Category: health and wellness

4 Minute Read: 

Wish your lipomas could be “gone in 30 seconds?” Well, it turns out that you can!

Lipomas can form in many shapes, sizes and places on the body.

Lipomas are the most common soft-tissue tumors formed with adipose tissue. Patients with lipomas are most often referred to plastic surgeons to help ensure safe, effective removal and to minimize and conceal scars.

A few facts about lipomas include:

• Lipomas are a common reason for referral to a plastic surgeon
• They occur more often in adults between 40 to 60 years of age
• Lipomas are soft to touch, moveable, and usually painless
• Lipomas often grow to more than six centimeters in diameter
• While rarer, they can also occur in younger adults and children

What Treatments Are Available for Lipoma Removal?

Lipoma removal treatments have typically included the following:

1. Endoscope-assisted removal
2. Suction-assisted removal
3. Minimal incision removal
4. Remote incision lipoma extraction

These all work and have been used by surgeons for decades to remove lipomas of all types. 

But, some of these techniques are tedious and require extra equipment (even though they are advanced treatments). 

Dr. Davison of DAVinci Plastic Surgery helped pioneer a simple, safe, and effective method that involves a small incision and a “quick squeeze” to remove lipomas without the extra instruments used in other methods.

Why Choose the Quick Squeeze Method for Lipoma Removal?

While not as well known as other options, the quick squeeze method for lipoma removal deserves attention, especially amid today’s array of modern, advanced techniques that require extra time, attention, and technology.

Once surgeons learn this new lipoma treatment 2021 and start using it, they realize the significant benefits it presents. This technique is safe, quick, simple, and effective with a very low rate of recurrence.

How Does the Quick Squeeze Lipoma Removal Work?

When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, like the surgeons at DAVinci Plastic Surgery in Washington, DC, the quick squeeze lipoma removal method is the easiest way to treat this condition. Most patients are thrilled with the results and claim that, “my lipomas are gone!”

The quick squeeze lipoma removal method is performed using the following steps:

1. The lipoma is identified by palpation and its margins are outlined. 
2. The area is then infiltrated with local anesthesia and is prepared and draped in standard fashion. 
3. An incision — approximately one quarter to one third the diameter of the lipoma — is made (carried down to the lipoma capsule). 
4. The lipoma is then squeezed out through the incision…without any additional dissection.

What Do the Studies Say About the Quick Squeeze Method?

In a study performed, 140 lipomas were removed from 50 patients. These lipomas were located on the face, scalp, neck, thorax, back, flanks, hips, pelvis, and on both the upper and lower body extremities. 

Of the 140 removals, there were only two recurrences, and there were no complications or revisions.

Dr. Samir S. Rao, M.D., Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C. and Steven P. Davison, M.D., DAVinci Plastic Surgery, Washington D.C. carried out this study to demonstrate the efficacy of their “simple lipoma squeeze method.” 

This method was first described by Kenawi in 1995, and this exposure encouraged the literature to focus more on minimally invasive lipoma removal methods. 

The quick squeeze method is best suited for subcutaneous lipomas with overlying mobile skin. Deep intramuscular lipomas often found in the back or shoulder region may require longer incisions and more dissection for complete removal. However, the method is still safe, simple, and effective in spite of these factors. Also, this method does leave a small scar directly over the lipoma, but most incisions can be hidden along skin tension lines.

Scars typically fade of time…and today we have cosmetic scar topicals that help this process move along quicker.

Safe and Quick: Remove Your Lipomas in 30 Seconds!

At DAVinci Plastic Surgery, we successfully demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate, that only a small incision is needed for a safe, effective procedure, lipoma removal! Certainly, this deserves more attention!

The sun is here!. The days of beach going and picnics, etc., are upon us…skin cancer awareness month is May…look for helpful info so you can enjoy your playtime. Now is the time to schedule those procedures that will get you “beach body ready!”

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

Looking for Lipoma Removal in Washington, DC?

If you are looking for lipoma removal near me or would like to learn more about lipoma removal cost, contact the team at DAVinci Plastic Surgery today by calling (202) 966-9590 or filling out our contact form. You can also schedule a virtual consultation!

We offer expert removal of lipomas with the quick squeeze method as well as a collection of other plastic surgery and skin care treatments.

The mindset that surgery is a “quick fix” for your facial and body enhancing procedures isn’t complete or balanced. While surgery can get you the results not necessarily attainable through a healthy lifestyle, it is of utmost importance to take care of yourself before and after your surgery to maintain your results as long as possible. Surgery can appear to turn back decades of aging effects, but it isn’t a permanent fix for the long term effects of genetics or aging.

Fortunately it definitely helps your results to stay longer when they’re accompanied by good lifestyle choices. Here are some healthy lifestyle tips to maintain your surgery results:

Stay Active and Eat Well

Even though procedures like Liposuction permanently remove fat cells, the fat cells that are left behind can expand, taking the place of the ones removed. This results in expanding parts of the body that might appear in odd areas because the fat cells in “normal” spots have been eliminated. Also, with a Tummy Tuck, your extra skin is removed, which doesn’t leave room for expansion. If you gain weight, you’ll stretch out the skin again and negate the trim results. Don’t fear though, you can do your part to maintain your slim and trim post Lipo or Tummy Tuck figure with a healthy diet and exercise.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

There’s a reason most surgeons require you to not smoke or drink before surgery or during your recovery time. Nicotine hinders your body’s immune system and response to inflammation. It can prolong or prevent proper healing, even leading to complications causing excessive bleeding and scarring. Consuming alcohol also increases bleeding and swelling because it dilates your blood vessels and dehydrates your body (causing it to retain water).

Skin Care Matters

It is crucial to take good care of your scars to aid them in healing and fading as much as possible. You don’t want to be too active and stretch them, and you should follow your surgeon’s cleaning ointment application protocol. Beyond the initial healing period, its important to have a good skin care routine. I highly recommend SkinMedica, which we sell in our office, as a clinically proven skin care line to help your skin stay hydrated and smooth.

Cosmetic surgery isn’t a one time investment into your body or face. In order to see the long term results you’ve worked hard for, I highly suggest you follow the simple healthy lifestyle tips outlined above. You’ll be glad you did!

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Celebrities used to be the main influence over plastic surgery trends, now it’s selfies. More and more people are approaching plastic surgeons for facial feature changes in order to look like the filtered version of themselves that they post on social media. It’s not wrong to want to refine your features or look younger to be a “better you,” but social media and photo editing apps are encouraging people to strive for unattainable beauty standards and it’s affecting their emotional wellbeing.

There is new researching confirming that social media is leading to an increase in Body Dysmorphic Disorders. BDD is a mental condition in which someone obsesses about their appearance in such a negative way that is causes emotional distress and interrupts their daily life. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this affects 1 in 50 people and is often combined with other anxieties, such as depression.

Photo editing apps like Facetune and Snapchat can smooth skin, slim and straighten the nose, enlarge eyes and plump lips. Increased usage is leading social media consumers to prefer their heavily filtered appearances to their reality. This is a strong enough preference to lead them into the plastic surgeons office.

Boston University dermatology professors confirmed that 55 percent of plastic surgeons reported that their patients were seeking alterations to their physical appearance to improve their selfies, according to an essay in the JAMA bimonthly peer reviewed Facial Plastic Surgery medical periodical. The prevalence of patients seeking surgery in order to imitate their filtered selfies has been called ‘Snapchat dysmorphia.’

This alarming trend is even more prevalent among young people who use these editing apps and share those augmented pictures of themselves the most often. They struggle to align their fantasy self with reality, viewing plastic surgery as the solution. This striving for approval based on an augmented appearance is not only unhealthy emotionally, but physically unachievable.

I love helping people with refining their features to be satisfied with how they look, however this should not ultimately be where anyone’s self value comes from. Everyone has imperfections and the edited reality of the media world doesn’t change this. An unhealthy obsession with changing our appearance to align with the edited version of ourselves warrants some professional therapeutic help. Yes, the results from plastic surgery can be a confidence boost, but if you have “snapchat dysmorphia,” a physical fix is a BandAid to an emotional issue that should also be addressed. Our goal should be to look and feel great physically and emotionally.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Triple Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

www.davinciplastic.com

Absolute evidence exists that our lifestyle, stress, and what we put on and in our bodies will affect the health of our skin. Apart from sun damage, what many people may not realize is that the environment our skin is exposed to affects it, as well.

Inside

The majority of our time is spent inside at work or home. This is why it’s important to consciously craft your inside environment to support your health and skin. Here some tips to do this:

• Heating your home takes out any natural moisture in the air, which affects your skin. You can easily replace this by running a humidifier or essential oil diffuser. You may need one in each room.
• Harmful chemicals mix in the air from cleaning products, plug in fragrance, and many kinds of candles. We not only breathe this in, but they settle onto surfaces and skin. Switch to an essential oil diffuser or candles that use a cotton wick and any other wax than paraffin. Open up windows and turn on fans when using harsh cleaning products or switch to natural ones. Thoroughly wash, rinse and moisturize after using cleaning products.
• Real Plants inside will help pull toxins from the air and reduce stress. An option for those who don’t have a green thumb, is to use an air purifier to clean the air of chemicals and other irritating particles, such as pollen, dander and dust. Home updates including carpets, pressed wood and insulation should air out because they offgass volatile chemicals like formaldehyde.
• Laundry soap can deposit skin irritants into the fabric of your clothes and bed sheets. Many include fillers and chemical fragrance. Try using an unscented “free and clear” laundry detergent. If you want to infuse fragrance into your clothes, use wool dryer balls with a couple drops of essential oils rather than dryer sheets.
• Creating a good environment to rest well is important because sufficient sleep is important for healthy skin. To help your mind get into rest mode, dim the lights in the evening, shut off electronics an hour before bed, and write down any issues or “to do’s” that need to be addressed in the coming days. Nightly using moisturizers and serums for clean face on a clean pillow case, as well as a fresh pillow every few months will also help your skin during the night.

Outside

While exposure to the outside environment may not be in as much quantity as inside, its affects on the skin shouldn’t be disregarded. These factors can have a powerful influence in the health of the skin:

• Sun… everyone knows the damage and aging caused by the sun when we’re not careful. In addition to staying in the shade or indoors during peak UV hours and wearing protective clothing, precautions should include using a makeup foundation or day time moisturizer that has a SPF… even on the snowy mountains or cloudy days.
• Pollution… urban air contamination is a mix of volatile chemicals that causes skin irritation and aging.
• Extreme weather… cold, wind and dry air all steal moisture from skin to crack, irritate and age it.

Taking good care of your skin gives it the best chance to stay healthy and youthful. It also helps your cosmetic procedures to last. Schedule a consultation today at www.davinciplastic.com to discuss how we can partner in your healthy lifestyle routine to look and feel great.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

I have special compassion for my Scar Revision clients, as many of them are suffering with scars that remind them of an accident, burn, surgery or past acne problem. Through specialized study and development of specifically honed skills, employing both surgical and non surgical options, I help my patients get the best possible results. With every Scar Revision, I strive to make the scars less visible for a more pleasing appearance, as well as to restore function to the affected area.

Here’s an overview of the most common Scar Revisions I perform:

1. Hypertropic scars are raised and often red tinted. They stay within the boundary of the original wound or acne zone. These are commonly the result of acne and can diminish over time.
2. Keloid scars are slightly more raised than hypertropic scars and can be rubbery, firm and sometimes itchy. They often look inflamed and extend beyond the boundary of the original wound. Certain skin types are more prone to this type of scarring, including people with dark skin tones.
3. Contracture scars are severe, occurring as the result of a loss of skin over a large area, such as from a burn.  This can affect muscles and tendons to restrict normal movement.

Some other scarring patterns are:

1. Ice pick scarring is the most common type of acne scar. They are designated by narrow pitted indentations.
2. Boxcar scars’ defined, angular edges in a box shape look very similar to indentations of chicken pox or vaccination scars. These occur most commonly on the temples or cheeks.
3. Rolling scars create a shallow, wide indentation that looks like the rippling of waves in the skin.

METHODS FOR MAKING SCARS BETTER… While it’s important to note that scars cannot be removed completely, they can be reduced and made to look noticeably better. If they are raised or depressed, discolored or they cause contour irregularities, don’t worry, there are a variety of options to help improve the skin’s appearance and function.

Based on the type of scarring… during your consultation…we discuss the options and expected results in depth. These are some of the methods we’ve had great success with:

1. Non Surgical

• Dermabrasion gently removes the top layers of the skin to smooth out surface irregularities.
• Dermal Fillers, such as Hyaluronic Acid, fill in sunken scars.
• Silicone Gel Sheets are clear coverings that help flatten hypertropic scars over time.
• Steroid Applications and Injections alleviate the itching or pain of keloid scarring. They are applied or injected into the scar to break down the skin’s collagen that has continued to produce even after the wound has healed.
• Vascular Lesion Treatment addresses the discoloration of scars by shrinking the blood vessels connected to it.

2. Surgical

• Skin Grafts are intended for severely scarred areas. It involves taking healthy skin from another part of the body to transplant to the injured area.
• Tissue Expansion stretches a patch of skin by inserting a saline filled balloon near a scar so that the stretched healthy skin is pulled over to cover the previously scarred area.
• Z-Plasty and Related Tissue Rearrangement Techniques reorient scars to follow natural lines and creases of the skin. This makes them less noticeable and relieves pulling or pressure of contracture scars.

My compassionate staff and I look forward to the opportunity to help you feel better about how your skin looks and feels. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

One in every five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime and every hour…one person in America dies from skin cancer. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and it is preventable/treatable.

National Skin Cancer Awareness is promoted by several organizations such as the National Cancer Institute, Skin Cancer Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Dermatology. I won’t belabor the facts…just want to remind you of them and offer some helpful and important tips for skin cancer prevention.

Review of Skin Cancer Facts:
– We try to raise the public awareness of the importance of prevention, early detection and immediate treatment of skin cancer. They are: 1) basal cell, 2) squamous cell 3) melanoma.
– More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in more than 2 million people.
– Melanoma (unlike other cancers) has a wide age distribution…it occurs in young people & seniors.
– Rates of occurrence increase with age- they are highest among 80 years olds.
– One bad burn during childhood doubles the risk for getting melanoma skin cancer later in life.
– Skin cancer is the most deadly for African Americans, Asians & Latinos.

RISK FACTORS
Everyone is at risk…but some people with certain factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. The risks include:

Lighter natural color skin
Family history of skin cancer
Personal history of skin cancer
Exposure to the sun through work & play
History of sunburns early in life
Skin that burns easily freckles, reddens easily or becomes painful in the sun
Blue or Green eyes

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PROTECTION/PREVENTION
1. AVOID the sun between 10am and 2pm…this is the when the rays are at their peak
2. Damage occurs all day long…so be wise and use sunscreen or sunblock
3. Take more precautions when it is hot, humid and windy as these conditions enhance harmful effects of UV rays
4. Cloudy day are dangerous days…we tend to be out more, longer and use less protection. Understand that UV Rays pierce the clouds and cause serious damage (burns)
5. TANS are NOT healthy! No tan, whether from sun exposure or tanning beds, is healthy. The darkened skin is merely a protective measure (performed by your skin). It provides only minimal levels of protection and does not cancel out the need for using other sun protective methods.
6. Short Term Symptoms of over exposure include: blistering, peeling, tanning
7. Long Term Symptoms= increased risk for skin cancer along with dry, wrinkled skin.

Early diagnosis & immediate treatment can mean the difference between
life and death…when dealing with melanoma skin cancer.

Please read and heed this important information.

Ask us to recommend top of the line products to protect your precious skin…and allow you to enjoy your fun in the sun.

Dr. Steven Davison

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

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

Bikini Ready Body with Liposuction

While the snow is blowing and frozen weather is keeping us bundled up, getting into a bikini is probably a distant dream. But now is a better time than you may think to start getting your body ready for the bathing suit season. Here’s why:

• bulky bundled up clothes hide any swelling, bruising and over night body changes
• frigid weather makes us all want to just cozy up by the fireplace and rest our bodies
• the extra layer of post op compression clothes fit nicely as another layer for warmth

Is liposuction right for you? Whether it’s genetics or aging, some of those stubborn fat pouches just won’t come off with diet and exercise. If you are in healthy condition, liposuction can help sculpt and smooth them away. This procedure isn’t intended to be a complete body transformation surgery, but it is safer and more effective than ever if you’re in the right hands.

The best results in the best hands… Depending on the state, some laws allow licensed physicians to designate themselves as “plastic” or “cosmetic” surgeons, even if they have no specialized surgical training. This is why is it is crucial for prospective patients to select their doctor with care. I am one of the only TRIPLE BOARD CERTIFIED surgeons in the Washington, DC area. My outstanding reputation is spoken through my satisfied patients, years as a professor at Georgetown University, hundreds of articles on surgical procedures and safety, and many awards and elections to prestigious surgical societies. Liposuction may seem like a very simplified surgery compared to others, but as with any surgery, there are risks and so the safest most effective results are accomplished in the best hands.

What does liposuction involve? After our consultation, the surgery will be schedule to take place in our state of the art surgery outpatient center. To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, you will receive anesthesia including an infusion of saline solution with lidocaine before your surgery. Liposuction requires one or more incisions so that the cannula, a small tube used to loosen the fat, and a vacuum attached to it, safely suctions excess fat and sculpts the area. The. For small areas, such as the face, a syringe can precisely harvest fat that can be purified and used for grafting other areas.

Liposuction for the large and small areas… The advances in technology, specialized tools, and my expert techniques allow me to target large or very small localized areas with more precision and less trauma than with older techniques that still may be used by other surgeons.  Liposuction can be used to remove fat from the:

• tummy
• breasts
• thighs
• buttocks
• back
• face
• neck

Liposuction along with other procedures… Liposuction is an ideal compliment to other body contouring procedures, such as a Butt Augmentation, Thigh Lift, and Tummy Tuck. Any of these could be part of a much desired Mommy Makeover to restore your body after all the changes that take place through childbearing.

Start preparing your body now for those warm weather months that may seem so far away, but will be here before you know it. Banish those stubborn bulges with liposuction. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Dr. Davison

FLAT, TIGHT, TONED, FLAB FREE…what ever your goal is for your body sculpting treatments, especially for the midsection, knowing what really works and what is not so effective makes a big difference.  There are always “myths” attached to popular procedures whether they are surgical or non surgical.  I want to cover a few of those in this blog to empower your mission in Body Sculpting, Refining, Reshaping…or whatever it may be.  Hands Down the best way to achieve a flat, toned tummy is with a surgical Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).  Read on!

TOP TUMMY MYTHS:  1)  A Tummy Tuck can make you constipated.  Wrong!  TRUTH: When done properly, a tummy tuck should have no bearing on your digestive tract since no incisions are made near the digestive system.  The only time problems arise is if a large hernia exists in a nearby space.  If so, it should be addressed.  There is always potential for some swelling in the stomach that could temporarily affect the bowels but in most cases, after healing is complete and you are no longer wearing a compression garment, no problems should exist.   2) You can’t have a Tummy Tuck right after a C Section.  TRUTH:  You should never have a Tummy Tuck right after delivery since time is needed for swelling to resolve and extra weight to be lost.  “Too posh to push” was coined when Hollywood celebrities were electing to have C Section deliveries combined with immediate Tummy Tuck surgery.  Bad Idea!  Both surgeries are invasive and require healing time.  Also, during breast feeding hormone levels are elevated and most new moms have water weight to deal with.  Tummy Tuck surgery should be done about six months post delivery.  3)  During a Tummy Tuck the belly button is removed and a brand new one is made.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  The belly button is never removed during a Tummy Tuck, only the loose, excess skin around it is removed (excised). The belly button is attached to a “stalk” that goes deep into the stomach and cannot be removed.  The belly button may be reshaped and repositioned as excess skin is removed.  In this case, the belly button is simply pulled up through the skin once the tummy has been reshaped and excess skin and fat removed and tightening is done.  It’s the original belly button you were born with attached to the tissue stalk you were given in utero.  www.davinciplastic.com.

TOP BREAST MYTHS:  1)  A Breast Lift is the only way to lift the breasts.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  Implants are often used if your skin is in good shape and sagging is minimal.The right implants offer a nice lift, increased breast volume and reshaping.  Surgery is needed when muscles and skin are too relaxed and stretched. Then surgery can tighten and lift muscles to where they belong, excess sagging skin can be removed and the breast lifted to a naturally beautiful position.  2)  After a breast lift, your breasts will stay perky and in a high position forever.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  Nothing is forever and just like the rest of your body, the breasts continue to age and settle even after a surgical breast lift.  However, the breast lift keeps you looking years younger.  3)  Fat Transfers to the breasts makes your breasts immune to weight changes.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  Just like the rest of your body,  the breast weight can fluctuate for life.

WHAT AGE IS TOO OLD for COSMETIC PROCEDURES?  The better question is:  When is it too late?  Sadly many people wait too long and then require invasive procedures…if they had started when younger…NON INVASIVE would work to minimize the visual effects of aging.  More on that in future blogs.

Ready for “beach time” Family Reunions, Graduations, Weddings etc.?

Let’s Talk now.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

BODY SCULPTING is one of the “top” most requested procedures. Patients want surgeons to redefine, refine, reshape and contour their bodies to be more aesthetically pleasing.  Call it lipoplasty, suction lipectomy, liposculpting, body sculpting or contouring, it is safer and more effective than ever using today’s advanced, refined technology and an experienced surgeon.

WHO GETS BODY SCULPTING?  Men and women who are tired of bulges that won’t budge are having their bodies refined and reshaped!  One main reason are those annoying, frustrating bulges that limit clothing options and preventing the fit and trim body of your dreams!

BODY SCULPTING is an ideal complimentary surgical technique to various others like facelifts to body lifts.  It is the most common method of body sculpting used because it works so very well and we can now target both very large and very localized, hard to reach areas.  Liposuction is the Gold Standard for body sculpting, it is refined and here to stay.

ZONING IN ON the BODY   Common target areas include: the abdomen and hips, breasts, thighs, back, bra line, face, neck and chin and buttocks.  Men and women of all ages and stages target these areas, but Gen Xer’s and Millennials are especially into body cosmetics for health and career reasons as well as to retain more youthfulness throughout their aging process.  Mature Adults (many couples) are redefining their bodies in order to age more beautifully/handsomely.

BEACH BODIES …if you want one you must start now.  Tummy Tuck is in high demand this time of year so women (new mommies and grand mommies) can look their best and feel great about looking great!  Men, if you want the “six packs”…let’s do it now.

ABDOMINOPLASTY (Tummy Tuck) is the “Gold Standard” for rejuvenating the abdomen.  It is the surgery of choice for men and women who want to be rid of excess fat and bulging abdominal skin.  So Tummy Tuck is done to restore proper firmness and contour to the abdomen. Abdominoplasty eliminates unsightly bulges and restores fitness and health to your tummy. Look at the benefits:

·      Tummy Tuck removes excess bulging fat and sagging skin

·      Tightens relaxed ab muscles

·      Results in a smoother, flatter, abdomen

·      Often relieves back back/discomfort

·      Involves liposuction for fat removal and sculpting the abs

·      Can be a Full Abdomino, a Mini, a Marriage Abdominoplasty

·      Often combined with other body refining/sculpting procedures

·      Abdominoplasty is recommended when lipo sculpting alone is not enough

Abdominoplasty is just one example of a surgical method of body refining, contouring, reshaping that is part of the overall “body sculpting” process.  Others are listed above.  See my website for info on Tummy Tuck: www.davinciplastic.com.

TANNING BEDS….ARE IRREFUTEABLY DANGEROUS!   The AADA (American Academy of Dermatology) has encouraged the FDA to ban indoor tanning devices because they emit ultraviolet radiation proven to cause skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.  The science results are in, the numbers don’t lie and girls as young as 15 are presenting in doctor’s offices with skin cancers.  These girls all use tanning devices.

Hope you and your loved ones are healthy, happy and putting your best self forward!

Steven Davison, M.D.