In addition to an increased awareness of neuromodulators like Botox, there is another major category of injectables called “fillers” that have become mainstream. They address wrinkles and other cosmetic issues related to volume loss. Fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, use hyaluronic acid to restore volume, but even within these popular fillers, there are a lot of options for different uses. We will talk about these fillers and some others in this blog.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

The hyaluronic acid in these injectables is made from a safe bacteria protein. It is a modified, safe form of the hyaluronic acid that naturally forms in the skin. It attracts and bonds to water, creating a plumping effect within the injected area. It has the highest safety profile of all the injectables and contains no DNA from animals or humans. It is unlikely to induce an inflammatory or allergic reaction because it is similar to the natural hyaluronic acid created by the body.

What is the difference between Juvederm and Restylane?

Both are FDA approved HA fillers for smoothing the nasolabial fold (from the outer crease of the nostril down to the outer corners of the mouth) and are used “off label” effectively to restore volume in other areas. They both have an excellent safety and efficacy track record.

The main difference is the consistency. Juvederm is smooth and Restylane is granulated. They both come in a variety of thicknesses to accomplish effective revolumizing of different facial areas. Depending on how your body metabolizes hyaluronic acid, Juvederm will probably last a little longer, but this is not the case for everyone. Clinical trials demonstrate different kinds of Juvederm lasting from 1 to 2 years and Restylane lasting from 6 to 18 months. Both are excellent products, but may be better for different applications.

I would spend more time concerned with choosing an expert injector who is very familiar with correct and effective application of these products (such as who we have on staff) and let them make the recommendations. However, just so you can be familiar with all your options, here is a list of the different kinds of Juvederm and Restylane, along with their best applications.

Juvederm

• Juvederm Ultra XC adds natural feeling and looking fullness to thin lips.
• Juvederm Volbella XC plumps the lips subtly and smoothes the appearance of fine lip lines.
• Juvederm Vollure XCtreats moderate to severe facial wrinkles around the mouth and nose, such as mouth corner lines, marionette, and parenthesis folds.
• Juvederm Voluma XC is the longest lasting option for restoring youthful volume to cheeks and midface.

 Restylane

• Restylane Defyne smoothes out the deeper facial creases and wrinkles, while still allowing for movement in areas that need it, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
• Restylane Refyne offers the flexibility needed to maintain natural movement while filling in mild to moderate nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
• Restylane Lyft is FDA approved for restoring volume to the cheeks and midface area. It contains a numbing agent to reduce treatment discomfort.
• Restylane Silk is administered using an ultrafine needle to enhance accuracy for adding volume to the lips.

These are excellent fillers that can accomplish beautiful, rejuvenating results. Next week we will cover the remaining to injectables that are safe, effective and available at our office. Schedule your consultation today 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

Injectable Fillers are the number one cosmetic procedure performed in the US today. You may see them advertised as Liquid FaceLifts, Fillers FaceLifts or a title coined by a surgeon including his name. No matter, they all have a few things in common:
– they are non surgical
– no downtime is required
– they promise a more youthful appearance – absent lines and wrinkles
– they are injected under the skin to plump up and re-contour sagging skin

BOTOX – of course is a name everyone recognizes today and it is the most well known of all the fillers. It is the lead product with many uses of its own but is also used in combination with other fillers for more desirable, long lasting results.

A Brief Primer on Fillers:

JUVEDERM – is made from hyaluronic acid. HA (for short) is a natural body substance that attracts and retains 1,000 times its own weight in moisture. When injected under the skin it also binds with collagen and elastin thus transporting essential nutrients to the treatment area while plumping up and recontouring. It is not derived from animal sources.
Juvederm is effective in treating moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles.

RESTYLANE – is also made from hyaluronic acid (HA) and works well to correct moderate lines and wrinkles. It’s commonly used with Botox to enhance your desired results.

PERLANE – comes from the makers of Restylane but is a modified option using larger gel particles that are more effective in filling those deeper folds by increasing facial volume. Perlane is a top choice for “lip augmentation.”
SCULPTRA – was formulated specifically as a treatment option for facial lipoatrophy. Lipoatrophy is a condition that causes sunken cheeks, indentations and hollow eyes. Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid and does not migrate or causes damage to surrounding tissues. Visible results from Sculptra injections appear gradually over a few months and from three to five treatments are needed for these results.

AUTOLOGOUS FAT – is one of my favorite filler options. This method uses your own body fat to treat lines, wrinkles, fat loss etc. in many body areas. Because we are using your own natural body fat – the risk of reaction and/or rejection is rare. It is reabsorbed by the body over time, so repeat treatments are needed for maintenance…but over time the body rallies and self corrects to make treatments longer lasting and more effective. Results also look so natural.
Are you ready to “put your best face forward” going into this Spring and Summer. Get started now to look refreshed, rested and more youthful.

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

When you look at yourself in the mirror do you see dark circles, deep hollows, and tired looking eyes? If your hectic schedule puts extra stress on you and it’s showing, you can refresh one of the most underestimated areas of the face… to restore some youthfulness to your features: the tear troughs.

What are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough is the area under the eye that extends from the inner corner of the eye, arching down in a semicircle. The technical term is the nasojugal groove. When the tear troughs are sunken, they can cast shadows under the eyes that look like dark circles. This gives the face a worn out appearance. This sunkenness also ages the face by creating a visible separation from (this should be the smooth transition) the lower eyelid to the cheek.

What Causes Tear Troughs?
The skin under the eyes is very thin and delicate. It shows signs of distress more easily than thicker skin. It is also more prone to the aging effects of gravity. The tissue laxity and volume loss under the eyes, as we age, leads to the tear trough becoming more prominent. Also, as fat gets displaced from behind the eye, or possibly increases and bulges under the eye, this can accentuate the aging of the eye area.

How can the under eye be rejuvenated?
Try
get more rest
cut down on salty foods
minimize exposure to environmental pollutants

avoid rubbing your eyes so much

Options I offer to rejuvenate the eye area:
Rejuvenate with HA – Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
There are surgical options to reversing tear troughs, but more people prefer to try non invasive treatments first. This has led to the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as Restylane, Juvéderm. When injected on top of the orbital bone, the HA filler attracts water to restore volume. This gives the eyes a fresh, rested appearance – usually the next day after treatment. Results last 6 months to a year, and most people go right back to their daily routine with no downtime or recovery.

Side Effects? Some minor bruising or swelling is common with most injections. This can easily be lessened with an ice pack, and covered by Iredale mineral makeup.

Rejuvenate with HA – Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
There are surgical options to reversing tear troughs, but more people prefer to try non invasive treatments first. This has led to the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as Restylane, Juvéderm. When injected on top of the orbital bone, the HA filler attracts water to restore volume. This gives the eyes a fresh, rested appearance – usually the next day after treatment. Results last 6 months to a year, and most people go right back to their daily routine with no downtime or recovery.

Side Effects? Some minor bruising or swelling is common with most injections. This can easily be lessened with an ice pack, and covered by Iredale mineral makeup.

Subtle Solutions for Significant Youthfulness
Filling the Tear Trough is becoming more common as more patients are realizing that facial rejuvenation can happen from restoring volume loss in subtle areas such as the earlobes, temples, chin, melolabial folds and tear troughs.  One can definitely see a more rested, fresh, and youthful appearance for the whole face by applying HA fillers to rejuvenate the area under the eyes.
Ready to get your face refreshed for Spring. Call today to schedule a consultation to review your options now. Treatment now means you will be getting “rave reviews” from everyone you meet. Be ready for year end school event, work/career conventions, family reunions and more. They will all wonder…but no one will ever know…except you!

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified/Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

As an expert in Fat Grafting (also known as Fat Transfer), I’ve seen how wonderful this completely native material…from your own body can naturally enhance features without the use of foreign substances. It does require great skill to be used correctly and does have some limitations. But for my natural minded patients, this could be a great option for facial volume loss and the Brazilian Butt Lift, as I’ve previously written about. Depending on my patient’s expectations it can even be an option for breast augmentation.

Managing Expectations of Fat Grafting
I like to have an extensive discussion of my patient’s expectations and their options with any procedure, but when it comes to breast augmentation, there are quite a few options to discuss. These discussions include what size breast would be harmonious for the body, the kind of implant, the type of incision used to insert the implant or whether to even use an implant. Often, fat grafting isn’t considered by my patients because it isn’t as widely publicized as implants, but I do believe that it can be a great option for many.Here are some of the reasons to consider Fat Grafting for your Breast Augmentation:
… It’s a completely natural substance coming from your own body.
… Because it’s from your own body, there is less chance of your body rejecting it.
…The results are as natural looking as you can get.
…There’s no risk of silicone leakage or integration into the body, so no follow ups years later and no worries.
…”Upkeep” surgeries aren’t necessary.
…No scalpel is required, as the fat is extracted and relocated to the breast with a needle.
…A minimal 2 to 4 day recovery time is needed, compared to weeks of recovery after a breast augmentation with implants.
…The fat used for the breast is taken from an area of the body that can spare some, so while you’re enhancing the breasts, you’re getting the benefits of liposuction elsewhere in the body.

Fat Grafting is a Less Invasive Option

When done by an expert in fat grafting, like myself, it can add natural looking volume to the breast without lumps, bumps, clumps or clusters. It also encourages a natural response, from the body, that makes it long lasting. No drainage ports, compression bands, or weeks of recovery while waiting for the pain to subside and the implants to “settle” into their place. A breast augmentation with fat grafting looks truly natural… after only a few days, when the swelling and bruising from the injections subside. And no worries if you’re needle phobic. You can remain totally comfortable while sedated under general anesthesia, as the fat is extracted from another area and injected into specific places in the breast.

Natural is Not for Everyone
While fat grafting can create lovely results, it does have limitations. It may not be able to accomplish the increase in volume or shape that some women are looking for, which is why there is a large market for implants. There are many safe options with implants that offer a beautiful and satisfying breast augmentation.

If you’d like to discuss your options for a breast augmentation, including the possibility of fat grafting, please schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

MYTH #6 Botox is Permanent

Some people actually wish Botox was permanent, but it isn’t. Your muscles, that have been relaxed by Botox, will eventually regain movement after about 3 months. Fortunately, the benefits of Botox can last for 6 to 12 while the muscle memory gradually returns.

MYTH #7 You are never too young or old for Botox

There’s not an age where Botox magically stops working, and not everyone’s skin ages the same, so there isn’t an exact age on when to start or stop Botox. As a matter of fact, some plastic surgeons report success with Botox patients more than 65 years old. Botox will always work to relax the muscles, but in older patients, it may not be enough or it may throw off facial harmony – if other treatments are not done in other areas of the face. On the other side of the timeline, I’d say there definitely is a lower limit on the age. I’d advise teenagers against it. There certainly is value to preventative Botox in the 20s, but until then, there really isn’t enough constant muscle movement to warrant this treatment for cosmetic reasons.

MYTH #8 The best time for Botox is when the lines appear

As stated in the previous question, there is surging interest in using Botox for wrinkle prevention starting in the 20s. Getting started early, rather than waiting until the wrinkles get deeper and more noticeable, can help you in the long run. Getting Botox early can also help make you conscious of the facial expressions that cause those wrinkles – and can raise your awareness to avoid or limit them. To not frequently furrow your brows or frown is a good habit anyway!

MYTH #9 You can become addicted to Botox
It’s true that you’ll probably love the results from Botox so much you will want to keep coming back. You’ll feel great about looking fabulous and won’t want to stop, but Botox has nothing in it that would make you physically addicted. There’s no “withdrawal” or negative side effects from stopping Botox. You’ll just return to your usual “wrinkling pattern” as before you started getting Botox treatments.

MYTH #10 If you stop getting Botox, your wrinkles will be worse

In contrast to how smooth your skin will be while getting Botox, it might seem like it’s gotten worse once you stop, but really, it’s just resumed the same muscle position as prior to receiving treatment. Once you start Botox, it will relax the muscles so the wrinkles seem to disappear. Even though they don’t actually disappear and normal development of wrinkles, with muscle movement will resume… they won’t be any worse.

I hope this has helped clear up any Botox “myths.” You can schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com if you’re ready to stop those wrinkles in their tracks and smooth out those lines with Botox. We can take care of you during a normal lunch break.
Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Most people are in a battle against fat, but fat can be your friend. I find that it is one of the best fillers for plumping areas that are sunken, hollow or flat. Using the body’s own fat by taking it from a place where it’s unwanted and putting it somewhere that needs it reaps a double benefit.

Fat as We Age… Isn’t it ironic that as we age, we often lose fat in the wrong places and gain it in unwanted areas. As a child, we have that “baby face” that includes round full cheeks, but as early as mid to late 20s the fat in the cheeks that keeps it full and firm already starts to degrade even though the narrowing of the face usually doesn’t appear until the 30s. In the 40s, fat loss usually shows itself as drooping in the midface that causes nasolabial folds and jowls. The face shape continues to change in the 50s and beyond as fat is affected by gravity and age.

Fat Vs. Other Fillers… Fat grafting is a very effective way to retain a youthful face by restoring facial contour and fullness. Compared to other fillers, fat produces longer lasting results. Additionally, it’s completely natural since it’s using your own excess body fat – that is refined, purified and relocated. This means that there isn’t the risk of an adverse reaction or allergy as with other injectables.

What Can Fat Grafting Do? Although one of the most common areas to treat with fat grafting are the creased, sunken parts of the face, it can be used to contour many areas of the body. It can enhance areas such as hands, breasts and buttocks. One of the more popular procedures recently is the Brazillian Butt Lift. I actually prefer to use fat grafting for this rather than implants, as long as there’s enough fat to take from another area of the body. I’ve also used it to successfully revise and minimize the appearance of scars, or other bodily depressions.

How Does It Work? Fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from areas that have some to spare, such as the outer thighs (saddle bags), refining it, and then injecting it into areas that need volume. It is very safe and provides long lasting results. It has minimal downtime and recovery, similar to other injectable treatments.

In Good Hands… Working with fat for grafting requires a lot of skill to extract and reinject it without lumps or sagging. I offer this safe procedure to many people every year…with great results. I know how to work with this natural filling component to create a lasting, natural look and feel. To schedule your consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com.
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

In the blog last week, I talked about the importance of a smooth, tight contoured neck and jawline for an overall youthful appearance. An angled definition between the jawline and neck creates a desirable, aesthetic profile. This week you’ll find out how different neck procedures can reverse different aspects of neck aging. If you are unhappy with any of these characteristics of your neck and jowels, then this blog will address the possible solutions for you:
• loose sagging skin
• excess fat
• vertical bands
• horizontal creases

LIPOSUCTION FOR EXCESS NECK FAT… If you have excess fat under your jawline, then you may have no face to neck differentiation. The double chin can also make the face look bigger and disproportionate. A good candidate for liposuction… to correct these issues should have good skin elasticity and strong neck muscles. This usually applies to my younger clients, who may be genetically predisposed for pockets of fat under the chin… that are unaffected by diet and exercise. In cases like this, the reduction of fat below the jawline can give the neck a longer, refined appearance.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN NECK LIPOSUCTION…Liposuction for the neck, formally called Submental Liposuction, involves using a cannula (vacuum tube) or a syringe to gently suction excess fat. Since there is only minor discomfort and bruising with my gentle methods, Submental Liposuction can be performed on Friday and you could return to work on Monday. Also, if planned beforehand, I can treat and purify the fat to be transferred, using my special techniques, to fill in lips or deep creases and wrinkles in other areas of the body and face.

NECK LIFT FOR OVERALL NECK REJUVENATION… Most of my patients, who are looking to rejuvenate their neck and jawline, require the multi faceted approach of a neck lift. The two main kinds of neck lifts that I perform are Cervicoplasty and Platysmaplasty. Both can include liposuction, but Cervicoplasty specifically addresses the limp and drooping skin. Platysmaplasty is a combination of liposuction with surgical removal of the stretched or sagging skin AND tightening muscles. The surgery is named Platysmaplasty because it includes correcting the platysma muscle that can detach and sag with aging.

Each kind of neck lift can address the midline neck correction of muscles that cause “turkey waddle.” It improves the chin and neck definition with the removal of extra skin and fat, and in the case of Platysmaplasty, the muscle too.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A NECK LIFT…. This 2 to 4 hour surgery requires tiny incisions under your chin and also possibly behind the ears. Sutures close the incisions and a compression bandage supports your neck after the surgery is performed in our state of the art outpatient facility. Mild discomfort easily managed with oral pain medication, will diminish a little each day along with any bruising, swelling and numbness. Stitches are removed within 7 to 10 days and you can typically return to work within 10 to 14 days after surgery.
A Neck Lift can be combined with a FaceLift or Eyelid lift, along with injectable fillers for a complete face and neck rejuvenation. Please contact me to schedule a consultation to discuss your face and neck contouring goals at www.davinciplastic.com.

Happy Spring!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Spring!

Steven Davison M.D.

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