BEAUTIFICATION…BALANCE…SYMMETRY….Stage III

The goal of all breast reconstruction (restoration) surgeries is to achieve symmetry and balance between both breasts and also for them to look “natural.”  Beautification is started several weeks or months after your reconstruction process is complete and you have healed nicely.  Beautification involves creating balance between the two breasts, breast contour, adjusting flaps if needed, and nipple/areolar reconstruction.  Sometimes, women choose this phase, of their breast restoration process, to include other breast procedures such as a Breast Lift or Breast Reduction.  My goal is that: “all  cosmetic surgery should be functional…and all reconstructive surgery should be aesthetic and look as natural as possible.”

My patients are living testaments to the benefits of having restorative procedures following mastectomy surgery.  Here are just a few of their comments:

“I love being able to wear off the rack clothing since you completed the beautification process and now my breasts are symmetrical and so natural looking.”

“My husband is so glad to see my level of self confidence and a sense of normal self restored again.”

“The breast reconstruction did more than restore normal looking breasts….it restored my self confidence and has allowed me to return to the lifestyle I love…and the love of my life!”

We will discuss your goals for Stage III Beautification in detail.  After decades of helping women through this process…I’ve been able to help them through the challenges…by removing fear and replacing it with knowledge and self empowerment.

STAGE IV…NIPPLE TATTO…this is just as it says…nipple tattooing to create a natural looking nipple and areola on the breast(s).  This process further beautifies the breast by defining the dark area of skin surrounding your nipple(s) and areola(s).

Regardless of when you begin the process of reconstruction/restoration…. I use the most advanced but safest methods along with finely honed techniques.  By combining my meticulous skill with my thorough understanding of the intricacies of the human anatomy, my patients enjoy amazing outcomes that are both functional and beautiful.  You can read more about this entire process at: www.davinciplastic.com

In review, I’ve quickly covered Stages I & II of Breast Restoration surgery. Now, let’s look at breast reconstruction using implants instead of your own body tissue.  Implants are chosen by hundreds of thousands of women every year to restore a natural looking figure with two breasts.  Some women choose to start this process immediately (Immediate Restoration) by having the surgeon place the tissue expanders at the time of the mastectomy…under the same anesthesia and using the same incision. Remember, the expanders are the precursor to the permanent implants. They slowly and gently expand the chest tissue to allow for the implants at a later date. Read more about this: https://www.davinciplastic.com/

BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY… When it’s time to place the saline or silicone implants…usually 3-4 months (I help you decide which is best for you), the surgery is scheduled to do the implant(s) placement.  This involves going through the same incision used to place the expanders, removing the expanders and precisely placing the correct implants. General anesthesia is used for this procedure. The incisions are closed and healing begins taking place.  Stage II is now complete. Healing for all surgeries takes times and varies with each individual.  Activities are restricted at first, but you gradually move back into full activities…looking and feeling great.

ABOUT IMPLANTS…Today’s implants are the most advanced and safest of all time.  You can choose from either saline or silicone filled implants (both are FDA approved) and both types come in a spectrum of sizes and shapes, and have either smooth or textured surfaces to meet the many individual needs of women today. Implants are not for everyone, but for those who choose them…they restore natural looking, contoured breasts, enhanced self confidence and return to a normal lifestyle.

ABOUT BOARD CERTIFICATION… I am a board certified reconstructive surgeon with specialization in breast reconstruction.  Board certification does not guarantee certain results, but it does ensure that you are working with a surgeon who has been trained by the experts, has had years of extra education and experience and vast knowledge to draw from.  I am ranked among the “Top Docs” in the Nation who perform reconstructive surgeries successfully everyday…not bragging…but you need to know some docs are highly skilled and trained…others are not.

Next time I’ll discuss Stage III breast Reconstruction…known as Beautification. Be sure to read the previous blogs if you missed them.

Stay Well,

Dr. Steven Davison

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

The reasons women choose to have restorative breast procedures are well stated in these quotes …

“I need to feel whole again,” –  “You have given me back what cancer took away,” – “The reconstruction of my breasts made me feel restored…not reconstructed,”  –  “I want to look as good as I feel,”  –  “I want to look and feel sexy again…and want my husband to see me as sexy.” 

These are but a few of many thousands of thoughts from women who wanted to fully recover from their breast cancer…with a whole body.

Today, I review Flap Procedures (Stage II Breast Reconstruction/Restoration).  There are a variety of Flap Procedures used to restore breasts…not every type is right for every woman, but we determine this after careful and thorough evaluation of your needs and goals.  I tailor each flap procedure to achieve beautiful natural looking breasts. There are four muscle flap techniques as follows:

1) Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses a flap of skin and muscle from the back on the same side as the operated breast.  This is transferred forward to form a breast mound that will look and feel natural since it is your own living tissue.

2) TRAM Flap is the most common form of living tissue  breast restorative techniques used today.  It creates a natural looking, soft, warm breast.  TRAM Flap involves either free flap or pedicled flap techniques.  Pedicled flap means the tissue remains attached to its blood supply.  TRAM Flap procedures employ skin, fat and muscle removed from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest.

3) DIEP Flap reconstruction employs excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area, through an incision similar to that used for Tummy Tucks. This is a “perforator flap” technique that is muscle sparing…meaning no muscle function is sacrificed, but warm living tissue is used instead.

4) Gracilis Flap harvests excess skin and fat from the inner thigh to restore natural looking, soft, warm breasts.  This may be a TUT Flap (without muscle) which is referred to as a Transverse Upper Thigh Flap. When a small amount of muscle is required…a TUG Flap is employed.  Either flap can be harvested so the donor scar is discretely hidden inside the upper thigh.

This is a brief overview of the 4 Flap techniques used for restorative breast reconstructions.  Each of them has it’s own virtues… and all offer beautiful, natural looking and feeling breasts.  I have guided many women through making the right choices so as to ensure optimum results.

GOALS of RESTORATIVE BREAST PROCEDURES

Goals are critical to good outcomes.  You must have yours…here are mine: “all cosmetic surgery should be functional & all reconstructive surgery should be aesthetic & look as natural as possible.”  

ADVICE TO MY PATIENTS

Always ask me questions; ask to see pictures of my patients, gather information and consults with trusted mentors, make your decision.   There are NO wrong decisions. Choose a qualified, Board Certified surgeon with specialized training and expertise in reconstructive surgeries.

Next blog will cover Implant Breast Restoration.

Dr. Steven Davison

“At DAVinci…we combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.”

Well, here’s my chance to “shine” a bit. I don’t usually hang out or post my “brag sheet”…but being recognized among the top doctors of the nation can make a guy feel proud.  In case you’re not aware…I’ve been named as a “Top Doctor” of the Year by the Washingtonian,  the Northern Virginia Magazine, and others, for Reconstructive Breast Surgeries.  Along with that award, top docs must assume great responsibility.  First let me explain the selection process.

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is America’s trusted source for identifying top doctors and the best in American medicine.  Their system for selection is rigorous and includes ascertaining critical information about doctors such as: exceptional training, experience and how they are regarded by their peers etc. etc. Top Doctors can have an enormous impact on healthcare for patients and their families….a “Top Doc” can mean the difference between receiving first class medical care and substandard care.  Top Docs rank among the top 10% in the Nation.

The Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine also use these rigorous guidelines for selecting “Top Doctors”…or “Top” anything e.g. restaurants.  Education (not all schools are equal), experience can make a major difference in outcomes, and most important of all…life changing procedural results that patients are happy with, along with peer recognition (being recommended by other doctors)…comes only from years of growing and honing skills while keeping up with advancements.  This is the stuff Top Docs are made of.

 I love what I do, and the greatest reward is always seeing positive outcomes for my patients.  

I am honored and blessed to be able to serve the population in and around Washington, D.C. and I thank each of you for your  years of trust, confidence and support you’ve shown to me and my family.  I look forward to many more years of helping each of you, and your family and friends…and to enjoying the friendships that grow as a result.

Thank You, Stay Well and may God richly bless each of you.

Steven Davison, M.D.

At DAVinci…we combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION …in STAGES

Reconstructing a breast is an option chosen by hundreds of thousands of women, around the world, every year due to cancer or other trauma. The techniques we use today are more advanced allowing for less downtime, quicker healing and more natural looking outcomes. The procedure can be done in either one or two stages. I cover Stage I today.

STAGE I:  involves an “tissue expander’ that is inserted immediately following mastectomy.The expander slowly expands the tissue allowing for replacement by a breast implant a few months later.This is called immediate reconstruction since the tissue expander is placed under the same anesthesia as your mastectomy surgery.

Many women choose immediate reconstruction. Others opt to wait a few weeks or months. This is called delayed breast reconstruction.

One decision does not fit all women. Opting for breast reconstruction and the timing…is highly personal. My sensitive nature and expertise has enabled me to help many women make the wise decisions to overcome this otherwise daunting task. My patients quickly understand their options and learn how natural looking form/function and confidence can be restored.

If you or someone you know is faced with this challenge…let’s chat. During the personal consultation, I carefully listen to concerns, desires and goals before making recommendations. My experience enables me to achieve predictable and natural looking results.

IMPORTANCE of BOARD CERTIFICATION & SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Choosing a board certified surgeon, with specialized training and experience in reconstructive surgeries is critical to achieving desirable outcomes. I have the credentials, training, vast experience and many, many happy, healthy patients.

Next blog will cover Stage I…what’s involved.

Dr. Steven Davison

“At DAVinci…We combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”

VECTRA 3D COMPUTER IMAGING

Well, I am proud  to offer the benefits of this revolutionary break through technology.  Since, more and more men and women of all ages and stages in life are coming in for anti aging procedures, it became clear that a more effective way of conveying information…and showing them their likely results… was essential.

The Vectra 3D computer imaging system can determine the correct breast implant size and shape, design the nose of your dreams, or take years off your face…before you’ve even committed to any procedure.  Clearly…these pictures are worth thousands of words.

VECTRA 3 D IMAGING…BRIEF OVERVIEW:

•Vectra 3D computer imaging has increased patient confidence

•You participate in creating your personal treatment plan

•3D Imaging by Vectra establishes a clear treatment plan

•Vectra’s 3D system offers unparalleled accuracy & flexibility

•Dr. Davison is able to convey more information…more clearly

•Allows you to see simulations of actual outcomes

•Vectra 3D demos procedures so you envision your likely results

•

•AND…here’s what some patients are now saying:

•  Unbelievable!  It was like seeing my new body in a 3D movie.

•  You can make all the changes you want…until you find the look that’s right for you.

•  The Breast simulation showed me how much better I would look with a lift and implants.

•  It’s impressive to realize how close the simulations are to the actual results.

•  It helped me make a crystal clear decision about breast augmentation and the right implants for me… based upon science.

Here’s how it Works:

Vectra’s 3D system employs three dimensional photos of your body.  Once captured and uploaded, you can view the images and procedure simulations on a large screen.  The simulations can be rotated and viewed from many different angles allowing you to actually see the full effect of your procedure.  Breast augmentation is a great example of this process.  The 3D system even selects various breast implant sizes and shapes, simulated over your own anatomy to help you choose the right one. And Rhinoplasty or  “nose job” outcomes are much easier to understand. For example: A nose with a hump, whether wide or crooked, should be viewed from several angles to more accurately see what needs to be done.  The 3D system makes this happen. It has erased frustration and concern for so many patients.

Have you been putting off a procedure due to being fearful about the outcomes?  Come in…let’s talk and then simulate them for you.  You will see it all clearly….and love it.

Dr. Steven Davison

“DAVinci…Where we combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.” 

NATURAL FAT INJECTIONS for NATURALLY YOUTHFUL FACES

Not all fat is bad. In fact, loss of facial fat (due to aging) causes loss of facial definition, sunken temples, forehead and brow wrinkles, a down turned mouth and accentuates  “puffy” lower eyelids. Facial fat deteriorates naturally with age, weight loss and hormonal changes, which tends to speed up the process.

Three ways to restore facial volume and achieve smoother, younger looking skin:

1)Fat Transfer is a great non invasive option with long lasting…natural looking results.

2)Injectable Fillers, such as Juvederm and Sculptra offers immediate results and requires maintenance treatments.

3)Implants (if you are considering a Facelift) restore volume and definition to the cheeks…making you always look 5 to 10 years younger.

FAT TRANSFER is a very popular facial, age defying procedure today because it uses your own natural body fat. I use it all the time to redefine and contour aging faces of both men and women…while filling in lines, wrinkles, hollows and creating natural looking definition. Autologous fat transplantation (fat injections) may involve liposuction for fat removal.

FAT TRANSFER is a wonderful age defying procedure, but it is not suitable for everyone…dramatic aging requires surgery, but we try to consider the least invasive first.

I am specially trained and skilled in all Fat Grafting/Transfer techniques and get results that look natural…because they are.

Men are having FaceLifts using their own body fat.

At DAVinci…my mission is to help you get and keep your best face forward…naturally.  I do that by combining… the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

Let’s Talk Soon.

Dr. Steven Davison

Today, I want to explain facial harmony and balance to help you understand why we make certain recommendations…and why you should only employ a surgeon who has mastered the complex facial anatomy…and  who can tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs.

FACIAL BALANCE (symmetry) and FACIAL THIRDS:

The eyes, nose and chin are three distinct facial components yet all three are on one face and must work together to create your personal profile.  If you were blessed with great genes, good aging and no trauma in life…then you may be beautifully balanced.  Aging, disease, injury etc. affects this balance. Thus, the goal in facial rejuvenation is to treat the face as a whole…so the results are balanced.

For example: if you correct a sagging brow, but neglect the hooded upper eyelids and baggy under eyelids and the lines and wrinkles, these defects will detract from the nicely lifted brows and distort the youthful appearance you wanted.  More aging requires more correction.

Many men and women come to talk to me about their nose and we always end up talking about their chins or other facial areas because all of these elements contribute to overall facial harmony. Surgeons do a big disservice if they fail to explain this.  I am expertly skilled in all facial rejuvenation and reconstruction procedures of the face, and my patient photo archives speak volumes.

There’s no one right answer.  Each individual requires individual analysis.  Some want dramatic change…others want subtle changes.  But what I, and expert surgeons worldwide, know today is that there is an advantage to combining procedures:  All areas of the face look like they’re in harmony and have aged together naturally.

Let’s strive for natural, balanced facial harmony and beauty in 2012!

Dr. Steven Davison

At DAVinci…I combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

A shift in the age of our clients today and their preferences for less invasive, quick fixes that really do work, accounts for the innovations of the past 10 years.  Younger people are having more done – sooner.  Prevention and restoration…especially facial work (skin lasers, fillers, blepharoplasty, lip augmentation and mini-lifts) are the new order of the day.

Generation X’ers (31-45 yrs old) had 43% of last years procedures done while the Baby Boomers (ages 51 to 64) came in second with 28%.  Career demands are driving younger people into our surgery centers in ever rising numbers…and the demand for less invasive, no downtime, anti aging options is paramount.  Of course, Hollywood & Nashville Celebs have led the charge in their relentless fight against aging.

Dolly Parton recently said that if she sees something sagging, dragging or bagging, she will have it nipped and tucked…and she loves Botox!

Men are getting facelifts, nose jobs (rhinoplasty), liposuction and body contouring as they prefer to remove flaws rather than enhance features.

Prevention, customization and natural results are the main focus today…using non invasive, advanced treatments such as liquid facelifts, and Botox nose jobs.  Volumization and recontouring (instead of pulling) has replaced older procedures that truly make you look younger…naturally.

Next time, I’ll launch into some of these fabulous age defying solutions.  The Celebs really can’t keep secrets!

Come in soon so we can define your best options for 2012.

Dr. Steven Davison

At DAVinci…I combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science so you can look & feel your best…naturally.

Here we are in January, 2012 already! Many of us have new goals and dreams for a year filled with exciting new opportunities.  Our society is focused on health, fitness and anti aging…all excellent, worthy goals. Let me review some principles on facial aging…and things you can do now to defy future aging.

The new trend in “mini-treatments” is to Look Younger Faster…with less downtime and quicker results.  More no this later but here’s how to get started:

• Start early doing small procedures (in your 30’s)  (Hollywood Celebs do this)
• This often negates or delays the need for surgery
• We can’t replace our genes…they determine how and at what pace we will age
• But we can do interventions to dramatically improve how we age
• Botox, Dysport, fillers eliminate first signs of facial aging (lines)
• Cheek Augmentation keeps hollows & folds from becoming severs
• Blepharoplasty corrects early signs of aging around the eyes – restores a youthful look
• Aging still occurs…but is much less noticeable and less damaging.

 I’m here to help you keep your best face forward.

Best Wishes in 2012!

Dr. Steven Davison

Now, Couples are showing up in my office (husbands and wives) expecting that I help them grow younger together.  I am delighted to be able to help these wonderful people reclaim some youthfulness and enable them to look as good and as young as they feel.

Today’s couples are choosing to share anti aging together! It’s no longer a secret that husbands and wives have started a new trend of having plastic surgery and other age defying procedures done together.  Years ago, the wife would secretly appear and have some age defying things done, and later the husband would come in asking me not to tell his wife…and he would have some anti aging treatments.  Since cosmetic procedures has been destigmatized for men over the past decade, male procedures have doubled since 1999…and couples are choosing to share this part of life together too.

HERE’S WHAT COUPLES ARE HAVING DONE:

• Botox & Injectables…erase lines, wrinkles, plump up areas of lost volume, stimulate collagen renewal.
• Facelift/Necklift/Liposuction…lift away 5, 10, 15 years of aging.
• Chin Implants…restores facial balance.
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)…to resize, reshape and balance the nose.
• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)…rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess skin, fatty tissue, lifts upper lids to reduce hooding, gets rid of under eye bags, restores a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
• Liposuction & Body Sculpting…gets rid of excess, unwanted fat and flab, sculpts certain areas of the body.

Dr. Steven Davison, MD

December Beauty tips from Dr. Steven Davison

With Christmas only a few short weeks ago, life gets busy with more activities, commitments, engagements, parties, school plays and family times. Stress and fatigue are common this time of the year and this, along with too little sleep, too much rich food, more wine than usual and too much to do all takes a toll on how we look and feel.  It shows in the face first with tiny lines and wrinkles, loss of a healthy glow and slower cell regeneration.

First…the tried but true tips you get every year…reminders are good:

1. Stay hydrated.  There is no substitute for good, pure water.
2. Get as much sleep as possible.
3. Be patient…crowds, noise, and too many demands are going to happen.  Roll with it.  Play relaxing music, sing and laugh.
4. Exercise…keep up with your workout routine.
5. Eat highly nutritious…living foods. Raw fruits and veggies, unprocessed nuts, avocados, salads and proteins.  Reduce the carbs!
6. Monitor the alcohol intake.  Alcohol is dehydrating.
7. Manage stress…don’t over commit, overdo, overshop…enjoy this season.
8. Treat yourself to an anti aging procedure and skincare products that really rejuvenate by taking years off your face to restore youthfulness and health.

Smooth Wrinkles, Refine Skin, Increase Facial Radiance Your Face is your “first impression maker.”  Your eyes and skin condition speak volumes about your age and many patients opt for a quick “eye job” and fillers.

We can smooth out lines and wrinkles with an injectable filler…such as Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse or Sculptra, results last for months.  Add to that an Obagi skin care regimen and you will go beyond just doing skin care…to seriously improving your skin’s health.  

We make sure our clients are really “Holiday Ready.” At Davinci…my staff and I are committed to helping you put and keep your best face forward.

Call now and let’s talk about your instant beauty innovations.  You only get one life and one face.

Best Wishes to you and your loved ones.

Dr. Steven Davison on December Beauty Tips