Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications of Breast Augmentation. It is the hardening of the breast area around the implant so that the tissue tightens. Depending on the degree of capsular contracture, the breast area becomes uncomfortable and distorts the look of the breast. The highest percentage of women who would experience this, do so within the first 4 years, but it can also occur many years after the initial Breast Augmentation. Certain kinds of incisions have lower rates of capsular contracture, as well as submuscular placement of the implant, rather than subglandular.

There are many studies that propose different ways to reduce the incidence of capsular contracture. One of them is a recent study that demonstrates using a Keller funnel for a statistically significant decrease in capsular contracture when employing a periareolar incision to place the impant. The rate of capsular contracture occurrence is highest within the first year when using a periareolar incision, so this istudy provides a welcome bit of information, and a confirmation to the Keller funnel enhancement to the “no touch” method that use.

When placing a breast implant using a periareolar incision, the cut is made along the circumference of the areola. This incision method is usually chosen because the incision scar blends right in with the demarcation line of the areola. The periareolar incision is the second most common incision site chosen by my patients, with the most common being along the inframammary fold (the bottom crease of the breast).

However, with the periareolar incision, the implant has higher chances of being exposed to bacteria from the milk ducts and skin. This creates a biofilm around the implant and inflammation, ultimately leading to a higher chance of capsular contracture. “No touch” techniques where there is no patient skin contact or surgeon glove contact on the breast implant has reduced the chances of implant exposure to unwanted bacteria. This lessens the possibility of complications.

The use of a Keller funnel for inserting the implant takes the “no touch” technique to another level. It is a mechanical insertion device developed in 2009 as an alternative to hand placement of the breast implant into the chest pocket. The Keller funnel is sized to fit the implant exactly. Once the funnel is lubricated, the implant is poured directly from the packaging through the funnel where it advances down into the pocket in the chest. The Keller funnel shields the implant from any bodily contact until it rests inside its final location in the breast.

Since there is a higher incidence of capsular contracture in patients who’ve chosen a periareolar incision for their Breast Augmentation, I’m pleased to offer the advanced “no touch” technique of employing the Keller funnel for placing the breast implants. As this new study demonstrates, this will result in less incidence of capsular contracture for my patients. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation for your Breast Augmentation.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Coming out of Breast Augmentation, there is much care taken for you to have the best results possible. A lot of complications can be avoided by putting yourself in expert hands. I’m triple board certified and specialize in Breast Augmentation, revision and reconstruction. You have the best chances for the best outcome with us.

One of the complications of Breast Augmentation that we strive to avoid is breast implant malposition. This is when the implants move out of their correct position, either immediately or over time. It isn’t extremely common, but when it does happen, there are usually a few reasons and options for correction. If you’re aware of them, you can help avoid or identify them as early as possible for correction with Breast Revision surgery.

Here is a guide for the possible reasons for implant malposition:

1. Not allowing yourself to properly heal. With the pressures to return to work and daily activities, especially for mothers, you’re faced with the difficulty of allowing your body enough time to heal. Everyone heals at different rates. This can take from 3 to 6 months, up to a year to completely recover. Taking proper care of yourself during healing and wearing the correct bra support is crucial. Usually breast implants are positioned high with the intention of them dropping, or “settling” into the proper place as they heal. Wearing underwire or push up bras during this time can prevent them from doing this properly and they could stay unnaturally high. This “riding high” malposition is usually a tell tale sign of Breast Augmentation and can also cause nipples to appear irregularly low or pointed downward.
2. Your body shape, particularly if the ribs are more prominent or uneven, they could push the implant into a different position even if the implant pocket is positioned correctly. Ribcage prominence and scoliosis are some things surgeon should take note of and make accommodations for in surgery.
3. If breast tissue is not strong, implant size can sometimes contribute to a low malposition where the implant seems to be falling out of the breast pocket. This isn’t the only reason low malposition occurs, but there is a higher risk of this with larger implants because the extra pressure can thin out the bottom of the breast pocket. The inferior position or “bottoming out” of an implant empties out the top of the breast of any fullness and often points the nipple too high.
4. Capsular contracture is the most common reason for implant malposition. This occurs when the tissue surrounding the pocket containing the breast implant hardens. This constricts the implant and pushes it into a variety of ways that can look abnormal and be uncomfortable:
   1. This could be one of the reasons the implant would be pushed upward.
   2. Implants squeezed laterally into the armpits will look unusually far apart.
   3. When implants are pushed inwardly toward the center of the body this is called synmastia. The breast could be positioned inward or the implant could slide out of the pocket and bubble under the skin to look like a “uniboob.”
   4. Capsular contracture could also squeeze the implant into an irregular shape with unnatural curves or indentions.

If you are experiencing any of these unfortunate malpositions, in the correct expert hands, Breast Revision surgery can restore your hope, confidence and your breasts to a beautiful, natural appearance. Let’s talk about how I can help you. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Everyone wants to have an idea of what they’ll look like after their cosmetic procedure. It used to be all conjecture, but fortunately now with 3D technology, you can get a really good idea of your results. I’m pleased to offer Vectra Breast Imaging as a state of the art imaging program to help in the process of creating the best Breast Augmentation results achievable.

See What Can Be… This state of the art computer program, along with our trained implementation of it, can give you realistic images to explore your options in a hypothetical visual sense of what your body could look like. This can better help you set your goals while allowing for the benefits and conditions of your options to sink in. This significantly improves your decision making ability by allowing you to get the best possible idea of what you could look like after your Breast Augmentation. We can also be sure to manage expectations and be on the same page for the best possible treatment plan.

Customized to You… Vectra Breast Imaging takes exact measurements of the current body contours and proportions, and uses this to adjust volume with just one click. The degree of change is highlighted with a color distance map. It offers 3D views from any angle of your body with superimposed images to see “before and after” views before the actual possible reality of it. This means you can seamlessly rotate from front, side and back views to get a complete picture. Also, the “before and after” views can be formatted in side by side or as a faded overlay.

Easy Consideration of Choices… This tool also allows you to compare multiple scenarios with different size and implant types. It uses the implant shape, size, placement and factors in gravity. Vectra Breast Imaging’s dynamic capabilities allow for the correction of ptosis (sagging) and breast asymmetry.

Visualize in Office and at Home… These images are not only available in our office consultation, but through the ViewMyConsult portal. You can visually soak in the different options and review treatment recommendations in the comfort of home. While I strive to offer a compassionate, complete, relaxed office consultation, these types of decisions have multiple levels of consideration and having all the information and images at your finger tips is so reassuring.

Vectra Breast Imaging empowers our patients with confidence, manages expectations, and improves our communication to get your Breast Augmentation journey off to a great start. But to make sure the actual outcomes are the best possible, you need to be in the best hands… our hands. To begin your successful Breast Augmentation journey with me, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

The more you learn about your breasts the better you can care for them and appreciate them. Here are some more fun facts to help you know more about your girls.

Side sleeping is best for breast shape. They even could use some pillow support while you sleep. This is just another reason that belly sleeping isn’t best for your body.

Breasts can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This happens because sweat can collect and the abundant oil glands above and between your breasts to make the area vulnerable to clogged pores and pimples. Prevent problems by wiping the area right after workouts or if you’ve been outside sweating a lot, and never staying long in sweaty bras because they can harbor bacteria that love dark, damp places.

They have growth potential through your early to mid 20s. This is especially important for younger women when considering breast augmentation. Though most breast growth does happen through the puberty years, they do continue to grow into early adulthood. How big they do get is actually determined by genetics from both parents. After the mid 20s, it’s unlikely for them to grow unless you gain weight, get pregnant, breastfeed (however they will go back down afterwards) or sometimes with birth control.

Nipples usually get darker during pregnancy. The body does this because it is anticipating breastfeeding the baby, which can better see darker colors. The darker nipple makes it a more visible target. No reason to freak out though, most women’s nipples lighten back to normal a little while after baby is born, while some may stay just slightly darker.

The creation of cleavage isn’t just based on breast size. While the larger ladies do have a cleavage creating advantage, breast shape and location on the torso also come into play. This means that the same cup size can vary in their ability to create cleavage. If the breasts are fuller in the outer breast or positioned wider apart, cleavage may not come as readily. A narrow torso, breasts set closer together or fuller in the center have an easier time creating cleavage.

Exercise can’t increase breast size, but the right ones can help their appearance. Breasts aren’t made of muscle, but they’re resting on top of muscle. These exercises can help firm up the pectoral muscles, which can slightly perk up the breasts: pushups, bench presses, dumb bell flies, medicine ball slams or pullovers. If this doesn’t provide enough of the lift and firmness you’re looking for, a Breast Lift can definitely enhance the positioning and perkiness of the breast.

If you’re considering any cosmetic surgery related to the breasts, it’s worthwhile to talk to an expert in this area. As a triple board certified plastic surgeon, I’ve had extensive training and expertise in all areas of Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction. Schedule a consultation to see how I can help you enjoy your desired breasts, by visiting www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Your precious pair can surely be assets of enjoyment and wonder. Hopefully, you’ll have your set for life, so it’s a great idea to get to know them more. Here are some facts about your bosom buddies that may be surprising.

Breasts have their own monthly cycle so there is a better time of the month to schedule your breast exam. Fluctuating hormones cause changes in breast tissue. Level hormones in the week after your period help even out any lumpiness or swelling, which makes it easier to diagnose any abnormalities. They’re also less sensitive, making the exam more comfortable.

You should be using anti aging cream on your breasts. Breasts consist of fat, milk glands and firm, connective tissue called collagen. As we age the glands shrink, collagen decreases and fat may increase. Along with gravity, this results in the drooping over time. It doesn’t help that the skin of the breasts is quite thin. This means that you shouldn’t neglect to moisturize your breasts and nipples and event can use collagen building creams to help keep the skin supple.

They weigh less than you think, but still need support. Surprisingly, with an A cup size, you’ve got about a half pound of weight all together in your breasts, a pound total for B cups, C cups add up to about a pound and a half, and about 2 pounds total for D. Even though it doesn’t sound like a lot of weight, the thin skin and loss of collagen with age, mean that it’s best to help your girls with supporting them with a bra, especially during exercise.

Nipple hair is completely normal. It’s very common to have 2 to 20 nipple hairs on each breast. Heritage, skin and hair darkness, and hormonal stages play a big part in how much hair each woman deals with. Generally, darker skin and hair on the head means more nipple hair. To remove them, waxing and plucking is completely fine, just be sure to clean the area before and after to prevent infection.

They come in different sizes, shapes and directions even on the same person. No one is completely symmetrical with any part of their body. Most women actually have their left breast with a little more tissue so it’s slightly larger. Also, nipples point in different directions and come in varying shapes and sizes.

Breast implants are more common than you may think because they can look more natural than you may realize. The statistics say that about 250,000 women get them every year and estimates are that currently 2 million women have them. While the extreme makeover cases get the most attention, most women simply wanting to go back to their before children breasts or just making slight improvements, with just a 2 cup size increase on average.

Learn more about your breasts and if you’d like to talk about improving them, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

When considering Breast Reconstruction after cancer, I will guide you through the possibilities for creating the most natural, beautiful breasts. There are a couple of different types of surgery that you may want to familiarize yourself with beforehand. These are the kinds of Breast Reconstruction surgeries available through my office. Some options utilize the body’s own tissue taken from areas with a little extra, such as the abdomen or thighs, and the others use silicone or saline implants.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator. This technique uses excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area. The incision is similar to the one used for a Tummy Tuck and can be easily hidden by clothing or bathing suit. Another benefit to this surgery is that it flattens the abdomen for an overall beautiful body contour. It spares the abdominal muscle and there is significantly less pain in the shorter recovery process. Since the muscles are in tact, the abdominal wall strength is not affected.

Tram Flap Breast Reconstruction

This is another technique that uses the abdominal tissue to rebuild the breasts, however the difference from the DIEP is that it does use abdominal muscle in addition to the skin and fat. The incision will still be discreet and hidden by the clothing or bathing suit, but recovery will take longer due to harvesting muscle. I am skilled in offering options within this surgery, which are to take the tissue connected to a blood supply, which is called pedicled, or not attached to the original blood supply and requires connection to a new one, which is called free flap. Both of these methods require immense skill and unique challenges. For example the pedicled technique is to avoid muscle rotation, which can create an abdominal bulge, and the free flap technique is even more intricate of a surgery as it requires successful reconnection of arteries using microsurgery.

Gracilis Flap Breast Reconstruction

This surgical technique uses excess skin and fat from the inner thigh to reconstruct a natural appearing breast. This can be done without taking any muscle, which it would then be called the Transverse Upper Thigh Flap surgery. Sometimes the inner thigh flap requires a small amount of muscle in order to assure an adequate blood supply to the flap. The muscle that’s used to do this is the gracilis muscle, which is what the surgery is named after. Unlike missing a part of the abdomen muscle, the gracilis muscle is often not missed unless you do a lot of exercises or sports mostly depending on quick changes of going side to side. A side benefit of taking tissue from the inner thigh is that it often can reduce inner thigh friction.

Latissmus Flap Breast Reconstruction

This surgery reconstructs the breasts using a flap of skin and muscle from the back of the same side as the operated breast. This living tissue is used to recreate the breast mound. It is mostly used for women who don’t have enough abdominal tissue or have had previous abdominal incisions. There are usually no complications and the blood supply is highly dependable. The use of the latissmus flap can be combined with implants.

Breast Reconstruction with Implants

Because of the familiarity with implants for Breast Augmentation, this is an option chosen by thousands of women each year who undergo a mastectomy. It is also commonly used for women who are thin and don’t have extra tissue to use. A major benefit is that this can be done sequentially under the same anesthesia as the mastectomy surgery, called immediate reconstruction. This process still usually requires 2 or more surgeries, as we will have to navigate unique issues with the skin stretching (possible loss of elasticity due to radiation treatments) and addressing scar tissue.

You can rest assured that I am using the most cutting edge and advanced techniques along with my immense experience to help guide you to the right surgical options for your Breast Reconstruction. Please schedule a consultation to discuss what might be the best option for you, www.davinciplastic.com.

Sincerely,

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 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

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.

One of the hardest situations in the plastic surgery industry is to have a patient’s results not go as expected. This may or may not be the fault of the physician, but the best results are directly correlated to the most credentialed, experienced surgeon. This is why it is crucial to only trust your face and body to an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon…someone like myself.
In my area, I’m the only triple Board certified plastic surgeon, a member of multiple prestigious medical societies, and a published professor at Georgetown University. Along with my many years of experience, compassion and patient care, these credentials have led to my ability to provide a very high level of patient satisfaction. As a result, I’m often called upon to correct the concerns that arise from unsatisfactory surgeries, at the hands of other physicians, and the unforeseen side effects that happen from improper healing.

For example, an occasional unwelcome side effect after beast augmentation surgery is Capsular Contracture. This occurs when the scar tissue that has formed around breast implants tightens and hardens around the implants to create an imbalanced external appearance. This means that the affected breast will look a different shape or be at a different height on the chest. While meticulous surgical precision can help prevent capsular contracture, as with any surgical procedure there will be scar tissue and there are factors outside of the physician’s control.
Here are some tips that can contribute to avoiding Capsular Contracture:

…Avoid smoking is one of the most predictable ways to reduce your chances, as you’re twice as likely to have Capsular contracture if you smoke.
…Two weeks prior to surgery, start taking Vitamin E and possibly Prednisone, a prescription corticosteroid drug.
…Breast implants in a submuscular position, or under the pectoral muscles, may be less likely to develop capsular contracture than when breast implants are placed in a subglandular position, or over the pectoral muscles.
…There’s a slightly higher percent of Capsular Contracture with silicone implants over saline.
…Upon the instruction of surgeon, massaging and compression of the breast implants can help keep the capsule flexible and loose.

Capsular contracture may develop at any time, but can occur as early as 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and usually not later than 6 months. It can affect just one or both breasts. Fortunately, it can be corrected with Revision Breast Surgery.  There is a special art and skill to correct Capsular Contracture… because of the difficulty of working with scar tissue. It’s a puzzle figuring out what possibly went wrong and then to skillfully correct it.

Revision Breast Surgery to correct Capsular Contracture can involve a variety of ways for releasing the interior scar tissue. These ways may include capsulotomies, capsulectomies, implant exchange or placement behind the pectoral muscle. A Capsulotomy is a surgical procedure that releases scar tissue without removing it from the pocket. This gives room for the breast pocket to expand, relieving the scar tissue contraction that is squeezing the breast implant. A Capsulectomy is a more aggressive approach, as it completely removes the scar tissue surrounding a breast implant. This procedure is more often used when the scar tissue is very thick and calcified or when a silicone breast implant has ruptured.

If you’ve experienced the disappointment of your breast augmentation not going right and want to trust your body to one of the leading plastic surgeons to correct it, please set up a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Medical Tourism is a big issue today in the world of cosmetic surgery. Even though it is a very popular trend – it indeed raises a lot of questions and concerns. Here I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of getting your cosmetic surgery done in a country or area -other than – where you predominantly live.

1. What is Medical Tourism?
   “Medical tourism” involves traveling to a “destination” for medical care. Cosmetic surgery is one of the top medical procedures today, along side dentistry and heart surgery – for which people travel globally to have their procedures done. Some of the positive reasons someone would consider traveling for a major medical procedure are:
2. Getting a cheaper price… often the main motivating factor
   Going back home… resident immigrants travel back to their homeland for a medical procedure – due to familiarity with the system or the government subsidizing the medical care for its citizens.
3. Specialty doctor or facility… choosing a particular doctor who specializes in a procedure – or a facility that offers resort style recovery accommodations.
4. Being near family… Family can help care for the patient during recovery. When they lives a great distance away, and family can’t travel to the patient – often the patient travels to them.
5. Surgery vacation… There is the perception that a vacation can be combined with the recovery process, so a surgeon is chosen based on the appeal of their location – as a destination vacation spot.

What are the risks of Medical Tourism?
While the benefits can sound appealing, there are serious risks that need to be considered. There are risks specific to certain areas of the world and the particular procedures performed there, but these are some of the general issues:

Language barrier and cultural expectations… can cause miscommunication. In my practice our communication during the consultation is crucial to get an accurate feel for what my patients want and for me to manage expectations. If you and your doctor don’t speak the same language – fluently, this significantly increases the chances of misunderstandings about the care, surgical expectations, and recovery. It can also be very frustrating and scary if complications occur.
Less oversight and stringency of medical standards… The medical industry isn’t well scrutinized in some countries. For example, disease transmission is a concern if doctors reuse needles between patients or have other unsanitary injection practices. Also, medications may be poor quality, old or even counterfeit.
Medical care during complications… If a complication arises requiring a blood transfusion, the blood supply in some countries comes primarily from paid donors – who may not be thoroughly screened. This puts patients at a higher risk for HIV or other blood transmitted diseases.
Rushing recovery… Some surgeries require weeks of recovery. Traveling can be difficult and stressful and it’s not wise to do so within the first weeks after an operation – since it can ruin the cosmetic surgery, disrupt recovery and cause complications. Also, travel by air after surgery increases the risk for blood clots.

It is so important to consider all things when deciding to whom you will trust your face and body. Please consider speaking to a Board Certified, highly credentialed and experienced surgeon like myself. To schedule a consultation, please visit our newly updated website www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon