4 Minute Read: 

Wish your lipomas could be “gone in 30 seconds?” Well, it turns out that you can!

Lipomas can form in many shapes, sizes and places on the body.

Lipomas are the most common soft-tissue tumors formed with adipose tissue. Patients with lipomas are most often referred to plastic surgeons to help ensure safe, effective removal and to minimize and conceal scars.

A few facts about lipomas include:

• Lipomas are a common reason for referral to a plastic surgeon
• They occur more often in adults between 40 to 60 years of age
• Lipomas are soft to touch, moveable, and usually painless
• Lipomas often grow to more than six centimeters in diameter
• While rarer, they can also occur in younger adults and children

What Treatments Are Available for Lipoma Removal?

Lipoma removal treatments have typically included the following:

1. Endoscope-assisted removal
2. Suction-assisted removal
3. Minimal incision removal
4. Remote incision lipoma extraction

These all work and have been used by surgeons for decades to remove lipomas of all types. 

But, some of these techniques are tedious and require extra equipment (even though they are advanced treatments). 

Dr. Davison of DAVinci Plastic Surgery helped pioneer a simple, safe, and effective method that involves a small incision and a “quick squeeze” to remove lipomas without the extra instruments used in other methods.

Why Choose the Quick Squeeze Method for Lipoma Removal?

While not as well known as other options, the quick squeeze method for lipoma removal deserves attention, especially amid today’s array of modern, advanced techniques that require extra time, attention, and technology.

Once surgeons learn this new lipoma treatment 2021 and start using it, they realize the significant benefits it presents. This technique is safe, quick, simple, and effective with a very low rate of recurrence.

How Does the Quick Squeeze Lipoma Removal Work?

When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, like the surgeons at DAVinci Plastic Surgery in Washington, DC, the quick squeeze lipoma removal method is the easiest way to treat this condition. Most patients are thrilled with the results and claim that, “my lipomas are gone!”

The quick squeeze lipoma removal method is performed using the following steps:

1. The lipoma is identified by palpation and its margins are outlined. 
2. The area is then infiltrated with local anesthesia and is prepared and draped in standard fashion. 
3. An incision — approximately one quarter to one third the diameter of the lipoma — is made (carried down to the lipoma capsule). 
4. The lipoma is then squeezed out through the incision…without any additional dissection.

What Do the Studies Say About the Quick Squeeze Method?

In a study performed, 140 lipomas were removed from 50 patients. These lipomas were located on the face, scalp, neck, thorax, back, flanks, hips, pelvis, and on both the upper and lower body extremities. 

Of the 140 removals, there were only two recurrences, and there were no complications or revisions.

Dr. Samir S. Rao, M.D., Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C. and Steven P. Davison, M.D., DAVinci Plastic Surgery, Washington D.C. carried out this study to demonstrate the efficacy of their “simple lipoma squeeze method.” 

This method was first described by Kenawi in 1995, and this exposure encouraged the literature to focus more on minimally invasive lipoma removal methods. 

The quick squeeze method is best suited for subcutaneous lipomas with overlying mobile skin. Deep intramuscular lipomas often found in the back or shoulder region may require longer incisions and more dissection for complete removal. However, the method is still safe, simple, and effective in spite of these factors. Also, this method does leave a small scar directly over the lipoma, but most incisions can be hidden along skin tension lines.

Scars typically fade of time…and today we have cosmetic scar topicals that help this process move along quicker.

Safe and Quick: Remove Your Lipomas in 30 Seconds!

At DAVinci Plastic Surgery, we successfully demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate, that only a small incision is needed for a safe, effective procedure, lipoma removal! Certainly, this deserves more attention!

The sun is here!. The days of beach going and picnics, etc., are upon us…skin cancer awareness month is May…look for helpful info so you can enjoy your playtime. Now is the time to schedule those procedures that will get you “beach body ready!”

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

Looking for Lipoma Removal in Washington, DC?

If you are looking for lipoma removal near me or would like to learn more about lipoma removal cost, contact the team at DAVinci Plastic Surgery today by calling (202) 966-9590 or filling out our contact form. You can also schedule a virtual consultation!

We offer expert removal of lipomas with the quick squeeze method as well as a collection of other plastic surgery and skin care treatments.

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

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 14. Most moms sacrifice their bodies, sleep, possibly a lucrative career, and much physical, mental and emotional energy for their children. While it’s all worth it, most moms want to restore some of the youthfulness and refreshed appearance that has been given up to time and family sacrifice. This is why more and more moms want cosmetic procedures as their Mother’s Day gift. Giving the gift of youthfulness as a gift certificate or as a specific procedure, such as a Mini Facelift, is growing in popularity and can make for a very happy mommy.

Putting your best face forward
A Facelift is the gold standard of facial rejuvenation. It’s one of the most common surgical procedures I perform. There’s definitely an art to realigning the facial tissue so that the skin doesn’t look stretched or “wind blown” and lays in a naturally firmer, more rested and youthful position. Each surgery is unique due to individual facial structures and skin condition. For those dealing with the early signs of loose sagging skin who want a faster recovery time, a Mini Facelift could be an option.

What is a Mini Facelift?
A Mini Facelift is a shorter surgery with a hidden incision that is smaller than a full Facelift. It is best for those who have minimal aging of the forehead and neck and relatively good skin elasticity. You can simulate the effects of a Mini Facelift by placing a finger on either side of the jaw and pulling skin back toward the earlobe by about a centimeter on each side. It can also be a great refresher for people who’ve already had a Facelift.
What aging issues does a Mini Facelift address?
A Mini Facelift mostly addresses loose skin in the mid face that has dropped. It helps with refining the skin in the lower face for a smoother, tighter jawline. Marionette lines, which are the folds around the corners of the mouth, can also be slightly reduced with this procedure, although the nasolabial folds will not.
How is a Mini Facelift different from a full Facelift?
…..During the Mini Facelift, the sagging skin and tissue is repositioned and attached in a very slightly higher. These factors make the Mini Facelift very comforting to anyone weary of any complications or recovery from surgery:

…..During the Mini Facelift, the sagging skin and tissue is repositioned and attached in a very slightly higher. These factors make the Mini Facelift very comforting to anyone weary of any complications or recovery from surgery:

…..While there is some variance in what this procedure involves, the Mini Facelift primarily takes place above the parotid salivary gland, which reduces the risk of nerve damage.
…..The surgery has minimal downtime with swelling and discomfort resolving over just a few days to a week. It’s sometimes referred to as the “weekend lift” because the recovery is so fast.
…..Mini Facelifts are also performed using local anesthesia.

When  a Mini Facelift is not enough?
The success of a Mini Facelift requires firmness of the tissues otherwise results can be disappointing or short lived. A full Facelift will be the right choice in the case where there is substantial skin laxity and droopiness This procedure would require a longer recovery time and a larger incision, but the full Facelift would provide the desired results of a long lasting youthful appearance when there is more loose skin.

To see if a Mini Facelift is a good fit for you personally or to give as a Mother’s Day gift, schedule a consultation at our newly updated website 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 smooth, firm and wrinkle free someone’s face is – a drooping, weathered and wrinkled neck 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 seeing  signs of aging,  don’t worry – I can help. There are a variety of ways to rejuvenate the neck and take years off your overall aging 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 face and neck rejuvenation.  They are 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  and who still have good skin elasticity and strong muscles are good candidates for liposuction.
Cervicoplasty: This procedure is geared towards people only concerned with the double chin or excess neck waddle.
Platysmaplasty: A neck lift deals with more midline neck correction of muscles to improve the chin and neck, and the removal of extra skin and fat.

Without a doubt, the neck is a major contributor to an overall youthful  appearance. The aesthetics of a defined jawline and long flat neck is apparent in every magazine and on every movie screen. I will get into more details on each aspect of surgical rejuvenation of the neck in next week’s blog.

In the hands of a specialist like myself, 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 us today to schedule your consultation, www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

If you’re going to make the investment in getting a Facelift, you want it to last as long as possible. Even though a Facelift can take up to 10 years off your appearance, your skin will continue to age. This means that gravity will have its affect as your skin loses elasticity and collagen – over the years following your surgery. You can’t stop the aging process, but you can help keep the age reversal affects as long as possible by implementing the habits and tricks suggested in this blog.

Buying Time with Injectables
You will love your more youthful appearance with a Facelift and subsequently you’ll want to help the youthful effects to stay in the most effective way. Injectables, such as Voluma, are crucial to add back lost volume, as well as Botox to stop muscles from recreating those deep wrinkles. They may seem like subtle youthful enhancements at the time, but they will help the facelift last longer. These are perfect options to push back or prevent the need for touch up surgery.

Luscious Lips Look Younger
An issue that the Facelift doesn’t address is the lips. Just as volume decreases in the rest of the face, age related volume loss affects the lips. You’ll want to maintain facial harmony and balance -throughout your face with youthful lips. Using a hyaluronic filler, such as Juvederm, to plump your lips will help enhance and maintain a youthful appearance after a Facelift.

Daily Care and Special Treatments for Skin
The cumulative affect of taking good care of your skin on a daily basis… really does pay off in the end. I suggest using clinically proven skin care, such as SkinMedica to help prolong the youthful effects of cosmetic procedures. On a regular basis it is also important to get special treatments for your skin. For example, chemical peels stimulate new skin growth to enhance skin clarity and smoothness. A chemical peel can wreak havoc on the skin and actually cause aging if done incorrectly, so please be sure to come to my office even for serious treatments such as this.
Stay Away from the Sun and Pollution
These are the outside factors that cause the most skin damage and can reverse the benefits of a facelift real quick. Protect yourself from environmental pollution and the sun, which can damage the skin’s cellular integrity. This can show up as blotchy, uneven skin that is dehydrated and leathery.

Lifestyle Contributes to Aging
You should be concerned about what you eat not just for the calories or weight management, but to promote overall healthy cellular integrity. You skin is your biggest organ and reveals much about the overall healthy or unhealthy lifestyle choices you make.

Here are some tips to feel and look younger:
There are actually foods that boost collagen production, 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.
Instead of drinking dehydrating beverages, such as coffee, tea or alcohol, drink lots of water.
Sweeten with raw honey since it is a vitamin and mineral rich alternative to sugar, which causes inflammation and other unhealthy body responses.
Maintain healthy weight instead of extreme gaining and losing.
Avoid smoking.
Smile more than you frown. You’ll use fewer wrinkle causing muscles and studies show that a positive, cheerful disposition can help keep you healthy.

Feel and look great after a Facelift by implementing these tips.

To talk about a Facelift or if you’ve already had one and would like the help to maintain the results as best as possible, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Summer is here and you may not have that beach body you’ve dreamed about all winter long.  But don’t despair, there are non surgical options that can help you look great in that bikini!  If you are not too far off your desired weight …. body sculpting with liposuction can help you get the curves in places you want them while removing those few extra pounds that you just couldn’t budge.

Your bikini look can include a full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty/surgical) or a non surgical approach using liposuction to sculpt areas of concern.

Liposculpting can be very effective, fast and safe if performed in a surgical suite by a competent, board certified surgeon.  DO NOT be talked into spa treatments involving liposuction…they are not done by experienced surgeons with life saving skills…in case a problem occurs during the procedure.

Benefits of Liposculpting…you can treat small or larger areas to remove fat deposits safely and effectively thus creating curves or definition in the desired areas.  Your recovery can be a short as a couple days to several days depending upon the extensiveness of your procedure.

Breasts may be too large, too small or out of shape from breast feeding.  Many women opt for little to no downtime breast procedures so they can look great in their beach bikini.  This can include implants, breast reduction (surgical) or non surgical injections to plump up and lift sagging breasts.

Buttocks Lift has become very popular the past few years.  Butt Uplift comes to us from South America where “big butts” are desirable and sexy.  It’s the new American look too.  Hurry though…time is running out on getting it done and being able to have enough beach time left to enjoy your new look.  Book your consultation today!

Well, there are other options…check out my website to get complete information and have a safe, happy summer.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

https://www.davinciplastic.com/blog/bikini-ready-with-tummy-tuck/

The Lipstick Effect is a well known theory projecting that, in times of economic downturn, people may cut back on the bigger luxuries in life and instead splurge on the smaller ones. For example, fewer people will be going on expensive overseas vacations, but they’ll spend the money to dine at local restaurants to still enjoy a treat – and to not feel like they’re going completely without any splurge. The question is, how does this theory apply to the cosmetic surgery industry?
Cosmetic Surgery and the Lipstick Effect… While some might consider cosmetic procedures a luxury that can be foregone in times of recession, the economy today has not hindered the growth of this industry at all.  Some analysts speculate that our society has developed a “collective vanity” and that social media has given us the mentality of maintaining good looks despite the costs. Another perspective is that youthfulness is a sign of health, vitality and success. Also, Millennials understand that prevention is the key and they include cosmetic procedures in their budget as part of their routine health regimen.

