Category: medical

Going into summer, I can’t put enough emphasis on the importance of protecting your skin. It is one of the greatest causes of aging skin and skin cancer, which is the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S.
How does the sun age skin?
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light harms the elastin to cause sagging skin later in life. When the elastin fibers break down over time, the skin loses its ability to go back into place after stretching, and will bruise and tear more readily. Collagen is also negatively affected by UV rays to cause a hollow, dehydrated appearance due to volume loss as we age. Skin discoloration called pigmentation comes to the surface of the skin, and this uneven skin tone also contributes to an aged appearance.

What is skin cancer?
It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that results in tumors. These are either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Of the 3 main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less serious types and very successfully treated when detected early. Melanoma, consisting of abnormal skin pigment cells, is the most serious form of skin cancer. Of all the deaths from cancer, 75% of them all are from melanoma.

Protect yourself against aging and skin cancer caused by the sun… As you can see, skin cancer can be serious and yet in many cases it is preventable. Even if you’ve damaged your skin from over exposure, which you can’t completely undo, there still is hope. The skin is regenerative, so to some extent ongoing sun protection can help in the healing process and prevent further damage.

Tips to help prevent skin damage from the sun:
• Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses that have UV shield.
• Stay out of the direct sun during peak UV radiation hours between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Protect your children, especially since the majority of sun damage happens before age 18.
• For UVB protection, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Sunscreen with zinc oxide provides UVA protection, but should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply every 2 hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming.

Sunscreen Scam… A recent study done by Consumer Reports shows that many of today’s sunscreens falsely advertise levels of SPF. In some cases, certain brands had up to 70 percent less protection than advertised on the package. The test included 34 brands, 11 of which fell short of their protection claims, some of them being:

• Coppertone ClearlySheer for Beach & Pool SPF 50+ (delivered SPF 37)
• Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance SPF 50 (delivered SPF 28)
• Babyganics Mineral-Based SPF 50+ (delivered SPF 25)
• Banana Boat Sport Performance Clear UltraMist with Powerstay Technology SPF 50+ (delivered SPF 24)
• Yes To Cucumbers Natural SPF 30 (delivered SPF 14)

The brands that received good protection ratings were:
• Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 lotion
• Equate (Walmart) Ultra Protection SPF 50 lotion
• Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 (got a perfect score of 100 in the test)

Please perform skin self-exams regularly to be familiar with existing growths so that you notice changes. Also, if you are unhappy with the effects of elastin and collagen damage already caused by the sun and aging, I offer a variety of effective surgical and non surgical options to help rejuvenate your skin. Visit www.davinciplastic.com for more details.

Enjoy your summer!

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

Tummy Tuck Time

With the coming feasts that are part of Thanksgiving and the December holidays, it’s going to be very hard not to put on an extra few pounds this winter season. Many people are already starting behind the curve by not meeting their summer weight loss goals, and will add more pounds to that over the next 2 months.

If that’s you, there’s no reason to be depressed about it. As long as you’re on the journey towards better health (or plan to start in the new year), there’s a solution to help you get the results you desire. A Tummy Tuck could be just the boost you need to get on the right track for the body you want.

WHO GETS A TUMMY TUCK AND WHY… This is one of the most common procedures. As with most elective surgery, it’s for people with generally good health, but can help most anyone who’s struggled to get rid of belly bulges. It could be from stubborn post pregnancy weight that won’t budge, to that extra bit that just won’t go away no matter how much you work out or diet. A Tummy Tuck can:

• reshape your body to fit comfortably in the clothes you want,
• relieve back ache from getting rid of extra weight,
• help boost your energy and self confidence.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK…Formally called an Abdominoplasty, it is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area resulting in a smoother, flatter tummy. It is the “Gold Standard” and surgery of choice for men and women who want to be rid of the tummy rolls, beer belly, and muffin top. Unlike just getting liposuction, a Tummy Tuck removes both the fat and the stretched out skin for a completely smooth abdominal area.

WHERE CAN YOU TUCK… While Abdominoplasty, by name, is focusing on the abdominal area, you can also receive the same type of procedure and benefits on different parts of your body. For example, some other common areas include:

• hips
• thighs
• back
• bra line
• buttocks

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A TUMMY TUCK… recovery from this type of surgery generally takes about 6 weeks, so it’s important to plan for some down time. Some people like to use the time off, they’re already getting for the holidays, others like to start off their “New Year with a New Body.” Every person is different, which is why our time in the consult is so important.

FULL BODY CONTOURING… If you’re looking for a full body lift and tuck, Abdominoplasty can be combined with other procedures to address all your areas of concern. Here are some more options for full body contouring:

• Liposuction to remove targeted fat deposits.
• Arm Lifts (Brachiaplasty) to eliminate the hanging, flabby skin under the arm.
• Breast Augmentation, Reduction and Lifts to create a harmonious upper body balance in breast size and form.
• Lower Body Lift to remove fat and extra skin, while lifting and reshaping the thighs, lower abs, and buttocks.

So is it your “time for a tummy tuck”? Let’s talk about your body rejuvenating goals. Visit my website www.davinciplastic.com for more info.

Steven Davison, M.D.

The face is such a harmonious masterpiece that even the slightest tweak can make a drastic change to the whole face. Just take the controversy last month over the Hollywood actress Renee Zellwegers’s new look. She stepped onto the red carpet at ELLE’s 21st annual Women In Hollywood Awards and something was markedly different about her appearance, particularly the eye and forehead area. Regardless of whether you think it’s an improvement or not, she’s still a beautiful woman, and yet it’s amazing how much change can be made from the small procedures (eyelid lift and botox) that are speculated she’s had done.

Before and After…I have many patients’ before and after photos that point out how much altering the eye and forehead area can change the overall appearance of the face. It offers a completely refreshed, alert, and newly rejuvenated look. So if you have struggled with the terribly aging effects of droopy or puffy eyelids, and deep forehead wrinkles, you can rest assured that there are simple, safe and effective solutions that Davinci Plastic Surgery can provide.

Consider eye lid lift if you…

• have excess, hanging skin covering the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• upper and lower eyelids appear puffy, making your eyes look tired and aged
• have deep troughs under your eyes

What BLEPHAROPLASTY involves… For upper lids you can expect a more visible eyelid that opens up the eyes by removing the excess, hanging skin. To accomplish this without any signs of surgery, the incision line will be made at the natural eyelid crease.

For the lower eyelids
 you can expect the dark shadow created by the bulge and hollow to disappear, giving you a more awake, rejuvenated look. There are a few surgical method options depending on the eye structure and elasticity of the skin, including making an incision just below the eyelashes or inside the eyelid.

Consider a BROW LIFT if you…

• Just don’t like heavy brows close to your eyes
• Have thickened, deep creases in between the brows
• Feel like your lower brows give you a sad, tired or angry look

What a BROW LIFT involves … There are a few methods to choose from depending on your facial structure, such as Biplane, Endoscopic and Traditional/Coronal/Direct Browlift. Knowing which one is best for an individual is why it’s so important to choose someone like myself who is an expert in these types of surgeries. The incisions will be hidden in the hairline and my techniques result in less swelling, bruising and recovery time.

Non Surgical Eye Area Rejuvenation…

• Try hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers lower eyelids. JUVÉDERM can be injected into the under eye trough where there’s normally dark circles to rejuvenate the appearance of the under-eye area.
• Fat grafting is also an option for filling in sunken under eyes.
• Lasers to tighten excess skin and remove wrinkles.
• BOTOX for relaxing the lines on the forehead and crows feet.
• These all may be used in conjunction with BLEPHAROPLASTY to accomplish optimal results for youthful eyes.

Rejuvenating your eye area will impact the youthful appearance of your whole face. Some say the eyes are the gateway to the soul, but I can at least attest that the eyes are the gateway to the face. Let’s talk about revitalizing your eye area today. To learn more visit www.davinciplastic.com

Steven Davison, MD

Facial & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon/Board Certified

As seasons change so does our skin. Winter is the worst season of the year and can be very hard on the skin.  In this blog I offer a few tips to help you avoid costly mistakes in your daily skin care program, that lead to dry, flaky and red irritated skin. You can keep looking and feeling your best even during harsh winters. 

1. Avoid licking your lips and do use lip balm.  The skin on your lips is very fragile and requires special care just like your facial skin.  Licking your lips frequently can cause them to dry out and become flaky.  Even though licking provides temporary moisture it leaves the lips drier due to evaporation into the dry winter air and heated environments. The digestive enzymes in saliva can break down the skin causing lips corners to crack and the skin to flake. Prevent damaged lips by exfoliating the dead skin away and then use a well formulated, conditioned lip balm throughout the day to keep in natural moisture.

2.  Do Use Sunscreen all year around.  Winter UVA rays are nearly as strong as summer rays.  They are responsible for changing the DNA in the skin and this causes premature lines, wrinkles and sagging. Damaging UV light is the #1 cause of premature aging skin because they interfere with skin barrier function while simultaneously preventing proper moisture levels in the skin.

3.  Use the right formula and amount of moisturizer.  Too much moisturizer is wasteful, can cause skin congestion, bumps and breakouts.  The skin, like a sponge, can only absorb so much.  Find the right formula for your skin needs, apply it daily and prevent future skin problems.

4.  Adjust your skin care regimen to your skin needs. Our bodies constantly change and so does our skin with fluctuating temperatures and conditions.  Make sure you are using the right products during each season.  For example:  you may need to switch from a foaming cleanser and creamy moisturizer, during winter months, to a gentler cleansing lotion and serum moisturizer, to avoid loss of drying the skin.  Find a good aesthetician (Nora handles this at DAVinci) to help you with your best skin care program/products. Visit my website for more info: www.davinciplastic.com.

5. Seal in your moisturizer right after cleansing your skin!  You have a one minute window after cleansing, to moisturize and prevent skin dehydration. Water acts like a magnet and attracts the water deep within your dermal layers and result in evaporation. Apply your moisturizer or serum while your skin is still damp to ensure plump, well hydrated skin.

BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS® Reward Program that allows patients to earn redeemable points/coupons for SkinMedica® products, Botox® and Juvederm®.  My patients love this program. Check it out at: www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com.

Glow N” Go Treatments are popular all year long but especially during the winter months. Treatments include:  Botox® Cosmetic, Microdermabrasion, IPL treatments for dark spots and patchy or uneven skin color and Injectables are here to stay. The Seniors and the younger generations are in love with instant Liquid Facelifts when surgery isn’t necessary.  Manly Makeovers are rising in popularity as more men are choosing cosmetic procedures for career advantages and because they just want to look good.

Stay Well and Put Your Best Face Forward!

Steven Davison M.D.

Well, this topic is no longer taboo and the rising demand for female genital cosmetic and functional procedures continues to steadily rise.  One west coast surgeon reported that “with less hair there is more attention down there!”  

BRAZILIAN WAXING and VAGINAL AREA CONSCIOUSNESS   Since the advent of Brazilian body waxing, particularly in the FemGen Zone, women are much more conscious of their personal appearance.  They prefer a clean look with no pubic hair and no dangling labia minora!  (Dr. Hamori, Duxbury, MA)

I’ve written about this area of aesthetic/functional surgery before, but the new data and surge in interest begs an update on this once sensitive, taboo topic.  Still sensitive but no longer taboo!  A brief update:

FEMALE GENITAL NIPS and TUCKS … Today we offer a wide range of procedures beyond the traditional vaginal rejuvenation procedures such as those used to tighten vaginal muscles.  These include: 

• Nips and Tucks for women of all ages and stages
• All procedures are very commonplace today
• Labia minora (inner lips) trimmed
• Labia majora (outer lips) reduced in length
• Labia majora injected with fat/fillers to enhance shape and sensitivity
• Pubic Mons contouring
• Reducing Clitoral Hood
• Revision surgeries for correction and beautification

“Plastic surgery was developed to improve the quality of life and that includes the female vaginal area.”

REASONS WOMEN HAVE FEMALE GENITAL SURGERIES  

Compiled Survey results indicate that women feel having a harmonious vaginal area makes us feel better about ourselves and with our partners.  It affords more comfort during intimacy, it denotes youth and definitely increases sexual gratification.

SURGEONS’ APPROACH, REFINED TECHNIQUES, QUALIFICATIONS

Female Genital cosmetic surgery is a demanding surgical field and few surgeons are qualified and skilled enough to enter it.  Today, most of the aesthetic and functional genital complaints presented by female patients can be safely addressed/corrected.  Each year, as more women become educated on the issues and overcome the “taboos” complex, the numbers will continue to rise.  We are ramping up to meet the demands with increased education, symposiums and technology that can deliver outstanding results.  It is critical however, that you understand “not every surgeon is qualified to perform FemGen procedures period!”  Those specially trained and who understand the artistic nature and desired results women want include:   1) OB Gyns,  2) Plastic Surgeons, 3)  Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeons, 4) Urologists…sometimes.   Time and time again, surveys and patients satisfaction has told us that Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive surgeons are their first choice.
REVISION SURGERIES  are very common today because many surgeries are performed by the hands of unqualified doctors/surgeons.  Please choose carefully and “know before you go” who your surgeon really is.       https://www.davinciplastic.com

PATIENTS SEEKING FEMALE GENITAL SURGERY

Other names for these procedures include:  Designer Vagina, VZone Enhancement, VAginoplasty, Labioplasty, Hymenoplasty, Labia Surgery and others.

GOOD CANDIDATES INCLUDE WOMEN HAVING:

• Difficulty with personal hygeine  (toilet paper sticking)
• Discomfort with tight clothing
• Pain while riding a bike or during sports
• Labia catching in zippers
• Painful intercourse due to hypertrophy or the labia minora
• Lack of symmetry
• Chronic irritation
• Should be age 18 or older and sexually mature

BOOTOX EVENT OCTOBER 4.   Don’t miss this special event and the special deals being offered!    See our Facebook page for more details.

Fall is here.  Are you ready for the upcoming Holidays?  Let’s chat.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

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

KELOIDS are a type of scar that results from an overgrowth of collagen type tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.  Keloids can be firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules that vary in color….some are pink, others flesh colored or they may be red to dark brown in color.  Keloids are benign (not cancerous), are not contagious but often cause severe itching and changes in skin texture.  Severe keloids can affect movement of the skin.

Keloids are often confused with “hypertropic scars.”  They are not the same. Hypertropic scars are raised and they do NOT grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound.

Since I have specialized training and years of experience in surgery and reconstructive surgeries, I have dealt with so many patients in need of Keloid removal and scar revision…I couldn’t begin to number them.  Just know, that dealing with Keloids is serious business and you should see a surgeon with expertise in this area…in order to get desirable results.

KELOIDS…WHERE THEY OCCUR ON THE BODY...Keloids can develop anyplace where an abrasion (injury) has occurred.  They can even result from pimples, insect bites, scratching ones self, from burns or other skin trauma.  They can develop post surgery.  They most commonly occur:

• On the central chest
• The back & shoulders
• On Ear lobes
• On arms & over the collar bone after body piercings
• From shaving…razor bumps may become keloids
• Bottom of feet
• Can occur at any age…but generally don’t until past age 11
• Keloids…may be linked to hereditary tendencies

COMMON TREATMENTS FOR KELOID REMOVAL

1)  Corticosteroid injected directly into the tissue – typically 3-4 treatments spaced about 1 month apart – will reduce a raised Keloid to a flat scar and reduce redness, itching and burning.

2)  Surgical Removal is used for larger, more extensive formations.  Technique involved may employ a scalpel, electric knife or laser removal.

3) Post-Surgical Complimentary Treatments are often used to minimize Keloid recurrence after surgical removal.  These treatments include:   -silicone sheet dressings applied directly to the skin around the incision; -compression therapy the mechanically flatten the scar formation, – topical imiquimod or advanced injectables such as bleomycin,  -interferon or 5-fluorouracil.  These drugs work at the cellular level to disable the Keloid tissue formation process.

4)  Laser Excision followed by monthly intralesional steroid injections alone or in conjunction with imiquimod.

These are my treatment preferences…even though others may exist.  I stay with the tried and true…those options proven to get desirable results.

OK….last two blogs have covered skin problems….lipomas and keloids.

Next blog I’ll move back into FEMGen options….today they are no longer “taboo.”  Women are lining up to have life changing treatments that restore their confidence, youthfulness, that rev up their love lives…and restore health and well being in many cases.  Don’t suffer any longer in silence.   Women everywhere are stepping up and speaking out….the embarrassment is gone, Designer Vaginas are in and complete health and vitality for the “V Zone” is here to stay! 

More on that next blog!

Stay Well.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Welcome to February, 2013 already!  I need to comment briefly on a subject I dislike very much…but feel responsible to keep clients informed about for everyone’s protection.   It’s called “practice drift.”  It’s not illegal….but it’s ethically and morally wrong and can be very harmful to the patients.  Patient drift is the trend of unqualified doctors performing cosmetic procedures.  We are seeing this happening more and more as the economy continues to change…doctors “drift” into areas for which they are not qualified, skilled or experienced.  For example:  an ER doctor performed procedures from which 3 patients died.  A Pediatrician performed liposuction and fat transfer on a patient…who also died.  This is horrifying and totally unnecessary.  But, it is legal….so some doctors who feel “needy” decide to do a few cosmetic procedures now and then to boost their income.

Qualified Cosmetic surgeons are highly trained with honed skills and many years of experience before they launch into practice on their own.  General Practitioners and others should get this, respect it and protect patients not practice on them!  Be on your guard against this….be sure your surgeon is really qualified and experienced…..avoid doctors who “drift.”

BEAUTY EXPERTS OFFER WORDS OF WISDOM for 2013….

• Antioxidants…in cosmetics protect skin from environmental damage
• Child rearing takes a tremendous toll on a woman’s body…a Mommy Makeover helps her regain the body and confidence she enjoyed prior to childbirth
• Avoid skin aging….by avoiding the sun and keeping well hydrated…avoid sugars
• Water….few things are more important than it!  This serves as a barrier to protect skin from external damage
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables all winter for vitamin B protection and antioxidants
• Winter is an excellent time to maximize the benefits of medical skin care using light based laser skin treatments

Experts know and agree that there are a few simple things we all must do to help our bodies slow the aging process, repair/reverse damage.  No matter where in the world you are.

VECTRA 3D COMPUTER IMAGING is here to stay…Read about it on my website: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

OK…consider Vectra 3D Imaging for that procedure you’ve been wanting to get done.   You’ll be glad for the Vectra 3D experience….and the wonderful procedure outcomes it can help to create. It can truly make a difference in your choices and outcomes.

Stay Well

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Vectra 3 D Computer Imaging allows you to see actual body sculpting results before you even have the procedure performed! EXAMPLE; To demonstrate outcomes of a Breast Augmentation, 3 D images of your body are taken, loaded into the system and onto a large screen.  The system then selects several implants sizes and shapes…simulates them over your own body…empowers you to make the best possible choice.  RHINOPLASTY…aka…NOSE JOB is much easier to understand while viewing the nose from several angles…to see what really needs to be done.  The 3D system makes this happen.  Read more at: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

Vectra’s 3D Compiter Imaging System works for procedures such as:  Facelift, Necklift, Cheek and Chin Implants, Skin Resurfacing, Rhinoplasty, Browlifts, Blepharoplasty (Eyelids) Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposuction, Liposculpting with Implants and more…..

ASK US ABOUT  “SCULPT MY DREAM” 3D IMAGING…before your next Age Reversing Procedure!  Here’s what our patients say to us about it:

• Unbelievable!   It was like seeing my new body in a 3D Movie
• You can make all the changes you want….until you hit upon the look that’s you!
• Breast Simulation showed me my personal benefits from a combo “lift/Implants”
• I finally realized that the simulation could be my actual results!
• I was able to make a “crystal clear” science based decision…that enabled me to chose the right implants

GOOD CANDIDATES for “SculptMyDream” 3D Computer Imaging System…Men and Women of all ages, stages, ethnicities and goals are getting outstanding procedure results due to requesting 3D imaging first!  Baby Boomers want to regain some youthfulness…in order to look as great as they feel and Generation Xer’s are having a variety of anti aging procedures done regularly…to compete in their career place, to move up through the ranks and because they consider this a normal part of their routine healthcare.   Seniors…more and more are flooding surgeons suites as these “older teens” have decided to grow younger together!

Today’s procedures take years off an aging face and body…with less invasiveness….briefer downtimes and longer lasting results from more dramatic lifters Botox etc.

BENEFITS of 3D IMAGING

• Increases Patient Confidence
• Allows your participation in creating your treatment plan
• You see actual simulations (your own body)
• You can actual outcomes (simulated on your own body)
• Vectra 3D system is the most accurate, clear, flexible system today

Well, I wanted to make sure you know about this amazing imaging system to enable you to make better choices in 2013…along with offering world class anti aging, age defying, age reversing options…knowing you can make educated decisions based on clear science should help stream line the process a bit for you.   Come in and let’s get you set up!

See my last blog to get up to speed on “antioxidants”...let’s move into 2013 both healthy, more youthful and handsome for us men…. beautiful for you ladies.

Best Wishes to all!

Steven Davison M.D.

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