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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With summer close, it’s time to think about extra Sun Protection. In previous blogs I’ve told you about the cancers the Suns’ UV rays can cause. First, know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (500,000+ per year), and that more than 90% of skin cancer is caused by the sun’s UV rays. Melanoma and Non-Melanoma’s are the most common types, but they are highly curable if treated early. We all are at risk…but some of us more so than others. Read On!

You could be at higher risk for skin cancer if any or all of the following applies to you:
• You have lighter natural skin color
• IF there’s Family and/or Personal history of skin cancer
• You have daily Sun exposure through work and play
• You have a history of early life sunburns
• Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun
• You have Blue or green eyes & Blonde or red hair and/or…
• Certain types & a large number of moles
• Some prescription drugs cause more susceptibility to UV rays

The three common names for skin cancer are: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma.

For now, just know that if you develop symptoms such as a small, shiny lump, a spot or mole that is red and firm, or a sore/spot that bleeds and becomes crusty – and won’t heal…. you need to get checked out immediately. (see www.davinciplasticsurgery.com for complete info)

OK – Here’s a review on “Summer Sun Protection” –
HATS – DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE
SUN GLASSES – CRITICAL FOR EYE PROTECTION
SUN PROTECTION GARMENTS/PRODUCTS (like used in water sports)
SUNBLOCKS – they work optimally when used with the rest of these!

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

No matter how smooth, firm and wrinkle free someone’s face is, when the neck is drooping, weathered and wrinkled, it can take away from any youthful appearance. So unless you want to be wearing a turtle neck or scarf year round, take care of your neck. If you’re already noticing the signs of aging, then don’t worry because I can help. There are a variety of ways to rejuvenate the neck and take years off your overall appearance.

Why Rejuvenate the Neck… Although it’s technically not part of the face, having a smooth, trim neck profile can dramatically restore an overall natural and youthful appearance. A youthful neck contour not only makes the patient appear younger, but also elegant and refined. The neck also can have a significant aging (or anti aging) effect on the profile.

How the Neck Ages… Understanding the underlying muscles of the neck and how they are affected by the aging process will help you understand why the neck ages and how. The platysma muscle is immediately under the skin of the neck. In our youth, it is tight and meets in the middle of the neck under the chin. You can easily see this muscle in the mirror when you clench your teeth and tighten your jaw.

As we age, the right and left sides of the platysma muscle come apart, which creates the look of vertical bands in the neck. Also, as the skin loses elasticity with age, the lower part of the face and neck show the effects most dramatically. This results in sagging, drooping jowel and waddle under the chin.

Reverse Aging of the Neck… I have extensive study and experience in the face and neck rejuvenation. As a matter of fact, they’re my specialty. The most effective surgical options for rejuvenating the neck are liposuction, cervicoplasty and the neck lift, technically called a platysmaplasty, which is named after the muscle in the neck that the surgery corrects.

Liposuction: Generally speaking, my younger clients who want more definition between their jawline and neck who still have good skin elasticity and strong muscles are good candidates for liposuction.

Cervicoplasty: This procedure is geared towards those people who are just concerned with the double chin or excess neck waddle.

Platysmaplasty: A neck lift deals with more midline neck correction of muscles that improves the chin and neck, as well as the removal of extra skin and fat.

Without a doubt, the neck is a major contributor to the overall youthfulness of the face. In the hands of a specialist, these surgeries for the removal of fat and excess skin, and tightening of the muscles, are sure to result in an attractive neck contour and rejuvenated appearance. Contact me today to schedule a consultation, www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

With a touch of warm weather that gives us hope for the spring season to be upon us, it’s also time to consider that with the warmth comes wedding season, graduation parties and family reunions. These gatherings will be the perfect opportunity for you to put your best face forward. Especially since there will be lots of photo opportunities where you’ll want to be remembered in your best light.

In our office, you will be in the hands of an expert injector who will help you select from a variety of safe, effective, non invasive treatments. You will be in and out and able to enjoy the spring festivities with a younger, fresher appearance.

YOUR BEST OPTIONS FOR NON INVASIVE REJUVENATION… We offer Juvederm, Voluma XC, Botox, Radiesse, and Sculptra. Theses are all non surgical injectables, and you can resume regular activity immediately afterwards. Some people even get these treatments on their lunch break and cover any slight bruising or redness with mineral makeup.

JUVEDERM… instantly smooths out lines and folds using hyaluronic h attracts water to the area. This filler is perfect for the mid to lower face. It can fill lines on the side of your nose and mouth, or to plump up lips. Juvederm gives long lasting results for up to a years.

• VOLUMA XC is a thicker hyaluronic acid filler that instantly adds volume to the cheek area to replace lost volume. This can create a gentle, subtle mini facelift that can reduce the appearance of marionette lines around the mouth. Voluma XC is the only FDA approved filler for the cheeks that restores the fullness of a youthful face, and is better suited to fill more difficult folds and wrinkles.
• BOTOX is a simple, safe injection using botulinum toxin type A to block nerve signal to muscles. This relaxed lines and prevents them from getting deeper. Botox is perfect to smooth out those two vertical lines between the brows, crow’s feet around the eyes, smoker’s lines above the lips, nose furrows and thick lines in the neck. Optimal wrinkle relaxing is seen within 7 to 14 days of treatment, and you can expect the results to last for several months.
• RADIESSE uses calcium based microspheres to rebuild your skin’s foundation. It is a semi permanent filler that creates scaffolding for your own collagen to grow around, so that the wrinkle reducing results last long after the Radiesse breaks down.
• SCULPTRA is not a quick fix, but this PLLA injectable lasts twice as long as hyaluronic acid fillers and stimulates the body’s own collagen renewal. It is great for restoring volume loss and can act as a liquid facelift.

IN THE HANDS OF EXPERTS… These injections are administered by myself or my Physicians Assistant. Our specialized training enables us to perform filler facelifts and injections with ease, precision and great artistic skill after many years of experience. While the study of facial anatomy is crucial, it’s also important to have a precise hand and artistic eye.

With this variety of choices, you can target the area of your face that needs rejuvenation, and be on your way to normal activity. In the hands of an expert injector, you can get the results to help you feel confident and fresh going into the spring season when new life and rebirth is the norm. To schedule your appointment today, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Happy Spring!

Steven Davison M.D.

Facelift for a Firm, Full and Fabulous Face

The Facelift is one of the most time tested and evolved cosmetic surgeries. Todays’ Facelift has many customizable options for facial rejuvenation and when performed by an expert surgeon like myself, you can expect to achieve beautiful results. Often, it is a combination of surgical and non surgical procedures that help my patients achieve the optimal age reversal results.

FACELIFT FOR FACIAL HARMONY…There certainly is an art to the science and surgery of the Facelift. It is always my goal to create a rejuvenated appearance that is harmonious and restores natural curvatures and volume in the right places. Each feature of the face may show the signs of aging at different rates, so it’s best to address each feature at the right time. It’s also important not to neglect an area of the face so that the effect is a disjunction in aging. In conjunction with injectables, there are levels of Facelifts, from less invasive to those that can take up to 10 years off your appearance.

FACELIFT IN YOUR 40s…It’s very normal to try liquid face lifts, especially now with VOLUMA XC to restore volume in the cheeks and create a subtle lift to the mid face that can even lessen marionette lines. But if the upper face and lower face need to be addressed as well, a mini lift is the least invasive surgical option. This option is highly requested by women in their 40s. Mini lifts give better definition by tightening the underlying muscles. This can really give a youthful boost to the brows or jaw line that can keep you looking younger for longer.

FACE LIFT IN YOUR 50s AND 60s… Often times, women in this age range are looking for more noticeable results that address specific age issues that can’t be fixed with injectables. A Traditional Facelift during this time can take 10 years off the face. As skin sagging becomes more apparent, so do concerns of drooping brow, mid-face and sometimes the neck. The Traditional, also called a Full Facelift is the only way to rejuvenate every area of the face from the forehead down to the neck.

• THE MANY FACETS OF THE FACELIFT…Facelifts address many layers of the face to restore youthful appearance. While in decades past it just involved tightening skin and using skin tension to contour the face, modern Facelifts accomplish more natural contours by taking a multi faceted surgical approach. It even improves the facial shape to be less square and more angular or tapered, which is more youthful. Addressing the layers of the FaceLift include:
• reposition sagging muscles, fat and tissue
• redrape skin
• reduce excess face, jawline and neck skin

COMBINATION FOR OVERALL FACIAL REJUVENATION… Each individual has unique needs, but a youthful appearance that is harmonious across all facial features often involves a facelift in combination with other common facial rejuvenation procedures. Some combinations include:

• eyelift
• browlifts
• lip filler
• chin augmentation
• necklift

I am triple board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and head & neck surgery. You can be confident you’re in the best hands for a facelift. Contact me today to schedule a consultation. www.davinciplastic.com

You can trust your face to this facial plastic surgeon!

Steven Davison M.D.

Just the Right Kind of Curves: Butt Augmentation

The full, curvaceous buttock trend has been growing for years, being brought into the public eye by celebrities such as J Lo, Beyonce, Shakira, and most recently the Kardashians. This has lead to butt augmentations being one of the fastest growing surgeries. The butt augmentation procedure has even been coined to be familiarly called the Brazillian Butt Lift.

NO BUTTS ABOUT IT… The Brazillian Butt Lift means different things to different people. Therefore I strive to use my many years of experience, surgical skill, and understanding of body aesthetics to help each person uniquely achieve the best butt for their body. I also use only the safest techniques that provide the longest lasting results.

SAFEST & MOST EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUE… Using your own excess body fat tissue is one of today’s procedures that is most widely accepted as safe. Also, if fat is taken from the abdomen, hips or thighs then those areas are thinned out, which adds even more emphasis to a newly curvaceous buttock. I believe that it is the ideal way to sculpt the body into that hourglass figure.

BENEFITS OF BRAZILLIAN BUTT LIFT WITH FAT GRAFTING:

• Using your own extra body fat to reshape your buttocks
• Safely augment any buttocks shape or ethnicity
• Smooth, natural texture, look and feel
• Restores a more lifted, fuller, more youthful shape
• Longest lasting results
• Can be combined with implants if ample fat is not available from other areas

FAT GRAFTING VS. IMPLANTS… I believe that the ideal buttock augmentation is from using your own fat. Fat grafting is safer, longer lasting and feels natural. Fat grafting uses only your living fat cells, and when performed with expert precision and technique, the transplanted cells “graft” and live permanently where they are placed. I only use implants if there is no available excess fat or in combination with fat grafting if there isn’t sufficient fat to achieve the complete desired results.

MAKING BUTT AUGMENTATION HAPPEN… Since a buttock augmentation includes liposuction to collect the fat, it is technically two surgeries in one. I use the most delicate liposuction technique to preserve the most amount of living fat cells to for a highly viable fat graft. Using a special cannula, for the liposuction, means that I’m collecting only the ideal sized fat particles. These particles are purified through sterilization and then meticulously injected in… just the right amounts… into specific areas of the buttocks for desired contour, lift and shape.

BOOTY WORTH THE RECOVERY… All surgery is performed in a state-of-the-art surgery center that is fully equipped and certified the same as a hospital setting. Recovery involves a little swelling and tenderness, and you won’t be able to sit on directly on your butt during this time. Once healed, you won’t have any numbness and your buttocks will feel totally natural and normal inside and out. You will be able to exercise and shake your new curves to your heart’s content.

So if you are not happy with the shape of your buttocks, let’s talk about how a Brazilian Butt Lift can help you get the buttocks and curves you want. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation today.

Dr. Davison

Cosmetics Procedures on the Rise for Generation X

Generation X is stimulating the plastic surgery industry. Younger people are having more procedures done earlier rather than waiting for major signs of aging to surface. Many of the innovations of the past 10 years are due to this shift in the age of our clients their preferences for fast recovery from less invasive methods. The focus is on prevention, particularly for the face.

GETTING THE MOST “WORK DONE”…This Gen X age group, 31-45 yrs old, had close to half of last years procedures, which is even more than the Baby Boomers (ages 51 to 64). Looking good is paramount to staying competitive in the corporate world and so these career expectations are driving younger people into our surgery centers in ever rising numbers.

CONSCIOUS WITH KEEPING UP ON SOCIAL STANDARDS…Another influence on the Generation X is of course the perfect image portrayed and perpetuated by Hollywood celebrities. And even more now than ever, especially with the popularity of “selfies” and image sharing websites like Facebook and Instagram, is the pressure to look good on social media. Gen X is hyperaware of their image and they are not hesitant to take advantage of cosmetic procedures to get them the image they want.

NO TIME FOR RECOVERY…GET YOUNGER LOOKING AND GET GOING…These anti aging procedures that Gen Xers are wanting are less invasive and have minimal to no downtime. This makes the injectables like Botox and fillers like Restylane, popular procedures. In the matter of a lunch break, Gen Xers smooth out the beginnings of forehead lines or crows feet with Botox, plump their lips with Restylane, or even get a minim facelift from a check augmentation with Juvederm Voluma XC. Other popular procedures that require more time than a lunch break yet still have minor recoveries are the skin laser treatments, and surgeries with minimal recovery such as blepharoplasty.

LOOKING YOUNG MEANS LOOKING HEALTHY…Mostly, Generation X is all about prevention, customization, and natural results. By viewing cosmetic procedures as part of their health regiment and body “up keep,” they’re maintaining a more youthful appearance longer rather than waiting for a major issue before addressing it. Getting cosmetic procedures is viewed as part of taking care of their body.

So are you part of the Generation X, or if not, do you have their mindset about maintaining your youthfulness before you have major issues to address? If so, come in soon so we can define your best options for a more youthful 2015.

Dr. Steven Davison

Get a Glowing Face for the Holidays

December Beauty Tips

Oh the holidays are a joyful time of family, friends, and being with loved ones. There are countless social gatherings and many pictures will be taken. This is the time of year you’re going to want to look your best.

Along with all the fun comes a bit of stress and fatigue. It can take its toll on your health…and on your beauty. This can show up as dark circles, puffy eyes, fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull, uneven complexion. These culprits include:

• not enough sleep
• too much rich food
• more wine than usual
• cold, dry air

Nearly everyone is affected by these factors and the extra stress put on our looks this time of year, but there are also simple ways to neutralize some of the damage.

ADD THESE STEPS IN WITH YOUR HOLIDAY FUN TO HELP PRESERVE HEALTHY, GLOWING SKIN:

1)   For every glass of wine or other beverage … drink a glass of water. Alcohol is dehydrating and can age your skin. There is no substitute for good, pure water to flush toxins and help you stay hydrated.

2)   While there’s so much more to do, stay organized and take it one day at a time. Don’t skimp on your sleep to compensate, just try to make the most of the day time. Adequate rest helps your body heal and rejuvenate.

3)   You’ll have those frustrating moments where taking some deep breaths and counting to ten will be crucial. Don’t let the stress get to you. Play calming music, use aromatherapy, and laugh it off.

4)   As hard as it will be, maintaining your exercise routine will keep your metabolism going to burn those extra calories, the sweat will help flush out the toxins, and the endorphins will help you manage your mood during stressful moments.

5)   While eating splurges are just going to happen, balance those by eating nutrient dense foods, such as raw fruits and veggies, unprocessed nuts, avocados, salads and high quality proteins. Minimize the carbs and sugar as much as possible.

6)   And don’t forget to treat yourself to an anti aging procedure and skincare products that don’t just counteract the damage done, but repair and restore your skin’s youthfulness.

QUICK TREATMENTS TO GET THAT SMOOTH, WRINKLE FREE SKIN

With all the social events and photos you’ll be in, be proactive with your skin by taking advantage of the “in and out” procedures that don’t involve recovery, but offer fairly quick results.

Injectables such Botox smooth out those forehead wrinkles. The fillers Juvederm, Radiesse or Sculptra can plump and smooth lines and even contour the face for a fullness that turns back the clock several years.

A gift certificate for these, and other procedures offered at Davinci Plastic Surgery, will be sure to elicit a glowing smile. Visit www.Davinciplastic.com for more youth enhancing gift ideas.

Best Wishes to you and your loved ones.

Dr. Steven Davison

Schedule  Surgery Now … to be Ready for the Holiday’s

Our social calendars fill up quickly this time of year. Celebrating the holiday season is a fun, festive time, and you want to look great at each of these social appearances, right? If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, you’ll want to keep in mind the recovery time needed for healing. The priority is to be enjoying the holidays to the fullest and not worrying about any bruising or healing that could hold you back.

Here’s a guide on the recovery time, during which you’ll need to rest and/or take off work. It’s better to schedule a little more time than you’ll need and be pleasantly surprised if you recover faster.

Procedures that need at least…

1 week… Breast augmentation, reduction or lift, arm lift (brachioplasty), liposuction, male chest reduction (gynecomastia)          

2 weeks… brow/forehead lift, facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

3-4 weeks… tummy tuck, “mommy makeover,” body lift

The recovery time frame can be influenced by your health and habits. Having plastic surgery would be the perfect reason to stop smoking – at least 2 months prior to your surgery. Two weeks prior and after surgery, stop taking anything that enhances bleeding, such as aspirin, Motrin, Vitamin E and some herbs (I’ll provide a full list). You can also do some things before surgery to help recovery go smoothly and to ease your mind going in and coming out of your procedure.

BEFORE SURGERY… try to set up your household to be on autopilot, such as electronic bill paying and have lawn or pool maintenance prescheduled. Stock up on groceries, but also give yourself a break on cooking the first few days and have your favorite restaurant delivery menus handy. Ideally you’ll need to have someone stay with you, at least the first couple days post surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

AFTER SURGERY…

• I know recovery isn’t fun, but think positive and surround yourself with people, music, movies, aromatherapy, etc. that will uplift your spirits.
• Have some natural bruising recovery gel on hand, such as Arnica Montana and Bromelain…both can help reduce discoloration. Save rubbing Vitamin E on the incisions until after sutures are removed usually within 5-10 days post op.
• Stay well hydrated (non-alcoholic beverages please) and well nourished with whole foods so your body has nutrients to repair itself. I know you’re going to want convenient and comfort foods, but try to keep greasy or processed foods to a minimum.
• It’s perfectly fine to do a little moving around after a few days, but avoid all activities after surgery that increase your heart rate and blood pressure for 2 full weeks.
• Allow yourself time to sleep. When your body is physically at rest it can focus more energy on repairing itself.
• Follow instructions on caring for your dressings and drains. Call if you have any concerns.
• Keep your follow up appointment with me (usually within a week) so that we can make sure you’re recovery is on track and I can answer any questions.

You still have time for cosmetic surgery before the holidays, but if surgery is not an option for you, then consider our non surgical options to rejuvenate your face, such as Botox, Juvederm/Voluma, Radiesse, Fat Transfer/Grafting. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.  Today’s Men and Women are having cosmetic procedures.  Couples show up in my office on a regular basis, requesting today’s most advanced anti aging treatments.  Baby Boomers and Millennialls are aging more youthfully…together!

Let’s get you looking your absolute best so you can look younger and more vibrant…everyday!

Dr. Steven Davison

Board certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Well, we’ve written tons of material about facial aging and ways to restore youthfulness. That’s because, no matter what we do we will all continue to age…some people simply put, age more gracefully and beautifully than others.

Cosmetic enhancement is all about using procedures, techniques and products to stave off the “signs” of aging or by actually removing lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and more using the right option(s). The main question the past couple of years has been: “Dr. Davison, do I need surgery or can fillers get the job done?” So let’s look at this today:       

FILLERS/INJECTABLES vs SURGERY

First, it’s critical that your surgeon thoroughly understands the complex facial anatomy. Secondly, fillers require much knowledge also. The key is in knowing which filler(s) to use at a given time by knowing what they do and how they work. These simple guidelines remain foundational:

1)    Know when to use fillers – they are excellent to correct initial gauntness from volume loss and the right fillers can restore volume and definition while smoothing out early lines and wrinkles. They work well as long as there is no loose skin.

2)    When to choose surgery – Fillers can offer long lasting results, but if skin elasticity is poor the muscles slip and fillers cannot deal with these issues. Surgery is the right option at this stage. It can effectively deal with loose, sagging skin and reposition relaxed muscles to their more youthful positions.

While nothing replaces good genes, a good surgeon can help guide you in making the correct choices no matter what age or stage you are currently enjoying.

Men and women today, Boomers and Millennials, are choosing to have age defying cosmetic enhancements because they can, and because they want to look as good and youthful as they feel!

FALL IS HERE IN ALL ITS GLORY…and the calendars are filling up with social events for school, work, church, family etc. You can start now and breeze through a hectic season looking vibrant, radiant and healthy. In fact, it’s possible to look up to 10 years younger without surgery…and no one will know except you!

INJECTABLES mini REVIEW:

I’ve been doing non surgical facelifts and rejuvenating the cheeks, nose, eyes, chin and lips for years…using injectable fillers for wonderful natural looking results that can last up to 2 years.

Here’s what I use, how and where I use it:

• Lips   Nasolabial folds   Hollow cheeks
• Weak jawline     Nose job       Brow lift
• Marionette lines   Crow’s feet     Forehead lines/wrinkles
• Undereye shadows     Backs of hands

TODAY’S INJECTABLES OF CHOICE:

1. Juvederm (Voluma is fabulous!)
2. Radiesse
3. Restylane
4. Sculptra
5. Botox/Brotox/Dysport

OK…CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION SOON! You have choices to make to look fabulous.   See www.DAVinciplastic.com.

Dr. Davison