Category: Beautiful Skin Complexion

While on the topic of FaceLift surgeries, let me emphasize the importance of having a very experienced surgeon to handle this, delicate, complicated procedure. Thus, I decided to share my credentials… and those that you should look for in other surgeons. I will do this through 3 main criteria upon which surgeons are judged: training, qualifications and results.

TRAINING… QUALITY EDUCATION AND INSTITUTIONS
I’ve always wanted to provide the highest quality care to my patients, so I adhere to the highest standards beginning with my studies. My distinctions in undergraduate years studying Dentistry, include the Dell Medal for Performance and The British Student of the Year award from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.  As I went on to earn my medical degree from the University of Maryland, I also was selected from among my peers to receive the Babcock Award for surgical excellence. Next in my studies was to specialize in head and neck/otolaryngology at the world renown Mayo Clinic. For my final years of hands on experience, I was selected to do my plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, which has one of the most comprehensive plastic surgery programs, and then completed a reconstructive cancer fellowship at the premier cancer hospital in the country, MD Anderson in Texas.

BOARD CERTIFICATION 
Another factor that elevates my standing as a plastic surgeon is that I am triple board certified in a rare yet extremely applicable combination: plastic surgery, otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, and facial plastic surgery (which I earned the Jack Webster prize for the highest score).  I am the only such surgeon in the tri-state area and one of only a handful in the United States with this level of triple board certification.

It is important to note that the board certifications I’ve earned are accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has the highest standards. With ABMS certifications you can be assured that the doctor has:
1. graduated from an accredited medical school

2. completed at least 5 years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

3. passed comprehensive written and oral exams

RESULTS…PEER AND PATIENT REVIEW
I believe in staying on the cutting edge of my field. As a result have given well over 95 national and international lectures, and written more than 100 clinical papers. Some of my greatest acknowledgements have been from my peers and patients, as I’ve been:
…nominated in the Washingtonian for both “Best Doctor” in plastic surgery AND breast reconstruction (by my peers)
…currently rated Castle Connolly best surgeon and an “America’s Top Surgeon”
…selected as “The Best Plastic Surgeon” of DC and “Number One Doctor” for many years in a row (by patients)

My biggest reward and compliment is a satisfied patient. To find out more of my credentials and to schedule a consultation, please visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

If you’re going to make the investment in getting a Facelift, you want it to last as long as possible. Even though a Facelift can take up to 10 years off your appearance, your skin will continue to age. This means that gravity will have its affect as your skin loses elasticity and collagen – over the years following your surgery. You can’t stop the aging process, but you can help keep the age reversal affects as long as possible by implementing the habits and tricks suggested in this blog.

Buying Time with Injectables
You will love your more youthful appearance with a Facelift and subsequently you’ll want to help the youthful effects to stay in the most effective way. Injectables, such as Voluma, are crucial to add back lost volume, as well as Botox to stop muscles from recreating those deep wrinkles. They may seem like subtle youthful enhancements at the time, but they will help the facelift last longer. These are perfect options to push back or prevent the need for touch up surgery.

Luscious Lips Look Younger
An issue that the Facelift doesn’t address is the lips. Just as volume decreases in the rest of the face, age related volume loss affects the lips. You’ll want to maintain facial harmony and balance -throughout your face with youthful lips. Using a hyaluronic filler, such as Juvederm, to plump your lips will help enhance and maintain a youthful appearance after a Facelift.

Daily Care and Special Treatments for Skin
The cumulative affect of taking good care of your skin on a daily basis… really does pay off in the end. I suggest using clinically proven skin care, such as SkinMedica to help prolong the youthful effects of cosmetic procedures. On a regular basis it is also important to get special treatments for your skin. For example, chemical peels stimulate new skin growth to enhance skin clarity and smoothness. A chemical peel can wreak havoc on the skin and actually cause aging if done incorrectly, so please be sure to come to my office even for serious treatments such as this.
Stay Away from the Sun and Pollution
These are the outside factors that cause the most skin damage and can reverse the benefits of a facelift real quick. Protect yourself from environmental pollution and the sun, which can damage the skin’s cellular integrity. This can show up as blotchy, uneven skin that is dehydrated and leathery.

Lifestyle Contributes to Aging
You should be concerned about what you eat not just for the calories or weight management, but to promote overall healthy cellular integrity. You skin is your biggest organ and reveals much about the overall healthy or unhealthy lifestyle choices you make.

Here are some tips to feel and look younger:
There are actually foods that boost collagen production, such as celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, dark green and colorful vegetables, fish, avocados, berries, white tea, garlic, fresh citrus fruits, oysters, and proteins like eggs, nuts and lean meats.
Instead of drinking dehydrating beverages, such as coffee, tea or alcohol, drink lots of water.
Sweeten with raw honey since it is a vitamin and mineral rich alternative to sugar, which causes inflammation and other unhealthy body responses.
Maintain healthy weight instead of extreme gaining and losing.
Avoid smoking.
Smile more than you frown. You’ll use fewer wrinkle causing muscles and studies show that a positive, cheerful disposition can help keep you healthy.

Feel and look great after a Facelift by implementing these tips.

To talk about a Facelift or if you’ve already had one and would like the help to maintain the results as best as possible, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Last week we determined that this is the perfect time of the year to get a Facelift. The end of summer and beginning of fall season offers the perfect downtime before Thanksgiving and winter festivities. Now, I will address the different seasons of life, men and women experience, and the rejuvenation benefits  from a customized Facelift.

Variations exist based on gender, genetics, environment and lifestyle choices… such as smoking and how diligently someone has cared for their skin. However – generally our skin reflects the decades in similar ways. With this in mind, remember that the most important factor isn’t specifically your age, but whether the face reveals the changes from aging that can be corrected by a Facelift.

Facelift In Your 40s’s

• The signs of aging start to creep in for most people in their late 30s and early 40s.
• These signs of aging are when the lines turn into wrinkles and
• skin starts to lose some of its elasticity and glow.
• Visible crows feet, frown lines, smile parenthesis  show up
• and volume loss in the cheeks and lips become a sign of this age.

A “liquid facelift” with Voluma can restore volume in the cheeks to create a subtle lift to the mid face that can might decrease marionette lines. But a Mini Facelift would be needed if the upper face and lower face need to be addressed as well. It can really give a youthful boost to the brows or jaw line that to keep you looking younger for longer. It is the least invasive surgical option and recovery is relatively quick. It works really well in combination with a Liquid Facelift, Botox and fillers to keep you looking great in your “Flirty 40s.”

Facelift In Your 50s and 60s
Often times, women in this age range are looking for more noticeable results than what can be fixed with injectables alone. Gravity and slower cellular repair result less collagen and elastin, showing up as more prominent loose, sagging skin, drooping brow, eyelids, mid-face and jowls. A Full Facelift is the only way to rejuvenate every area of the face from the forehead down to the neck. It can rejuvenate your features and easily take 10 years off the face.

What about the 70s?
It’s important to remember that there’s a difference in chronological age and physiological age. Someone who’s taken great care of them self may be 70 years old, but as fit, active and sharp as a 50 year old. But generally speaking, the skin has lost the elasticity necessary to experience any lasting benefits of a facelift.

There are also age related health ailments and the more difficult recover from surgery that usually makes an elective surgery an unwise choice. There are however, other ways to help 70 year olds to look the best they can for their age. For example, one of the main reasons for facial sagging is volume loss. This can be helped with a “liquid facelift” using Voluma.

Contact me today to schedule a consultation to see how a Facelift can enhance your features and turn back the years. Visit www.davinciplastic.com today. As a triple board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and head & neck surgery, your face is in the best hands with me.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

The summer season is coming to a close and it is time to prepare for fall… which is an ideal time to squeeze in a cosmetic procedure. Most people enjoy active summer months with vacations, fun outdoor activities and events. For those people, it’s a great time to stay up to date with rejuvenating procedures that don’t involve any downtime, such as Botox or Juvederm. Once the back to school flurry settles, there’s a nice 2 to 3 month window – in the fall -before the holiday festivities kick in. This is an ideal time to do a cosmetic surgery that requires some downtime/recovery… the Facelift.

Facelift in the Fall
As the weather is starting to cool down, the calendar is as well. Taking advantage of this pre holiday season of rest is the perfect occasion for a Facelift.

The Facelift is one of the most time tested and perfected procedures in plastic surgery. It is extremely customizable, yet requires significant technical and artistic skill. This combination can only be achieved by an experienced board certified surgeon, such as myself.

Also, the ease and time frame of the Facelift recovery can be greatly determined by the skill of the surgeon, the quality of the skin and the type of Facelift that is performed. Having your Facelift in the late summer – early Fall phase gives your body a good chance to heal and reveal great results in time for Thanksgiving and the winter festivities.

What a Facelift Can Do for You…
I spend time with my patients – one on one, face to face (the consultation),  to understand their desires and to explain what kind of results to expect. There are many options and techniques to give you the most harmonious, youthful results possible.

