I have special compassion for my Scar Revision clients, as many of them are suffering with scars that remind them of an accident, burn, surgery or past acne problem. Through specialized study and development of specifically honed skills, employing both surgical and non surgical options, I help my patients get the best possible results. With every Scar Revision, I strive to make the scars less visible for a more pleasing appearance, as well as to restore function to the affected area.

Here’s an overview of the most common Scar Revisions I perform:

1. Hypertropic scars are raised and often red tinted. They stay within the boundary of the original wound or acne zone. These are commonly the result of acne and can diminish over time.
2. Keloid scars are slightly more raised than hypertropic scars and can be rubbery, firm and sometimes itchy. They often look inflamed and extend beyond the boundary of the original wound. Certain skin types are more prone to this type of scarring, including people with dark skin tones.
3. Contracture scars are severe, occurring as the result of a loss of skin over a large area, such as from a burn.  This can affect muscles and tendons to restrict normal movement.

Some other scarring patterns are:

1. Ice pick scarring is the most common type of acne scar. They are designated by narrow pitted indentations.
2. Boxcar scars’ defined, angular edges in a box shape look very similar to indentations of chicken pox or vaccination scars. These occur most commonly on the temples or cheeks.
3. Rolling scars create a shallow, wide indentation that looks like the rippling of waves in the skin.

METHODS FOR MAKING SCARS BETTER… While it’s important to note that scars cannot be removed completely, they can be reduced and made to look noticeably better. If they are raised or depressed, discolored or they cause contour irregularities, don’t worry, there are a variety of options to help improve the skin’s appearance and function.

Based on the type of scarring… during your consultation…we discuss the options and expected results in depth. These are some of the methods we’ve had great success with:

1. Non Surgical

• Dermabrasion gently removes the top layers of the skin to smooth out surface irregularities.
• Dermal Fillers, such as Hyaluronic Acid, fill in sunken scars.
• Silicone Gel Sheets are clear coverings that help flatten hypertropic scars over time.
• Steroid Applications and Injections alleviate the itching or pain of keloid scarring. They are applied or injected into the scar to break down the skin’s collagen that has continued to produce even after the wound has healed.
• Vascular Lesion Treatment addresses the discoloration of scars by shrinking the blood vessels connected to it.

2. Surgical

• Skin Grafts are intended for severely scarred areas. It involves taking healthy skin from another part of the body to transplant to the injured area.
• Tissue Expansion stretches a patch of skin by inserting a saline filled balloon near a scar so that the stretched healthy skin is pulled over to cover the previously scarred area.
• Z-Plasty and Related Tissue Rearrangement Techniques reorient scars to follow natural lines and creases of the skin. This makes them less noticeable and relieves pulling or pressure of contracture scars.

My compassionate staff and I look forward to the opportunity to help you feel better about how your skin looks and feels. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Liposuction is the method most used for removal of body fat and sculpting those areas. Liposuction has changed over the years becoming safer, less invasive, more advanced and more in demand! Liposuction is the “Gold Standard”  for body sculpting treatments.

LIPOSCULPTURE AND BODY CONTOURING   Body contouring can flatten a tummy, give you a waist, remove the fatty deposit under your chin etc. and today’s revolutionary technology such can even result in skin tightening. In brief, body sculpting is a top cosmetic procedure and today’s technology  us to enables us to treat areas we could not before while getting truly beautiful, artful results. Read on for more info on popular procedures men and women are getting today.

KISS YOUR DOUBLE CHIN GOODBYE with your BEAUTIFUL NEW LIPS!  If you were among the many thousands of women who chose to have Injectable Lip Augmentation for Valentine’s Day…then you may now want to complement your gorgeous lips with a quick fix liposculpting neck job to enhance your lips for a more youthful, balanced look.

BODY SCULPTING TUMMY TUCK… TOP CHOICE AMONG WOMEN HAVING MOMMY MAKEOVERS and MEN WHO WANT THE BULGES to Disappear!!

Abdominoplasty is the surgery of choice for men and women who want to get rid of a bulging tummy.  Using liposuction to remove stubborn, resistant bulging fat is still among the top 10 most performed procedures after many years. Here are a few benefits:

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) restores proper firmness to the abs
• It tightens skin and relaxed muscles
• Flattens the stomach and sculpts it
• Can be a full, mini or marriage Abdominoplasty based upon your needs
• Commonly combined with other procedures
• See www.davinciplastic.com for complete info.

STOP WEARING CAMOUFLAGE TUNICS, FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF, FACE THE WORLD WITH CONFIDENCE, SUCCEED IN YOUR CAREER, GET THE BODY of your DREAMS and much more.  This is what happens to my patients who choose to get into shape, achieve health and proper body balance through body sculpting.  You can too.

LONG, HARD WINTER…is HARD on SKIN – It has been a brutal winter across the Nation.  The fluctuating temperatures, dry heat and wind can also be brutal on your skin.  I’ve given ideas in my last few blogs on how to avoid skin damage…please see those blogs.  Here are 6 foods to eat every day for great skin.

1) Oranges, grapefruit, kiwi and strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant skin saver, rejuvenator and protector. Vitamin C reduces inflammation that can lead to acne, protects against collagen breakdown that leads to wrinkles and even repairs sun damage to avoid sun spots.  Fresh is always best!

2)  Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries contain higher levels of antioxidants than mild colored fruits and vegies. Antioxidants fight free radicals. Eat lots of fresh berries!

3)  Poultry such as free range or organic turkey or chicken help boost the bodies collagen structure.  These high quality proteins help the body replenish natural collagen and the tryptophan found in poultry encourages restful sleep.

4)  Green Vegies also boost collagen production and protection. along with high doses of Vitamon C.  Dark colors are more nutritious.

5) Walnuts (especially) and other nuts are a great source of Omega 3’s essential for skin health.  Olives, Salmon and Avocados are as well, in case you’re allergic to nuts.

6)  Green Tea…yes it is a powerful antioxidant with benefits to numerous to mention!  Drink it hot or iced…but drink it.

OK…Stay well and let’s talk soon to help you get into shape.

Steven Davison M.D.

In just a few days February 2014 will be ushered in.  February is known for it’s “sweetheart” day otherwise called Valentine’s Day.  We envision hearts, cupids, Valentine cards, Roses, special chocolate treats, dinner in a luxurious environment, handsome men and beautiful women with gorgeous red, well shaped but soft and supple lips. For many women…the well shaped, pouty, soft and supple lips are a thing of the past, but they don’t have to be.  If you start now, you can have the lips of your dreams before Valentine’s Day (February 14).  Read on as I blog about Lip enhancement and other ways to restore beautiful, youthful lips now.

AGING LIPS, VERTICAL LIP LINES and more…

Lip puckering involves pursing the lips, a motion that forces formation of vertical lines above the top lip.  Along with this, loss of collagen and elastin contributes to lines, loss of lip shape and color.  This makes you look older and allows your lipstick to bleed beyond your lips.  These are contributors also:

• Smoking (regular/frequent lip pursing)
• Excess sun exposure
• Poor skin care
• Being under hydrated

These can be easily dealt with:  exfoliate away all dry skin, moisturize regularly, quit smoking, use sunscreen, get into a regular, healthy skin care routine, and stay well hydrated with at least 64oz of pure water everyday!  However, normal aging, minus the bad habits, inflicts losses in every part of the body… lips not excluded.  To get those beautiful, youthful lips back by Valentine’s Day, I offer these “hot” options.

LIP ENHANCEMENT to restore FULLER SHAPE for GORGEOUS, YOUTHFUL, SWEETHEART LIPS

Age related loss of collagen results in lines, mouth wrinkles, less shapely and less colorful lips.  Injectable Filler Lip enhancement is today’s top fast fix to minimize those lines and restore healthy, beautiful lips instantly, without surgery. Collagen causes facial structures to deflate and sag, hence the lines show up.  Hyaluronic Acid fillers offer dramatic results.  The results are not permanent but can be easily maintained while your body learns to regenerate it’s own collagen again.

ABOUT INJECTABLE FILLERS for the LIPS

When fixing your lips – stear clear of permanent injections and silicone; even though they may be FDA approved.  Permanent fillers often results in lumps and bumps which can require surgery to correct and silicone is permanent…so if you don’t like the outcome you just have to live with it.  You want avoid overfilling (Duck Lips) and under filling also.

HA fillers like Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane can create fuller, plumper lips.  There are two types of candidates for lip enhancement using injectables:  1) needs volume, 2) needs to balance their other facial features. Your surgeon must understand the complex facial anatomy and be specially trained as an “Expert Injector.” An Expert Injectors knows the face, the products and how to match the right treatment with each individual need.  Know before you go!  See my website for more info on Lip Augmentation/Enhancement: www.davinciplastic.com.

ABOUT COLLAGEN…Collagen is the foundation of all connective skin tissue.  It supports the skin’s structure, thus it is essential for youthful looking skin.  As we age, the body produces less collagen causing the skin to thin, lose firmness and form wrinkles. Choose your foods for collagen generation:  organic celery, cucumbers, tropical fruits, green drinks, tomatoes, citrus fruits/smoothies and more are excellent in helping the body make collagen.

In today’s economy more people are seeking ways to cut costs. Bargain Injectable Treatments have been proven to not be bargains!  Please don’t bargain with your face.  More on that next blog.

Let’s talk about your lip enhancement right away. 

Steven Davison M.D.

“All cosmetic surgery should be functional and all reconstructive surgery should be aesthetic and look as natural as possible.”

A SERIOUS LEVEL OF SKILL IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM INJECTABLE TREATMENTS and to GET BEAUTIFUL, DESIRABLE RESULTS. These are experts and are qualified to give injectable treatments:  Board Certified Plastic Surgeons; Facial Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists or Oculoplastic Surgeons, specially trained RN’s, CRN’s or PA’s who work directly under a surgeons supervision.  The KEY WORDs to look for in their advertising is:  Specially Trained Expert Injector.   These people have specialized training, are certified in injectables of every kind and have a vast knowledge base of their best uses, the risks involved, their history and much more.

PEOPLE NOT QUALIFIED TO PERFORM INJECTABLE TREATMENTS: include aestheticians, hair stylists, cosmetologists, dentists or medical professionals who have not been specifically trained to use today’s injectables. They are not Expert Injectors.

TRUST YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE:  The only place you should get injectable treatments performed is in your doctor’s/surgeon’s office or Medi-Spa within that office under the physician’s direct supervision.  DO NOT GET INJECTABLES AT YOUR LOCAL SPA or SALON!  They are not qualified nor medically equipped for routine injections or for emergencies in cases of injury or health complications.  They are not required to follow medically defined sterility and health standards and they are not supervised by an on site doctor who is responsible, trained and experienced.  HTTP://www.davinciplastic.com.

INJECTABLES DO PREVENT LINES and WRINKLES and LIFT SAGGING SKIN…Today’s injectables are truly amazing and they do achieve results either instantly or gradually and subtly.

BOTOX®  is the well known “denerving agent” used to smooth out existing lines and to prevent future ones.  FDA approved in 2002, Botox works by relaxing/paralyzing the muscles in motion that create smile lines, forehead lines, parentheses between the eyes and Botox, (Botulinum Toxin Type A) has been used therapeutically since the early 1950’s for treating spasms, uncontrollable blinking and  much more and today successfully treats chronic Migraine Headaches, excessive sweating etc. and is a leader in cosmetic anti aging treatments.

HYALURONIC ACIDS:  HA is a naturally occurring body substance that declines with aging.  Similar to a sponge, HA attracts and binds to water to keep the skin hydrated and well contoured.  Hyaluronic acid fills in the spaces between collagen and elastin fibers.  Replacing it with injectable treatments means putting back into your body a substance natural to and recognized by the body…it’s accepted, works well and restores youthfulness!  Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane are top choices to replace depleted Hyaluronic Acid.

COLLAGEN BOOSTERS:  These provide long lasting results while stimulating your own collagen production.  Sculptra offers results often lasting up to 24 months and is excellent for filling in hollow cheeks, under eye hollows, nasolabial folds, thin lips and is used in combination with Restylane e.g. to create smoothness around the eye and tear troughs. RADIESSE also is very popular as a collagen booster and provides long lasting results while your own collagen is renewed.

FAT GRAFTING/FAT INJECTIONS using your own body…when injected into targeted areas, plumps up, restores contour, fills in hollows and rejuvenates an aging face, hollow hands and more.  It’s natural, with no risk of rejection or reaction.  Results are subtle and continue over time.

BOTTOM LINE ON INJECTABLES:  We help you decide your best choices to achieve more volume, lifting, to banish lines and wrinkles and to restore a more youthful look!

READY TO GET STARTED…WE CAN HELP YOU PUT YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD!

BEST TO YOU AND YOURS,

Steven Davison, M.D.

“DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”

Injectable fillers used to be just…wrinkle fillers.  Today’s Liquid Miracles…the injectable treatments I am able to use for my patients not only immediately erase lines and grooves  but also “lift” and “contour” aging facial features and flaws for men and women.

Temples, brows, upper eyelids, undereye areas, cheeks, mouth corners and jowls are all easily treated and magically lifted.

How Do They Work?  

Injectable fillers like Radiesse work immediately by replacing volume and stimulating your own collagen renewal while attracting water to the treated area. Juvederm is used in areas requiring less structural improvement…such as under the eyes and for marionette lines. Botox is used to inhibit muscle action allowing forehead furrows to relax and smooth out and also prevents future lines and wrinkles.

Old Injectables V New Injectables

When first introduced, injectables were primarily used to fill in wrinkles.  With product advancement and refined techniques, they are used more widely with effective natural outcomes.

Aging Face…it shows

As we age, the different facial compartments “shift” and fat pads migrate downward (e.g. the cheeks) often being reabsorbed into the tissues. Constant volume loss from lifestyle, aging, illness etc, causes facial contours to change and become visible as lines, wrinkles, grooves, sagging mouth and more.

Reconstructing the face with fillers allows for the architecture (framework) of the face to be lifted, restoring the natural…youthful contours of the face.

Using today’s fillers and getting the desired natural looking and long lasting results requires specialized training, experience and skill.  I am a trained/qualified/experienced “expert injector.”

Summer Events…weddings, family reunions, family trips, class reunion, job interviews… etc… often call for Quick Fixes  Don’t despair…you have safe, effective, quick options without downtime and with results that will amaze you and dazzle the special people in your life!  See http://www.DAVinciplastic.com for more info.

Age Defying Facial Rejuvenation…How we do it:

• Shape the cheeks…seamlessly shaping this area with Hyaluronic acid and long lasting fillers restores youthful contour & a refreshed, natural look 
• Lift the Mouth…get rid of that downturned smile and look young again
• Smooth out the jawline…to lift it before it goes too far south to redefine this part of the face
• Open up the eyes…revolumize this area to restore that fresh, full look
• Elevate the brows…restore volume to this sagging, sunken area
• Define the eyes…restructure the undereye area to compensate for bone loss, fat and thinning skin

About today’s “Injectors”…

It’s true that you can walk into many spas and get Botox for example…but are you willing to risk possible bad results by having an unqualified person work on your face?  Know this:  there are over 1 million doctors allowed to perform injectables and filler treatments…in the US alone.  ONLY 3% of these are qualified to do so.  Choose wisely!

Summer fun in the sun can wreak havoc with your skin and face…we have options to correct it.  In the meantime…remember the hats, sunglasses, Obagi sunscreen, lots of cool water and shade.

Enjoy your family times…make lots of wonderful memories.

Steven Davison M.D.

DAVinci…have a patient centric experience in an environment where we combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

Aging & environmental factors slow down skin cell functions… Obagi transforms skin by restoring skin cell function. 

The Obagi system combines specially developed products with medical supervision and counseling to treat your skin from the inside out. Obagi products penetrate below the surface of your skin to stimulate cell renewal, improve circulation and help to restore your skin’s natural moisture.  It also works on the surface to smooth roughness and to correct damage that results in uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation. Obagi is what I recommend to my patients of all ages…in all of life’s stages.  Ask Nora in our SPA about the right Obagi system for you

CONSIDER THIS ABOUT OBAGI SKIN CARE SYSTEMS:

• Obagi Accelerates cell turnover in skin with moderate to severe sun damage.
• Obagi  achieves brighter Photolumines skin with mild to moderate sun damage
• Obagi Pro-C Serums provide daily anti-oxidant protection
• Obagi CLENZIderm MD provides effective acne therapy treatment
• Obagi has a system for every skin type…since one product does not work for every face!

 HOW OBAGI SYSTEMS WORK:  In damaged skin the stratum corneum is thick and dehydrated, skin cells are misshapen and disorganized, excess melanin causes freckles and age spots while collagen and elastin fibers become weaker and more damaged. Healthy skin cells function normally when there is continual renewal of old, dead cells which are simultaneously replaced by fresh healthy cells being pushed to the surface.  This makes the skin’s surface smoother and naturally hydrated – while age spots seem to disappear, melanin is more evenly distributed to prevent the appearance of new, fresh spots. The healthy skin is rich in collagen which promotes resilience and firmness.  All these functions work together to keep the skin acting younger and healthier.

THE FOUR PHASES OF OBAGI TRANSFORMATION:

There are four phases of skin transformation experienced by every person who uses Obagi – without exception.  They are:

Phase 1 – Out with the old – Obagi penetrates to the deepest dermal level to correct signs of  aging and acne flares.  Old, dead cells are pushed up and replaced with fresh new ones. Itching dryness and redness occur as the skin adapts to the prescription strength ingredients.  (Weeks 1-6)

Phase 2 – In with the new – Healthy new cells are producing, pigment/melanin become more evenly distributed, collagen is stimulated – smoother, softer, clearer skin appears. (Weeks 7-12)

Phase 3 – Healthy glow – Skin cells are in transformation process, collagen production continues, skin is clearer, firmer and tighter – with a healthy glow, natural hydration, even color and more resilience.   (Weeks 12-18)

Phase 4 – The new you!  – Your skin is transformed – it looks and acts younger and healthier. With continued use you can expect FABULOUS blemish free skin all the time!