Category: Breast Cosmetic Surgery

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.”

Since Angelina Jolies public announcement, and Brad Pitt’s comments about her double breast mastectomy, removal of both breasts as a “preventive” measure against developing breast cancer…I’ve decided it’s a good time to discuss today’s most popular…most natural cohesive (gummy bear) breast implants.

Natrelle 410 Ultra Cohesive Breast Implants are the most popular in the world today…chosen 2:1 by women having breast reconstruction surgery (after cancer treatment and breast removal)…and by women having implant revision surgery.  The Natrelle 410 also has more “loyal” physician advocates than any other single breast implant in the world!

WITH NATRELLE’s 410 COHESIVE tear shaped BREAST IMPLANTS…YOU WILL ALWAYS KEEP THEM GUESSING! 

The 410 Implant was the very first highly cohesive…anatomically shaped implants and they are now referred to as “gummy bears.”  They have been in use throughout Europe since 1993 with wonderful results.  Natrelle 410 offers 12 shapes for a given volume.  I love them…my patients love them… for many reasons!

• Natrelle 410 Implants…mimic the natural breast the best
• They are the implant of choice today for women having breast reconstruction surgery
• For breast implant revision surgery…the Natrelle 410 is top choice over all implants
• It’s “tear drop shape” contours resemble the curve of a woman’s breast
• The highly cohesive gummy silicone filler “holds together” uniformly to prevent migration in the event of a rupture (rarely occurs according to years of studies)
• 12 shapes for a given volume enables patient/surgeon to be very specific in shape selection…for every single patient
• Natrelle 410’s are chosen 2:1 by patients because they feel the most natural….soft to the touch
• It’s the #1 shaped gel implant chosen by surgeons in Europe and Canada…where it’s been available for years  (the FDA just approved it in the US in February, 2013)
• The textured surface means it will stay where it is placed beneath the breast
• The implant surgery requires specialized training and skill…I am one of a select group of surgeons currently allowed to offer the Natrelle 410 implants to patients.

Highly Developed Method…used for selecting the ideal implants for each individual patient….no cookie cutter methods here!  Also, incorporating my Vectra 3D Computer Imaging program empowers my patients to see actual potential results…before having surgery.

Hand in Glove Fit! Selecting the right implant is the first step to achieving your desired outcome…Second is “surgical technique and skill.”  Added years of specialized surgical training and years of great success and natural outcomes in reconstructive breast surgeries…have given my patients have the highest level of confidence in my abilities…strong enough to send their friends and loved ones to me also.

OK…been thinking about implant revision/replacement…or have you been through a mastectomy?  Let’s talk…

Spring Graduations, June Brides, New Mommies, Class Reunions, Career Changes, normal facial Aging is really showing…Beach Days are here…are you beach body ready? …and many more reasons to get that Breast Augmentation scheduled, to have a Mini Facelift, to keep them guessing with Botox treatments or have an “instant liquid facelift.”  Take 10 years off the face with an Eyebrow/Forehead Lift…removing years of aging with an Eye Job (Blepharoplasty) or a Nose Job…come on and let’s get to work. See complete info: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

Helping You Keep Your Best Self Forward….best to you and yours.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

REJUVENTATING YOUR V ZONE…restores the passion to your love life! (Feminine Genital Rejuvenation) Many women are unhappy, even embarrassed with the way they look & feel sexually. But…today’s women are doing something about it besides talking. They have been enlightened and understand that Vaginal Rejuvenation involves safe, effective procedures that restore pre pregnancy/pre aging conditions and youthfulness in every area of the V Zone! No longer are women suffering in silence…wondering if they could ever restore the passions of their youth…while aging beautifully.

Senior Women and younger Women alike have been ushered into this “new era” of changed perceptions and healthy attitudes. Data informs us the over 70% of the population is less judgmental of the age defying cosmetic procedures being done today. Even the most intimate options are now accepted as more men and women experiencing changed lives! The Reasons women choose Aesthetic Vaginal Surgery aka… Designer Vaginal Rejuvenation…vary widely, but the most common are a strong desire for:

• Restored self esteem • Renewed self confidence • Enhanced sexual gratification • Renewed Aesthetic attractiveness to the V Zone

CAUSES OF UNDESIRABLE VAGINAL CHANGES Aging, genetics, hormones, and vaginal childbirth are the most common reasons for undesirable changes in the vaginal area. The vagina itself is very elastic but with age, many women…especially moms feel looser from the vaginal skin being stretched. Intimacy is affected for both partners…and often painful for the woman.

WHAT BOTHERS WOMEN Vaginal looseness from normal aging and childbirth results in an undesirable appearance, reduced sensation causing loss of sexual excitement and fulfillment, pain and discomfort during intercourse or from wearing certain clothing, exercising, bike riding and more, embarrassment from how you look…especially to your sexual partner.

EMBARRASSING APPEARANCE AND POOR FUNCTION Every woman’s vagina looks different even when normal in appearance. But the Labia Minora (thin inner lips) and the Labia Majora (thick outer lips), the Clitoral Hood and Perineum affect appearance and function as follows: 1) Contour…the shape has changed from smooth to ragged 2) Color…the colors aren’t consistent on both sides 3) Symmetry…sides are uneven and don’t look alike 4) Size…lips have thickened, elongated, can be seen through clothing when exercising, during intimate, sports, swimming etc 5) Lax Vaginal muscles, excess tissue, enlargement…Vaginoplasty corrects lax muscles/restores sexual pleasure, corrects vaginal tears, removes excess tissue, & restores a tighter, firmer vaginal opening/canal 6) Labiaplasty changes the size & shape of the Labia Minora & Labia Majora…7) Clitoral Hood Reduction…removes excess tissue to enable full sexual stimulation & gratification 8) G Spot Enhancement…increases sexual pleasure you never knew you had!

Today, the stigma is gone and there are many options for rejuvenating your V Zone! See my website for complete information on each procedure: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

We’re through March already!  Men and Women are filling surgeons suites…seeking today’s age reversing treatments…because they work.  The number of women getting FemGen rejuvenation procedures…is growing by leaps and bounds…because it restores youthfulness, appearance and function…making your love exciting again!

Call or come in…and let’s design your personal age reversing program…be “Beach Body Ready!”

Steven Davison M.D.

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

FACIAL AGING…Do you know how old your face really looks?  We look into our mirrors daily and see the same face…often not recognizing the age related changes that are taking place.  It’s important to look into the mirror and see your face as it is now….not how you remember it from 10 years ago.  Sings of facial aging can be seen:

• The eyes ..as “Crow’s Feet appear and deep grooves etch into the forehead between the eyes.  Eyelids (upper and lower) sag, hollows may develop and you may look “sad” even though you probably aren’t.
• The Nose knows about aging…it too can change shape with aging… Nasolabial folds often develop between the nose and lips caused by loss of facial fat/volume and changing boney structure.
• The Cheek fat pads start their descent down the face as they slowly deflate
• Lips can sag. loose their beautiful sexy curves (volume loss) and corners can turn down causing an angry frown.
• The Chin may become weaker with fat and volume loss and often highlights an aging nose.
• And More……

The idea here is to get you to pay attention to “your aging.”  Anti Aging treatments should be started in your 30’s and maintained…in order to always keep looking several years younger than you actually are. AntiAging….is really about prevention.

Today, our refined treatments/techniques often empower us to delay surgery…i.e. a facelift. If started early enough, you have can have injectables to restore volume to prevent a sagging, old looking face.  Women start to lose facial volume in their 30’s…in the temples, nasolabial folds and cheek fat pads. Men follow close  behind. By fixing these areas early in life, cosmetic surgeons are finding that the aging process can occur more slowly.

Dramatic Lifters replace yesterdays fillers!  For example:  Sculptra Aesthetic and Radiesse stimulate  your bodies own production of collagen…soft tissue volume to fill in those empty spaces again.  This lasts much longer, sometimes a few years.

Celebrities start early and do small treatments to slow and reverse the signs of aging….and they continue this trend so they always look years younger.

2013 Hot Age Defying Procedures in order of popularity…

1. Tummy Tuck  (Abdominoplasty removes excess fat, sagging, hanging skin, lifts and tightens muscles) achieves a firmer, more youth tummy.  Liposuction is part of this surgery.
2. Arm Lift  (Brachioplasty) removes excess fat in the under arm between the armpit and the elbow.  Loose, hanging skin is excised and the arm sculpted to look more youthful and natural.
3. BreastLift….involves lifting the sagging breasts to a higher, more youthful position and many women opt to include Breast Implants to achieve the desired breast shape and size.
4. Breast Augmentation…uses Breast Implants to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breast.   This is a standard request for New Mommy Makeovers….and midlife women who have experienced loss of breast volume and sagging breasts (ptosis).
5. BrowLift…Facial Aging often shows up in the forehead and eye areas first. Browlift does just that…as the brow is lifted to it’s more youthful position…Forehead Lift is usually part of this to remove those unwelcome lines and grooves and tighten and lift the forehead.
6. NeckLift…An aging neck …like “Turkey Waddle” is a sight for sore eyes!  Tightening and lifting neck muscles and skin (removing hanging skin) takes 10 years off your aging neck appearance immediately!

We’re halfway through February already.  Are you ready for Spring?  How about summer and beach time….in shape?   Come on in…let’s design your age reversing treatment plan.

Dr. Steven Davison

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

Naturally oversized breasts cause physical and emotional problems for women of all ages.  Breast Reduction or Mammaplasty Reduction is the only way to permanently reduce the breast size and create breasts that are more in proportion to your body. 

With so many women today seeking breast reduction surgery, surgeons have come to understand the various reasons women choose to downsize and reshape their breasts.  Here are a few:

• To make overly large, heavy breasts…smaller
• Eliminate emotional distress, discouragement and embarrassment
• Reduce or eliminate back & neck pain
• Relieve shoulder discomfort caused by bra strap grooves
• Get rid of breast crease skin irritation and rashes
• Decrease excess, stretched skin that causes low hanging breasts
• Resize the aereola area
• Create a breast size in proportion with your body
• Renew self esteem, self confidence and sexual enjoyment
• Be able to wear and enjoy the clothing you’ve always wished you could
• Enjoy more activities you couldn’t due to breast size and weight
• Achieve Renewed health and beauty for life!

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BREAST REDUCTION DELIVERS “RELIEF”…Back and neck pain as well as grooves hindered activities of daily living.  After surgery, women were able to be more active, lift heavier objects and enjoy more dynamic movements…with less stress and little to no discomfort. Spinal weakness and disorders from lower back distress were improved.  Self confidence increased as did self satisfaction.

AM I TOO YOUNG FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?  This is a common question in today’s society.  Here’s my answer….There is no specific, ideal age for a Breast Reduction, but among younger women these things need to be considered:  1) Is the patient in her 20’s and experiencing the above mentioned problems.  2) Does she have a strong desire to reduce the size and shape of her overly large breasts (macromastia)?  3) Has she stopped growing in height and in breast size?  4)  Is she emotionally mature?  If the answer to these questions is yes…then she could be an ideal candidate.  You should know that when younger women have Breast Reduction surgery…Revisional surgery may be needed later in life.

AM I TOO OLD FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?… another common question women in their 60’s plus frequently ask me.  Mammaplasty Reduction is very common among more mature women and can be very effective with the correct assessment of her health, skin condition, emotional maturity etc.  Older women typically suffer with “overly large breasts” due to hormone changes from menopause and weight gain. They reap the same benefits as younger women…and today are more eager to have these age defying, health restoring procedures.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?  This is a surgery used to remove excess fatty breast tissue and glandular tissue while removing excess skin in order to downsize and reshape the breast to be more in proportion with your body.  Note: it’s important to be at a normal or close to normal proportional weight, and be able to maintain it to avoid affecting your long term results.

OK…That said, the bottom line is: whether you choose to make a dramatic change or just reduce your bra size by a few cups, Breast Reduction Surgery offers the best results for women with large, heavy breasts. Should you ever want to increase your breast size…Implants or Fat Grafting can achieve this.

This is the time of year many men and women decide to do something for themselves.  For the Holidays, for career reasons, health issues, to improve or enhance your their life…and just because they’ve always wanted to.  If that describes you, let’s talk soon!

I‘m here to help you achieve optimal health and wellness, to look and feel your absolute best!

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Breast Augmentation, Breast Enhancement, Mammoplasty Augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and shape of the breast and can offer breast lifting benefits as well.  Breast lift today employs “breast implants” or “fat grafting” to achieve the desired size, shape, symmetry and restored youthfulness.

Many women are born with breasts that are too small, not their ideal size and shape and are not as sexy as they ideally would like.  Other women experience age related changes, changes due to hormones, genetics, childbirth, illness, disease, trauma or weight fluctuation.  Each woman, despite the reasons for the changes they experience, has a mental picture of their “ideal breast”…hence the reason so many women today are lining up for Breast Augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation…What Is Involved?  I do many, many Breast Augmentations with women choosing to use “implants.”  Many others prefer to augment the size, shape and contour of the breast using their own natural body fat. (Fat Grafting)  The procedures involves surgically placing the implant into a pocket created in the breast in front of the chest wall.  the incision is typically made in the crease underneath the breast, allowing for more precise placement and easy access should future revision or replacement be needed.

Implants come in a host of shapes and sizes allowing for “customizing” to your personal needs and goals.  Today’s implants are the safest ever and feel as natural as your own body tissue.

Implants are either saline or silicone…Saline implants are soft shells filled with saline (salt water).  The shell is inserted first and then slowly filled.  This requires an additional tiny incision which is well hidden also.  If the shell leaks (rarely happens today) the saline is absorbed by your body tissue.  Saline implants look quite natural but don’t feel as natural as silicone.  Silicone implants have a similar shell as saline implants, but are pre filled with silicone which is a natural earth substance.  Silicone is a cohesive gel with a strong bond that prevents the gel from migrating through the body if the implant should leak or rupture. Silicone implants feel more natural with less rippling than saline implants.

Leaking or Rupturing of breast implants rarely occurs with todays advanced implants, and they last longer than their older versions.

Incision Placement…you have options.    Here are your placement options:    

1. Inframammary, this is an incision place in the crease of the breast (underneath the breast).  Most surgeons agree this is the best placement for creating breast symmetry.  Also, should revision surgery or implant replacement be needed, this has worked well….instead of having to make a new incision.
2. Periareolar…around the nipple is chosen by many surgeons because it heals the best and is small. Most scars with this incision placement are virtually invisible.
3. Axillary is an incision placed in the armpit.  This is your choice if you want to be virtually scar around or on the breast.
4. Their are advantages and disadvantages to each placement and type of implant. These should be well understood when making your decision.  I take the time to educate my patients thoroughly on these important issues and help guide them through the process.

OK, my next blog will cover Breast Reduction, another procedure chosen by men and women.  Look for it soon!

I’m here to help you achieve health and well being…and to be your absolute best!

Let’s talk soon.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Every woman has her own idea of the “ideal breast.”  Many women are born with breasts that are too small and many women dream of larger, well proportioned, symmetrical, and not droopy or sagging…but sexy breasts. I have found this to be true among women of all ages and stages in life.

Today’s women consider their breasts to be their most feminine attributes and many women are choosing procedures that will create their ideal breast including breast rejuvenation for aging sagging, deflated breasts…or implants, fat grafting and breast lifts for restoring more youthful breasts, or breast reduction for overly large, too heavy breasts…or a combination of these to create their “ideal breast.”

In this blog I cover a few common breast myths with more information on the  procedure options, in future blogs.

When it comes to breast options, going bigger, smaller or lifting the breasts to a more youthful position requires correct understanding and knowledge of what these procedures entail.  There is a lot of misleading information that affects perception and can lead to poor choices.

MYTH #1…Breast Lifts are the only way to “lift” the breasts.   Breast Lifts work effectively for breast lifting if skin elasticity is good, there is a minimum of ptosis (sagging) and the nipple position will allow it.  However, implants are often chosen instead of a surgical lifting, for added volume and shape. Lifting with implants can be achieved if the right type of implant is used in the right patient.

MYTH #2…A Breast Lift achieves permanent perky breasts, elevated to a more youthful position.  Truth is: “nothing is forever.”  Aging cannot be stopped…but we offer many age defying options that can slow it down a bit…and rejuvenate  aging areas of the body.  A Breast Lift settles into position within a year after your surgery…this often appears as falling or drooping when in fact it’s just fullness being redistributed to the bottom of the breast.  As you age, your breast continues to age also and over time can become droopy again.  In the meantime, you can look years younger!

MYTH #3…Fat transfers ensure that your breasts are immune to future weight fluctuations and related breast changes.   FALSE!  Truth is:…the breasts are affected by weight gain/loss just as much as the rest of the body.  There is little you can do to avoid these changes if you are subject to weight fluctuation.  So if you plan to have a Breast Lift with or without implants or fat grafting injections, maintaining a healthy weight is the best way to prolong the wonderful, youthful results of your Breast Lift.

I have performed hundreds of Breast Lifts and by combining my honed surgical and artistic skills with todays advanced surgical science…my patients enjoy long lasting, outstanding, natural looking results.  Choose your surgeon wisely!

The next blog will cover Breast Implants.  Today’s implants are very natural, offer a host of sizes and shapes which means they can be “customized” to your personal needs and goals.  They are safe, effective and longer lasting.  Women love them!

Holidays and Christmas Wedding are coming soon.  If you’ve been thinking about an anti aging, age defying makeover, now is a great time to get it done…to look your absolute best…for now and for years to come.

Stay Well and Healthy!   Steven Davison M. D.

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

I’ve written several articles this year about men and cosmetic procedures…because men want the information, they appreciate the education and, they love the results they get from each procedure. The trend is that men are having more cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of every type, every year. Male Gynecomastia surgery is done to reduce the size of male breasts (same as breast reduction in women) for various other reasons.  I perform many of these operations every year to help my male patients regain self esteem, get renewed confidence and a new “physique” they can show off without embarrassment.

DATA:  40% to 60% of all men are affected with enlarged women like breasts

• Male Breast reduction is ideal for men who are self conscious about their condition
• Gynecomastia usually begins during adolescence & continues for life if not corrected
• It psychologically impacts men of all ages…starting in the early teen years
• Causes of large male breasts include:  obesity, Klinefelter’s Syndrome, Gilbert’s Syndrome, normal aging, hormone fluctuations, RX medications, anabolic steroids, impaired liver function

Male Breast Reduction Surgery… Results in a chest that is flatter, firmer, more contoured. Men and boys who suffer with Gynecomastia have found this surgery to be the ideal solution to their problem.  1) Male breast reduction is typically an outpatient surgery performed under general or local anesthesia. 2) I work through one small incision to  and remove excess fat and skin and to sculpt the breast to a masculine appearance. 3) My advanced techniques/skills and experience results in inconspicuous scars. 4) As with any operation, there is some swelling, bruising and discomfort for 2 to 3 days.   Oral pain medication manages this nicely. 5) Final results are seen when all swelling has resolved…usually 2 to 3 months.

Questions Men Ask Most Often:  See my website for info: http://www.DAVinciplastic.com

How much work will I miss?   My patients report back to work in 1 to 2 days.  Choose a long weekend for your procedure.

Will Activities be Restricted?   Yes.  No sex for 1 to 2 weeks following your surgery and no heavy, strenuous exercise for about 3 weeks.    Will Male Breast Reduction surgery change my looks?  NO.  You will look like yourself…just more fit, trim and contoured!

Will Male Breast Reduction negatively affect my sexual activity?  NO…in fact…men report to me it really enhances it due to their renewed self esteem and pumped self confidence!

OK. This gives you a good overview.  Come in soon and let’s talk.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

The reasons women choose to have restorative breast procedures are well stated in these quotes …

“I need to feel whole again,” –  “You have given me back what cancer took away,” – “The reconstruction of my breasts made me feel restored…not reconstructed,”  –  “I want to look as good as I feel,”  –  “I want to look and feel sexy again…and want my husband to see me as sexy.” 

These are but a few of many thousands of thoughts from women who wanted to fully recover from their breast cancer…with a whole body.

Today, I review Flap Procedures (Stage II Breast Reconstruction/Restoration).  There are a variety of Flap Procedures used to restore breasts…not every type is right for every woman, but we determine this after careful and thorough evaluation of your needs and goals.  I tailor each flap procedure to achieve beautiful natural looking breasts. There are four muscle flap techniques as follows:

1) Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses a flap of skin and muscle from the back on the same side as the operated breast.  This is transferred forward to form a breast mound that will look and feel natural since it is your own living tissue.

2) TRAM Flap is the most common form of living tissue  breast restorative techniques used today.  It creates a natural looking, soft, warm breast.  TRAM Flap involves either free flap or pedicled flap techniques.  Pedicled flap means the tissue remains attached to its blood supply.  TRAM Flap procedures employ skin, fat and muscle removed from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest.

3) DIEP Flap reconstruction employs excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area, through an incision similar to that used for Tummy Tucks. This is a “perforator flap” technique that is muscle sparing…meaning no muscle function is sacrificed, but warm living tissue is used instead.

4) Gracilis Flap harvests excess skin and fat from the inner thigh to restore natural looking, soft, warm breasts.  This may be a TUT Flap (without muscle) which is referred to as a Transverse Upper Thigh Flap. When a small amount of muscle is required…a TUG Flap is employed.  Either flap can be harvested so the donor scar is discretely hidden inside the upper thigh.

This is a brief overview of the 4 Flap techniques used for restorative breast reconstructions.  Each of them has it’s own virtues… and all offer beautiful, natural looking and feeling breasts.  I have guided many women through making the right choices so as to ensure optimum results.

GOALS of RESTORATIVE BREAST PROCEDURES

Goals are critical to good outcomes.  You must have yours…here are mine: “all cosmetic surgery should be functional & all reconstructive surgery should be aesthetic & look as natural as possible.”  

ADVICE TO MY PATIENTS

Always ask me questions; ask to see pictures of my patients, gather information and consults with trusted mentors, make your decision.   There are NO wrong decisions. Choose a qualified, Board Certified surgeon with specialized training and expertise in reconstructive surgeries.

Next blog will cover Implant Breast Restoration.

Dr. Steven Davison

“At DAVinci…we combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.”

STAGE TWO BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

From previous blogs you know that Stage I involves placement of the Tissue Expander…often placed under the same anesthesia as your mastectomy surgery… and called Immediate Breast Reconstruction.  Delayed Reconstruction means you choose to wait a few weeks or months before starting the restoration process.

Here are the steps leading up to Stage II Reconstruction:

During the mastectomy skin and breast tissue are removed, leaving the chest tissue flat and tight.  The “expander” is inserted under the chest muscle and skin to serve as a “space saver.” The expander is slowly filled with saline solution (over many weeks) to stretch the remaining skin and muscle to allow for the future breast implant.

Expander surgery is done under the same anesthesia as the mastectomy surgery.  (Immediate Reconstruction)  Healing takes 4-6 months

NOW Stage II begins: The new Breast Implant is placed when Dr. Davison determines the space is sufficient and then the expander is removed.  This is done through the original incision.

Stages III & IV …Begin about 3 months later and Involves A new nipple and areola…with additional breast beautification.

I become your primary care physician during this entire process…generally about a year.

Stage II Breast Reconstruction involves rebuilding a new breast mound by using what is called a Flap Procedure.  There are several options for flap procedures that I will cover in my next blog.

Every year the numbers increase of women who choose breast reconstruction.  Vast experience enables me to gently guide you through the process to eliminate frustration and confusion, until you eventually see the tremendous benefits of your choices.  During the consultation you will come to understand your options and be able to choose a course of action that restores both form and self confidence.

All we do…we do sensitively, expertly and with outstanding results to improve your health and wellbeing. The results of all surgeries should be both…functional and beautiful.

Dr. Steven Davison

At DAVinci…we combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

Well, here’s my chance to “shine” a bit. I don’t usually hang out or post my “brag sheet”…but being recognized among the top doctors of the nation can make a guy feel proud.  In case you’re not aware…I’ve been named as a “Top Doctor” of the Year by the Washingtonian,  the Northern Virginia Magazine, and others, for Reconstructive Breast Surgeries.  Along with that award, top docs must assume great responsibility.  First let me explain the selection process.

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is America’s trusted source for identifying top doctors and the best in American medicine.  Their system for selection is rigorous and includes ascertaining critical information about doctors such as: exceptional training, experience and how they are regarded by their peers etc. etc. Top Doctors can have an enormous impact on healthcare for patients and their families….a “Top Doc” can mean the difference between receiving first class medical care and substandard care.  Top Docs rank among the top 10% in the Nation.

The Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine also use these rigorous guidelines for selecting “Top Doctors”…or “Top” anything e.g. restaurants.  Education (not all schools are equal), experience can make a major difference in outcomes, and most important of all…life changing procedural results that patients are happy with, along with peer recognition (being recommended by other doctors)…comes only from years of growing and honing skills while keeping up with advancements.  This is the stuff Top Docs are made of.

 I love what I do, and the greatest reward is always seeing positive outcomes for my patients.  

I am honored and blessed to be able to serve the population in and around Washington, D.C. and I thank each of you for your  years of trust, confidence and support you’ve shown to me and my family.  I look forward to many more years of helping each of you, and your family and friends…and to enjoying the friendships that grow as a result.

Thank You, Stay Well and may God richly bless each of you.

Steven Davison, M.D.

At DAVinci…we combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

STAGE I – Mastectomy & Expander

Breast Reconstruction usually occurs as a two-stage procedure – starting with the placement of a breast tissue expander – which is replaced several months later with a breast implant. Dr. Davison will place the tissue expander under the same anesthesia as your mastectomy surgery if possible. This is called immediate reconstruction since the process is started at the time of your mastectomy.  You may choose to “delay” the start of reconstruction and wait for a few weeks or months.  This is called delayed breast reconstruction.

Here are the steps involved in mastectomy with expanders:

1.  During the mastectomy your breast surgeon removes skin and breast tissue – leaving the chest tissue flat and tight.  An expander (balloon type expandable device) is put into place under the chest muscle and skin – to serve as a space saver – into which a breast implant is later placed.  The expander is gradually filled with saline solution – over several weeks – and slowly stretches the remaining chest skin and muscle to allow for the future breast implant.
2.  Expander surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room. Often a Biologic tissue barrier is used to create an inner Bra to cradle the expander.
3.  The incision used to perform your mastectomy is used for the expander placement
4.  After placement – the incision is closed
5.  Drains are left in place – and are removed when only 30cc fluid comes up
6.  Healing takes 4-6 months – the surgery takes several hours and is done under one anesthesia.  If delayed expander placement is done – surgery takes 1-2 hours.
7.  Breast implant is placed when Dr. Davison determines the space is sufficient and the expander is removed.  The same incision is used to do implant placement.
8.  A nipple and areola is created typically 3 months later – with additional beautification for both breasts.
9.  Dr. Davison becomes your primary care physician over the next year during this entire process.