On the minimal end of the spectrum is the Mini Facelift. The Mini Facelift offers a subtle rejuvenation to younger patients in their 40s with minor signs of aging and loose skin. Your face will look refreshed and more youthful, but most people won’t be able to pinpoint that you’ve had surgery.

On the end of the Facelift spectrum providing more dramatic results is a Traditional or Full Facelift. A Full Facelift is a comprehensive way to rejuvenate every area of the face from the forehead down to the neck. It provides smoother, tighter, lifted skin that can take 10 years off your appearance.

Facelift Recovery…From weeks to months to over a year, there are different stages of recovery.

Someone may be able to go back to work with makeup on in a matter of a week after a Mini Facelift. On the other hand, the tightness, sensation and swelling of the internal tissue may take more than a year to completely heal after a Full Facelift, even though superficially the face looks great after about 3 months. As mentioned previously, the recovery depends on the:
skill of the surgeon to execute the surgery with gentle, precise technique,
quality of the skin to bounce back and heal,
type of Facelift surgery to determine the amount of tissue, muscle and skin affected.

A younger, refreshed face is waiting for you this Fall. Now is the perfect time to talk about, plan and perform your Facelift. Visit www.davinciplastic.com today.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

SculpSure is an innovative – non surgical – body contouring treatment that can help you slim down for the summer months – without any recovery time. It is perfect for treating, without surgery, those stubborn fat spots that just won’t go away despite a healthy diet and exercise, such as love handles or a little belly pooch.

Safe and Effective SculpSure
With all of the options out there for body contouring, SculpSure is a leader because it uses innovative light technology that is clinically proven to target and destroy fat cells. It is the world’s first laser treatment cleared by the FDA for non invasive lipolysis of the abdomen and flanks aka “love handles.” The process of lipolysis uses hydrolysis, which breaks down fats and other lipids to release fatty acids.

Quick Treatments with Lasting Results
This state of the art, controlled light based technology can melt up to 24% of target fat cells in the matter of a lunch break. The 25 minute session has no discomfort or ill effect on the surface skin. This is due to the specialized laser targeting fat cells below the dermal layer of skin, as well as the dermal layer being protected by the Contact Cooling process included in the treatment. Also, SculpSure is competed without the use of any suctioning devise. The flat, hands free applicator is designed for consistent results every time.

The specific light wavelength targets adipose fat tissue and causes no damage to the dermal tissue. Once the adipose fat tissue has been destroyed, they will not regenerate and the body naturally eliminates the disrupted fat cells. This process can produce results in as early as 6 weeks, with optimal results in 12 weeks. In our consultation we will determine how many treatments are required to achieve your desired results.

Come in for a consultation to find out how we can sculpt and define your body with ScuptSure. Visit www.davinciplastic.com today.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Bikini season is in full swing. This time of year everyone is conscious of how they look in a swimsuit or more revealing summer wear. But since we’re already in the midst of the summer season, it’s not an ideal time to get surgery, such as liposuction, without having to miss out on the enjoyment of the outdoor fun. This is where a fat reducing solution like Cynosure SculpSure can help.

Trim Tummy and Summer Fun with Cynosure
Even with a healthy diet and regular work out schedule, some areas of fat just don’t want to go away. This can put a damper on your confidence to wear those lighter or tighter summer outfits. Fortunately,

Cynosure SculpSure requires no downtime or recovery that will keep you from enjoying the fun outdoor summer activities.

With SculpSure you can have a natural looking, slimmer appearance without scars or any effect to the skin’s surface. You can also return to everyday activities immediately after a treatment, so you’ll never miss out on the fun while undergoing SculpSure treatments.

How does Cynosure SculpSure work?
This innovative body contouring treatment is clinically proven to reduce stubborn fat in problem areas. It uses light based technology that targets and destroys these fat cells cumulatively over short 25 minute sessions. Each 25 minute session destroys up to 24% of treated fat cells. Results can be seen as early as 6 weeks with optimal results at 12 weeks.

Schedule a consultation today to see how SculpSure can keep you enjoying summer while looking trimmer and healthier. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Summer is here and you may not have that beach body you’ve dreamed about all winter long.  But don’t despair, there are non surgical options that can help you look great in that bikini!  If you are not too far off your desired weight …. body sculpting with liposuction can help you get the curves in places you want them while removing those few extra pounds that you just couldn’t budge.

Your bikini look can include a full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty/surgical) or a non surgical approach using liposuction to sculpt areas of concern.

Liposculpting can be very effective, fast and safe if performed in a surgical suite by a competent, board certified surgeon.  DO NOT be talked into spa treatments involving liposuction…they are not done by experienced surgeons with life saving skills…in case a problem occurs during the procedure.

Benefits of Liposculpting…you can treat small or larger areas to remove fat deposits safely and effectively thus creating curves or definition in the desired areas.  Your recovery can be a short as a couple days to several days depending upon the extensiveness of your procedure.

Breasts may be too large, too small or out of shape from breast feeding.  Many women opt for little to no downtime breast procedures so they can look great in their beach bikini.  This can include implants, breast reduction (surgical) or non surgical injections to plump up and lift sagging breasts.

Buttocks Lift has become very popular the past few years.  Butt Uplift comes to us from South America where “big butts” are desirable and sexy.  It’s the new American look too.  Hurry though…time is running out on getting it done and being able to have enough beach time left to enjoy your new look.  Book your consultation today!

Well, there are other options…check out my website to get complete information and have a safe, happy summer.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

https://www.davinciplastic.com/blog/bikini-ready-with-tummy-tuck/

The sun provides some wonderful health benefits, but as I’ve recently shared in previous blogs, there is good reason to protect yourself from its skin damaging UV rays. Here are the main ways to protect yourself when in the sun.

Sunscreen
Sunscreen can definitely be helpful in protecting your skin from the UV rays, but some sunscreen has toxic chemicals that should be avoided. For example, a recent study published in Environmental Science Technology has demonstrated that the common sunscreen ingredients, methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone and PABA are estrogenic chemicals linked to cancer.

Mineral sunscreens are preferable, as they are considered “broad spectrum” and protect against both UVB and UVA rays. They contain titanium or zinc, which do not breakdown in sunlight and are therefore more effective at also blocking UVA rays. These minerals are non allergenic and not usually absorbed into the bloodstream so they don’t affect the body’s hormones.

Clothing

You can’t go wrong by:  wearing a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing when in the sun. There is even special clothing that is enhanced with greater protection against UV radiation and laundry detergent that adds sunscreen to your clothes. The laundry detergent doesn’t add much, but a plain white Tshirt that normally only provides 8 SPF can be boosted up to 15 SPF with a sunscreen detergent. The main benefit to SPF laundry detergent is that it’ll help keep some SPF in the garment for longer, as it does tend to start to slowly wear off after 3 or 4 washings.

UPF vs SPF
Most commonly you’ll see the terms UPF (Ultra Violet Protection) on sun protective clothing, while the sunscreens say SPF (Sun Protection Factor). UPF measures a fabric’s protection against both UVA and UVB. Sunscreen’s SPF only rates its protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn.
What does the number mean?

A UPF rating of 25 means that only 1/25th (or 4%) of the UV radiation can penetrate the fabric, giving 96% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. A minimum UPF 15 clothing is good (94% protection), but 50+ (98%) is excellent, especially considering the effectiveness of sun protection will lessen over time, you’ll have longer lasting protection.

Regarding the measurement of sun protection, SPF is a bit more variable as the number is calculated based on increasing the amount of time you can spend in the sun before getting sunburned. For example, if the average person would burn after 20 minutes in the sun, a sunscreen with SPF 30 is supposed to protect against sunburn for about 10 hours. This effectiveness varies widely because some people’s skin burns more easily, the mid day hours have more intense UVB rays, and even most water repellant sunscreens wear off with sweat and water. Also, the SPF calculation does not account for the UVA rays.

Diet
Most people haven’t considered that foods and supplements  can actually help protect your skin, too. The American Cancer Society states that oxidative damage can increase your cancer risk, including skin cancer. Fortunately, there are lots of delicious, healthy foods that help reduce oxidation. These are some suggestions for foods and the antioxidants they contain that help your skin:

…Salmon and fish oil contain astaxanthin and omega 3 fatty acids.
…Green and white tea contains catechins.
…Red wine, blueberries and red grapes contain resveratrol.
…Almonds, asparagus and pumpkin seeds contains Vitamin E.
…Carrots and red bell peppers contain Beta carotene.

I hope you take these sun protection tips seriously… and have a safe, fun summer!

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Since I recently talked about skin cancer, I thought I should elaborate on the topic a little more, especially prevention. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about the sun and sunscreen.

20 Minutes
When I recommend people to limit sun exposure, I don’t mean to completely avoid it. I recommend protecting yourself from getting too much sun and especially to avoid letting your skin burn. The ideal amount is about 20 minutes every day, but not in the heat of the day (10am to 2pm) when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.
Benefits of the Sun
Why 20 minutes? This is the average amount of time in the sun that our body needs to naturally generate a sufficient amount of Vitamin D3, which has many benefits for the body physically and emotionally.

Research on Vitamin D3 has demonstrated its ability to:
…naturally fight cancer
…boost the immune system
…improve mood

Dangers from the Sun
While there are benefits from the sun, there are also dangers. The long term negative effects predominantly come from the ability of the sun’s UV radiation to damage cellular DNA. This leads to genetic mutation and cellular malfunction that causes premature aging, and ultimately can cause cancer. As our understanding has increased we’ve learned that we need to protect our skin from both the sun’s longer ultraviolet A (UVA) and shorter ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

The Long (UVA) and Short (UVB) of It
While UVA rays are longer and less intense than UVB, we are exposed to more throughout our lifetimes because they are equally present during all daylight hours throughout the year. UVA can also penetrate clouds and, unlike UVB, can go through glass. This is why it’s important to consider sun protection even when you’re not at the beach or pool.

It has been thought that while both play a major part in skin aging, UVB has been the main contributor to skin cancer. UVB is the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, affecting mostly the superficial layers of skin. But even though UVB has a more concentrated negative effect, UVA causes cumulative damage over years and years, which may also initiate the development of skin cancer. Most skin cancers occur in the basal layer of the epidermis and studies have shown UVA damages cells in this layer, as well.
Bottom line is that while the sun provides wonderful health benefits, we still need to take precautions to only receive its benefits and not its damaging effects. In my next blog, I’ll continue the subject and talk about how to protect yourself, including helpful clothing, sunscreen and diet tips.
If you’d like more information on rejuvenating your skin, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Summer is on its way and people will get more exposure to the suns’ rays than any other time of year. We’ve all heard the word of caution about too much sun causing skin cancer, but specifically it’s the Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure that is overwhelmingly the most frequent cause of skin cancer. Since May is Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month, and skin cancer affects more than 1 million people in the United States each year, I thought I’d dedicate some time to the topic.

Skin Cancer Causes
Other than frequent, unprotected sun exposure, some significant causes of skin cancer include:
1.  The frequent use of tanning booths, which, like the sun, expose the skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
2.  Immune system compromise, which impairs the body’s ability to fight disease. A suppressed immune system affects the ability of the body to regenerate and repair at the cellular level. Ways to improve the immune system are to stress less and laugh more, drink more water and less alcohol, eat antioxidant rich foods rather than empty calories and sugar, as well as take a probiotic to promote beneficial gut flora.
3.  Regular exposure to electromagnetic wave of high energy and very short wavelength, such as Xrays. And exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and those in tar, oils and soot.

People with Greater Risk
– Besides outside environmental factors, certain people are predisposed to skin cancer. These are the characteristics of the people who are at greater risk:
– Fair skin that burns easily from the sun exposure and freckles easily
– Blond or redheads with blue or green eyes
– Depleted skin pigmentation, such as from certain genetic disorders like albinism and xeroderma pigmentosum.
– Previous cancer or close family members who have had skin cancer
– Birthmark of a large mole, or numerous moles and unusual moles that developed later in life
– Experienced a severe sunburn in childhood

“ABCD’s” of Cancer Detection
1.  Asymmetry: one side not looking like the other
2.  Border irregularity: rough, jagged or bumpy edges
3.  Color: mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red, or white
4.  Diameter: larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm across) or noticeable increase in size

Kinds of Skin Cancer
The skin is the largest organ in the body and skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. There are three major kinds of skin cancer:
Melanoma,
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Melanoma is actually the most frequent cancer in people age 25 to 29 years. About a third of all melanoma are diagnosed before the age of 50, although most skin cancers are diagnosed between 50 and 75 years old. Squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas, which are the vast majority of skin cancers, are more common in older people. Unlike the Melanomas, the BCCs or SCC usually do not spread to other parts of the body.

Prevention
It is important to self check using the “ABCD’s” and to regularly be checked by a dermatologist.

A doctor can send away a biopsy of a questionable mole or marking to tell if it’s cancerous.

Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. This is one of the main reasons why I recommend safeguarding yourself when you enjoy the beautiful weather with sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat.