Injectables and the Lipstick Effect… For those who follow the purchasing pattern of the Lipstick Effect more truly, this still doesn’t mean they forego cosmetic procedures all together. It just means they choose the less expensive anti aging treatments, especially the injectables such as Botox and fillers, such as Radiesse. Maintaining youthfulness with these anti aging tools is a necessity to hold off surgery for a few more years. This practice is actually considered saving money. A much more cost effective, non surgical way to help maintain a younger look without a full Facelift is to consider a “Filler Facelift.”

Lipstick Effect for Luxurious Lips
Another indication of the Lipstick Effect is that during tight economic times, women don’t shy away from buying skincare or a new shade of lipstick to help them feel a little indulgent. You can absolutely love the way your new shade of lipstick looks – on fuller, more sensual lips plumped up with Juvederm. This would actually be a great gift for Mother’s Day.

Let the Lipstick Effect, using Injectables, lead you to save money in the long run by maintaining a more youthful look. And don’t forget about mom! Mother’s Day is May 8. Get her a new shade of lipstick to accompany her certificate for fuller lips with Juvederm. To set it up, call 202.966.9590 now – or visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic 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

We are truly partners in your anti aging goals. While I can provide wonderful youth restoring results with plastic surgery and injectables, you need to take measures to protect and preserve your skin. Taking care of your skin will help you to have the best and longest lasting results from your procedures. Proper skin care strengthens the skin and slows down the signs of aging in between treatments.

Here are a few of the ways to maintain healthy skin:

• don’t smoke
• manage stress
• drink lots of water
• always use sunscreen
• eat healthful, antioxidant rich foods
• use high quality, science based skincare every day

PROTECTING SKIN WITH SKINCARE
It is crucial to take care of your skin in between treatments. With all of the environmental threats to your skin, you need to use some of the most cutting edge, scientifically based skin care to help protect and preserve your skin. SkinMedica is the brand I recommend and offer through my office.

WHY SKINMEDICA?
Advanced formulas with decades of scientific research and proven results behind them.
Many formulas contain the unique, patented complexes:
*APS Corrective Complex – a patented mixture of antioxidants, peptides and other innovative ingredients that synergistically improve the overall appearance of skin.
*TNS Recovery Complex – formulated from naturally occurring growth factors, antioxidants, soluble collagen, cytokines and matrix proteins (93.6% concentration.

*Does not conduct product testing on animals.*

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS
With all the skincare products on the market, it can be hard to know what you need. Who better to help you than a physician like myself? If I’ve performed any procedure on you, we’ve had a consultation. Because of this, I have a knowledge of your health, your anti aging goals and the condition of your skin, therefore I can make a “tailored” recommendation just for you.

These are some of my favorite SkinMedica products:

1. TNS Essential Serum … offers multi functional performance to lighten, tighten, and brighten skin. This all in one formula has clinical studies that demonstrate improvements to the appearance of skin tone, texture, coloration, fine lines and wrinkles. It combines SkinMedica’s renowned growth factor formula, TNS Recovery Complex and APS Corrective Complex.
2. TNS Eye Repair … provides both prevention and improvement to wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes. This product contains TNS, chelating agents, light diffusers, as well as vitamins C and E.
3.  Rejuvenative Moisturizer … hydrates and improves fine lines. It protects against free radical damage and keeps skin soft and supple with Hyaluronic Acid, vitamins C, E, and Retinyl Palmitate.

4.  Retinol Complex 0.5% … deep wrinkle treatment regenerates skin to diminish the appearance of fine lines. Retinol should be a part of most everyone’s skincare routine.
5. Lytera … addresses pigmentation, redness and dull skin. Look for a brighter more even skin tone in 4 weeks.
6. Vitamin C&E Complex … offers powerful protection against free radical damage and helps improve skin tone.
To learn more about which SkinMedica products would be best for you, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon