Category: Breast Augmentation Body Cosmetic Surgery

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 sessions… some areas of fat just resist going away. This often “dampers”  your confidence to wear those lighter or tighter summer outfits. Fortunately, Cynosure SculpSure is a non surgical solution to reduce body fat in those stubborn areas – like the abdomen and love handles.

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 session. 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. http://Davinci Plastic Surgery

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

I wrote some blogs on breast surgery a few weeks ago and then took a break to focus on summer sun precautions.   Now I want to finish the breast series with this blog on scarring and incisions.  Scarring is always a concern when choosing a cosmetic surgery. We want to be able to focus on the beautiful results of the surgery, not the incision scars it may leave behind. Fortunately, with a Breast Lift, there are a variety of incisions, some more inconspicuous than others. However, different techniques may be required based on how much sagging you want corrected. The incision I recommend will be based on your personal goals, existing breast tissue, and the amount of excess skin to be removed. Here is an explanation of each of the possibilities.

Minimal Sagging: Crescent Incision
This incision is very small and traces around the upper half edge of the areola. While this is minimal scarring sounds ideal, it can take away only a minimum amount of skin. This makes it only an option for patients who have very little sagging to correct. For this reason, it is the least frequent incision technique and is usually only done in combination with a breast augmentation.
Mild Sagging: Peri Areolar or “Donut” Incision
The Peri Areolar incision is a circular incision tracing around the outer edge of the areola. This technique can also be used to reduce the size of the areola if that is desired. Like the Crescent incision, this “Donut” incision is commonly performed along with a Breast Augmentation and can address mild sagging.

Moderate Sagging: Vertical or “Lollipop” Incision
Two incisions are required for this technique, as it can accomplish more extensive reshaping of sagging breasts. They form the pattern of a lollipop, hence the nickname. The first incision is around the outer edge of the areola and the second runs down vertically from the bottom center of the areola to the underlying crease where the breast meets the torso, called the inframammary fold. This is a very common incision technique since it allows for the removal of a moderate amount of excess skin and reshaping of the entire breast. Fortunately, these scars are easily hidden in bras and bikini tops.

Extensive Sagging: Inverted T or “Anchor” Incision
Dramatic results for reshaping the breasts are available with the Inverted T incision. Getting its nickname as the “Anchor” lift because of the incision pattern, this technique involves 3 scars. One is around the outer edge of the areola, then another is down vertically from the bottom outer edge of the areola to the breast crease, and the last one is hidden in the horizontal crease of the inframammary fold. This technique allows for the removal of a significant amount of excess skin and sagging tissue. It is also used when the Breast Lift is combined with a Breast Reduction. This gives beautiful correction for reshaping pendulous breasts, which is when the nipple is below the edge of the crease of the inframammary fold and it is pointing downward.

In my expert hands, these incisions will be as minimal as possible, and over time, with your proper care these scars will fade. Regardless of which incision technique is required, your scars will be concealed and far from your mind when you see how lovely your lifted breasts look in your clothes and bathing suit. Contact me for a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Give Your “Ladies” a Lift

Sometimes your ‘ladies” start to migrate a little south, whether its from age, gravity, weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or another reason. As the skin stretches, volume diminishes and nipples start pointing to the floor, many women become dissatisfied with the aesthetic appeal of their breasts. Fortunately a Breast Lift is a permanent solution to elevating and rejuvenating the breasts. Often in combination with a Breast Augmentation or fat injections to help fill the volume loss, a perkier and more youthful chest can be achieved.

What does a Breast Lift Involve?
A Breast Lift reduces excess skin, tightens muscles and lifts the breast position and shape. In combination with a Breast Augmentation or fat injections, the volume and fullness can be restored too. All of this is done in proportion to your unique anatomy and desires. Since breast sagging, or ptosis, is evident as the nipples decline to a downward pointing position, the lift will specifically correct the breast, nipple and areola to a higher position.

Incision patterns for a Breast Lift:
Around the areola
Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (lollipop)
Horizontally at the breast crease

The best incision technique for each unique situation will be based upon these factors:
…Breast size and shape
…Size and position of your nipple and areola
…Degree of breast sagging (ptosis)
…Elasticity of the skin
…Amount of excess skin

Surgery and Recovery Expectations
Discomfort during this outpatient surgery is minimized using a local anesthetic with either sedation or general anesthesia. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, soreness and mild discomfort that normally resolves over a few days… or longer if a Breast Augmentation is performed as well. Oral pain medication can be used to manage any discomfort you may experience. The new position and shape will be noticeable immediately, although just as with a Breast Augmentation, it takes a few months for the new breasts to completely settle.
Let’s talk about how a Breast Lift can help you experience a more youthful shape and position of your breasts. Schedule a consultation today, www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Plush pouts are all the rage and especially on people’s minds this month because of Valentine’s Day. While flowers, chocolates, pink hearts, and wine are sweet… hot lips make all of that even sweeter. Celebrities Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson and Kylie Jenner give lips a front and center perspective on how sexy and youthful they can make you look. This is the perfect time for showing them some TLC and rejuvenating your lips with a filler, such as Juvederm.

Pamper Your Pout
The harsh cold, windy and dry climate this time of year can really take its toll on your lips make them very uncomfortable. Other factors that destroy your lips include smoking, dehydration, sun damage, and poor skin care. Take some time this month to show your lips some TLC with a lip exfoliation and hydrating mask…which can easily be done at home. Also, be sure to drink sufficient water, which helps every aspect of your skin and body. Along with Juvederm, which can give you the nicely shaped, soft, naturally gorgeous lips you’ll love.

The Perfect Pout is About Softness and Proportion
Women feel confident and sexy with a bold hue of lipstick on soft, full lips. That doesn’t mean the lips should look over filled, bumpy or out of balance with the rest of the facial features.

There is an art to creating beautiful lips with certain characteristics:

– the center of the lip is slightly more full

-the “Cupid’s bow” top of the lip isn’t over-filled (so that it disappears)

– the lower lip should be about twice the size of the upper lip to avoid the appearance of unnatural looking “duck lips.”

Making sure you choose an Expert Injector, such as myself, who knows how to create these features is the only way to be confident you can achieve your perfect pout.

Lovely Lips with Juvederm
In the hands of an Expert Injector you will have soft, luscious lips. That sexy boost of fullness with Juvederm is the perfect way to have kissable lips for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable, which naturally creates fuller, plumper lips because the hyaluronic acid attracts water to the area. It is FDA approved for safety and has a smooth texture, so this is a top pick for lip contouring because it keeps your lips feeling flexible and natural. It is a safe, natural way to create a perfectly plush pout that will last 4 to 6 month.

Let us help you have “hot lips” you will love for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule your appointment with an Expert Injector today.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Starting in their 30s, men start to lose muscle mass and their metabolism slows down. If they don’t become more physically active or decrease their calorie intake, the muscle tissue will be replaced by body fat, particularly around the abdomen. Fortunately there’s a way to destroy those fat cells. It doesn’t involve surgery or any discomfort … its called SculpSure.

SculpSure Targets Fat Where Men Need it the Most
There are definite gender differences in how fat is typically distributed in the body. Women tend to carry more fat in their lower body, such as in the hips and thighs to give their figure more of a pear shape. Men generally carry the extra weight around their abdomen and flanks, which gives their body more of an apple shape.

Studies show that regardless of obesity, men and women host more fat cells in these particular gender specific body regions. Fortunately for men, SculpSure is the world’s first laser treatment  – cleared by the FDA – to target the fat in their most common trouble areas:  the belly and “love handles.”

Eliminate Belly Fat for Looks and Better Health
While you’ll feel an amazing confidence boost after getting rid of the extra weight around your middle, you’ll feel great for other reasons too.

• Reduction in back pain, more agility and less weight on your joints can contribute to an overall more active lifestyle. Another important reason to trim down the fat round your middle is that there are studies that correlate excess belly fat and health related risks, such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
• Destroy Fat with No Downtime
  The typical corporate lifestyle for a man doesn’t leave much time for surgical recovery. This has lead to the rise in non invasive treatments for men who want to look and feel good, but can’t take the time off of work.
• Brotox is just one of the many age reversing treatments for men that has become popular. Like Botox, SculpSure treatments can occur during a work day’s lunch break with no discomfort or downtime.
• In a 25 minute session, this state of the art, controlled light based technology can melt up to 24% of targeted fat cells.

Schedule a consultation with us if you or the man in your life wants a flatter, smoother abdomen and less love handles.

Visit www.davinciplastic.com today to see how SculpSure can help you have that swimsuit ready body before this summer.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/ Reconstructive Surgeon

TRAINING… QUALITY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – for 2017 and Beyond!

You should choose a surgeon who really is well educated, fellowship trained and with hands on experience. Patients are already scheduling for 2017 procedures…so I want to remind you of the importance of your surgeon’s credentials.  I share mine with you as an example…

PRIMARY GOAL – HIGHEST QUALITY CARE

Providing the highest quality care to my patients has always been my primary goal… so I adhered to the highest standards …beginning with my studies. My degree in Dentistry includes the Dell Medal for Performance and The British Student of the Year award from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.  After earning my medical degree from the University of Maryland, my peers voted for me to receive the Babcock Award for surgical excellence. Moving on to specialize in head and neck/otolaryngology at the world renown Mayo Clinic was the next phase in my career. For my final years of hands on experience, I was awarded a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh – renown for its comprehensive plastic surgery programs – and then I completed a reconstructive cancer fellowship at the premier cancer hospital in the country, MD Anderson in Texas.

QUALIFICATIONS… BOARD CERTIFICATION DOES MATTER!
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:
– graduated from an accredited medical school
– 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
– passed comprehensive written and oral exams
– voluntarily submitted to this extra process after their training to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their field

RESULTS… PAY ATTENTION TO PEER AND PATIENT REVIEW
I believe in always staying on the cutting edge of my field. As a result I have given 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 by patients)

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

Good Bye 2016… Hello Hottest Rejuvenating Trends in 2017

The New Year will be upon us in just a couple of days.  So, Happy New Year….2017.

I’m constantly being asked this time of year….what’s new…what will be the latest greatest in 2017?  So here is a brief look at the hottest trends…some are old but still in high demand…others are new and worth a good look at.

Breast implants and liposuction are on top of the list as “the most requested procedures.”  A few trendy treatments becomes popular in 2016 and will gather more momentum in 2017.

Brazilian Butt Lift has increased in demand as more women want curvaceous figures and need help with the buttocks!

Vectra Breast Imaging allows women to design a breast outcome that suits them best.  Vectra has quickly become in high demand among our clientele.

Vaser Lipo Suction uses tiny incisions to allow for fat removal after it has been broken up.  Liposuction has comes a long, long way!.

Our culture shapes the desires for “what is beautiful”… and technology makes these dreams a reality through innovation and affordability.  Here we go:

Non Surgical Fat Removal
Kybella was introduced in 2015 and gained a momentous following. As word has spread about the benefits of Kybella, 2017 is going to be an even bigger year for this non surgical – fat reducing procedure. Who wouldn’t want to melt away a double chin  without the downtime or discomfort of surgery? Less invasive procedures will continue trending which makes Kybella appealing.

Injectables for Millennials
No downtime and minimal recovery with injectables is also enticing scores of millennials into the world of cosmetic treatments. Millennials are a very busy population – with full social calendars … so making time for surgery and recovery is a real challenge. Also, Millennials grew up in the dawn and dominance of social media. It’s no wonder that media like Facebook and Instagram spur on more and more of an image conscious population. With their image sent out to hundreds of people on a daily basis, they have to make sure they look good.

Millennials are including injectables, like Botox and Juvederm, in their age prevention and health care regimen. So, while prevention is very good, know that it is just as important to only trust your face to an experienced, knowledgeable practitioner. Injectables, if not done correctly, can give an over “done” appearance… which can make you look older. The overdone look of over filled lips or paralyzed forehead (e.g. for someone in their 20s or 30s) can cause distortion or the perception of an aged face….defeating your goal of trying to look younger.

Rise in FemGen
The sexual revolution of plastic surgery includes an increased female interest in Labiaplasty surgeries to improve aesthetics, comfort and sexual pleasure.  It  can minimize stretched, imbalanced or interferingly large labia… increasing comfort and pleasure during sex, eliminates embarrassment/ discomfort from tight workout clothes or bathing suits.  These changes come from aging, childbearing years and genetics.

More Men
It’s definitely become obvious that most men aren’t embarrassed today about getting cosmetic procedures either. They see  plastic surgery and non invasive cosmetic treatments as part of their regular health care routine and to keep their competitive edge in the work place. Brotox means that a tired or gruff appearance can be shaped into a more pleasant, happy, rested look, and is often done in our office during a lunch break. No missed work, no major change, just a tweak to improve confidence and perception that can pay dividends in work performance, self confidence…and simply because more and more men today want to stay younger and healthier looking as long as possible!

These treatments can help you reach your goals for looking and feeling great about yourself during 2017. If you’d like to take advantage of any of these rejuvenation trends, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

It’s About Moisture…

Cold, dry winter weather can really cause irritation, discomfort and… can age the skin if proper care isn’t taken. You invest in your skin with cosmetic surgery and non invasive procedures, so it is important to take extra care of your skin…especially when the weather is extreme.  Here are some age defying tips to help you keep your skin healthy and feeling great in all kinds of weather!

Conserve Moisture
There are many habits that can strip out the moisture from your skin. This dryness can be painful, itchy and contributes to skin-aging by stripping moisture. So – work on replenishing this lost moisture using a few simple steps:

First…some habits to avoid – and some to do:
….Hot showers or baths removes the natural lubrication and oil on the skin. Although a hot shower always feels good after coming in from the cold, try to keep it short and not too hot.
…..Cleansers and toners, containing harsh ingredients, strip your skin of natural oil. Real sudsy cleansers usually have a surfactant like sodium laurel sulfate, and the acetone in many toners can be too harsh, along with already dry conditions.

…..Use mild cream or gel cleansers and toner with no alcohol this time of year.
Sipping hot coffee and tea is so comforting when it’s cold out, but beware the dehydrating effects they can have. Most people only think to drink lots of water when they’re sweating and hot, but cold, windy air can be just as dehydrating for your skin. So, drink lots of pure water everyday!

Moisture Reinforcement
Not only do you need to be on the defensive when it comes to protecting your skin (during the winter) by not participating in certain drying habits, but you need to be on the offense to add the extra help it needs this time of year. Here are some ways to add moisture reinforcement for your skin:

…..Running the heat in a home strips the air of any moisture -counter this by adding a little water vapor back to your home’s air with a humidifier.
…..Diligently use moisturizer morning and night… your face and hands are most exposed to the elements, but don’t neglect the rest of your body.
…..Exfoliate gently to remove the dull dead skin build up … then you must moisturize that fresh new skin to keep it healthy and glowing.
…..Continue using sunscreen. Snow can actually reflect up to 80 percent UV rays. As skiers and snow sports enthusiasts know, you can get a sunburn in the winter.
…..Eat foods that encourage your skins moisture retention... rich in essential fatty acids like salmon and other “healthy fats” found in avocados and coconut oil.

I hope these tips help you save your skin this winter. We also offer medical grade, physician prescribed skincare, SkinMedica, which effectively addresses many skin issues and is essential for healthy skin maintenance. Stop by our office or visit our website www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Few people enjoy spending hours in holiday traffic and crowded shopping malls. Fortunately, you can save yourself the time shopping around for that mystical “perfect gift”… a gift almost every adult would love… a more youthful face. The injectables Botox, Juvederm or Voluma et al, make an awesome gift. It’s no secret that more and more people want cosmetic treatments for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and winter holidays…and for everyday!

There’s still time if you act now, to get the treatment that’s right for you and to go into the Holiday’s with a more youthful, glowing appearance- minus the sagging, bagging and those unwelcome lines and wrinkles.

Who Would Like This Gift?
The real question is who wouldn’t want to rejuvenate squinty, tired looking eyes by banishing crow’s feet? Or who wouldn’t want to smooth out the wrinkles on the forehead and in between the eyes to take years off their appearance? At age 30  clients already see these signs of aging and would enjoy the benefits of smoother, fuller skin. A gift certificate to our office to choose any injectable treatment could also be a great gift for that close friend or family member who already “has everything.” Especially if they’ve expressed concern about wrinkles, such as crow’s feet or forehead. They may have even mentioned they’re open to trying a non invasive procedure or are already receiving Botox for their forehead, but would want to try a different area of the face, such as plumping the lips with Juvederm.

A Gift that’s Not Just for the Ladies
Even though it is more thought of as a gift for women, don’t discount those hard to shop for men in your life. Most women are very open to request Botox or Juvederm (and might even jump for joy at receiving this as a gift!), but so are men – even though they may not be as vocal about it.

Men feel the pressure to keep their competitive edge and looking good is part of that. Looking healthier, happier and more alert is a professional advantage. They might not be willing to go to the office and purchase a treatment for themselves, but deep down they are concerned about how their skin is aging. Receiving this as a gift can be just enough of a nudge to do what he’s seriously been thinking about.

Our non invasive treatments like Botox, Juvederm or Voluma offer fast results with no down time, which is very appealing to men. Juvederm can even be used to fill in the deepening folds around the nose, the indentations caused by acne scars of previous years and more…. and Brotox is Botox for Men…

Gift Certificate for Rejuvenation
So whether you’re shopping for that special lady or man in your life, a close friend or family member, give them the “gift of youth.”  while saving yourself the time and frustration of shopping!  Visit www.davinciplastic.com to learn more or stop by our office to purchase a gift certificate.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

One of the hardest situations in the plastic surgery industry is to have a patient’s results not go as expected. This may or may not be the fault of the physician, but the best results are directly correlated to the most credentialed, experienced surgeon. This is why it is crucial to only trust your face and body to an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon…someone like myself.
In my area, I’m the only triple Board certified plastic surgeon, a member of multiple prestigious medical societies, and a published professor at Georgetown University. Along with my many years of experience, compassion and patient care, these credentials have led to my ability to provide a very high level of patient satisfaction. As a result, I’m often called upon to correct the concerns that arise from unsatisfactory surgeries, at the hands of other physicians, and the unforeseen side effects that happen from improper healing.

For example, an occasional unwelcome side effect after beast augmentation surgery is Capsular Contracture. This occurs when the scar tissue that has formed around breast implants tightens and hardens around the implants to create an imbalanced external appearance. This means that the affected breast will look a different shape or be at a different height on the chest. While meticulous surgical precision can help prevent capsular contracture, as with any surgical procedure there will be scar tissue and there are factors outside of the physician’s control.
Here are some tips that can contribute to avoiding Capsular Contracture:

…Avoid smoking is one of the most predictable ways to reduce your chances, as you’re twice as likely to have Capsular contracture if you smoke.
…Two weeks prior to surgery, start taking Vitamin E and possibly Prednisone, a prescription corticosteroid drug.
…Breast implants in a submuscular position, or under the pectoral muscles, may be less likely to develop capsular contracture than when breast implants are placed in a subglandular position, or over the pectoral muscles.
…There’s a slightly higher percent of Capsular Contracture with silicone implants over saline.
…Upon the instruction of surgeon, massaging and compression of the breast implants can help keep the capsule flexible and loose.

Capsular contracture may develop at any time, but can occur as early as 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and usually not later than 6 months. It can affect just one or both breasts. Fortunately, it can be corrected with Revision Breast Surgery.  There is a special art and skill to correct Capsular Contracture… because of the difficulty of working with scar tissue. It’s a puzzle figuring out what possibly went wrong and then to skillfully correct it.

Revision Breast Surgery to correct Capsular Contracture can involve a variety of ways for releasing the interior scar tissue. These ways may include capsulotomies, capsulectomies, implant exchange or placement behind the pectoral muscle. A Capsulotomy is a surgical procedure that releases scar tissue without removing it from the pocket. This gives room for the breast pocket to expand, relieving the scar tissue contraction that is squeezing the breast implant. A Capsulectomy is a more aggressive approach, as it completely removes the scar tissue surrounding a breast implant. This procedure is more often used when the scar tissue is very thick and calcified or when a silicone breast implant has ruptured.

If you’ve experienced the disappointment of your breast augmentation not going right and want to trust your body to one of the leading plastic surgeons to correct it, please set up a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Breast Augmentation General Q & A

Even though Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, there are a lot of questions women have.This Q & A is an overview of some of them… but my intention here is not to replace the consultation. The consultation is an invaluable part of my process. It is crucial to get to know my patients personally and to get on the same page. I hope this blog helps you along your journey to deciding whether a Breast Augmentation is a good fit for you and I hope to be talking with you further at a consultation, which can be scheduled at www.davinciplastic.com.

What Is A Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation specifically addresses increasing breast size and shape. Other surgical procedures related to the breast are:
Breast Reduction makes large breast smaller and more manageable. Patients with too large of breasts suffer from back pain and other issues, and a reduction can provide great relief.
Breast Lift helps sagging breasts look younger and perky. This is great in combination with an Augmentation or Reduction.
Nipple Reduction specifically addresses only the nipples, which can get stretched out during breastfeeding or may be out of proportion in relation to the overall breast size. A Nipple Reduction can bring the nipple size in balance with the breast for a more aesthetic appearance.

Saline or Silicone?
Saline is a silicone shell filled with sterile saline, or salt water. Silicone is a completely silicone implant. Both are shown to be safe, effective and dramatically improved over the last few years. Within these categories, there are many kinds of implants to consider. This decision is highly up to personal preference and goals. As there are quite a few aspects of this question to address, I will dedicate my next blog just to this topic.

What Does The Surgery Involve?

1.  Preparation: Consultation and decision on the size and type of implant, location of implant and incision location. You may need to get a blood test, stop smoking, adjust medications and vitamins.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia in our highest quality outpatient center will help you feel completely comfortable during surgery.
3. Incision: Your body type, breast size, type of implant, and scar preferences will help us to determine the optimal location (under breast line, armpit, belly button, or areola).
4. Insertion: Many factors will help us decide whether the implant should be inserted into a pocket above or below the pectoral muscle, including the amount of breast tissue already present, drooping, position and size desired.
5. Closing Incisions: This will involve internal sutures within layers of the breast tissue and on the surface skin closure.
6. Recovery: Like with any major surgery, there will be a period of discomfort that can be managed by oral pain medication. The first week is low key while wearing a support bra and possibly tending to a drainage tube for a few of those days. After 2 weeks normal activities, except for exercise or strenuous exertion, can resume. We will see you and check on you to make sure you’re doing ok. It’ll take between 4 to 6 weeks to feel somewhat normal. The skin can continue to feel tight and sensitive beyond that, but it shouldn’t impede your everyday life.
7. Results: Over and over again, my patients have confirmed that the recovery is worth the results. The implants take a few weeks to “settle” into their position and the scars will take some time to fade, but your body satisfaction and restored femininity are long lasting and well worth your investment in yourself!

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon