Very few surgeons are truly qualified to perform the complicated procedure of Revision Rhinoplasty. Revision or Secondary Rhinoplasty is a correction, whether functional or aesthetic, to the unsatisfactory results of a previous Rhinoplasty (Nose) surgery.

WHEN TO GO FOR THE REVISION… Typically, the recommendation is to wait a year after the original Rhinoplasty so that there is ample time for healing and the nose to “settle” into its new anatomy. There can be a shorter duration to this recovery time depending on the extent of the previous surgery, which can be discussed during the consultation.

Although the decision should not be made lightly, you should consider a revision if you have any of these issues:

• persistent breathing problems
• nose still too large
• still a bump in the bridge
• new nose not in balance with the rest of the face
• too much removed
• tip of your nose needs better refinement
• tip is deflected off to one side (“twisted tip”)

WHY IS REVISION RHINOPLASTY MORE COMPLICATED?

• Changes to the typical anatomy and geography of the nose due to cartilage removal during the first surgery
• There may not be enough cartilage in the nose to work with and it has to be borrowed from behind the ear, which also requires extra incisions
• Navigating the scar tissue in the nasal lining from the primary surgery
• There is a higher risk of developing little spider veins in the nose called telangectasias
• All of these issues increase the variables and the amount of time in surgery

SURGICAL EXPERIENCE IS CRUCIAL… It is possible that the problem resulting from the original Rhinoplasty may not be the fault of the original surgeon. Anatomical variations and the healing process aren’t under their control. Although, the actual surgery is under the surgeon’s control, which is why you need the most experience surgical hands for the best possible outcome. This is especially true with navigating the altered anatomy and scar tissue present during a revision Rhinoplasty. It requires not only skill, but an artful eye, as well.

CHOOSE A SURGEON WHO:

• IS Qualified with expert training (I’m triple board certified in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck surgery, Facial plastic & General plastic surgery)
• Has many years of experience with many surgeries (almost 2 decades of surgical experience)
• Does them regularly – Our patients come from across the country to have revision rhinoplasty  – using my advanced techniques and honed skills…

This is one of those surgeries where the extra care and attention I give to my clients is crucial for discussing expectations, changes and the best technique to accomplish the goal of the Revision Rhinoplasty. To schedule a consultation to get the nose you desire, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Baord Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Do you have trouble breathing through your nose? One of the possible causes is a deviated septum. This can happen as a result of genetics or an impact caused by an accident or athletic event. A deviated septum makes breathing difficult because the bone and cartilage that is supposed to be down the center of the nose that divides the nasal cavity in half is crooked or drastically off center.

• The best way to confirm a deviated septum is to see a specialist like myself. The following are common symptoms of a deviated septum:
• nasal congestion on both sides or one side being more congested than the other
• difficulty or loud breathing
• repeated sinus infections or constant postnasal drip
• aching in the head or face
• issues with breathing during sleep, such as snoring or sleep apnea
• nosebleeds

The specific surgical procedure to fix a deviated septum is called a Septorhinoplasty.
TREATING A DEVIATED SEPTUM

Septoplasty is often combined with Rhinoplasty, or nose job, to correct the external effects of the crooked insides. The combination of these two procedures is called a Septorhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures and in the hands of a skilled surgeon like myself, the results can help you breath easier from both physiological and aesthetic improvement. Anyone in good overall health is a candidate, although for children needing septoplasty, it is preferable to wait until after the nose has stopped growing around age 15.

WHAT DOES SEPTORHINOPLASTY INVOLVE?
Septoplasty: By working through the inside of the nose, a small incision is made in the septum. The breathing canals of the nostrils are evened out by removing the excess bone or cartilage. Soft gauze or internal splints stabilize the nose as it heals.
Rhinoplasty: This portion of the procedure corrects any cosmetic imbalances in the bridge or nostrils to improve the nose’s appearance and overall harmony of the face. This recontour of the nose improves functionality and appearance to give optimal performance and confidence.
Both are performed on an outpatient basis and using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s health conditions and preferences.
RECOVERY… Oral pain medication will help mitigate the discomfort from either surgery. Septoplasty recovery should be within a week. Rhinoplasty recovery from bruising, swelling, and incision healing is longer than Septoplasty alone. It’ll last about a week or two, although some people can return to work after 1 week. Either way it’s recommended to rest of the head elevated to help with swelling. Even after the initial Rhinoplasty recovery of about 2 weeks, patients should refrain from intense exercise and contact sports for at least 1 to 2 months. This makes it imperative for athletes to correct their deviated septum in the “off season.”
Whether you’re just having trouble breathing or would also like to improve the external appearance of your nose, we can discuss which surgery technique is best for you. Please visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

One in every five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime and every hour…one person in America dies from skin cancer. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and it is preventable/treatable.

National Skin Cancer Awareness is promoted by several organizations such as the National Cancer Institute, Skin Cancer Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Dermatology. I won’t belabor the facts…just want to remind you of them and offer some helpful and important tips for skin cancer prevention.

Review of Skin Cancer Facts:
– We try to raise the public awareness of the importance of prevention, early detection and immediate treatment of skin cancer. They are: 1) basal cell, 2) squamous cell 3) melanoma.
– More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in more than 2 million people.
– Melanoma (unlike other cancers) has a wide age distribution…it occurs in young people & seniors.
– Rates of occurrence increase with age- they are highest among 80 years olds.
– One bad burn during childhood doubles the risk for getting melanoma skin cancer later in life.
– Skin cancer is the most deadly for African Americans, Asians & Latinos.

RISK FACTORS
Everyone is at risk…but some people with certain factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. The risks include:

Lighter natural color skin
Family history of skin cancer
Personal history of skin cancer
Exposure to the sun through work & play
History of sunburns early in life
Skin that burns easily freckles, reddens easily or becomes painful in the sun
Blue or Green eyes

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PROTECTION/PREVENTION
1. AVOID the sun between 10am and 2pm…this is the when the rays are at their peak
2. Damage occurs all day long…so be wise and use sunscreen or sunblock
3. Take more precautions when it is hot, humid and windy as these conditions enhance harmful effects of UV rays
4. Cloudy day are dangerous days…we tend to be out more, longer and use less protection. Understand that UV Rays pierce the clouds and cause serious damage (burns)
5. TANS are NOT healthy! No tan, whether from sun exposure or tanning beds, is healthy. The darkened skin is merely a protective measure (performed by your skin). It provides only minimal levels of protection and does not cancel out the need for using other sun protective methods.
6. Short Term Symptoms of over exposure include: blistering, peeling, tanning
7. Long Term Symptoms= increased risk for skin cancer along with dry, wrinkled skin.

Early diagnosis & immediate treatment can mean the difference between
life and death…when dealing with melanoma skin cancer.

Please read and heed this important information.

Ask us to recommend top of the line products to protect your precious skin…and allow you to enjoy your fun in the sun.

Dr. Steven Davison

At DAVinci…
I combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your summer!

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

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

Since I just finished writing about the Lower Face, I thought we’d work our way up to the Mid Face and review what we can do to rejuvenate the whole face by working on this often overlooked area. Most people start to notice gravity’s affects on their brows and upper eyelids, but the subtle effect of volume loss and sagging skin in the Mid Face or cheek area can have a ripple effect to simultaneously age the eyes and the lower part of the face.

EFFECTS OF AN AGING MID FACE… Bone loss and fat loss in the cheek area starts to become evident for most people in their 40s. This can show itself as a flattening of the cheeks. The drooping of the mid face can cause a hollowing look under the eyes as the smooth contour from lower eyelids to full elevated cheeks diminishes. The sagging skin also ends up causing nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and more prominent creases around the mouth.

OPTIONS FOR MID FACE REJUVENATION… Depending on what level of bone and fat loss you’re experiencing, the remedies can range from a non invasive to a varying degree of surgical options. During your consultation time, we will be able to determine your goals and which option(s) is best to accomplish them. Here’s an overview of the top options for correcting Mid Face aging:
1. Liquid Face Lift with the hyaluronic acid injectable Juvederm Voluma XC is a painless option that is great for milder cases of Mid Face aging and requires no downtime. This can effectively deliver improvement in cheek volume and youthful contour while minimizing the fine lines around the mouth, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Results would last about 8 to 12 months.

2. Midface Mini lift is a relatively minor surgery for moderate cases of Mid Face aging. It takes several years off your appearance by restoring youthful elevation and fullness to the cheeks, while smoothing folds and wrinkles in the Mid Face and deeper nasolabial folds. It doesn’t address the lower face issues like a full Face Lift would. Recovery time …to resume work and non strenuous daily activity is usually about a week after surgery.

3. Cheek Augmentation uses an implant to improve the overall look of your face to achieve those full, high cheek bones or it will restore the cheek contour of your youth. The filling and lifting effect in the cheeks will have a gentle pull on the sagging Mid Face skin to also soften or eliminate deep nasolabial folds. Recovery takes about a week, but the results of the beautiful contoured cheeks are permanent.

4. Face Lift is a comprehensive approach to the more severe effects of aging. Depending on the kind of Face Lift, it can address every area of the face from the forehead down to the neck. Face lifts correct fat and bone loss, and sagging skin and muscles to take 10 years off your appearance. You can see the blog series from February for more details on Face Lifts or… visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Stay Healthy!

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

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.

Despite more emphasis on female breast augmentation, Male Breast Reduction Surgery is a sensitive yet important issue to help boost the self image of many men. About 40 to 60 percent of all men have some degree of Gynecomastia, or womanly breasts. Male Breast Reduction Surgery can restore a sense of manliness and confidence, especially coming into the spring and summer swimsuit seasons.

CAUSES OF GYNECOMASTIA…This common condition usually begins in adolescence. Some possible causes include:
Puberty
Obesity
Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Gilbert’s Syndrome
Aging
problems with testicular hormone production
prescription medications
anabolic steroids
impaired liver function

SAY GOODBYE TO GYNECOMASTIA… Social angst about the feminine appearance of your upper body can be replaced with confidence with a flatter and firmer chest area. Male Breast Reduction surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin to create a masculine chest contour. Creating a natural looking, manly chest area is an art in the hands of an expert, triple board certified surgeon like myself.

STEPS OF MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY…After our consultation to discuss your desired outcome and all that encompasses Male Breast Reduction, the surgical date will be set. Usually this surgery is performed in our state of the art surgical center…equipped with the most advanced technology and surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia.

What to expect:

If liposuction is used, I will make a tiny incision, or a larger incision if excision (scalpel) removal is required.
The incisions will be made on the edge of the areola or in the armpit. Your scars are inconspicuous.
Once the fat is liposuctioned or excised, excess skin will be removed.
The chest is then sculpted into a masculine appearance.

RECOVERY FROM MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY… Final results are enjoyed after all swelling resolves in about 3 months. In the mean time, as with most any surgery, you will experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort, although this is short in duration. During the 2 to 3 days after surgery, the major part of these symptoms will subside and are easily mitigated with oral pain medication. It is even common for men return to work within 1 to 2 days after surgery, as long as the job doesn’t require heavy lifting. For the best recovery results, you will need to avoid:

-sexual activity for about 1 to 2 weeks following surgery
-heavy exercise for about 3 weeks
-job or physical activity that could cause a blow to the chest
-sun exposure to prevent darkening the scars

For most men, the upper body, including the chest is a major contributor to their feelings of masculinity. This surgery can have a significant, permanent effect not only physically, but emotionally in regards to self confidence and performance.

Get your firm, flat manly chest in time for the swimsuit season by scheduling a consultation today. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Let’s Talk Soon!

Steven Davison M.D.

DAVinci Plastic Surgery

Washington, D.C.

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