options on my website: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

Breast Reduction Surgery improves the quality of life according to a recent survey/study. The research shows that breast reduction produces both measurable physical and psychological health benefits.  The results:

• Gains for psychological well being includes psychosocial, sexual and physical
• Physical relief includes relieved pain in the breast, neck, back and shoulders
• Breast reductions also led to significant improvement in sleep and ability to exercise
• Surgical Benefits were seen within 6 weeks post surgery
• Decreased medical costs from chronic medical complaints were also dramatic
• Overall improved quality of life validates insurance coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery  (check with your provider)   (Study – Ohio State University, Columbus.)

A Word about Tattoos and Laser tattoo removal.  Got a tattoo you want to lose? Think about this before deciding to get a laser tattoo removal.  Recent case studies  show that laser removal of tattoos may mask melanoma due to the pigmented skin lesions.  (More on that as info becomes available.)

August is the hottest part of summer.  Remember the “fun in the sun” rules: 1) sun screen,  2) lots of pure drinking water (stay well hydrated), 3) fresh fruits for anti oxidants, 4) hats, 5) sun glasses, 6) umbrellas, 7) avoid glare from the water and 8) don’t stay out too long.  OK…have fun!

School is started, time for Mommy Makeovers to be your best self again and Daddy DoOvers to keep that competitive career edge.  Restore a healthy, more youthful appearance either subtly or dramatically…your choice!

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

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.”

MINI FACELIFT was the topic of my last blog and the NECKLIFT is commonly married to it. As I said in the last blog, the “Mini procedures” are here to stay, they are refined, perfected and chosen by hosts of people every year in their war against aging.

Necklift refines the neck by removing years of visible aging to restore a more refreshed, balanced, younger appearance.  By removing excess, loose and sagging skin and fat, we can lift the skin, tighten muscles if needed and “recontour” the neck less invasively than with a full blown Necklift.  The Benefits:  Mini Necklift eliminates small amounts of saggy skin/fat and redefines angles from the chin to the neck. Refining the neck freshens the face also.  The Limitations:  Neckbands may still be present and Jowls may not be addressed adequately with a Mini Necklift.  It is important that your surgeon educate you well so you can make the right choice.  Mini Necklifts are the perfect solution for many people.  Remember they are “mini.”

ABOUT THE AGING NECK   The neck is frequently the area of facial aging that is a dead give away as to your true age!  When loose skin, sagging neckbands (Turkey Waddle) and a poorly defined neckline become visibly obvious, we may be perceived as older than we are.

MINI NECKLIFT:  1) WHO IT’S FOR:  younger people with small amounts of fat under the chin and whose skin is fairly elastic, not too saggy and not overly laden with thick neckbands.  (your surgeon will know)  2) ANESTHESIA:  usually local or IV Sedation,  3) LENGTH OF SURGERY:  about 3 hours,  4) RECOVERY:  7 to 10 days required to rest, begin healing and allow for swelling and bruising to begin resolving.  You may need to wear a neck or chin “bra” to support the surgery and apply mild compression to the operated area.  5)  RESULTS …your results generally last 5 to 10 years.  Each individual is different but this is a good norm.  A full blown necklift is usually done with a Facelift and uses incisions behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. With a Mini Necklift, a Fecelift is not always done and sometimes just contouring the fat using liposuction along with some skin removal is enough to achieve the results the patient desires.

FIVE SIGNS of an AGING FACE – These are the issues that you can see when looking into the mirror.  They are the top signs of facial aging:  1)  DEEP WRINKLES of the face and neck,  2) A TIRED APPEARANCE,  3) POOR DEFINITION of the chin and sagging in the neck,  4)  JOWLS and DEEP CREASES found around the nose and mouth,  5)  LOSS of MUSCLE TONE and REDUCED SKIN ELASTICITY.  The best time to start anti aging treatments is before they are needed or at least as the first signs of aging appear.  We’ve learned from Hollywood celebrities how to keep looking younger always.  The Key:  start age defying treatments early and continue them on a regular basis to eliminate problems, restore health and youthfulness and to keep looking several years younger….always.

SURGERY IS OFTEN COMBINED WITH NON INVASIVE OPTIONS.  More often than not, people choose to have  2 or more treatments in tandem such as Mini Facelift with restorative Injectables or Fat Grafting for volume replacement and recontouring. We have many amazing options for you.  All safe.  All effective.

Next time I’ll blog about Mini Eye Procedures.  Check back often.

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

The eyes are one of the first areas of the face where aging becomes highly visible.  The eye area has thin skin and fat deposits, that over time often get lost or displaced, while unwelcome dark circles, hollows and bags develop and become more visible.  This blog continues my short series on “mini procedures” what they are and why they’re here to stay.

If you’re new to my blogs see my website for comprehensive information on the many age defying/health restoring procedures I offer. HTTP://www.davinciplastic.com.

MINI EYELID LIFTS are among the top procedures requested today. They are called by different names such as:  Pinch Lift, Skin Pinch, Mini Eyelid Lift or Skin Pinch Blepharoplasty. Each surgeon has usually developed special techniques for their procedure of choice.

I do full blown eyelid surgeries (Blepharoplasties) and Mini Blepharoplasty procedures.  My mini eye signature procedure is the “Skin/Pinch Blepharoplasty.  This is a conservative eyelid tuck involving skin only and is ideal for patients who desire more space for applying eye shadow as well as a more defined upper eyelid crease.  My Mini Skin/Pinch Blepharoplasty takes about 1 hour: involves some swelling and bruising that resolves by itself over 5 to 7 days, and General Anesthesia is that of choice for this surgery.

Mini Skin Pinch Blepharoplasty surgery does the following:

• Achieves a modest but natural refreshed look
• Increases space for applying eye shadow
• Beautifully, naturally defines the upper eyelid crease
• Involves the least risks possible
• Erases a tired look in the upper facial third
• Refreshes, rejuvenates, renews youthfulness to the eye area

The Limitations include:  bags and eye hollows are not addressed since the fat and muscle is not transposed or eliminated…only extra skin is removed with this mini procedure and it may need future maintenance as many mini’s do.

Here’s a comparison of the “Mini” and “Traditional” Eyelid Surgery:

MINI BLEPHAROPLASTY:  Best for those with good skin elasticity and minimal wrinkling on and around the eyes…without under eyelid bags.  This takes about an hour, healing about 1 week, little to no bruising and less swelling than with traditional. Results last 3 to 10 years.   TRADITIONAL BLEPHAROPLASTY:  Best for those with heavy under eye bags and loose facial skin in the eye area.  Takes from 1 to 3 hours and is one of the easiest procedures from which to recover. Swelling and bruising lasts up to 10 days at which time you are about healed.  Results typically last from 8 to 15 years.

THE EYES ARE THE MOST COLORFUL AND ENGAGING FEATURE OF THE FACE.  THEY CREATE UNIQUENESS AND DEPTH or THEY CONVEY A TIRED, AGING APPEARANCE.    Steven Davison M.D.

ASIAN EYELIDS are unique and require special knowledge, training and skill.  Asian eyelids lack a crease, usually have extra skin or epicanthal web towards the side of the nose.  I have much experience and expertise in creating the ideal eyelid for those subtle needs.

MINI PROCEDURES ARE HERE TO STAY BECAUSE:  they are practical, they work well when started early enough, and often can prevent the need for full blown procedures/surgeries. A major reason also:  our patients have demanded them and we have researched and developed and refined them.

MINI PROCEDURES CAN BE COMBINED:  more often than not patients choose to combine two or more procedures to achieve “optimal results.”  For example:  Mini Skin Pinch Bleph surgery is popular with a Liquid Facelift using today’s miracle power lifters!  Check it out!

MOMMY MAKEOVERS and DADDY DO OVERS are here to stay too!  Let’s talk about your concerns soon!

Best to you and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

MINI TREATMENTS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND, are more REFINED and are HERE TO STAY.  I’ve blogged about:  Mini FaceLift to “refresh the face”, Mini NeckLift to take years of aging off the lower 1/3rd of the face and Mini EyeLid Lifts (Blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate the eyes.  There are other “mini” procedures. I offer brief overviews of these 3:

MINI CHEEK LIFT is usually performed in combination with the Mini FaceLift to achieve the maximum desired results and improvement in the midface area.  Mini CheekLifts can be performed through the same incision that is used for the Mini FaceLift to minimize incisions and scarring.  Incisions are hidden inconspicuously in skin folds and creases where they fade away.  Mini CheekLift surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscle to accentuate and define the cheekbones.

MINI LIPO PROCEDURE is treatment of choice when neither diet nor rigorous exercise succeed in sculpting certain areas of the body.  That’s no excuse to abandon healthy nutritious food and exercise.  The body needs a balance in those areas everyday.  But, as we age, the body often resists things that used to work thus “liposuction” for removal of excess fat deposits and to sculpt those resistant areas to a more desirable shape.  Mini incisions, small canulas and years of expertise allow me to sculpt the neck, breast, arms, flanks, hips, knees, abs and other areas of concern. Discomfort is usually minimal and many patients resume normal activities following treatments.

MINI TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty) can deal with an adverse scar from a C Section, a lower tummy pouch formed from fat and excess skin located below the belly button and can be safely performed in office with local anesthesia.  Mini Tummy Tuck involves removing excess skin and tightening lower abdominal muscle (below the belly button).  I work through a small incision and often include liposuction to further sculpt the treatment area.

MINI PROCEDURES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND and ARE HERE TO STAY! They entail shorter incisions, briefer downtime and are Popular among those in their 40’s, 50’s and others who are starting to see age related changes but who don’t yet require a more traditional procedure or full blown surgery.  STARTING EARLY, like Celebrities, before aging becomes too visible; before lines, wrinkles and grooves too deeply etched, and before skin and muscles lose elasticity and tone...starting early allows you to have “mini” procedures and blocks the visible signs of aging so you can look years younger always!

MORE MEN ARE HAVING MINI PROCEDURES  (e.g. body contouring) according to recent survey/report results from the AMERICAN SOCIETY of PLASTIC SURGEONS and THE AESTHETIC JOURNAL.  Treatments men are requesting include:  removal of excess body fat, Gynecomastia (reduction of overly large male breasts) facial injectables, laser treatments, hair removal, skin resurfacing and, of course, Botox referred to as “BROTOX.”  Surgeons across America are seeing more men.  Men choosing cosmetic surgical and non surgical treatments increased by 42% since 2010.  And, they become regular clients because they believe cosmetic/aesthetic procedures are an important part of their regular healthcare routine and that younger, fitter looking men get career advancements.

See my website for complete info on all procedures offered at DAVinci: HTTP://www.davinciplastic.com.

Before we know it, Fall will be upon us with all it’s glorious colors and lots of social events. Are you ready to put your “best self” forward?  Let’s talk.

Best to you and yours.

Steven Davison M.D.

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