Prevention and early detection are key with skin cancer. Enjoy the beautiful summer weather, but please do so safely. If you have any more questions, please consult your dermatologist.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

The Lipstick Effect is a well known theory projecting that, in times of economic downturn, people may cut back on the bigger luxuries in life and instead splurge on the smaller ones. For example, fewer people will be going on expensive overseas vacations, but they’ll spend the money to dine at local restaurants to still enjoy a treat – and to not feel like they’re going completely without any splurge. The question is, how does this theory apply to the cosmetic surgery industry?
Cosmetic Surgery and the Lipstick Effect… While some might consider cosmetic procedures a luxury that can be foregone in times of recession, the economy today has not hindered the growth of this industry at all.  Some analysts speculate that our society has developed a “collective vanity” and that social media has given us the mentality of maintaining good looks despite the costs. Another perspective is that youthfulness is a sign of health, vitality and success. Also, Millennials understand that prevention is the key and they include cosmetic procedures in their budget as part of their routine health regimen.

Injectables and the Lipstick Effect… For those who follow the purchasing pattern of the Lipstick Effect more truly, this still doesn’t mean they forego cosmetic procedures all together. It just means they choose the less expensive anti aging treatments, especially the injectables such as Botox and fillers, such as Radiesse. Maintaining youthfulness with these anti aging tools is a necessity to hold off surgery for a few more years. This practice is actually considered saving money. A much more cost effective, non surgical way to help maintain a younger look without a full Facelift is to consider a “Filler Facelift.”

Lipstick Effect for Luxurious Lips
Another indication of the Lipstick Effect is that during tight economic times, women don’t shy away from buying skincare or a new shade of lipstick to help them feel a little indulgent. You can absolutely love the way your new shade of lipstick looks – on fuller, more sensual lips plumped up with Juvederm. This would actually be a great gift for Mother’s Day.

Let the Lipstick Effect, using Injectables, lead you to save money in the long run by maintaining a more youthful look. And don’t forget about mom! Mother’s Day is May 8. Get her a new shade of lipstick to accompany her certificate for fuller lips with Juvederm. To set it up, call 202.966.9590 now – or visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Medical Tourism is a big issue today in the world of cosmetic surgery. Even though it is a very popular trend – it indeed raises a lot of questions and concerns. Here I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of getting your cosmetic surgery done in a country or area -other than – where you predominantly live.

1. What is Medical Tourism?
   “Medical tourism” involves traveling to a “destination” for medical care. Cosmetic surgery is one of the top medical procedures today, along side dentistry and heart surgery – for which people travel globally to have their procedures done. Some of the positive reasons someone would consider traveling for a major medical procedure are:
2. Getting a cheaper price… often the main motivating factor
   Going back home… resident immigrants travel back to their homeland for a medical procedure – due to familiarity with the system or the government subsidizing the medical care for its citizens.
3. Specialty doctor or facility… choosing a particular doctor who specializes in a procedure – or a facility that offers resort style recovery accommodations.
4. Being near family… Family can help care for the patient during recovery. When they lives a great distance away, and family can’t travel to the patient – often the patient travels to them.
5. Surgery vacation… There is the perception that a vacation can be combined with the recovery process, so a surgeon is chosen based on the appeal of their location – as a destination vacation spot.

What are the risks of Medical Tourism?
While the benefits can sound appealing, there are serious risks that need to be considered. There are risks specific to certain areas of the world and the particular procedures performed there, but these are some of the general issues:

Language barrier and cultural expectations… can cause miscommunication. In my practice our communication during the consultation is crucial to get an accurate feel for what my patients want and for me to manage expectations. If you and your doctor don’t speak the same language – fluently, this significantly increases the chances of misunderstandings about the care, surgical expectations, and recovery. It can also be very frustrating and scary if complications occur.
Less oversight and stringency of medical standards… The medical industry isn’t well scrutinized in some countries. For example, disease transmission is a concern if doctors reuse needles between patients or have other unsanitary injection practices. Also, medications may be poor quality, old or even counterfeit.
Medical care during complications… If a complication arises requiring a blood transfusion, the blood supply in some countries comes primarily from paid donors – who may not be thoroughly screened. This puts patients at a higher risk for HIV or other blood transmitted diseases.
Rushing recovery… Some surgeries require weeks of recovery. Traveling can be difficult and stressful and it’s not wise to do so within the first weeks after an operation – since it can ruin the cosmetic surgery, disrupt recovery and cause complications. Also, travel by air after surgery increases the risk for blood clots.

It is so important to consider all things when deciding to whom you will trust your face and body. Please consider speaking to a Board Certified, highly credentialed and experienced surgeon like myself. To schedule a consultation, please visit our newly updated website www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon