A facelift can take up to 10 years off your appearance, but the aging process will continue. Sometimes, during the short years after a facelift, it may appear as though the youthful leap can be lost even more quickly. There are some skin care tricks that enhance and extend your facelift results so the ongoing signs of aging appear slower. You can achieve great results with proper care and maintenance of your skin.

These are good practices for maintaining more youthful skin in general, but are imperative for those who’ve had a facelift and want to protect their investment in facial rejuvenation:

LIFESTYLE CHOICES LINKED TO AGING… Your diet affects more than your body image and whether you keep or lose weight. The quality of what you put in your body affects the organs and tissues, and after all, the skin is your biggest organ.

• Sugar causes inflammation and wrinkles. A healthy alternative is vitamin and mineral rich local, raw honey.
• Be sure to include collagen boosting foods in your diet, such as celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, dark green and colorful vegetables, fish, avocados, berries, white tea, garlic, fresh citrus fruits, oysters, and proteins like eggs, nuts and lean meats. 
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and flush your skin of toxins. Limit dehydrating beverages, such as alcohol and coffee.
• Help your plastic surgery results last longer by avoiding smoking and extreme fluctuations in weight.
• Studies show that a positive, cheerful disposition can help keep you healthy. You use more facial wrinkle making muscles to frown than to smile.
• STAYING AWAY FROM THE SUN AND POLLUTION… One of the most significant factors that cause the skin to lose its collagen and elastin is the sun. This can reverse the benefits of a facelift real quick. The sun contributes to:
• sunken, loose skin that is leathery in texture
• pigmentation that gives an uneven, rough appearance
• dehydrated skin that’s lost volume and wrinkles set faster

You can protect your face with sunscreen, hats, and by limiting your direct sun exposure. You’ll also want to guard yourself from environmental pollution, which can damage the skin’s cellular integrity to protect against the signs of aging.

REFRESH YOUR FACELIFT WITH INJECTABLES that will keep your Facelift looking younger longer.  Injectables can gel address those facial visible lines and also replace lost volume to help stave off surgery or enhance a recent surgery.

CHEMICAL PEELS REVEAL FRESH, GLOWING SKIN… I offer this effective skin resurfacing treatment in my office. It is very important to consider why this should be done under medical supervision since chemical peels can also damage the skin if done incorrectly.

DAILY SKIN CARE FOR MAINTENANCE… This seemingly small yet significant daily need for using clinically proven skin care helps to prolong the youthful effects of cosmetic procedures. SkinMedica is the skin care of choice for my patients.

These simple options can protect your skin and keep the beautiful, youthful results from your facelift lasting as long as possible. To talk about a facelift or if you’ve already had one and would like the help to effectively maintain the results, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Helping you keep “your best face forward.”

Dr. Davison

Facelift Techniques: Finding the Best Fit for You
Last week I covered the applications of the facelift for people at different ages and how it can combine with other procedures for a complete rejuvenation of your entire face. This week, I thought I’d educate you about the different kinds of facelifts. There are many techniques that address different concerns, and it takes a skilled surgeon, like myself, to understand the best application of each surgery and how to artfully reconstruct the face to look naturally youthful.
Here are the various types of facelift techniques that I have mastered so that you can achieve the results you desire:

S-Lift Facelift
This facelift technique is also commonly called a mini lift or quick lift. The reason is that it’s designed for younger patients who don’t have pronounced skin sagging, but may want to address some slight aging to the lower face and neck. It provides a subtle tightening and volume restoration that can counteract the early signs of aging. S-lift technique involves minimal cutting and manipulation of the skin, so recovery is shorter.
Traditional Facelift
This method is tried and true. It involved making several small incisions, removing excess skin, replacing fat and redraping the skin. The incisions will be strategically placed in inconspicuous areas such as behind your ears or within your scalp. The skin is trimmed and placed in such a way to eliminate the “done” look that is commonly due to the skin being used to provide the tension to lift the face. Also, replacing fat gives the face youthful volume and contours.

SMAS Facelift
The SMAS facelift is similar to a traditional facelift, although it involves the deeper layers of tissue in the face. This is a good technique for eliminating the aging from significant excess skin and sagging.

Deep Plane Facelift
This advanced technique requires much more knowledge of the facial anatomy employing advanced, deeper techniques. It goes below the skin and tissue level to address muscles. I use it more often with patients who have damaged skin with poor blood supply, such as from smoking or old scars. In the right hands, this can be a very effective way to create a natural looking lift. While some people claim this technique requires more recovery, I don’t think that always has to be the case. Recovery from Deep Plane Facelift depends greatly on the surgeon and the patient’s skin condition.

DECIDING TOGETHER…I don’t want you to have to worry about knowing the “ins and outs” of each surgical procedure so that you feel that you have to select the technique. You can have peace of mind knowing that I am very skilled in a wide range of methods, using the most cutting edge techniques and technology.

In our consultation, we will discuss your desired results, and employing my years of experience, I will assess your skin condition and facial structure to help you choose the facelift best suited to you.

As one of the few triple board certified plastic surgeons in the DC area, you are in skilled hands. You can schedule your consultation today at www.davinciplastic.com.

You can soon put your best “face forward”…and you can trust your face to this facial plastic surgeon!

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.

Bikini Ready Body with Liposuction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Davison

Just What She Really Wants for Valentine’s Day …

With Valentine’s Day one week away, gift shopping is in full swing. But if you want to get one of the most desired gifts, you don’t need to brave the malls. Simply come in to DaVinci Plastic Surgery to get a gift certificate for your ‘someone special’ because surveys say that 78% of women would “be impressed” if they received this for a Valentine’s Day gift. And what are they most likely to get? Most certificates are in the price range that is perfect for Botox or dermal fillers.

BOTOX OVER CHOCOLATES AND FLOWERS… There are certain women who’d be offended by the gift, but you can be sure that your lady would love the gift if she is:

• already a regular consumer of injectables
• has asked for treatments as gifts for other holidays
• had one treatment of Botox or filler and expressed happiness with the results
• ever mentioned that she’s considered getting injectable treatments to address her aging concerns

WHY WOMEN WANT INJECTABLES AS GIFTS… Injectables such as BOTOX, JUVEDERM, VOLUMA, SCULPTRA and RADIESSE can directly affect the confidence and satisfaction one has with their looks. This goes much further than that designer purse or shoes. Every time they look in the mirror they’ll see the rejuvenated face and think of you in appreciation.

WHICH INJECTABLES TO CHOOSE… There is a benefit to giving a gift certificate since that eliminates the guess work as to which treatment to choose. Your Valentine’s sweetheart can select from a variety of the effective, safe treatments to address the area that she wants most. Here are some ideas of what they have to choose from:

• 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. One treatment achieves noticeable improvement immediately (expect a little swelling at injection sites) that increases for optimal results within 7 to 14 days of treatment. AND – these relaxed lines will last for several months.
• JUVEDERM is a smooth hyaluronic acid filler to instantly smooth out those lines on the side of your nose and mouth.  This is also a popular treatment used to create luscious lips. Juvederm’s natural looking results can last up to a year.
• VOLUMA XC is the only FDA approved filler to instantly add volume to the cheek area. By replacing lost volume, Voluma XC creates a non surgical mini facelift that can rejuvenate the midface and lessen marionette lines around the mouth. Results can last up to 2 years.
• SCULPTRA is the only facial injectable with gradual, subtle results that can last 2 years or longer. It adds youthful volume to the face while stimulating collagen renewal.
• RADIESSE is a semi permanent filler that uses unique, calcium-based microspheres to create scaffolding for your own collagen to grown around.  Long after the Radiesse breaks down, the collagen it encouraged will help keep the face youthful longer.

Take the guesswork out of Valentine’s Day gift giving and get something that your sweetheart would love… a certificate to choose their rejuvenation treatment at DaVinci Plastic Surgery. www.davinciplastic.com

See you soon!

Dr. Davison

Lovely Lips for Lovers on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just 2 weeks away and if you’d like to get those luscious lips in time for your hot date, then now is the time to act. Not only will your lips be so kissable, they’ll also help rejuvenate your whole face.

PLUSH POUT CUTS THOSE YEARS OUT… A woman’s full lips are influential in how young other people think she is. Since collagen reduces as we age, lips normally get thinner, so this perception is a reality for most people. But with hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm, you can replenish the fullness of your youthful lips or even add the volume you’ve always wanted but never had.

LADIES LOVE THEIR LIPS… It may be the prevalence of lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, lip tint and other forms of makeup for the lips, but something about loving their lips makes ladies feel more feminine, sexy and confident. Most women’s desire isn’t for over filled duck lips of years past, but for nicely shaped, soft, naturally gorgeous red lips. 

LIFESTYLE CHOICES THAT YOUR LIPS DON’T LIKE… Are you a lip purser? When you’re thinking, sipping coffee or smoking a cigarette, this puckering motion can exacerbate those fine lines around the mouth. Along with loss of collagen and elastin, this repeated action contributes to lip lines. Lip lines not only age the face dramatically, but cause the annoying “lipstick bleed” where lipstick will creep beyond your normal lip lines. Other causes of lip lines, loss of shape and lip color include:

• Sun damage
• Poor skin care
• Dehydration

LIP ENHANCEMENT WITH HA FILLERS… Volume can easily be restored with hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables, e.g. Juvederm. Juvederm naturally creates fuller, plumper lips because hyaluronic acid attracts water to the area. It has a smooth texture, and is FDA approved for safety, so this is a top pick for lip contouring. Although the change isn’t permanent, it is a safe, natural way to create a perfectly plush pout that can rejuvenate the over all appearance of the face.

GETTING THE RIGHT “LOOK” FOR YOUR LIPS… Lips that look “over filled” can be stiff or bumpy and unnatural. Soft, supple, kissable lips should be in harmony with the whole face. Even small amounts of filler enhance the contours of your natural lip shape. Here are some suggested proportions for a nicely contoured lip:

• slightly fuller center part
• well curved Cupid’s bow
• lower lip about twice the size of the upper lip, rather than the same size

LIPS LIKE EXPERT INJECTORS… Achieving luscious, harmonious lips are best accomplished at the hands of an expert injector. I am a board certified physician, specially trained to perform injectable filler treatments. It is crucial to understand the complex facial anatomy, know which product to use, and know how to create ideal results with fillers, such as Juvederm.

Lip enhancements are one of the most popular Valentine’s Day treatments I perform this time of year. This quick, no down time procedure can give you those luscious lips that you and your significant other will love. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule your appointment today.

Dr. Davison

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

COSMETIC and PLASTIC SURGERY TRENDS FOR 2015 

Some of the hottest procedures of 2014 will continue to grow this year, but there are some new predictions about what will be “in” for 2015. Last year buttock augmentation and neck rejuvenation showed some of the greatest increases. So what is in store for this year? Read on to learn about the trends for 2015.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM… Increasing over 50% in previous years, the popularity of the buttock augmentation will continue to grow. The safest way to improve shape and volume with a buttocks augmentation is from using your own excess body fat. Fat grafting is rising in popularity, but it’s very important to choose a surgeon such as myself, who understands the art of body sculpting and has the surgical skill to achieve each individual’s desired result.

Also, the neck lift and neck liposuction will continue to grow, as people realize that no matter how smooth and wrinkle free the face is, a droopy neck and jowl is a sure tell tale sign of age. Depending on the specific concern about the neck, there are a variety of techniques to smooth, lift and thin out this area and restore a youthful, elegant neck profile.

MORE FOR MEN… Men aren’t missing out on the opportunities that come from looking young and healthy. They are looking for more kinds of procedures ranging from non invasive to plastic surgery. Gynecomastia (male breast reduction) has risen as have facial procedures. Men tend to prefer “in and out” procedures that don’t keep them from productivity, especially line smoothing injectables like Botox, so much that Botox for men has been nicknamed “Brotox.”

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE MOMS… After sacrificing their body to grow and nurse the miracle of a baby, moms deserve to feel good about themselves. This has led to an increase in Mommy Makeover procedures to help them return to their pre pregnancy body. Mommy Makeovers can restore confidence, the feeling of body normalcy and beauty. This can mean different things for everyone, but usually includes a combination of procedures like a tummy tuck to tighten the stretched out abdomen muscles, liposuction to address baby weight that just won’t go away, and breast augmentation to create a more harmonious upper body.

FILLING IN THE FACE…The effect of volume loss on an aging face is becoming more and more understood by the general population. Facial contouring to restore volume can make a subtle yet significant difference in the youthful appearance. Fillers like Voluma XC are perfect for cheek augmentation that can provide a slight lift to the entire face, even decreasing the appearance of marionette lines.

LUSCIOUS LIPS… This popular treatment will likely remain a top request for 2015. Although, the trend is changing so that more and more requests are for a natural looking fullness rather than the over filled lumpy lips of years past. This more natural lip look can be achieved with (lip augmentation) involving the judicious injection of hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm.  Do this now to look fabulous for Valentine’s Day.

What will your new look be in this new year? If you’d like to discuss any of these popular procedures for 2015 or another more personalized need, please schedule a consultation with me. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Dr. Steven Davison

Love Your Selfie in 2015

Have you mastered the art of taking a “selfie” yet? These self portrait photos, taken on cell phones, are over populating the newsfeeds of Facebook and Instagram. With the proliferation of the selfie comes a higher self consciousness of the actual image we portray of ourselves. More now than ever, people see pictures of each other through social media on almost a daily basis.

COSMETIC PROCEDURES DUE TO RISE IN SELFIES… One in three plastic surgeons found an increase in procedure requests due to patients’ social media awareness per a recent poll by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty and hair transplants had increased from 6 to 10% from 2012 to 2013.

SELFIE SPECIALTY SURGERIES… Straight noses, bigger breasts and flatter stomachs are still in high demand. And, plastic surgeons are now being asked to correct imperfections that have been brought to our attention due to “social media selfies.” Posting a nice photo of you wearing your new sky high heels will show off your calves, feet, and ankles. If you’re unhappy with how these look, your concerns can be addressed with a calf augmentation; while trimming the ankle fat with microliposuction or even injections in the toes for nice toe cleavage. Hand makeovers are more in demand so that people can more confidently show off some new baubles on their fingers or wrist.

So do you want to take more selfies that you love in 2015? If so, here are some tips for looking great in these self portraits on social media.

KEEPING IT REAL… A real and natural appearance is the Most people want their selfie to look like themselves, just a more youthful, better version. People want more fine, naturally flawless results to look like the best they can for their age. For some people, this may mean more subtle breast augmentations or nose jobs to correct a slight dip in the bridge.

If you feel like you look tired and older than your age, we can talk about an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) or injections to the tear troughs to brighten and rejuvenate the eyes.
– To correct a thin lipped smile, we can easily plump your pout with hyaluronic injections like Juvederm.

– Voluma XC is great for a cheek augmentation to give the face a mini non surgical lift and to address marionette lines.

– Double chin can be smoothed and tightened with liposuction and a chin lift.

– Get curves in the “right places” with butt and breast augmentations.

– Liposuction and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) flatten and tighten your midsection so that you can take full body mirror selfies without the belly bulge stealing the show.

HOW TO TAKE A GREAT SELFIE…Here are some tips from the photography experts:

Be yourself, relax and act natural.
Avoid “duck lips” and hand signs.
Slightly angle your face to one side for a slimming effect.
Take the photo from slightly above eye level for a sleek jawline.
Pay attention to what’s in the background.
Natural light is best, but watch the position of the sun since it can cast shadows on the face.

Come in for a consultation so we can discuss how to help you get a selfie you love in 2015. www.davinciplastic.com.

Happy New Year 2015!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon