Breast Augmentation General Q & A

Even though Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, there are a lot of questions women have.This Q & A is an overview of some of them… but my intention here is not to replace the consultation. The consultation is an invaluable part of my process. It is crucial to get to know my patients personally and to get on the same page. I hope this blog helps you along your journey to deciding whether a Breast Augmentation is a good fit for you and I hope to be talking with you further at a consultation, which can be scheduled at www.davinciplastic.com.

What Is A Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation specifically addresses increasing breast size and shape. Other surgical procedures related to the breast are:
Breast Reduction makes large breast smaller and more manageable. Patients with too large of breasts suffer from back pain and other issues, and a reduction can provide great relief.
Breast Lift helps sagging breasts look younger and perky. This is great in combination with an Augmentation or Reduction.
Nipple Reduction specifically addresses only the nipples, which can get stretched out during breastfeeding or may be out of proportion in relation to the overall breast size. A Nipple Reduction can bring the nipple size in balance with the breast for a more aesthetic appearance.

Saline or Silicone?
Saline is a silicone shell filled with sterile saline, or salt water. Silicone is a completely silicone implant. Both are shown to be safe, effective and dramatically improved over the last few years. Within these categories, there are many kinds of implants to consider. This decision is highly up to personal preference and goals. As there are quite a few aspects of this question to address, I will dedicate my next blog just to this topic.

What Does The Surgery Involve?

1.  Preparation: Consultation and decision on the size and type of implant, location of implant and incision location. You may need to get a blood test, stop smoking, adjust medications and vitamins.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia in our highest quality outpatient center will help you feel completely comfortable during surgery.
3. Incision: Your body type, breast size, type of implant, and scar preferences will help us to determine the optimal location (under breast line, armpit, belly button, or areola).
4. Insertion: Many factors will help us decide whether the implant should be inserted into a pocket above or below the pectoral muscle, including the amount of breast tissue already present, drooping, position and size desired.
5. Closing Incisions: This will involve internal sutures within layers of the breast tissue and on the surface skin closure.
6. Recovery: Like with any major surgery, there will be a period of discomfort that can be managed by oral pain medication. The first week is low key while wearing a support bra and possibly tending to a drainage tube for a few of those days. After 2 weeks normal activities, except for exercise or strenuous exertion, can resume. We will see you and check on you to make sure you’re doing ok. It’ll take between 4 to 6 weeks to feel somewhat normal. The skin can continue to feel tight and sensitive beyond that, but it shouldn’t impede your everyday life.
7. Results: Over and over again, my patients have confirmed that the recovery is worth the results. The implants take a few weeks to “settle” into their position and the scars will take some time to fade, but your body satisfaction and restored femininity are long lasting and well worth your investment in yourself!

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Bikini season is in full swing. This time of year everyone is conscious of how they look in a swimsuit or more revealing summer wear. But since we’re already in the midst of the summer season, it’s not an ideal time to get surgery, such as liposuction, without having to miss out on the enjoyment of the outdoor fun. This is where a fat reducing solution like Cynosure SculpSure can help.

Trim Tummy and Summer Fun with Cynosure
Even with a healthy diet and regular work out schedule, some areas of fat just don’t want to go away. This can put a damper on your confidence to wear those lighter or tighter summer outfits. Fortunately,

Cynosure SculpSure requires no downtime or recovery that will keep you from enjoying the fun outdoor summer activities.

With SculpSure you can have a natural looking, slimmer appearance without scars or any effect to the skin’s surface. You can also return to everyday activities immediately after a treatment, so you’ll never miss out on the fun while undergoing SculpSure treatments.

How does Cynosure SculpSure work?
This innovative body contouring treatment is clinically proven to reduce stubborn fat in problem areas. It uses light based technology that targets and destroys these fat cells cumulatively over short 25 minute sessions. Each 25 minute session destroys up to 24% of treated fat cells. Results can be seen as early as 6 weeks with optimal results at 12 weeks.

Schedule a consultation today to see how SculpSure can keep you enjoying summer while looking trimmer and healthier. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

In a world of systems and efficiency, “personalization” has become automated – if it exists at all. I do not run my plastic surgery practice in this way. My mission is to provide patient centric care… aimed at making every patient feel comfortable and satisfied with their unique desires. This takes time. This takes compassion. This takes professional expertise and experience.

Consultation
The key component of patient centric care is an effective consultation. To some people, talking with doctors is intimidating because they’ve been interrupted, rushed or belittled. My approach is to listen and facilitate open communication… so that we can talk about your desires and I can manage expectations. We should be comfortable with each other and absolutely on the same page before entering the operating room.

My staff and I do this by:
Taking the time to know every single patient on a personal level; by acknowledging him or her as a person, not just a patient.
We Focus on the positives and the great results we will get, and not on the negative features we are aiming to correct

Approaching each person as a special, unique human being… means I do not change you to look like someone else, rather our aim is to make you look like a younger, healthier, more aesthetically balanced you. This requires being real about what to expect regarding the surgery, recovery and results on the physical and emotional levels.
Confidence
The third aspect of patient centric care is building confidence in my patients. Even though just about any doctor can make them “feel good” about the procedure, they want to know that they are putting themselves in the best hands when choosing me as their surgeon. I don’t know of anyone who has been anything less than impressed with my training, qualifications and volumes of patients who are satisfied with their results. I’m one of the only triple board certified surgeons in the Washington DC area. I’ve been a professor and examiner at Georgetown University, written over 100 clinical papers, and have been president of the National Capitol area’s Society of Plastic Surgeons. I’m esteemed by my peers who have currently rated me as a Castle Connolly best surgeon and an America’s top surgeon. Also, my patients have clearly expressed their satisfaction by nominating me as “The Best Plastic Surgeon” of DC. and also the “Number One Doctor” for many years in a row.

This combination of the Three “C’s” is what makes Davinci Plastic stand out among the rest. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, set up a face to face consultation with me by calling 202.966.9590 or visiting www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Win the war on aging with Power Lifters like this one…Arm Lift aka Brachiaplasty! Arm Lift surgery effectively removes excess loose, hanging skin between the shoulder and elbow…to sculpt the arm and restore youthful balance.

Arm Lift Surgery …aka…Brachiaplasty…is more common than ever and in the past 5-6 years has ranked as one of the most popular age reversing procedures being done.  Here are some benefits:

• Removes excess skin and fat between the armpit and elbow
• Improves shape and tone of the skin’s underlying support tissue
• Restores smoother skin/contours by reshaping the upper arm
• Achieves balance…a more proportionate look to the upper arm
• Good Candidates are of all ages and stages in life…who want younger, more balanced looking arms!

Arm Lift Procedure...An incision is made underneath the arm and I work through it to remove excess fat and loose saggy skin, which then allows me to tighten underlying tissue, to reshape and sculpt the upper arm.  This takes from 1 to 2 hours as an out patient procedure. See more info such as frequently asked questions on Arm Lift at: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

I recommend we get started now so you can be “Beach Body Ready.”  During the “Consultation” ( I wrote about in my last blog) you will be educated about each procedure and together we will tailor the treatment plan that will effectively achieve  your goals and be suitable to your specific needs.

MARCH IS “NATIONAL NUTRITION” month.

The theme is: “Eat right, your way, everyday.”  The goal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is to educate us about developing sound eating and good physical activity habits.  As a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon…I and hosts of AntiAging experts understand the importance of good nutrition…everyday. So…here are a few suggestions to help you eat and enjoy more fruits and vegetables…daily!

1. Try real vegies on your pizza…e.g. broccoli, spinach, green peppers, tomato bits, mushrooms, zucchini…and more
2. Do “smoothies” for breakfast…use strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, banana…kiwi, mango…etc.
3. Eat “veggie Wraps” with roasted vegies and cottage or ricotta cheese.  Use a whole grain tortilla.
4. Eat crunchy vegies instead of chips.  Use your favorite salad dressing for dipping.
5. Grill colorful kabobs loaded with tomatoes, peppers, squash, onion or leeks, mushrooms….meat of your choice
6. Make colorful raw salads…dark green leafy lettuces, cabbage (red and green) tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, spinach leaves, apple slices, walnuts, raisins….fruits.
7. Keep handy:  dipping, raw vegies for quick pickups.  Carrots, celery sticks, peppers sliced, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, snap peas….your other favorites.
8. Keep fresh fruit….pre washed and ready to grab as a snack.
9. Stuff breakfast or dinner omelets with raw vegies (see lists above).
10. Make fruit your dessert….apple slices with cinnamon, banana slices and yogurt, yogurt and peaches, blueberries, pineapple etc.
11. And many more….your get creative!   Be sure to eat “living” foods everyday and reduce cooked food portions.  Living foods are uncooked, fresh from the garden.

Healthy Bodies resist aging better than unhealthy ones.  Try the ideas I’ve listed, drink lots of pure water everyday…and watch your skin start to glow…and look more youthful.

Spring is almost here.  Let’s talk about getting your body into shape…doing that FaceLift, Chin/Cheek Implants,  Butt Augmentation….or whatever you’ve been dreaming about!

I’m here to help you look and feel your absolute best!

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Men and women of all ages and stages are lining up to have advanced hot procedures that restore more youthful faces and bodies.  It’s exciting to see the advancements we’ve made…and the amazing results they produce.  Now is the time to start getting “Beach” ready….Slim and trim and sculpted for upcoming weddings, graduations and many other family/work related events.

A few Tips before having surgery:

• Don’t go to your surgeon to request permission for “your dream procedure.”
• Know what you want…but be ready and open to the many ideas proven to get the results you really want.
• Do your homework…learn about the various procedures and why “combinations” often work best.
• Check your surgeon’s record…experience and results do matter.
• Choose a Board Certified Surgeon…if means additional specialized training, expertise and more experience
• Get things ready at home…meals in the freezer, items needed for recovery, etc.

TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty is the surgery of choice for men and women who want to be rid of excess, bulging abdominal skin and a firm, contoured abdomen.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is the gold standard for rejuvenating the abdomen.  Sagging skin, fat and loose muscles in the abs are common with aging, childbirth, weight fluctuations, illness and previous surgeries, and are typically resistant to diet and exercise…so, sometimes muscles must be tightened, excess fat and skin removed.

Mommy Makeovers and Daddy DoOvers frequently include Tummy Tucks. I use advanced techniques to ensure good outcomes…tighter, lifted muscles, fat removal and a firm contoured abdominal area.  Each surgery is “tailored” to your specific needs….I do not do cookie cutter procedures.

Liposuction removes fat and sculpts to contour the tummy.  This requires comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy, artistic skill and eyes, and experience using the right technology.  Older liposuction methods used to be very risky and painful, with long recoveries, lots of bruising and less than desirable results.  Today’s method is safe, revolutionary and gets the desired results with less bruising and very little if any downtime.

3 TYPES OF TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURES I OFFER:

1. FULL…involves 2 incisions: 1 from hip to hip and 1 to free the navel temporarily with lipo being employed also   (read more at https://www.davinciplastic.com.)
2. MINI…Smaller incision below the navel allows for removal of fat, excess skin, muscle tightening (below the navel only) and abdominal sculpting.
3. MARRIAGE… For abdominal deformities:  employs aggressive liposuction with modified abdomino techniques.  removes excess fat and skin from lower abdomino, tightens ab muscles, sculpts abs area.

OTHER PROCEDURES OFTEN COMBINED WITH TUMMY TUCK are: Liposuction contouring, Breast Reduction, Breast Lift and Hysterectomy  (women only) if needed.

GOOD CANDIDATES FOR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY (Abdominoplasty) include any man or woman who is unhappy with excess, bulging abdominal skin and muscle laxity are usually ideal candidates for my Tummy Tuck procedure.  All candidates should be in good general health before being selected for any surgery and realistic expectations are important as well.

More seniors are coming in together to review how well they are aging...and to design their age reversing treatment program.  Likewise “Baby Boomers” and Generation Xer’s don’t just go with the flow…they want to look younger and healthier and consider cosmetic procedures a normal part of their health routine.  Looking younger…does encourage us to feel better about ourselves.

The consultation is critical.  I’ll cover that in my next blog. I offer a host of exciting age reversing procedures.  You will read about them in future blogs.

Come on in….let’s get you “in shape” for Spring and Summer.

Steven Davison M.D.

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