Going into summer, I can’t put enough emphasis on the importance of protecting your skin. It is one of the greatest causes of aging skin and skin cancer, which is the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S.
How does the sun age skin?
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light harms the elastin to cause sagging skin later in life. When the elastin fibers break down over time, the skin loses its ability to go back into place after stretching, and will bruise and tear more readily. Collagen is also negatively affected by UV rays to cause a hollow, dehydrated appearance due to volume loss as we age. Skin discoloration called pigmentation comes to the surface of the skin, and this uneven skin tone also contributes to an aged appearance.

What is skin cancer?
It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that results in tumors. These are either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Of the 3 main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less serious types and very successfully treated when detected early. Melanoma, consisting of abnormal skin pigment cells, is the most serious form of skin cancer. Of all the deaths from cancer, 75% of them all are from melanoma.

Protect yourself against aging and skin cancer caused by the sun… As you can see, skin cancer can be serious and yet in many cases it is preventable. Even if you’ve damaged your skin from over exposure, which you can’t completely undo, there still is hope. The skin is regenerative, so to some extent ongoing sun protection can help in the healing process and prevent further damage.

Tips to help prevent skin damage from the sun:
• Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses that have UV shield.
• Stay out of the direct sun during peak UV radiation hours between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Protect your children, especially since the majority of sun damage happens before age 18.
• For UVB protection, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Sunscreen with zinc oxide provides UVA protection, but should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply every 2 hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming.

Sunscreen Scam… A recent study done by Consumer Reports shows that many of today’s sunscreens falsely advertise levels of SPF. In some cases, certain brands had up to 70 percent less protection than advertised on the package. The test included 34 brands, 11 of which fell short of their protection claims, some of them being:

• Coppertone ClearlySheer for Beach & Pool SPF 50+ (delivered SPF 37)
• Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance SPF 50 (delivered SPF 28)
• Babyganics Mineral-Based SPF 50+ (delivered SPF 25)
• Banana Boat Sport Performance Clear UltraMist with Powerstay Technology SPF 50+ (delivered SPF 24)
• Yes To Cucumbers Natural SPF 30 (delivered SPF 14)

The brands that received good protection ratings were:
• Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 lotion
• Equate (Walmart) Ultra Protection SPF 50 lotion
• Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 (got a perfect score of 100 in the test)

Please perform skin self-exams regularly to be familiar with existing growths so that you notice changes. Also, if you are unhappy with the effects of elastin and collagen damage already caused by the sun and aging, I offer a variety of effective surgical and non surgical options to help rejuvenate your skin. Visit www.davinciplastic.com for more details.

Enjoy your summer!

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

One of the more prominent areas of the face to show signs of aging is the forehead. This is why a Brow Lift, also known as a Forehead Lift, is a popular procedure among celebrities. It is even more in demand than breast implants in countries like Great Britain in recent years.
While the emphasis on a nice eyebrow and smooth forehead is increasing, I thought it’d be good to go over what can be expected from a brow lift…to help you decide whether you’d like to come in for a consult about what the procedure can do for you. If you feel that the signs of aging on your forehead and upper face make you look sad, tired, angry, or older than your age, you are likely a good candidate for a brow lift. Generally, the brow lift can:
• elevate the eyebrows to a more youthful position
• decrease forehead lines and crow’s feet
• dimish creases between eyebrows
• minimize upper eye lid hooding (although it is best to combine a brow lift with blepharoplasty, eyelid lift, to achieve optimal results in this area)
NOT ALL BROW LIFTS ARE ALIKE… As a board certified surgeon and expert in all surgeries of the head and neck, I understand the details of anatomy and the unique characteristics needed for individual faces. I perform a variety of brow lift techniques to offer the ideal results for each unique person’s forehead anatomy. Generally there are 4 main methods of brow lift, 3 surgical and 1 injectable:

1. Traditional Brow Lift
This approach is also called an open or coronal method. It involves an incision within the hairline or the coronal method is across the crown of the head. The coronal method can also shorten or lengthen the forehead so this is to be considered with the patient’s goals and within the existing forehead anatomy. The Traditional Brow Lift includes the removal of excess skin to raise the eyebrows to a more attractive position before closing the incisions with sutures. It also addresses the muscles that cause frown lines.

2. Endoscopic Brow Lift
This approach is considered a gentler approach with smaller incisions, but generally isn’t used for more severe cases of eyebrow decent. Instead of skin removal, it lifts the brow to a more youthful position using a fixation device, while also correcting the forehead creases that a traditional brow lift addresses. The incisions within the hairline are very small and the use of an endoscope, or a lighted scope, allows for a virtually undetectable scar and less recovery than an open Brow Lift.

3. Biplane Brow Lift
This technique combines the advantages of both the traditional and endoscopic brow lift techniques to achieve maximum results.

4. Injectable Brow Lift
Depending on the desired results, multiple types of injectables can be used to subtly improve the shape and position of the eye brows, as well as the forehead creases. This is a quick, non invasive option for subtle improvements and retraining of the muscles. Also, it is easy to refine and adjust results over time to achieve desired results in a natural progression that isn’t an obvious over night change.

With whichever technique is decided to be the best for your unique needs, you can rest assured you’re in the hands of an expert in who understands surgery, anatomy and the artistry of creating a beautiful forehead and brow. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Summer time is soon upon us…hot sunny days, beach days, family reunions, camping trips…lot’s of outdoor “sun exposure.” Don’t forget the sunscreen, plenty of water, sun glasses,hats, appropriate clothing and time out of the sun’s extreme ray’s. Hottest sun exposure occurs from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Have fun…but be smart about it!

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

With summer close, it’s time to think about extra Sun Protection. In previous blogs I’ve told you about the cancers the Suns’ UV rays can cause. First, know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (500,000+ per year), and that more than 90% of skin cancer is caused by the sun’s UV rays. Melanoma and Non-Melanoma’s are the most common types, but they are highly curable if treated early. We all are at risk…but some of us more so than others. Read On!

You could be at higher risk for skin cancer if any or all of the following applies to you:
• You have lighter natural skin color
• IF there’s Family and/or Personal history of skin cancer
• You have daily Sun exposure through work and play
• You have a history of early life sunburns
• Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun
• You have Blue or green eyes & Blonde or red hair and/or…
• Certain types & a large number of moles
• Some prescription drugs cause more susceptibility to UV rays

The three common names for skin cancer are: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma.

For now, just know that if you develop symptoms such as a small, shiny lump, a spot or mole that is red and firm, or a sore/spot that bleeds and becomes crusty – and won’t heal…. you need to get checked out immediately. (see www.davinciplasticsurgery.com for complete info)

OK – Here’s a review on “Summer Sun Protection” –
HATS – DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE
SUN GLASSES – CRITICAL FOR EYE PROTECTION
SUN PROTECTION GARMENTS/PRODUCTS (like used in water sports)
SUNBLOCKS – they work optimally when used with the rest of these!

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

Despite more emphasis on female breast augmentation, Male Breast Reduction Surgery is a sensitive yet important issue to help boost the self image of many men. About 40 to 60 percent of all men have some degree of Gynecomastia, or womanly breasts. Male Breast Reduction Surgery can restore a sense of manliness and confidence, especially coming into the spring and summer swimsuit seasons.

CAUSES OF GYNECOMASTIA…This common condition usually begins in adolescence. Some possible causes include:
Puberty
Obesity
Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Gilbert’s Syndrome
Aging
problems with testicular hormone production
prescription medications
anabolic steroids
impaired liver function

SAY GOODBYE TO GYNECOMASTIA… Social angst about the feminine appearance of your upper body can be replaced with confidence with a flatter and firmer chest area. Male Breast Reduction surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin to create a masculine chest contour. Creating a natural looking, manly chest area is an art in the hands of an expert, triple board certified surgeon like myself.

STEPS OF MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY…After our consultation to discuss your desired outcome and all that encompasses Male Breast Reduction, the surgical date will be set. Usually this surgery is performed in our state of the art surgical center…equipped with the most advanced technology and surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia.

What to expect:

If liposuction is used, I will make a tiny incision, or a larger incision if excision (scalpel) removal is required.
The incisions will be made on the edge of the areola or in the armpit. Your scars are inconspicuous.
Once the fat is liposuctioned or excised, excess skin will be removed.
The chest is then sculpted into a masculine appearance.

RECOVERY FROM MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY… Final results are enjoyed after all swelling resolves in about 3 months. In the mean time, as with most any surgery, you will experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort, although this is short in duration. During the 2 to 3 days after surgery, the major part of these symptoms will subside and are easily mitigated with oral pain medication. It is even common for men return to work within 1 to 2 days after surgery, as long as the job doesn’t require heavy lifting. For the best recovery results, you will need to avoid:

-sexual activity for about 1 to 2 weeks following surgery
-heavy exercise for about 3 weeks
-job or physical activity that could cause a blow to the chest
-sun exposure to prevent darkening the scars

For most men, the upper body, including the chest is a major contributor to their feelings of masculinity. This surgery can have a significant, permanent effect not only physically, but emotionally in regards to self confidence and performance.

Get your firm, flat manly chest in time for the swimsuit season by scheduling a consultation today. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Let’s Talk Soon!

Steven Davison M.D.

DAVinci Plastic Surgery

Washington, D.C.

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

Facelift Techniques: Finding the Best Fit for You
Last week I covered the applications of the facelift for people at different ages and how it can combine with other procedures for a complete rejuvenation of your entire face. This week, I thought I’d educate you about the different kinds of facelifts. There are many techniques that address different concerns, and it takes a skilled surgeon, like myself, to understand the best application of each surgery and how to artfully reconstruct the face to look naturally youthful.
Here are the various types of facelift techniques that I have mastered so that you can achieve the results you desire:

S-Lift Facelift
This facelift technique is also commonly called a mini lift or quick lift. The reason is that it’s designed for younger patients who don’t have pronounced skin sagging, but may want to address some slight aging to the lower face and neck. It provides a subtle tightening and volume restoration that can counteract the early signs of aging. S-lift technique involves minimal cutting and manipulation of the skin, so recovery is shorter.
Traditional Facelift
This method is tried and true. It involved making several small incisions, removing excess skin, replacing fat and redraping the skin. The incisions will be strategically placed in inconspicuous areas such as behind your ears or within your scalp. The skin is trimmed and placed in such a way to eliminate the “done” look that is commonly due to the skin being used to provide the tension to lift the face. Also, replacing fat gives the face youthful volume and contours.

SMAS Facelift
The SMAS facelift is similar to a traditional facelift, although it involves the deeper layers of tissue in the face. This is a good technique for eliminating the aging from significant excess skin and sagging.

Deep Plane Facelift
This advanced technique requires much more knowledge of the facial anatomy employing advanced, deeper techniques. It goes below the skin and tissue level to address muscles. I use it more often with patients who have damaged skin with poor blood supply, such as from smoking or old scars. In the right hands, this can be a very effective way to create a natural looking lift. While some people claim this technique requires more recovery, I don’t think that always has to be the case. Recovery from Deep Plane Facelift depends greatly on the surgeon and the patient’s skin condition.

DECIDING TOGETHER…I don’t want you to have to worry about knowing the “ins and outs” of each surgical procedure so that you feel that you have to select the technique. You can have peace of mind knowing that I am very skilled in a wide range of methods, using the most cutting edge techniques and technology.

In our consultation, we will discuss your desired results, and employing my years of experience, I will assess your skin condition and facial structure to help you choose the facelift best suited to you.

As one of the few triple board certified plastic surgeons in the DC area, you are in skilled hands. You can schedule your consultation today at www.davinciplastic.com.

You can soon put your best “face forward”…and you can trust your face to this facial plastic surgeon!

Bikini Ready Body with Liposuction

While the snow is blowing and frozen weather is keeping us bundled up, getting into a bikini is probably a distant dream. But now is a better time than you may think to start getting your body ready for the bathing suit season. Here’s why:

• bulky bundled up clothes hide any swelling, bruising and over night body changes
• frigid weather makes us all want to just cozy up by the fireplace and rest our bodies
• the extra layer of post op compression clothes fit nicely as another layer for warmth

Is liposuction right for you? Whether it’s genetics or aging, some of those stubborn fat pouches just won’t come off with diet and exercise. If you are in healthy condition, liposuction can help sculpt and smooth them away. This procedure isn’t intended to be a complete body transformation surgery, but it is safer and more effective than ever if you’re in the right hands.

The best results in the best hands… Depending on the state, some laws allow licensed physicians to designate themselves as “plastic” or “cosmetic” surgeons, even if they have no specialized surgical training. This is why is it is crucial for prospective patients to select their doctor with care. I am one of the only TRIPLE BOARD CERTIFIED surgeons in the Washington, DC area. My outstanding reputation is spoken through my satisfied patients, years as a professor at Georgetown University, hundreds of articles on surgical procedures and safety, and many awards and elections to prestigious surgical societies. Liposuction may seem like a very simplified surgery compared to others, but as with any surgery, there are risks and so the safest most effective results are accomplished in the best hands.

What does liposuction involve? After our consultation, the surgery will be schedule to take place in our state of the art surgery outpatient center. To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, you will receive anesthesia including an infusion of saline solution with lidocaine before your surgery. Liposuction requires one or more incisions so that the cannula, a small tube used to loosen the fat, and a vacuum attached to it, safely suctions excess fat and sculpts the area. The. For small areas, such as the face, a syringe can precisely harvest fat that can be purified and used for grafting other areas.

Liposuction for the large and small areas… The advances in technology, specialized tools, and my expert techniques allow me to target large or very small localized areas with more precision and less trauma than with older techniques that still may be used by other surgeons.  Liposuction can be used to remove fat from the:

• tummy
• breasts
• thighs
• buttocks
• back
• face
• neck

Liposuction along with other procedures… Liposuction is an ideal compliment to other body contouring procedures, such as a Butt Augmentation, Thigh Lift, and Tummy Tuck. Any of these could be part of a much desired Mommy Makeover to restore your body after all the changes that take place through childbearing.

Start preparing your body now for those warm weather months that may seem so far away, but will be here before you know it. Banish those stubborn bulges with liposuction. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Dr. Davison

Your Best Butt Now

All this snow and cold weather has lots of people dreaming about the warm summer months. This is actually the perfect time to start thinking about your bikini body too. With all the amazing body enhancing surgeries to give your body the curves you desire, such as liposuction, tummy tuck and breast implants, more and more people are requesting buttock augmentations. Butt augmentation was the fastest growing procedure last year and that trend is expected to continue.

Trend from South America for Your “Southern Regions”…This greater buttocks awareness has come up from South America over the last couple of years, especially Brazil, that has a large cultural appreciation for this part of the body. Celebrities, such as Shakira, J Lo, Nicki Minaj, and the Kardashians have led the way for the plump posterior preference. Popularly called a Brazilian Butt Lift, this procedure can include liposuction, lifting, fat grafting, and implants to create your ideal buttock fullness and shape.

Working with “What Your Momma Gave You”… Which butt augmentation technique we’ll need to use will be determined by your     

• age,
• muscle tone
• skin elasticity
• available fat you have to transplant
• existing buttock size and shape

Fat Grafting By the Best… Fat grafting is the ideal way to contour the buttocks because it uses your own living fat cells. The fat cells are liposuctioned from areas such as abdomen or thighs, purified, and then injected expertly to shape and contour the buttocks. The success of this process has much to do with the experience of the surgeon.

Don’t compromise by choosing someone without a high level of training because you could end up with a lumpy, bumpy or saggy butt. For example, I am an expert injector, specially trained and certified to know how much to inject and in what areas to create wonderful, natural looking results.

Implants for that Rounder Rump… For most people I recommend the fat grafting method for butt enhancement, but there are some cases where an implant is the best option. For example, if you’re a size 2 or 4, you probably won’t have enough fat to transplant, therefore an implant can create your curves. Also, if your buttock area is completely flat and sagging, then creating the derriere of your dreams will require a bit more help. Here are the aspects of using implants for building better buttocks:

1. IMPLANT…A solid silicone implant works best since it cannot rupture, spill, or deflate. Your augmented buttock will still feel natural, but firm… like you’ve been working out.
2. INCISION… There are a few location options we can decide on together, such as toward the top of the buttocks, the bottom crease, or down the center of the sacrum.
3. POSITION… Nice results have been attained with both above and below muscle placement, but typically placement within the muscle supports the implant more.
4. LIFT & LIPO… Lifting sagging skin and liposuction can help create a harmonious effect with the buttock implant for an overall beautifully contoured area.

If you want your best butt now, you need to be in the hands of the best surgeon. I’m triple board certified, a professor and author of hundreds of publications on important plastic surgery subjects, including patient safety. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation for your safe, beautiful Brazilian Butt Lift today.

Dr. Davison

Just What She Really Wants for Valentine’s Day …

With Valentine’s Day one week away, gift shopping is in full swing. But if you want to get one of the most desired gifts, you don’t need to brave the malls. Simply come in to DaVinci Plastic Surgery to get a gift certificate for your ‘someone special’ because surveys say that 78% of women would “be impressed” if they received this for a Valentine’s Day gift. And what are they most likely to get? Most certificates are in the price range that is perfect for Botox or dermal fillers.

BOTOX OVER CHOCOLATES AND FLOWERS… There are certain women who’d be offended by the gift, but you can be sure that your lady would love the gift if she is:

• already a regular consumer of injectables
• has asked for treatments as gifts for other holidays
• had one treatment of Botox or filler and expressed happiness with the results
• ever mentioned that she’s considered getting injectable treatments to address her aging concerns

WHY WOMEN WANT INJECTABLES AS GIFTS… Injectables such as BOTOX, JUVEDERM, VOLUMA, SCULPTRA and RADIESSE can directly affect the confidence and satisfaction one has with their looks. This goes much further than that designer purse or shoes. Every time they look in the mirror they’ll see the rejuvenated face and think of you in appreciation.

WHICH INJECTABLES TO CHOOSE… There is a benefit to giving a gift certificate since that eliminates the guess work as to which treatment to choose. Your Valentine’s sweetheart can select from a variety of the effective, safe treatments to address the area that she wants most. Here are some ideas of what they have to choose from:

• 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. One treatment achieves noticeable improvement immediately (expect a little swelling at injection sites) that increases for optimal results within 7 to 14 days of treatment. AND – these relaxed lines will last for several months.
• JUVEDERM is a smooth hyaluronic acid filler to instantly smooth out those lines on the side of your nose and mouth.  This is also a popular treatment used to create luscious lips. Juvederm’s natural looking results can last up to a year.
• VOLUMA XC is the only FDA approved filler to instantly add volume to the cheek area. By replacing lost volume, Voluma XC creates a non surgical mini facelift that can rejuvenate the midface and lessen marionette lines around the mouth. Results can last up to 2 years.
• SCULPTRA is the only facial injectable with gradual, subtle results that can last 2 years or longer. It adds youthful volume to the face while stimulating collagen renewal.
• RADIESSE is a semi permanent filler that uses unique, calcium-based microspheres to create scaffolding for your own collagen to grown around.  Long after the Radiesse breaks down, the collagen it encouraged will help keep the face youthful longer.

Take the guesswork out of Valentine’s Day gift giving and get something that your sweetheart would love… a certificate to choose their rejuvenation treatment at DaVinci Plastic Surgery. www.davinciplastic.com

See you soon!

Dr. Davison