There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about the sun and sunscreen…and with summer right around the corner, it’s necessary that I remind you of a few things to help you avoid burning or developing skin cancer.

20 Minutes Because You Don’t Even Realize You Are Burning Until It’s Too Late!
When I recommend limited sun exposure, I don’t mean for you to completely avoid the sun…but I strongly recommend protecting yourself from too much sun exposure which can quickly cause your skin to burn. The ideal amount is about 20 minutes every day, not in the heat of the day (10am to 2pm) when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.

Benefits of the Sun
Why 20 minutes? This is the average amount of time in the sun that our body needs to naturally generate a sufficient amount of Vitamin D3 – which has many benefits for the body both physically and emotionally.

Benefits of the Sun
Why 20 minutes? This is the average amount of time in the sun that our body needs to naturally generate a sufficient amount of Vitamin D3, which has many benefits for the body physically and emotionally.

Research on Vitamin D3 has demonstrated its ability to:
naturally fight cancer
boost the immune system
improve mood

Dangers from the Sun
While there are benefits from the sun, there are also dangers. The long term negative effects predominantly come from the ability of the sun’s UV radiation to damage cellular DNA. This leads to genetic mutation and cellular malfunction that causes premature aging, and ultimately can cause cancer. As our understanding has increased we’ve learned that we need to protect our skin from both the sun’s longer ultraviolet A (UVA) and shorter ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

A short blog…but powerful information that I want you to really get it.

This rest of this blog will follow shortly.

Have fun in the sun safely!

Steven Davison

Board Certified Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 14. Most moms sacrifice their bodies, sleep, possibly a lucrative career, and much physical, mental and emotional energy for their children. While it’s all worth it, most moms want to restore some of the youthfulness and refreshed appearance that has been given up to time and family sacrifice. This is why more and more moms want cosmetic procedures as their Mother’s Day gift. Giving the gift of youthfulness as a gift certificate or as a specific procedure, such as a Mini Facelift, is growing in popularity and can make for a very happy mommy.

Putting your best face forward
A Facelift is the gold standard of facial rejuvenation. It’s one of the most common surgical procedures I perform. There’s definitely an art to realigning the facial tissue so that the skin doesn’t look stretched or “wind blown” and lays in a naturally firmer, more rested and youthful position. Each surgery is unique due to individual facial structures and skin condition. For those dealing with the early signs of loose sagging skin who want a faster recovery time, a Mini Facelift could be an option.

What is a Mini Facelift?
A Mini Facelift is a shorter surgery with a hidden incision that is smaller than a full Facelift. It is best for those who have minimal aging of the forehead and neck and relatively good skin elasticity. You can simulate the effects of a Mini Facelift by placing a finger on either side of the jaw and pulling skin back toward the earlobe by about a centimeter on each side. It can also be a great refresher for people who’ve already had a Facelift.
What aging issues does a Mini Facelift address?
A Mini Facelift mostly addresses loose skin in the mid face that has dropped. It helps with refining the skin in the lower face for a smoother, tighter jawline. Marionette lines, which are the folds around the corners of the mouth, can also be slightly reduced with this procedure, although the nasolabial folds will not.
How is a Mini Facelift different from a full Facelift?
…..During the Mini Facelift, the sagging skin and tissue is repositioned and attached in a very slightly higher. These factors make the Mini Facelift very comforting to anyone weary of any complications or recovery from surgery:

…..During the Mini Facelift, the sagging skin and tissue is repositioned and attached in a very slightly higher. These factors make the Mini Facelift very comforting to anyone weary of any complications or recovery from surgery:

…..While there is some variance in what this procedure involves, the Mini Facelift primarily takes place above the parotid salivary gland, which reduces the risk of nerve damage.
…..The surgery has minimal downtime with swelling and discomfort resolving over just a few days to a week. It’s sometimes referred to as the “weekend lift” because the recovery is so fast.
…..Mini Facelifts are also performed using local anesthesia.

When  a Mini Facelift is not enough?
The success of a Mini Facelift requires firmness of the tissues otherwise results can be disappointing or short lived. A full Facelift will be the right choice in the case where there is substantial skin laxity and droopiness This procedure would require a longer recovery time and a larger incision, but the full Facelift would provide the desired results of a long lasting youthful appearance when there is more loose skin.

To see if a Mini Facelift is a good fit for you personally or to give as a Mother’s Day gift, schedule a consultation at our newly updated website www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Give Your “Ladies” a Lift

Sometimes your ‘ladies” start to migrate a little south, whether its from age, gravity, weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or another reason. As the skin stretches, volume diminishes and nipples start pointing to the floor, many women become dissatisfied with the aesthetic appeal of their breasts. Fortunately a Breast Lift is a permanent solution to elevating and rejuvenating the breasts. Often in combination with a Breast Augmentation or fat injections to help fill the volume loss, a perkier and more youthful chest can be achieved.

What does a Breast Lift Involve?
A Breast Lift reduces excess skin, tightens muscles and lifts the breast position and shape. In combination with a Breast Augmentation or fat injections, the volume and fullness can be restored too. All of this is done in proportion to your unique anatomy and desires. Since breast sagging, or ptosis, is evident as the nipples decline to a downward pointing position, the lift will specifically correct the breast, nipple and areola to a higher position.

Incision patterns for a Breast Lift:
Around the areola
Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (lollipop)
Horizontally at the breast crease

The best incision technique for each unique situation will be based upon these factors:
…Breast size and shape
…Size and position of your nipple and areola
…Degree of breast sagging (ptosis)
…Elasticity of the skin
…Amount of excess skin

Surgery and Recovery Expectations
Discomfort during this outpatient surgery is minimized using a local anesthetic with either sedation or general anesthesia. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, soreness and mild discomfort that normally resolves over a few days… or longer if a Breast Augmentation is performed as well. Oral pain medication can be used to manage any discomfort you may experience. The new position and shape will be noticeable immediately, although just as with a Breast Augmentation, it takes a few months for the new breasts to completely settle.
Let’s talk about how a Breast Lift can help you experience a more youthful shape and position of your breasts. Schedule a consultation today, www.davinciplastic.com.

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

Spring Break is nearly here and that’s the time many of my clients decide to “take a break” and freshen up with cosmetic procedures that slow down the appearance of aging and enhance youthfulness.  It’s a great time to schedule for surgery because you’ll have time  to recover without taking time off work or from college.

Here’s a list of the most popular Springtime procedures our clients request:

Breast Augmentation – you’ll be back to normal activities in about a week.

Liposuction – to sculpt the abdomen, hips, thighs or all three at once – this means 2 weeks out – but still a good time since you’re only taking 1 week away from your normal routine…Spring Break gets you thru week one.

Facial cosmetic options – Lip Augmentation,dermal fillers, Botox, Kybella and others are in great demand now.  These have little to no recovery time…or very short recovery in some cases.

Tummy Tuck – this involves removing excess, loose skin and fat as well tightening and strengthening the ab muscles.  This requires about 2 weeks of at-home rest but the results are so worth it.

Whatever your goals and desires may be, we are here to help you achieve them.  Turning back the clock is most effective when starting with the early signs of aging and then planning regular age reversing cosmetic options.  The key again, is to start early and then maintain in order to look and feel more youthful no matter what stage in life you’re in or what your age may be.

Happy Spring!

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

No matter how smooth, firm and wrinkle free someone’s face is – a drooping, weathered and wrinkled neck 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 seeing  signs of aging,  don’t worry – I can help. There are a variety of ways to rejuvenate the neck and take years off your overall aging 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 face and neck rejuvenation.  They are 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  and who still have good skin elasticity and strong muscles are good candidates for liposuction.
Cervicoplasty: This procedure is geared towards people only concerned with the double chin or excess neck waddle.
Platysmaplasty: A neck lift deals with more midline neck correction of muscles to improve the chin and neck, and the removal of extra skin and fat.

Without a doubt, the neck is a major contributor to an overall youthful  appearance. The aesthetics of a defined jawline and long flat neck is apparent in every magazine and on every movie screen. I will get into more details on each aspect of surgical rejuvenation of the neck in next week’s blog.

In the hands of a specialist like myself, 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 us today to schedule your consultation, www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

No matter how far out and down some people tilt their chin for photos… the double chin persists. With our current “selfie culture,” awareness of the under chin bulge is an even greater annoyance to an even younger group. While men and women of the more mature aged category can see drastic age reversing affects from contouring the chin and neck- I’m seeing an increase in inquiries from the younger generations who see their pictures and they also want a solution for a tighter chin and neck line.

This has led to an increased interest in nonsurgical options to remove submental fat. Recently I started a contrast of Kybella and CoolMini, both hot new nonsurgical options for battling the under chin bulge. The comparison continues here:

BEST CANDIDATES
Both Kybella and CoolMini are proven effective for obvious double chin, from mild to severe cases.

• Kybella does really well for people with good, tight skin.
• Looser, more mature skin may be better for the CoolMini since it has to suck the skin up into it in order to be chilled. Younger skin that is tighter might not allow for as much to be sucked in and treated. Also, even though both treatments have shown a slight skin tightening effect, neither can fix excess loose skin.

RESULTS & SIDE EFFECTS
Kybella conducted extensive clinical trials, in which 2 treatments – a month apart demonstrated about a 50% improvement in fat reduction with more treatments resulting in greater fat reduction.

CoolMini can freeze up to one third of the fat in the treated area, and up to 20% is usually seen in just one treatment.

…Both treatments require a little time for the full effects to be evident, and likely multiple sessions.

…Typically Kybella will take a little longer since each treatment is 4 to 6 weeks apart and the average person needs about 3 to 5 treatments.

…While results will be seen at about the 2 month mark with CoolMini, a second treatment is usually required about 3 months apart.

…Both are considered “in and out” treatments with mild side effects that vary for each person.

…Some people describe these treatments as very uncomfortable, while others give it only a level 3 of pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Patients will experience some swelling, soreness, numbness and redness, which may last a little longer from a Kybella treatment depending on how much is being injected, however any healing should be manageable with OTC pain meds and easily disguised with a scarf until they subside.

SURGICAL OPTION

While it is wonderful that non invasive options exist and are a great choice for some people, surgery may be the best option for others, particularly for people with loose skin due to age or drastic weight loss. In these cases, a neck liposuction and lift will trim the fat and loose skin for a completely contoured and youthful profile.

You will be amazed at how much a contoured chin and neckline will enhance your appearance. Schedule a consultation today to discuss the best options for you, by visiting www.davinciplastic.com.

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

While women will remain the dominant customer base for cosmetic surgery this year, more men are seeking cosmetic enhancements than ever before. Continuing with the trend in recent years, 2017 will see a rise in cosmetic procedures for men. 
Their perspective on it has changed and they see cosmetic surgery as helping to create a competitive advantage for a career and confidence boost. Also, men see plastic surgery and non invasive cosmetic treatments as part of their regular health care routine…like going to the gym or eating healthy.

Botox for the Bro’s = Brotox
While there is a growing set of procedures requested by men, the popularity of Botox for men has helped coin the term “Brotox.” Brotox can reshape a tired or gruff appearance into a more welcoming, friendly, rested look. Men also like this because there is no down time away from work so there is no productivity loss, only gain. Brotox is often done in our office during a lunch break or in between meetings. Also, Brotox allows for gradual minor changes that can be subtle. Men love hearing that they look more rested, happier or healthier without the person being able to put their finger on exactly what has been the cause of the change.

Move Over Mommy Makeovers, Here Comes Daddy Do Overs
The most recent years have seen a big increase in “Mommy Makeovers.”  These help women get their “before baby body’ back using a variety of procedures that help the areas that have suffered most during childbearing years. It’s a well deserved rejuvenation for women who have sacrificed physically and emotionally for the wellbeing of their family. While the effects are different for men, raising kids can take its toll on men’s bodies too. They want to feel and look younger so they have many more years to enjoy their children and grandchildren. This is why more daddys are choosing to get their own “Daddy Do Over” procedures as part of their health routine.

More Popular Procedures for Men…

Along with Brotox, Injectables, such as Juvederm, are most requested because they don’t require any recovery or down time. They minimize deep forehead creases, crow’s feet or nasolabial folds. They can also fill in pock marks to give the skin a smoother appearance.

Blepharoplasty reduces hooded eyelids, bulging under eyelids that can age and impede vision. This rejuvenates the upper and lower eyelids to rejuvenate a tired or gruff appearance.

Male Breast Reduction corrects the gynecomastia (male breasts) to sculpt their upper body and help restore their feeling of masculinity.

Men want that masculine “V” shaped torso again, which can help be restored with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) to remove fat and extra skin or Liposuction to remove fat, especially in areas like the gut and waist.

Through roughhousing and sports, guys are more likely to have their nose broken, which not only affect the appearance, but how they can breathe. Rhinoplasty can restore the appearance of the nose and breathing issues from nasal passage blockages.

Men still desire a strong chin as a sign of masculinity, which can be accomplished by a Chin Augmentation with Implants or Injectable Fillers. Also a double chin can be removed with Liposuction or Kybella.

Men, let’s talk about what I can do to help you with confidence, performance and satisfaction with your appearance and physique. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to set up a consultation today.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

There will be lots of picture taking at lots of social events and they will most likely end up on “social media.”  So….we all want to put our “best face forward” for those poses.  I offer a brief, few tips for great photos:

1. The Perfect Pout – this requires bright pearly white teeth and “plush lips.”  Juvederm is the most popular way to get that perfect pout with well shaped, lush lips.  Let’s talk soon!
2. Eyes Youthful and Bright… You’ve heard it said that you should smile with your eyes.  And if you’ve got some crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles, you can take years off your eyes with a little BOTOX.
3. Your forehead is part of your “T zone” and can often look shiny in pictures. Remember to always apply a light dusting of translucent powder to keep away the shine.
4. Do Away with the Double Chin…
One of the most common picture blunders.
   Use injectables like VOLUMA to restore volume and contour to the chin area.
5. You can also trick the camera into slimming down your face …  slightly tilt your head down and angle your chin out just a little bit. This gives the perception of a sharper jaw line and higher cheekbones.

6.  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.

Looking forward to an outstanding 2017….Best Wishes to You and Yours!

Steven Davison  M.D.

It’s About Moisture…

Cold, dry winter weather can really cause irritation, discomfort and… can age the skin if proper care isn’t taken. You invest in your skin with cosmetic surgery and non invasive procedures, so it is important to take extra care of your skin…especially when the weather is extreme.  Here are some age defying tips to help you keep your skin healthy and feeling great in all kinds of weather!

Conserve Moisture
There are many habits that can strip out the moisture from your skin. This dryness can be painful, itchy and contributes to skin-aging by stripping moisture. So – work on replenishing this lost moisture using a few simple steps:

First…some habits to avoid – and some to do:
….Hot showers or baths removes the natural lubrication and oil on the skin. Although a hot shower always feels good after coming in from the cold, try to keep it short and not too hot.
…..Cleansers and toners, containing harsh ingredients, strip your skin of natural oil. Real sudsy cleansers usually have a surfactant like sodium laurel sulfate, and the acetone in many toners can be too harsh, along with already dry conditions.

…..Use mild cream or gel cleansers and toner with no alcohol this time of year.
Sipping hot coffee and tea is so comforting when it’s cold out, but beware the dehydrating effects they can have. Most people only think to drink lots of water when they’re sweating and hot, but cold, windy air can be just as dehydrating for your skin. So, drink lots of pure water everyday!

Moisture Reinforcement
Not only do you need to be on the defensive when it comes to protecting your skin (during the winter) by not participating in certain drying habits, but you need to be on the offense to add the extra help it needs this time of year. Here are some ways to add moisture reinforcement for your skin:

…..Running the heat in a home strips the air of any moisture -counter this by adding a little water vapor back to your home’s air with a humidifier.
…..Diligently use moisturizer morning and night… your face and hands are most exposed to the elements, but don’t neglect the rest of your body.
…..Exfoliate gently to remove the dull dead skin build up … then you must moisturize that fresh new skin to keep it healthy and glowing.
…..Continue using sunscreen. Snow can actually reflect up to 80 percent UV rays. As skiers and snow sports enthusiasts know, you can get a sunburn in the winter.
…..Eat foods that encourage your skins moisture retention... rich in essential fatty acids like salmon and other “healthy fats” found in avocados and coconut oil.

I hope these tips help you save your skin this winter. We also offer medical grade, physician prescribed skincare, SkinMedica, which effectively addresses many skin issues and is essential for healthy skin maintenance. Stop by our office or visit our website www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Using fillers to rejuvenate the lips, cheeks and creases around the mouth.is common.  These are very prominent and important areas for a youthful appearance, but fillers for more subtle places can make a big difference in your face, too. A little filler in some of the inconspicuous places, such as the ear earlobes, temples and chin can make a slight subtle change that can improve  your overall appearance.  Here are three of those areas:

Earlobes
Earlobes are definitely not the first body part that comes to mind when thinking of ways to restore  youthfulness, but the earlobes show signs of aging just like the face and neck. Gravity and many years of wearing heavier earrings are the main aggravators of earlobe aging. It is important not to forget these little pieces of cartilage when getting treatments for your face. Thin, droopy, and even wrinkly earlobes look out of place when the face is smooth, full, and firm.

Fortunately earlobe support can be added with the plumping achieved by injectable fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane or Radiesse. This Fillers can also help a stretched out earring hole appear smaller. Botox can smooth out wrinkles and Sculptra corrects volume loss gradually but steadily. So, with immediate results and no recovery time, you can enjoy your earrings and this subtle youthful enhancement right away.

Temples
The area outside of each eye between the top of the cheekbone and the brow bone is the region called the temple. The hollowing of the temples due to volume loss can contribute to a tired, weary appearance. This is definitely one of those areas where a filler makes a subtle yet significant difference in highlighting the eyes and eliminating shadows for a rejuvenated face. Radiesse, Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane can all be options depending on the your face and desired results.

Chin
A well defined chin helps shape the face. It adds balance to the other facial features, and helps define the jawline and neck. A chin augmentation with injectable fillers is an excellent way to optimize the tightened, contour that the chin adds to the face. It can also correct an underprojected chin that you were born with or volume loss caused by normal aging.

We can restore a youthful appearance to the face and …while people notice an improvement… but can’t put their finger on what was done. If you’ve had other treatments and still feel like you dot have that look – that you need a little something more, come in for a consultation so we can decide if one of these subtle changes can make that difference for you… visit www.DAVinciplasticsurgery.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

You can do all the research on the best implant, placement and incision for your breast augmentation goals, but if you don’t have a board certified surgeon with experience and artistry, then your results likely won’t be what you’d hoped for. This is why it is so important to choose your surgeon carefully. What sets a surgeon above the rest?

Credible Education and Board Certified
The surgeon must have the appropriate training and certification. Board Certification is a must. When you choose a surgeon like myself, who is triple board certified, you can rest assured you’re in the best hands possible. I am the only such surgeon in the tri-state area and one of only a handful in the United States with this level of triple board certification.

So What Does “Board Certified” Mean?

Actually not all certifications are equal. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has the highest standards, and is what I’m certified by. With an ABMS certification, you can be assured that the doctor has voluntarily submitted to this extra process to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their field:
1. graduated from an accredited medical school
2. completed at least 5 years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
3. passed comprehensive written and oral exams

Caring and Concise Consultation
Since Breast Augmentation is the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery, I get a lot of questions on the many aspects of this highly personalized surgery. Even though patient knowledge and understanding of breast implants can give us a starting point, you’re ultimately trusting the first hand experience and practical knowledge of your surgeon to help you achieve your personal goals.

Part of that experience is the ability to listen and communicate about goals and expectations. I encourage my patients to bring pictures of what they want and don’t want. Also, you are welcome to see lots of examples of my work.  In addition to discussing your health history and the results you’d like, it’s important to get to know you in terms of your lifestyle. Lifestyle choices and activities, such as drinking, smoking, diet, vitamins/herbal supplements, working out, horseback riding, etc. are important factors.

Credibility Among Peers and Clients
Besides checking patient reviews, it’s important to consider what kind of reputation the doctor has in their field amongst peers. I have always been on the cutting edge of my field, as a professor, examiner, and writer of more than 100 clinical papers in my field. Also, I have given more than 95 national and international lectures. Some of my greatest acknowledgements have been:

… Receiving the nomination by my peers in the Washingtonian for both “Best Doctor” in plastic surgery and breast reconstruction

… Being rated currently as a Castle Connolly best surgeon and an “America’s Top Surgeon”
… Have the honor of my patients choosing me as “The Best Plastic Surgeon” of DC and “Number One Doctor” for many      years in a row

As you can see, you can trust that your Breast Augmentation is in the best hands with a surgeon like myself. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to set a consultation today.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Our Halloween Botox event is only 3 days away…it’s our “Bootox” – scare your wrinkles away party and you are invited!

You can trick the effects of time by smoothing out lines and wrinkles…and Dr. Davison does this with Botox and other amazing injectable fillers like SculpSure.

Call now to reserve your spot:  202 966 9570….don’t be scared and hurry!

See you there!

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon & Expert Injector