Category: Facelifts

3 Minute Read: 

We are getting to a point where many things are returning to normalcy (at least somewhat) after the coronavirus pandemic. A great summer is looming large in our collective imagination as more people get vaccinated.

After months of being sheltered and hidden by masks, many people are rejoining the world, returning to the office, and going on weekend outings and other social activities. As a result, many are looking for a complete rejuvenation of their facial appearance as they get ready to get back into the swing of things. 

For those who are thinking about getting a facelift and want the natural anonymity that comes with mask-wearing days, now is a good time to consider the procedure.

Why Does a Facelift Matter?

Over the years, the skin begins to lose elasticity, and facial tissues start to lose volume, often leaving you looking wrinkled, dull, and older. A facelift procedure effectively reduces the appearance of deep folds and wrinkles that develop around the lower half of the face and the neck by improving sagging skin in the midface and jawline.

It is the first procedure most people consider when they want to turn back the clock for a more youthful and refreshed appearance. In general, the procedure involves the removal of excess fat and tightening of the underlying facial muscles, as well as re-draping the overlying skin.

Sometimes, a facelift can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic facial procedures such as eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or rhinoplasty (nose surgery) for a complete facial enhancement. 

Other times, volume replacement may be needed, which is achieved through fat graft injection or soft tissue fillers into the chin, cheeks, lips, or deep wrinkles.

Am I Ready for a Facelift?

Well, one might wonder if they should go for non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments instead. After all, they are less invasive and cheaper. Although these treatments give somewhat smoother and firmer skin, the results are only subtle and temporary. In fact, such treatments may fail to work on deeper wrinkles.

A facelift, on the other hand, is constantly evolving with the rise of more advanced techniques that create a more transformative, lasting, and natural-looking outcome. Most patients enjoy their beautiful results for up to 10 years or more.

Interested in a Facelift in Washington, D.C.?

If you are looking to address signs of aging such as deep wrinkles, jowls, double chin, creases, skin laxity, and other aging issues on the face for a more youthful profile, a facelift is the ‘it’ procedure.

During your consultation, your surgeon at DAVinci Plastic Surgery will examine your face carefully, review your medical history and discuss your goals to develop a custom treatment plan that is best suited for your needs.

Reach out to us today at 202-966-9590 or fill our online contact form and learn more about how you can restore your youthful appearance.

3 Minute Read: 

Many women are hesitant to undergo plastic surgery because of the fear of noticeable and unwanted scarring. While scarring is typically inevitable with any plastic surgery procedure requiring incisions, such as breast augmentation surgery, tummy tuck surgery, or facelift surgery, there are many ways to conceal and reduce the look of scarring. 

By following these easy tips, you can enjoy your plastic surgery results with minimal scarring. 

1. Using a Concealer or Color Corrector 

We all know that a concealer or color corrector can be used on your face to conceal blemishes and other skin imperfections, but did you know they can also be used to eliminate or reduce the look of scars on the breasts or body? It’s simple—find a concealer that matches your natural skin color and put it on your visible scars. 

By blending concealers on scars, you can reduce the redness, so the scars blend better with your skin.

2. Scar Treatment and Moisturizer 

Scars naturally fade over time; however, you can speed up this process by investing in a high-quality scar removal cream. While scar removal cream does not reduce the look of scars immediately, as concealers would, it helps reduce the appearance of scars over time. 

3. Avoiding Exposing Scars to Direct Sunlight 

This tip to reduce the look of scars after breast augmentation or tummy tuck surgery does not involve any additional purchases. Your new scars are extremely sensitive. Exposing your scars to direct sunlight can cause them to burn and blister, resulting in darker and more noticeable scarring. 

It is important to cover your scars with clothing when exposed to direct sunlight, or if you are unable to cover up, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

4. Massaging Your Scars 

This tip may seem odd, but massaging your scars after your wound has healed can actually help reduce the appearance of scarring. Massaging your scars can help increase collagen production and help your scars heal faster and better. You must massage your scars when they are new for optimal results; scar massage will not work to reduce the look of scars more than two years old.  

5. Scar Revision  

Another way to reduce the appearance of scars is to undergo a scar revision procedure. It is important to know that scar revision cannot eliminate scars. Scarring is permanent; however, the look of scars can be reduced. 

Scar revision works to reduce the appearance of scars on your breasts, body, or face. The type of scar revision you undergo will be based on your needs and the severity of your scarring. Some scar revision procedures include: 

• Dermabrasion 
• Tissue expansion 
• Skin grafts 
• Dermal fillers 
• Steroid injections 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Davison to determine which scar revision technique is right for you. 

Want to Learn More? 

Plastic surgery incisions are also made in discreet locations to minimize visible scarring; however, they are still visible to you and may show in particular outfits.

If you would like to learn more about reducing the look of scarring after plastic surgery or are interested in scar revision, please call us at 202-966-9590 or fill out our online contact form. 

Does this describe you?

• You’re a loyal recipient of injectables and have enjoyed the benefits for years.
• You love the results, but have the feeling you’re needing a little more than what they can do.
• You don’t have in mind anything drastic, but some minor improvements just beyond the benefits that injectables have previously satisfied.
• You’re open minded to surgical options, but are in the prime of your career and/or raising a family, and just don’t have the time for a recovery “time out.”

If so, you might be a good candidate for a Mini Facelift. In the past many people were saying this kind of surgery wasn’t worth it because of the subtlety. Now, with the “tweakment” mindset of many people these days, I would say it is a great fit. Here’s why:

1. Yes, the results aren’t drastic, but that’s what some people want. They want that comment from a friend or coworker that says, “You look refreshed, a little younger, but I can’t put my finger on exactly how.”
2. Volume loss and loose skin that is effected by gravity cause the beginning of jowling along the jawline. A small tightening to this area with a Mini Facelift is refining and rejuvenating. If the neck is in pretty good condition, then the Mini Facelift will address the jowling and lower third of the face nicely to turn back time about 5 to 7 years. This is ideal for women in the 40s, but I’ve seen patients in their mid 30s through their mid 50s who could benefit from a Mini Facelift.
3. Depending on the issues addressed by a Mini Lift, it can usually be done without general anesthesia and within a fairly quick surgery requiring a small hidden incision. The recovery is mild. Some people go back to work after a long weekend or feel good enough within a week. This is a perfect option for most women in their prime career and family years.

Other options

Not Ready for Surgery Yet? A Liquid Facelift can be a great way to hold off on a surgical Facelift. It can smooth wrinkles, restore volume, and even lift a little. However, when it comes to the effects of aging on the lower face and neck, injectables are limited and not long lasting.

Need something a little more? A Full Facelift can address the whole face, but really tighten major jowling and sagging neck that can leave you rejuvenated and looking 10 years younger. Depending on the degree, will require about 2 weeks out of work and resting with about a month of recovery. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside beyond that time, but is manageable and coverable with makeup.

Every Facelift is unique. Come talk with us about your facial rejuvenation goasl so we can help you decide what “tweakment” or procedure will be best for you. Schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

The initial recovery stages of any surgery, including a Facelift, can be a challenge because you’re not feeling or looking normal. Patience is key. Even as your body is healing, a large portion of recovery is emotional, too. Continue to remind yourself of your “why.” How will looking at least 10 years younger make you feel? Imagine yourself at the next big event where you’ll receive all the compliments of how young and healthy you look. This is a light at the end of the tunnel, as your body goes through the physical and emotional healing process.

Month 1: Getting Back to Normal

Fortunately, once you get through the first 2 to 3 weeks after your Facelift, you should start to feel encouraged as you see the swelling and bruising go down. The rippled or puckered incision sites should smooth out. This really helps with camouflaging them with makeup or hairstyle. Your confidence will increase as you start to venture out and are able to resume more daily activities. Even though there will still be some bruising, swelling and tightness, you will probably feel confident and comfortable enough with covering them with makeup. Most people can return to work by the 3^rd week.

However, don’t get overconfident and push yourself too hard. You’ll want to be very conscious of protecting your skin and incisions from the sun, also. Incisions will probably remain pink or red until they fade away over a year’s time, but any exposure in the sun can darken the scars permanently.

Month 2 and beyond

Once you’re past the first month, the Facelift recovery process significantly improves. Even though your healing still has a ways to go before you feel completely normal, it will be encouraging to feel confident enough to get out and about. Incision site, swelling and bruising won’t look completely healed in the first 6 months, but you’ll probably be the only one to notice their slight effects. Any tightness will resolve as you get more comfortable in your new youthful skin.

Choosing a triple board certified surgeon, such as myself, ensures the Facelift surgery will be executed with precise artistry and safety. Your self care during recovery is just as significant of a role in the successful outcome. Remember that even as you’re feel much better in the months following your Facelift, it’s important to continue to be as diligent with the good skin care habits that have been necessary for healing.

You want to protect your investment and take the best care of your skin so that the results will last as long as possible. Let’s talk about how we can partner in the process of an amazing rejuvenating Facelift to turn back the clock a decade or two. Winter is a great time to get the process started. Schedule your consultation at www.davinciplastic.com today.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

A Facelift is a well thought through investment. Knowing how to care for the investment leads to its ultimate success and your happiness with the results. In our post operative preparation consultation, you will be given details on the proper care during your Facelift surgery recovery. Today I’ll cover some of that process and the recovery timeline.

The First Week

A helpful companion should be with you from the time you’re out of surgery until at least the first 24 to 48 hours. They can help remind you of care instructions, ease you into the routine, and look after you in the initial period of getting used to recovery.

You shouldn’t be in a lot of pain because the medication will help with that, although you might feel some nausea or fatigue. Proper incision care should help the stitches to not feel itchy. Don’t be alarmed that your swelling and bruising will seem to get worse on day 3 or 4 before it starts to get better. Also, healing doesn’t always happen equally on both sides of the face, so one side may stay bruised or swollen a little longer than the other. Be sure to report any fever or unusual bulges. We’ll check everything to make sure its healing well when we have our 1 week follow up appointment to remove any staples.

You may feel well enough to move around the house a little bit after a day or 2, which is good for circulation, but during the first week you’re taking it real easy. It’s a good time to catch up on your audio books, movies, scrapbooking, organize the junk drawer or other light household chores.

Second Week

You’ll start to see some real progress in the healing during the 2^nd and 3^rd weeks, even though there will still be bruising on the face and neck, and likely around the ears and eyes. You will probably feel well enough for an outing, but its ok to want to stay out of the public eye until the bruising and swelling further resolve. However, if you’re getting cabin fever and must go out, there are clever makeup tricks to cover the bruising up to the edge of the incision.

It’s important to have some mild activity throughout the day to help with circulation, so do not stay on bed rest. Keep yourself moving by taking a short walk if the weather is cool enough, by doing some light housework or organizational projects. Healthy circulation will help your healing, but more movement isn’t necessarily better. Avoid overexertion or any strenuous activity.

It’s normal to feel strange sensations, such as tingling or burning as the nerve endings are firing off. It’s also normal to have numbness or not have any feeling in the area yet. More than likely you’ll feel some tightness for a while. These effects are still the very early stages of Facelift recovery. Next blog will continue into the later stages.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

While you may initially come into my office to address an immediate beauty need, we will take the time in our consultation to talk about your long term beauty goals and to help you with a plan. This plan may start off with some non invasive treatments, such as a Liquid Facelift using a variety of injectables to touch up and rejuvenate some crows feet, furrowed brows or mouth parenthesis creases. Then it might build into a 5 to 10 year plan for a mini facelift to address slightly sagging jowls and neck or Blepharoplasty to open up drooping eyelids for a brighter, more rested looking eye area. Either way, this plan should not only focus on immediate needs, but incorporate treatments for future youth restoration goals and maintenance.

Cosmetic surgery and non invasive treatments can easily be performed all year long, however, there are certain times of year that lend themselves to easily incorporate the rest and recovery that make it more convenient. Also, there are also certain issues you may want to address before a special event (think: high school reunion or holiday party) or time of year (think: bikini season).

Here is a seasonal surgery guide with suggestions for planning your procedure:

Fall

After the activity of summer and before the flurry of winter festivities, the fall season offers a perfect break in the social calendar for most people. This means that recovery time away is easy to schedule. Also, the cooler weather means clothes with more coverage and comfort. After getting any kids and grandkids settled into school, the scheduled routine or empty nest would allow for effortless predictability and rest for scheduling a surgery. It also will allow plenty of healing time for you to approach the holidays recovered and looking great. This is a good time for anything from Liposuction, Blepharoplasty, Facelift to Breast Augmentation. Fall is my first choice for cosmetic procedures.

Winter

This season offers some good opportunities for cosmetic surgeries. Before the new year, the injectables are the best because you can’t afford downtime between Thanksgiving and New Years, but January is the perfect month to kick off the New Year with a big step towards your beauty and healthy body goals. Winter scarves and turtlenecks easily cover the bruising or swelling from Kybella or a Facelift. Also the bulkier clothes will conceal any over night changes to the body from a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction. The Martin Luther King and Presidents Day holidays allow for long weekends and time off work without the usual holiday social schedule.

Spring

These are the months to rejuvenate and refresh yourself along with the start of a new season, and to prepare for the summer season. Body image procedures such as Liposuction, Brazilian Butt Lift, and Breast Augmentation are popular this time of year. Also, by this time, some of the results from New Years resolutions for weight loss have a chance to kick in and become a habit so that body contouring can have optimal results.

Summer

Surgery can be a success in the summer, but it’s crucial to stay out of the sun. The heat and sweat can be irritating during recovery. It’s always a great time for injectables like Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra since these injectables are in and out so you’re on your way to looking fabulous for your vacation. Another fabulous non invasive, body contouring rpocedure to trim away small puches of stubborn fat is SculpSure. Popular summer break surgical procedures are Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty between the school years.

Let me help you make your procedure plan for your ideal image by scheduling a consultation today at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

There are some things that are just “tried and true”… like mom’s apple pie, fall leaves changing color in DC and the Breast Augmentation. This surgery has been perfected for decades and is the most performed cosmetic surgery for many reasons. These are some of them:

More harmony of proportion, balance and symmetry
Some women feel their small chest size stands out as an awkward feature because it isn’t in proportion to the rest of their body. It is also common for women to have two different breast sizes and want them to be balanced and equal. The ideal Breast Augmentation enhances the size, shape & projection of your breasts so they are harmonious with your entire body. They should look natural, smooth and proportionate.

Improved self-esteem & confidence
While a healthy person wouldn’t have their happiness and self esteem completely dependent on a Breast Augmentation, it can give an amazing confidence boost and satisfaction with body image. The feeling of inadequacy can be crippling to the confidence and full expression of your personality; if a Breast Augmentation can help you feel more “you” then more power to you.

Overall satisfaction with body image and fashion choices
While certain clothes compliment different body types, you shouldn’t have to feel disappointed that most tops don’t fit right because you cant fill them out. If you’d like to dress your best, a Breast Augmentation can help you feel satisfied with your body image and how you look in those fashionable clothes and bathing suits.
Getting the breasts you’ve lost over time or from having children and/or breastfeeding
Time and gravity certainly has its affects on the breasts. Breast Augmentation can restore you chest to its more youthful years. Weight loss and childbearing also can leave the breasts deflated and sagging compared to their prior glory years. There’s no shame in wanting to restore your breasts to what they once were. Losing weigh is a great accomplishment and childbearing is a beautiful, worthwhile sacrifice; you shouldn’t feel less satisfied with your breasts because of these wonderful life changes.

Feeling “whole again” and normal after mastectomy
While the wounds from a mastectomy are more than skin deep, a Breast Augmentation can greatly help to restore the feeling of normalcy and wholeness that losing one or both breasts can rob from you. So much of a woman’s feeling of femininity comes from her beautiful curves, and a Breast Augmentation can help in the process of restoring what was lost and creating a confident new life. It is possible to do more than just “survive” cancer, but to “thrive” after cancer.

These are just a few of the most common reasons why a Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery. In the coming weeks we will look at this procedure in more detail. If you are ready to talk about your hopes for a Breast Augmentation – visit www.Davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation today.

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

One of the more prominent areas of the face to show signs of aging is the forehead. This is why a Brow Lift, also known as a Forehead Lift, is a popular procedure among celebrities. It is even more in demand than breast implants in countries like Great Britain in recent years.
While the emphasis on a nice eyebrow and smooth forehead is increasing, I thought it’d be good to go over what can be expected from a brow lift…to help you decide whether you’d like to come in for a consult about what the procedure can do for you. If you feel that the signs of aging on your forehead and upper face make you look sad, tired, angry, or older than your age, you are likely a good candidate for a brow lift. Generally, the brow lift can:
• elevate the eyebrows to a more youthful position
• decrease forehead lines and crow’s feet
• dimish creases between eyebrows
• minimize upper eye lid hooding (although it is best to combine a brow lift with blepharoplasty, eyelid lift, to achieve optimal results in this area)
NOT ALL BROW LIFTS ARE ALIKE… As a board certified surgeon and expert in all surgeries of the head and neck, I understand the details of anatomy and the unique characteristics needed for individual faces. I perform a variety of brow lift techniques to offer the ideal results for each unique person’s forehead anatomy. Generally there are 4 main methods of brow lift, 3 surgical and 1 injectable:

1. Traditional Brow Lift
This approach is also called an open or coronal method. It involves an incision within the hairline or the coronal method is across the crown of the head. The coronal method can also shorten or lengthen the forehead so this is to be considered with the patient’s goals and within the existing forehead anatomy. The Traditional Brow Lift includes the removal of excess skin to raise the eyebrows to a more attractive position before closing the incisions with sutures. It also addresses the muscles that cause frown lines.

2. Endoscopic Brow Lift
This approach is considered a gentler approach with smaller incisions, but generally isn’t used for more severe cases of eyebrow decent. Instead of skin removal, it lifts the brow to a more youthful position using a fixation device, while also correcting the forehead creases that a traditional brow lift addresses. The incisions within the hairline are very small and the use of an endoscope, or a lighted scope, allows for a virtually undetectable scar and less recovery than an open Brow Lift.

3. Biplane Brow Lift
This technique combines the advantages of both the traditional and endoscopic brow lift techniques to achieve maximum results.

4. Injectable Brow Lift
Depending on the desired results, multiple types of injectables can be used to subtly improve the shape and position of the eye brows, as well as the forehead creases. This is a quick, non invasive option for subtle improvements and retraining of the muscles. Also, it is easy to refine and adjust results over time to achieve desired results in a natural progression that isn’t an obvious over night change.

With whichever technique is decided to be the best for your unique needs, you can rest assured you’re in the hands of an expert in who understands surgery, anatomy and the artistry of creating a beautiful forehead and brow. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Summer time is soon upon us…hot sunny days, beach days, family reunions, camping trips…lot’s of outdoor “sun exposure.” Don’t forget the sunscreen, plenty of water, sun glasses,hats, appropriate clothing and time out of the sun’s extreme ray’s. Hottest sun exposure occurs from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Have fun…but be smart about it!

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

Since I just finished writing about the Lower Face, I thought we’d work our way up to the Mid Face and review what we can do to rejuvenate the whole face by working on this often overlooked area. Most people start to notice gravity’s affects on their brows and upper eyelids, but the subtle effect of volume loss and sagging skin in the Mid Face or cheek area can have a ripple effect to simultaneously age the eyes and the lower part of the face.

EFFECTS OF AN AGING MID FACE… Bone loss and fat loss in the cheek area starts to become evident for most people in their 40s. This can show itself as a flattening of the cheeks. The drooping of the mid face can cause a hollowing look under the eyes as the smooth contour from lower eyelids to full elevated cheeks diminishes. The sagging skin also ends up causing nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and more prominent creases around the mouth.

OPTIONS FOR MID FACE REJUVENATION… Depending on what level of bone and fat loss you’re experiencing, the remedies can range from a non invasive to a varying degree of surgical options. During your consultation time, we will be able to determine your goals and which option(s) is best to accomplish them. Here’s an overview of the top options for correcting Mid Face aging:
1. Liquid Face Lift with the hyaluronic acid injectable Juvederm Voluma XC is a painless option that is great for milder cases of Mid Face aging and requires no downtime. This can effectively deliver improvement in cheek volume and youthful contour while minimizing the fine lines around the mouth, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Results would last about 8 to 12 months.

2. Midface Mini lift is a relatively minor surgery for moderate cases of Mid Face aging. It takes several years off your appearance by restoring youthful elevation and fullness to the cheeks, while smoothing folds and wrinkles in the Mid Face and deeper nasolabial folds. It doesn’t address the lower face issues like a full Face Lift would. Recovery time …to resume work and non strenuous daily activity is usually about a week after surgery.

3. Cheek Augmentation uses an implant to improve the overall look of your face to achieve those full, high cheek bones or it will restore the cheek contour of your youth. The filling and lifting effect in the cheeks will have a gentle pull on the sagging Mid Face skin to also soften or eliminate deep nasolabial folds. Recovery takes about a week, but the results of the beautiful contoured cheeks are permanent.

4. Face Lift is a comprehensive approach to the more severe effects of aging. Depending on the kind of Face Lift, it can address every area of the face from the forehead down to the neck. Face lifts correct fat and bone loss, and sagging skin and muscles to take 10 years off your appearance. You can see the blog series from February for more details on Face Lifts or… visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Stay Healthy!

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

Since I addressed the youthful contour of the neck the past two weeks, I thought we’d work our way up to the chin and the important role it plays in attaining the “perfect profile.” Generally speaking, our society appreciates different features in men and women, but an aesthetic profile… regardless of gender… is harmonious and balanced.

These profile characteristics are popular among Americans:
• Upper face: a forehead that isn’t entirely round, flat or elongated, and a browbone structure that isn’t overbearing
• Mid face: straight nose with some concavity to it, not too long, wide or bulbous
• Lower face: full lip projection, well defined chin, neck and jaw line

MAKING THE CASE FOR THE CHIN … It is the framework and support system for the entire face. Too weak or strong of a framework can distort the rest of the facial structure, throwing off the balance and proportion. For example, a chin that is too small or recessed can make the nose look too big, or on the other hand, a chin that is too prominent can draw too much attention and be unbalanced with the rest of the facial features.

BRINGING PROFILE BALANCE WITH THE CHIN…Usually the chin is a feature that men are known for, and is therefore attributed as a masculine focused feature. But the lack of a chin can even throw off the harmony in a feminine profile and can increase an aging appearance caused by that lack of definition between the face and neck.

HOW THE CHIN AGES…Most people first notice the signs of aging in the upper face, such as wrinkles on the forehead and around their eyes. But, even though they may be more subtle in some people, the signs of aging don’t skip over the lower face. With age, the chin begins to look different:
• sagging skin, volume loss from the mid face and upper jaw ends up hanging from the lower jaw
• fat and sagging skin accumulation under the chin
• bone loss in the chin and jaw

One solution for mild repair would be use of injectables to restore volume and contour to the chin area. Another option could be chin augmentation surgery.

CHIN IMPLANTS FOR RESTORING FACIAL BALANCE… This is one of the most popular options to restore facial balance and a youthful, natural appearance. Chin implants are a safe and effective surgical modification that can be tailored to your unique facial needs. It can also be combined with other surgeries, such as a Facelift, Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) or Nose Reshaping.

CHIN IMPLANT SURGERY, SAFE AND QUICK… Of all the facial plastic surgeries, this is one of the fastest to perform, and for my patients, a quick recovery. Chin implants are made from a variety of materials and come in various shapes and sizes. This allows for custom tailoring in order to create your perfect profile!

For complete information about Chin Implants and your consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com. Let’s talk about your perfect profile goals.

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

In the blog last week, I talked about the importance of a smooth, tight contoured neck and jawline for an overall youthful appearance. An angled definition between the jawline and neck creates a desirable, aesthetic profile. This week you’ll find out how different neck procedures can reverse different aspects of neck aging. If you are unhappy with any of these characteristics of your neck and jowels, then this blog will address the possible solutions for you:
• loose sagging skin
• excess fat
• vertical bands
• horizontal creases

LIPOSUCTION FOR EXCESS NECK FAT… If you have excess fat under your jawline, then you may have no face to neck differentiation. The double chin can also make the face look bigger and disproportionate. A good candidate for liposuction… to correct these issues should have good skin elasticity and strong neck muscles. This usually applies to my younger clients, who may be genetically predisposed for pockets of fat under the chin… that are unaffected by diet and exercise. In cases like this, the reduction of fat below the jawline can give the neck a longer, refined appearance.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN NECK LIPOSUCTION…Liposuction for the neck, formally called Submental Liposuction, involves using a cannula (vacuum tube) or a syringe to gently suction excess fat. Since there is only minor discomfort and bruising with my gentle methods, Submental Liposuction can be performed on Friday and you could return to work on Monday. Also, if planned beforehand, I can treat and purify the fat to be transferred, using my special techniques, to fill in lips or deep creases and wrinkles in other areas of the body and face.

NECK LIFT FOR OVERALL NECK REJUVENATION… Most of my patients, who are looking to rejuvenate their neck and jawline, require the multi faceted approach of a neck lift. The two main kinds of neck lifts that I perform are Cervicoplasty and Platysmaplasty. Both can include liposuction, but Cervicoplasty specifically addresses the limp and drooping skin. Platysmaplasty is a combination of liposuction with surgical removal of the stretched or sagging skin AND tightening muscles. The surgery is named Platysmaplasty because it includes correcting the platysma muscle that can detach and sag with aging.

Each kind of neck lift can address the midline neck correction of muscles that cause “turkey waddle.” It improves the chin and neck definition with the removal of extra skin and fat, and in the case of Platysmaplasty, the muscle too.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A NECK LIFT…. This 2 to 4 hour surgery requires tiny incisions under your chin and also possibly behind the ears. Sutures close the incisions and a compression bandage supports your neck after the surgery is performed in our state of the art outpatient facility. Mild discomfort easily managed with oral pain medication, will diminish a little each day along with any bruising, swelling and numbness. Stitches are removed within 7 to 10 days and you can typically return to work within 10 to 14 days after surgery.
A Neck Lift can be combined with a FaceLift or Eyelid lift, along with injectable fillers for a complete face and neck rejuvenation. Please contact me to schedule a consultation to discuss your face and neck contouring goals at www.davinciplastic.com.

Happy Spring!

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