No surgery in plastic surgery has seen as much growth as Labiaplasty. The latest statistics from American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery shows a 44% rise in this procedure. The number of surgeons providing this procedure has risen from 21% to 29% of members of Esthetic Plastic Surgery Society. This represents an 8% increase.

Expert Study Reports Increased Sensation
*Great information in a recent paper entitled *”Prospective Evaluation of Female External Genitalia Sensitivity to Pressure following Labia Minora Reduction and Clitoral Hood Reduction.” by Dr Otto Placik has helped dispel concerns regarding post operative labial sensitivity.  His article, published in the Oxford Journals,  titled “Prospective Evaluation of Feminine Genital Sensitivity and Pressure following Labia Minora reduction and Clitoral Hood reduction” shows that rather than reducing sensitivity with surgery, there was a net increase in sensitivity to touch. It is suggested the removal of the droopy excess labia removes *in *un of labia, which may have less feeling.

More Frequent and Satisfying Sex
In addition to labial sensitivity increase, the clitoral hood when raised may have enhanced feeling. What does all this mean, well, a happier patient. In self reporting from the same group, *44 to 1 of the women had an increase in sexual relations and when they did, it was better. These labiaplasty patients reported an improvement in orgasm frequency in *35 to 3 subjects and increase of strength of orgasm *35 to 3. This information reported in the Oxford Journals for the increase shown in 2012-2013.  So in conclusion, not only did labiaplasty maintain or improve sensitivity, it made for a more frequent, better sex life.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

The past year was filled with nude lips and scaled back lashes. The no make up look reigned supreme in 2015. But makeup lovers will be excited for 2016, as the trends have changed and the nude make up look is out. Bright bold red and sultry deep colored lips are en vogue. Create a flirty feminine look with bronze highlights to your cheeks and feminine pinks or peaches for the eyes.

Lovely Full Lips
More attention than ever will be brought to your lips this year. If you’re going to be on trend with the bright candy apple reds and sultry plum hues, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got full, luscious lips to show off. We can help you with Juvederm injections to proportionately plump and femininely fill your lips. These bright colors aren’t forgiving if you’ve over filled your lips, so go with clean lines and an expert injector, like myself, who knows how to create the perfect lips for a harmonious face.

Bronze Goddess
A bronze glow looks healthy and youthful. This bronzer trend can save your skin from sun damage. Use bronzer to get that sun kissed look instead of worshipping the sun, which results in sun spots and an older looking complexion. Also, you can give your cheeks a little help with a liquid facelift. Voluma expertly injected into the cheeks replaces lost volume so your cheek color and contour pops even more. It also results in a slight lift to the mid to lower face that can result in lightening the nasolabial folds and smile parenthesis lines.

Bright Eyes
In the spring you’ll be seeing lots of sunset hues of pink and peach. These flirty and feminine colors complement many skin tones and eye colors. You’ll also see bright blue eye shadows, liners and even mascaras that are playful and certainly can make a statement. If you’re attracting attention to your eyes with bold blues, you’ll want to be sure to smooth out crows feet. Since these wrinkles are cause by muscle movement, it’s best to first relax the muscles with Botox. Then if you want an even greater smoothing out of this area, you can add filler, such as Juvederm.

Makeup as Skincare
While you can’t replace good skincare, such as moisturizers, retinol and other powerful antioxidants, with makeup, I do encourage women to look at makeup as part of their skincare. Throughout the day, before it comes off at bedtime every night, it should be adding to the health of your skin, not taking away from it. This is why I recommend the Jane Iredale makeup line, especially to any of my patients who want to cover bruising or redness after procedures. Here are some highlights of this outstanding cosmetics line:
-uses the highest quality ingredients available to ensure satisfaction with performance, coverage, application and texture
-high performance mineral based formulas that don’t run, crease or smear
non comedogenic…does not block pores

-earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation, showing evidence that its products sufficiently and safely aid in the prevention of sun damage to the skin
-products are clinically and dermatologist tested for safety and allergies
-includes anti irritant, soothing ingredients to contribute to skin health
-uses a combination of natural preservatives, never parabens
-product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of animal testing
-no measurable amount of heavy metals in any product including lead and mercury

Being on trend with make up is great, but looking young and healthy is timeless. To schedule a consultation on how we can help you look your best in 2016, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

One of the most requested aspects of the Mommy Makeover is the Breast Augmentation. This is one of the most noticeable areas of the body that takes a toll through the weight gain of pregnancy and especially breastfeeding. While breastfeeding provides the most wonderful nutrients and bonding with baby, the effects on the breast are quite evident. The most common complaint is the early aging to the breasts due to looking deflated and sagging. This is happens as the skin is stretched from being filled with milk and then when breastfeeding is done, the deflated breasts hang flatter and lower.

– If you’d like your breasts to return to their fuller, youthful, more perky pre baby days, or even to enhance your breast to be better than before, a Breast Augmentation can help.

– Breast Augmentation is the only way to increase breast size for the long term, and it also addresses the positioning and shape that can give the body an overall more proportionate look.

ARTISTRY… This is a highly personalized surgery and so there are many options to choose from regarding the material, size and shape of the breast implants. One of the main choices is to decide on Saline or Silicone implants, which both are shown to be safe, effective and dramatically improved over the last few years. The expertise of your surgeon will help you in making the right selection for your goals, and in the hands of an expert like myself, the artistry of placement and ability to understand how the implants will settle is crucial to the final result.

SURGERY…There are also incision and placement options for how the surgery is performed, based on the size, material and scar location desired. The placement of the implant can either be above or below the both the pectoral muscle and the overlying breast tissue. Which on is best for each person differs, depending on the amount of breast tissue already present, drooping, position and size desired. These factors are also considered for the incision options:

Inframammary Incision, which is the most common method. The incision is placed in the fold under the breast.
Axillary Incision is made through the armpit, which requires use of an endoscope for the implant placement.
Periareolar Incision involves inserting the implant through the incision made in the areola, or darker skin surrounding the nipple.
Umbilical Incision utilizes an endoscope to insert the implant through an incision in the belly button.

RECOVERY… It is very important for moms to have a support system in place after any surgery to help with the children and domestic affairs. The end result of a Breast Augmentation can be dramatically affected if proper healing isn’t allowed. Like with any major surgery, there will be a period of discomfort that can be managed by oral pain medication. During this time, it is necessary to wear a support bra and may be necessary to have tubes in the incisions to help drain off excess fluid for a day or so. Recovery typically takes about a week while breast shape begins to settle within six weeks, although it could take longer.
My patients have confirmed time and time again, that the recovery is worth the results. The body satisfaction and femininity restored are a great reward. To set up your personal consultation to discuss how a Breast Augmentation can help you achieve the best breasts for you, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Happy New Year! While breast implants and liposuction are steadily on top of the list for most requested procedures, some trendy treatments gained in popularity during 2015 and are sure to grow more in 2016. Our culture helps to shape the desires for what is considered beautiful… and technology is offering more innovative options than ever.  These are the trends to look for in 2016:

Non Surgical Fat Removal
Kybella was introduced to the mainstream in 2015 and immediately gained a momentous following. As word has spread about the benefits of Kybella, 2016 is going to be an even bigger year for this non surgical fat reducing procedure. Who wouldn’t want to melt the double chin away without having the downtime or discomfort of surgery? Less invasive procedures will continue trending in 2016 making Kybella a winner.

Injectables for Millennials
No downtime, minimal recovery injectables steadily entice millennials into the world of cosmetic treatments. Millennials are very busy with full social calendars … so making time for surgery/recovery is challenging. Millennials grew up during the dawn and dominance of social media. It’s no wonder that Facebook and Instagram spur on more and more of an image conscious population. With their image sent out to hundreds of people everyday… they, simply put, want to look good.

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

Rise in the FemGen Rejuvenation Trend
The sexual revolution of plastic surgery includes an increased interest in surgeries to improve aesthetics, comfort and sexual pleasure of the female genitalia. Growing in popularity is Labiaplasty, which can minimize stretched, imbalanced or interferingly large labia. This can increase comfort and pleasure during sex, as well as eliminate embarrassment or discomfort when wearing tight workout clothes or bathing suits. Commonly desired after the changes that come from aging and the childbearing years, genetics also plays a part in the appearance and function of the FemGen area. While the topic is still a sensitive one, ( to be handled with care and confidentiality), fortunately, there’s no embarrassment these days about the surgeries that can help you feel confident about what you look like “down there.”

With A steady increase in male clientele, it’s definitely safe to say that most men aren’t feeling embarrassed about getting cosmetic procedures either. They’re viewing plastic surgery and non invasive cosmetic treatments as a normal way to keep their competitive edge in the work place. The rise of Brotox means that a tired or gruff appearance can be shaped into a more pleasant, happy, rested look, and is often done in our office during a lunch break. No missed work, no major change, just a tweak to improve confidence and perception that can pay dividends in work performance, self confidence…and simply because more men today want to stay younger and healthier looking as long as possible!

These treatments can help you reach your goals for looking and feeling great about yourself during 2016. If you’d like to take advantage of any of these rejuvenation trends, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Everyone takes photos to capture holiday memories…so this is the time to put your best face forward and be “picture posing saavy” for socialite magazines and social media like Facebook and Instagram.  We are seen by hundreds, possibly thousands, of people on Social media venues.  To help you with this…a few tips from photography experts, as well as some of my own advice on how to look great in photos.

Be a picture posing pro… Tips to help you look great in photos:

A Perfect Pout… along with bright pearly whites you must have shiny lips or your smile won’t look as good as it could.  Also, thin lips can add years to perceived age and distort facial balance and harmony. But good news….You can get that plush pout with JUVEDERM. This HA injectable instantly increases lip volume… and in the hands of an Expert Injector, like myself, precise application achieves natural, sexy, supple lips you’ll  really want to show off.

Eyes Youthful and Bright… You’ve heard it said that you should smile with your eyes. Well this is true! And if you’ve got some crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles, you can take years off your eyes with a little BOTOX to smooth out those creases.  Your forehead is part of your “T zone” and often looks shiny in pictures. Remember to apply a light dusting of translucent powder to prevent that shine.

Do Away with the Double Chin…
One of the most common picture blunders is to accentuate the double chin. This unflattering profile can show up in photos even when you really don’t have a problem here. Voluma is great to restore volume and contour to the chin.  Then…you just need to use “slimming poses” such as tilting your head down and angling your chin a tiny bit.

One solution for accentuating your real chin would be to use injectables like VOLUMA to restore volume and contour to the chin area. You can also trick the camera into slimming down your face by slightly tilting your head down and angling your chin out just a little bit. This will give the perception of a sharper jaw line and higher cheekbones.

The Three “P’s” of Pictures: Position, Posture and Pose…
– Position yourself in the middle of a group photo. The people on the end always look bigger.
– Good posture makes you look thinner and your stomach flatter. Simply stand up straight, lengthen your neck, roll your shoulders back, and lift up your chest.

– Pose in a natural, slimming position by resting your weight on one leg. Rest your hand on the hip with shoulder and elbow pointed back or allow your hands to fall naturally at your side while slightly lifting your elbow back and away from your body. This prevents the illusion of a “fat arm” that happens when the arm is pressed against the body. This will prevent your hands from looking larger than normal.

-Follow these tips and look years younger in photos!  Call to schedule your appointment today! www.davinciplastic.com

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

The season is here for sweaters and scarves. This is the perfect time of year for neck rejuvenation… since it’s easy to comfortably cover and conceal. This is why I recommend that my patients, who want to get rid of their double chin, schedule KYBELLA treatments… especially during the fall and winter months… even during the holidays, since there’s no downtime.

What is KYBELLA?
KYBELLA is a deoxycholic acid injection that is the first and only FDA approved injectable treatment to melt away the fat under the chin. It noticeably contours and minimizes the appearance of the “double chin” without surgery. Since it is just a series of injections, it doesn’t require any incisions, bandages or the downtime associated with surgery, so you don’t have to miss any holiday festivities.

Why would someone get KYBELLA?
According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), 67% of people said they’re bothered by fullness under the chin or the appearance of a double chin. This occurs in men and women due to many factors, such as aging, weight gain and genetics. It is a stubborn area to treat naturally because often, no matter how much someone works out or changes their diet, the double chin remains.

After a full KYBELLA treatment, 79% of patients were satisfied with the appearance of their face and chin. These are great results to achieve without surgery, especially since the outcome is long lasting and recurrence is not expected. After treatment on 1,600 patients, most people reported feeling happier and younger with their new KYBELLA chin profile.
How does it work?
KYBELLA contains deoxycholic acid, which is a molecule that naturally occurs in the body. The natural function of this acid in the body is to help the body break down and absorb dietary fat.
 When used in the form of KYBELLA via injection into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys fat cells in the immediate area. Those cells will no longer be able to store or accumulate fat.
 As the fat seems to melt away, the bulge from double chin retreats.

What does a KYBELLA treatment involve?
A successful KYBELLA treatment will include multiple treatments. Most patients need 2 to 4 sessions. This will be determined by a personalized plan during your consultation. In each session, multiple injections will be strategically made under the chin area. Any temporary swelling or bruising can easily be covered by Jane Iredale mineral makeup and your pretty scarves and turtleneck sweaters typically worn this time of year. Thus, the reason Kybella treatments are so popular this time of year. It’s the perfect time to get them done and have your youthful, contoured chin for the Holidays.

If you’re ready to refine your chin… to feel less self conscious about your double chin…and more confident with a sleek profile, schedule your KYBELLA consultation with me at www.davinciplastic.com. Take advantage of the benefits of a cold weather wardrobe to refine your profile with KYBELLA, the non surgical way to love the contour of your neck and chin.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

With today’s refined techniques and heightened sensitivity of the plastic surgery industry, there’s no reason for any woman to be unhappy with how her feminine nether regions look or feel. We briefly discussed the topic of revitalizing the “V zone” in the Mommy Makeover blogs a few months ago. I thought it would be worth going over in depth to help more women, not just recent moms, realize that there can be a solution for their concerns in this area and it isn’t taboo.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL… As women age and especially after childbirth, the female genitalia, let’s call it FemGen for short, can drastically change. It may look different, feel different or both. Every woman is unique, but some are born with irregularities that cause discomfort. Any of these irregular FemGen issues, whether genetic or from life experience, can be very troubling both emotionally and physically for women in all ages and stages of life. Revitalizing the “V Zone” through Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty can help women feel normal in that sensitive area, which can increase self confidence and sexual satisfaction.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LABIAPLASTY AND VAGINOPLASTY… To simplify, Vaginoplasty addresses internal vaginal corridor and Labiaplasty addresses concerns with the outside labia minora or majora. There is also Perineoplasty, which is commonly done to correct poor healing from vaginal trauma in childbirth resulting in a drastic tear or episiotomy with an irregular scar. Vaginoplasty is usually done to tighten the vaginal canal. This is the most complicated of the FemGen procedures because it addresses internal muscles, so it requires a very skilled and experienced surgeon. Labioplasty is the most commonly performed surgery of the 3. It is also called Labial Revision, Labial Beautification, Labial Reduction, Labial Augmentation, etc.

1. LABIAPLASTY RESTORES BEAUTY AND COMFORT… To some women, their “flower” looks a little wilted, large or lopsided and so Labiaplasty can beautify this area. Refining the labia also means more comfort for some women. If the labia is too enlarged, thickened or elongated, it can cause several physical discomforts or embarrassment.

2.  Excess tissue from enlarged labia traps moisture causing irritation, rashes and infections.

3.  Visible lumps can be seen through tighter clothing, such as athletic wear, tight pants, baithing suits, etc.
4.  Certain movements can be uncomfortable, like when exercising, biking and during sexual intimacy.
5.  Labia can cause discomfort and pain during intimacy and get in the way of sexual gratification and fulfillment.

“V ZONE” VOLUME LOSS… This isn’t just an issue for the face. Volume loss that comes with aging affects the FemGen area too. This loss of padding on the pubic mons and labia majora can make sexual intimacy quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, the natural padding can be restored through Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Grafting.

So whatever it is you’d like to address in your FemGen area; tightening,contouring/ trimming, filling to replace volume or flattening (remove an obvious bulge), there is a safe and effective procedure that can help you restore confidence and comfort. To schedule a consultation with a confidential, caring specialist plastic surgeon, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

As an expert in Fat Grafting (also known as Fat Transfer), I’ve seen how wonderful this completely native material…from your own body can naturally enhance features without the use of foreign substances. It does require great skill to be used correctly and does have some limitations. But for my natural minded patients, this could be a great option for facial volume loss and the Brazilian Butt Lift, as I’ve previously written about. Depending on my patient’s expectations it can even be an option for breast augmentation.

Managing Expectations of Fat Grafting
I like to have an extensive discussion of my patient’s expectations and their options with any procedure, but when it comes to breast augmentation, there are quite a few options to discuss. These discussions include what size breast would be harmonious for the body, the kind of implant, the type of incision used to insert the implant or whether to even use an implant. Often, fat grafting isn’t considered by my patients because it isn’t as widely publicized as implants, but I do believe that it can be a great option for many.Here are some of the reasons to consider Fat Grafting for your Breast Augmentation:
… It’s a completely natural substance coming from your own body.
… Because it’s from your own body, there is less chance of your body rejecting it.
…The results are as natural looking as you can get.
…There’s no risk of silicone leakage or integration into the body, so no follow ups years later and no worries.
…”Upkeep” surgeries aren’t necessary.
…No scalpel is required, as the fat is extracted and relocated to the breast with a needle.
…A minimal 2 to 4 day recovery time is needed, compared to weeks of recovery after a breast augmentation with implants.
…The fat used for the breast is taken from an area of the body that can spare some, so while you’re enhancing the breasts, you’re getting the benefits of liposuction elsewhere in the body.

Fat Grafting is a Less Invasive Option

When done by an expert in fat grafting, like myself, it can add natural looking volume to the breast without lumps, bumps, clumps or clusters. It also encourages a natural response, from the body, that makes it long lasting. No drainage ports, compression bands, or weeks of recovery while waiting for the pain to subside and the implants to “settle” into their place. A breast augmentation with fat grafting looks truly natural… after only a few days, when the swelling and bruising from the injections subside. And no worries if you’re needle phobic. You can remain totally comfortable while sedated under general anesthesia, as the fat is extracted from another area and injected into specific places in the breast.

Natural is Not for Everyone
While fat grafting can create lovely results, it does have limitations. It may not be able to accomplish the increase in volume or shape that some women are looking for, which is why there is a large market for implants. There are many safe options with implants that offer a beautiful and satisfying breast augmentation.

If you’d like to discuss your options for a breast augmentation, including the possibility of fat grafting, please schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

!.  Go with an experienced injector who is highly trained, has a good reputation, and one you can trust.
It is so easy to find someone who will inject you with Botox these days. Just because you can get Botox just about anywhere, like at your hairstylist, your dentist, or even in your own home… it doesn’t mean that you should. Did you know that someone can learn to be a Botox injector in a couple hour course on a weekend and be injecting people in a professional setting the very next day? It is no wonder that there are a myriad of Botox horror stories. There is an art to injecting. Reversing and enhancing aging features with Botox is a skill that can’t be mastered in a weekend course. – One must know and have the feel for how deep to inject – exactly where to inject, based on the muscular /skeletal facial structure – and the unique features of each individual – and how much Botox to use. Do your research. As a Board Certified plastic surgeon with many years of success and experience with injectables, you can trust you’re in the best hands with me.

2.  Communicate clearly with your Botox injector.
The consultation should be a setting where you can comfortably ask questions and express your desired results. Be as specific as possible. You’ll receive feedback on what to realistically expect and suggestions on how to accomplish that.
It should first be determined if you’re even a good candidate for Botox. -You should be clear about your medical history, allergies, as well as any medications, supplements or other medical treatments you’re receiving; even things such as whether you’re undergoing fertility treatments, pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sometimes if you’re seeking a Botox treatment for the first time it may be wise to start slow with minimal units. This can help us to gauge how you will react to the Botox.
3.  Prepare your body for the best results.
Even though this is a quick in and out procedure, some pre planning, and a little preparation can help you get optimal results. For example: If you want to minimize bruising, a week prior to receiving injections – you should limit alcohol consumption and stop taking medication or supplements that can thin the blood (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin or any similar generics, Vitamin E, St. Johns Wart, Ginko Biloba, Ginseng, Fish oil, etc)

4.  Abide by the post Botox “Don’t” list to get the best results:
Just as tempting as it is to pop a pimple, you’ll want to touch and massage the injection site, but DON’T do it for 24 hours. You wouldn’t want to make the Botox spread to other unintended muscles or get the injection site infected.
Don’t lie down for at least 4 hours after your appointment. The Botox needs a couple hours to settle and if you put pressure on your face it will distort the results.
Let this be an excuse to skip the gym or any strenuous activity for the day. This will help your body heal correctly and not bruise as much.
Hydrate yourself and avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol to help your body heal.
Be gentle with your skin and don’t scrub, micro-exfoliate or chemical peel your skin for at least 24 hours.
Apply topical vitamin K and Arnica Montana to aid the skin in healing.

I hope this helps you feel more confident. Schedule a consultation and let’s talk about how Botox can help you. Holidays are just a few weeks away…are you ready to put “your best face forward?”
Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

MYTH #6 Botox is Permanent

Some people actually wish Botox was permanent, but it isn’t. Your muscles, that have been relaxed by Botox, will eventually regain movement after about 3 months. Fortunately, the benefits of Botox can last for 6 to 12 while the muscle memory gradually returns.

MYTH #7 You are never too young or old for Botox

There’s not an age where Botox magically stops working, and not everyone’s skin ages the same, so there isn’t an exact age on when to start or stop Botox. As a matter of fact, some plastic surgeons report success with Botox patients more than 65 years old. Botox will always work to relax the muscles, but in older patients, it may not be enough or it may throw off facial harmony – if other treatments are not done in other areas of the face. On the other side of the timeline, I’d say there definitely is a lower limit on the age. I’d advise teenagers against it. There certainly is value to preventative Botox in the 20s, but until then, there really isn’t enough constant muscle movement to warrant this treatment for cosmetic reasons.

MYTH #8 The best time for Botox is when the lines appear

As stated in the previous question, there is surging interest in using Botox for wrinkle prevention starting in the 20s. Getting started early, rather than waiting until the wrinkles get deeper and more noticeable, can help you in the long run. Getting Botox early can also help make you conscious of the facial expressions that cause those wrinkles – and can raise your awareness to avoid or limit them. To not frequently furrow your brows or frown is a good habit anyway!

MYTH #9 You can become addicted to Botox
It’s true that you’ll probably love the results from Botox so much you will want to keep coming back. You’ll feel great about looking fabulous and won’t want to stop, but Botox has nothing in it that would make you physically addicted. There’s no “withdrawal” or negative side effects from stopping Botox. You’ll just return to your usual “wrinkling pattern” as before you started getting Botox treatments.

MYTH #10 If you stop getting Botox, your wrinkles will be worse

In contrast to how smooth your skin will be while getting Botox, it might seem like it’s gotten worse once you stop, but really, it’s just resumed the same muscle position as prior to receiving treatment. Once you start Botox, it will relax the muscles so the wrinkles seem to disappear. Even though they don’t actually disappear and normal development of wrinkles, with muscle movement will resume… they won’t be any worse.

I hope this has helped clear up any Botox “myths.” You can schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com if you’re ready to stop those wrinkles in their tracks and smooth out those lines with Botox. We can take care of you during a normal lunch break.
Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

MYTH #1 Botox will make you look like you’ve had work done
Fortunately, Botox doesn’t have to result in a paralyzed face stuck on one emotion like Batman’s nemesis, the Joker. It’s muscle relaxing abilities can result in subtle, smooth skin that can still express emotions. It’s especially great for targeting the moderate to severe lines around your eyes and between your brows. If you’re trusting your face to an experienced, knowledgeable Plastic Surgeon like myself or my Physician’s Assistant, then you don’t have to worry about looking “worked” on.
MYTH#2 Botox and Dermal Fillers do the same thing
While they both lessen the appearance of wrinkles and restore youthful appearance, Botox and Dermal Fillers don’t work the same way. Botox addresses the muscles that create wrinkles and relaxes them. Dermal Fillers restore a youthful, plump look by adding volume to facial tissue. They both have their unique areas of the face that they are meant to address. For example, Botox is not approved for use in lips, but the hyaluronic filler Juvederm is. Dermal Fillers aren’t the best at treating crow’s feet or forehead frown line, but Botox is.

MYTH #3 Botox is only for women
While men may enjoy the distinguished look of maturity that comes with aging, there are certain features that as they age, they give the face a tired or angry appearance. This doesn’t communicate well in a personal or professional setting. As a result, there is much more acceptance of cosmetic procedures for men, especially as part of a health regimen. The nickname “Brotox” was coined for a reason: current statistics on Botox customers show that 1 in 10 are men!

MYTH #4 Botox injections are toxic to the body
Botox is one of the most widely studied and researched medical aesthetic products available today. Botox is designed to have a very localized effect of about a centimeter diameter and doesn’t spread to other areas of the body. It is completely safe when used in correct doses and in the hands of a trained, experienced injector. It is made from compounds found in nature, and not a synthetic, dangerous material as some people think. In 2002, it was the first FDA approved product for frown lines and in 2013, it became the first and only FDA approved product for crow’s feet.

MYTH #5 Botox Injections are Painful
Botox is known as the “lunchtime injection” for a reason. Treatment takes about 10 minutes and it has very little to no downtime, which is great because it can work with busy schedules. There could be minor redness or swelling at the injection site, but that quickly subsides so that you can experience the youth restoring benefits within the time span of a lunch break.

So did any of these answers bust any Botox myths you previously believed? If you’re ready turn turn back time with Botox, you can schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com. Or if you’re interested in Botox, but have some more myths or questions you’d like answered, stay tuned for next week’s blog: Common Myths about Botox, part 2.
Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Most people are in a battle against fat, but fat can be your friend. I find that it is one of the best fillers for plumping areas that are sunken, hollow or flat. Using the body’s own fat by taking it from a place where it’s unwanted and putting it somewhere that needs it reaps a double benefit.

Fat as We Age… Isn’t it ironic that as we age, we often lose fat in the wrong places and gain it in unwanted areas. As a child, we have that “baby face” that includes round full cheeks, but as early as mid to late 20s the fat in the cheeks that keeps it full and firm already starts to degrade even though the narrowing of the face usually doesn’t appear until the 30s. In the 40s, fat loss usually shows itself as drooping in the midface that causes nasolabial folds and jowls. The face shape continues to change in the 50s and beyond as fat is affected by gravity and age.

Fat Vs. Other Fillers… Fat grafting is a very effective way to retain a youthful face by restoring facial contour and fullness. Compared to other fillers, fat produces longer lasting results. Additionally, it’s completely natural since it’s using your own excess body fat – that is refined, purified and relocated. This means that there isn’t the risk of an adverse reaction or allergy as with other injectables.

What Can Fat Grafting Do? Although one of the most common areas to treat with fat grafting are the creased, sunken parts of the face, it can be used to contour many areas of the body. It can enhance areas such as hands, breasts and buttocks. One of the more popular procedures recently is the Brazillian Butt Lift. I actually prefer to use fat grafting for this rather than implants, as long as there’s enough fat to take from another area of the body. I’ve also used it to successfully revise and minimize the appearance of scars, or other bodily depressions.

How Does It Work? Fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from areas that have some to spare, such as the outer thighs (saddle bags), refining it, and then injecting it into areas that need volume. It is very safe and provides long lasting results. It has minimal downtime and recovery, similar to other injectable treatments.

In Good Hands… Working with fat for grafting requires a lot of skill to extract and reinject it without lumps or sagging. I offer this safe procedure to many people every year…with great results. I know how to work with this natural filling component to create a lasting, natural look and feel. To schedule your consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com.
Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon