Does this describe you?

• You’re a loyal recipient of injectables and have enjoyed the benefits for years.
• You love the results, but have the feeling you’re needing a little more than what they can do.
• You don’t have in mind anything drastic, but some minor improvements just beyond the benefits that injectables have previously satisfied.
• You’re open minded to surgical options, but are in the prime of your career and/or raising a family, and just don’t have the time for a recovery “time out.”

If so, you might be a good candidate for a Mini Facelift. In the past many people were saying this kind of surgery wasn’t worth it because of the subtlety. Now, with the “tweakment” mindset of many people these days, I would say it is a great fit. Here’s why:

1. Yes, the results aren’t drastic, but that’s what some people want. They want that comment from a friend or coworker that says, “You look refreshed, a little younger, but I can’t put my finger on exactly how.”
2. Volume loss and loose skin that is effected by gravity cause the beginning of jowling along the jawline. A small tightening to this area with a Mini Facelift is refining and rejuvenating. If the neck is in pretty good condition, then the Mini Facelift will address the jowling and lower third of the face nicely to turn back time about 5 to 7 years. This is ideal for women in the 40s, but I’ve seen patients in their mid 30s through their mid 50s who could benefit from a Mini Facelift.
3. Depending on the issues addressed by a Mini Lift, it can usually be done without general anesthesia and within a fairly quick surgery requiring a small hidden incision. The recovery is mild. Some people go back to work after a long weekend or feel good enough within a week. This is a perfect option for most women in their prime career and family years.

Other options

Not Ready for Surgery Yet? A Liquid Facelift can be a great way to hold off on a surgical Facelift. It can smooth wrinkles, restore volume, and even lift a little. However, when it comes to the effects of aging on the lower face and neck, injectables are limited and not long lasting.

Need something a little more? A Full Facelift can address the whole face, but really tighten major jowling and sagging neck that can leave you rejuvenated and looking 10 years younger. Depending on the degree, will require about 2 weeks out of work and resting with about a month of recovery. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside beyond that time, but is manageable and coverable with makeup.

Every Facelift is unique. Come talk with us about your facial rejuvenation goasl so we can help you decide what “tweakment” or procedure will be best for you. Schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

It’s not too late to show your love with the gift of a Liquid Facelift. The spring is coming and there is no better feeling than going into a new season with a refreshed feeling and look. The new and rejuvenating experience can catapult confidence and productivity for not only a more youthful appearance, but invigorated feeling.

The Liquid Facelift, also called a Filler Facelift, is a visible, yet subtle rejuvenation involving multiple injection locations and kinds. While it doesn’t have the complete capabilities of an actual Facelift, it does address concerns throughout the facial features to provide a no downtime “refresher” for the face. It smoothes out wrinkles and restores volume to those trouble areas that are unique to each person. These are the benefits:

• Erasing forehead lines with Botox
• Brow lifting by replacing volume with Juvederm
• Revolumizing the eye area with Juvederm to minimize sunken eye sockets, hollowed temples or deepened tear troughs
• Plumping flat cheeks with Juvederm, Radiesse or Sculptra which gently lifts the entire midface, including the effects of volume loss on nasolabial folds
• Smoothing the “parenthesis” lines around the mouth
• Plumping thinned out lips with Juvederm
• Balance the chin definition with Radiesse or Sculptra

The Filler Facelift addresses these issues not in isolation, but within the facial framework and contours. This comprehensive injection session rejuvenates the entire face and not just one feature by utilizing different kinds of injectables. The Liquid Facelift is a great way to hold off the need for a surgical facelift. Results can last a couple of months to a couple of years.

The different kinds of injectables used in different areas of the face all work together for the Liquid Facelift rejuvenation. Here are the typical players we use in our office to give our patients beautiful results:

• Juvederm naturally attract water to the plump up the cells with hyaluronic acid. This sponge like effect, plumps up the cells at the injection site to fill in the creases. Its plumping abilities are fantastic for restoring youthful facial contours and lip fullness.
• Botox inhibits muscle action that stops the movement creating the wrinkles and creases. This stops forehead furrows and frown lines in their tracks.
• Radiesse immediately stimulates your own collagen renewal for your skin to work on replacing volume and firmness.
• Sculptra takes time to reveal the youth enhancing effects, but is well worth the wait. Its scaffolding stimulates the body’s own ability to rebuild collagen with long lasting results that can endure twice as long as hyaluronic fillers.

Experience the refreshing look that a Filler Facelift can offer. Give the gift to yourself or a loved one. To schedule your Liquid Facelift our highly trained injectors, visit www.davinciplastic.com

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Many of you have tried on your bathing suit and beach wear…and are not happy with what you see in the mirror or how the clothing fits or doesn’t fit!  This is a common problem every Spring that brings clients into my office for help with getting back into shape.  The blog that follows goes into more depth of concerns and the most commonly chosen options to deal with those challenges.   Read on…then call for your consultation!

Celebrity Body Sculpting or Body Contouring has paved the way for the general population to see, adore and emulate. With increased celebrity presence in the public eye through social media, their influence is much more far reaching. Celebrities have set the “ideal” body types and facial features that are seen as desirable in our culture. So much so, that it isn’t rare to have patients request lips like Angelina Jolie, a nose like Kate Middleton, or arms like Michelle Obama.

Social Media Influence on Younger Millennials
With 2015 seeing the celebrity rise of the younger Kardashian sisters, Kylie and Kendall, their peers took notice of their cosmetic enhancements. With the Millennial generation practically living on Instagram and Facebook, when the celebrities they follow, such as the younger Kardashians, have cosmetic procedures, this greatly contributes their desire to get these procedures as well. Also, the aging prevention mindset is much more present with Millennials who are getting injections and other non surgical procedures in their 20s. This is reflected in the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) 2015 survey, in which 64% of their members experienced an increase of procedures performed on this under 30 age group.

Other Generations Aren’t Immune
Boomers, GenXer’s and Millennials in their 30s certainly aren’t exempt from the influence of social media on their perception of an ideal body and face. They see the Body Sculpting procedures that celebrities have received and use this as a springboard to creating a younger looking, contoured version of themselves. Relative to their degree of aging, this would include both the non invasive procedures, injectables, as well as surgeries.

What Does Body Contouring Include?
These are some of the most common aspects of Body Sculpting, which can include one or over time, all, of these procedures:

• Injectables
• FaceLift
• Rhinoplasty
• Eyelid or Forehead Lift
• Breast Augmentation
• Arm Lift
• Tummy Tuck

It’s All About You
This array of Body Sculpting cosmetic procedures can help you get the body you desire when you may not have access to a personal chef, stylist, trainer and unlimited financial resources like the celebrities. I want my patients to be healthy and feel good in their own skin. Finding the right Body Contouring procedures for you can build confidence that can help in all areas of life, including the possibility of a job promotion and finding a love connection.

Let’s talk now and design your ideal Body Sculpting Plan so that you can have your best, healthiest body for the summer swimsuit season… and beyond. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

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

The Cold, dry weather during winter months can really cause irritation, discomfort… and can age the skin if proper care isn’t taken. You invest in your skin with cosmetic surgery and non invasive procedures, so it is important to take extra care of your skin, when the weather is extreme, to help those age defying effects last. The following tips can help:

Conserve Moisture
There are many habits that can strip out the moisture from your skin. This dryness can be painful, itchy and contributes to skin-aging by stripping moisture. Work on replenishing lost moisture using these few simple steps:

AVOID
1) Taking hot showers or baths because this removes the natural lubrication and oil on the skin. Yes, hot showers feel good after coming in from the cold…but try to keep showers short and not too hot.
2)  Cleansers and toners, often contain harsh ingredients that strips your skin of natural oil. Real sudsy cleansers usually have a surfactant like sodium laurel sulfate – and the acetone in many toners can be too harsh along with already dry conditions. DO – Use mild cream or gel cleansers and toner with no alcohol this time of year.
3)  Sipping hot coffee and tea is so comforting when it’s cold out, but beware the dehydrating effects they can have. Most people only think to drink lots of water when they’re sweating and hot, but cold, windy air can can be just as dehydrating for your skin. So, drink lots of pure water everyday!

Moisture Reinforcement
Avoid certain drying habits, and be on the offense to add the extra help your skin needs this time of year.

Here are some ways to add moisture to your skin:
– Running the heat in a home strips the air of any moisture – counter this by adding a little water vapor back to your home’s air with a humidifier.
– Diligently use moisturizer morning and night. Never miss moisturizing your face and hands since they’re exposed to the elements the most, but don’t neglect the rest of your body.
– Exfoliate gently to remove the dull dead skin that builds up

– moisturize that fresh new skin to keep it healthy and glowing.
– Continue using sunscreen. Snow can actually reflect up to 80 percent UV rays. you can skill get a sunburn in the winter.
– Eat foods that encourage your skin to retain and build healthy moisture – e.g. rich in essential fatty acids like salmon and  “healthy fats” found in avocados and coconut oil.

– Use medical grade SkinMedica, to effectively address many skin issues  Stop by our office or visit our website www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.

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

Celebrity Body Sculpting or Body Contouring has paved the way for the general population to see, adore and emulate. With increased celebrity presence in the public eye through social media, their influence is much more far reaching. Celebrities have set the “ideal” body types and facial features that are seen as desirable in our culture. So much so, that it isn’t rare to have patients request lips like Angelina Jolie, a nose like Kate Middleton or arms like Michelle Obama.

Social Media Influence on Younger Millennials
With 2015 seeing the celebrity rise of the younger Kardashian sisters, Kylie and Kendall, their peers took notice of their cosmetic enhancements. With the Millennial generation practically living on Instagram and Facebook, when the celebrities they follow, such as the younger Kardashians, have cosmetic procedures, this greatly contributes their desire to get these procedures as well. Also, the aging prevention mindset is much more present with Millennials who are getting injections and other non surgical procedures in their 20s. This is reflected in the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) 2015 survey, in which 64% of their members experienced an increase of procedures performed on this under 30 age group.

Other Generations Aren’t Immune
Boomers, GenXer’s and Millennials in their 30s certainly aren’t exempt from the influence of social media on their perception of an ideal body and face. They see the Body Sculpting procedures that celebrities have received and use this as a springboard to creating a younger looking, contoured version of themselves. Relative to their degree of aging, this would include both the non invasive procedures, injectables, as well as surgeries.

What Does Body Contouring Include?
These are some of the most common aspects of Body Sculpting, which can include one or over time, all, of these procedures: 

• Injectables
• Facelift
• Rhinoplasty
• Eyelid or Forehead Lift
• Breast Augmentation
• Arm Lift
• Tummy Tuck

It’s All About You!

• This array of Body Sculpting cosmetic procedures can help you get the body you desire when you may not have access to a personal chef, stylist, trainer and unlimited financial resources like the celebrities.
• I want my patients to be healthy and feel good in their own skin. Finding the right Body Contouring procedures for you can build confidence that can help in all areas of life, including the possibility of a job promotion and finding a love connection.
• Let’s talk now and design your ideal Body Sculpting Plan so that you can have your best, healthiest body coming into the summer swimsuit season and beyond.

Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Steven Davison M.D.  

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

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

Happy New Year! While breast implants and liposuction are steadily on top of the list for most requested procedures, some trendy treatments gained in popularity during 2015 and are sure to grow more in 2016. Our culture helps to shape the desires for what is considered beautiful… and technology is offering more innovative options than ever.  These are the trends to look for in 2016:

Non Surgical Fat Removal
Kybella was introduced to the mainstream in 2015 and immediately gained a momentous following. As word has spread about the benefits of Kybella, 2016 is going to be an even bigger year for this non surgical fat reducing procedure. Who wouldn’t want to melt the double chin away without having the downtime or discomfort of surgery? Less invasive procedures will continue trending in 2016 making Kybella a winner.

Injectables for Millennials
No downtime, minimal recovery injectables steadily entice millennials into the world of cosmetic treatments. Millennials are very busy with full social calendars … so making time for surgery/recovery is challenging. Millennials grew up during the dawn and dominance of social media. It’s no wonder that Facebook and Instagram spur on more and more of an image conscious population. With their image sent out to hundreds of people everyday… they, simply put, want to look good.

Millennials are including injectables, like Botox and Juvederm, in their anti aging, routine health care regimen. So, while prevention is very good, know that it is just as important to only trust your face to an experienced, knowledgeable practitioner. Injectables, if not done correctly, can give an over “done” appearance… making you look older. This overdone look, such as over filled lips or paralyzed forehead (e.g. for someone in their 20s or 30s) can cause distortion or the perception of an aged face thus defeating your goal of trying to look younger.

Rise in the FemGen Rejuvenation Trend
The sexual revolution of plastic surgery includes an increased interest in surgeries to improve aesthetics, comfort and sexual pleasure of the female genitalia. Growing in popularity is Labiaplasty, which can minimize stretched, imbalanced or interferingly large labia. This can increase comfort and pleasure during sex, as well as eliminate embarrassment or discomfort when wearing tight workout clothes or bathing suits. Commonly desired after the changes that come from aging and the childbearing years, genetics also plays a part in the appearance and function of the FemGen area. While the topic is still a sensitive one, ( to be handled with care and confidentiality), fortunately, there’s no embarrassment these days about the surgeries that can help you feel confident about what you look like “down there.”

With A steady increase in male clientele, it’s definitely safe to say that most men aren’t feeling embarrassed about getting cosmetic procedures either. They’re viewing plastic surgery and non invasive cosmetic treatments as a normal way to keep their competitive edge in the work place. The rise of Brotox means that a tired or gruff appearance can be shaped into a more pleasant, happy, rested look, and is often done in our office during a lunch break. No missed work, no major change, just a tweak to improve confidence and perception that can pay dividends in work performance, self confidence…and simply because more men today want to stay younger and healthier looking as long as possible!

These treatments can help you reach your goals for looking and feeling great about yourself during 2016. If you’d like to take advantage of any of these rejuvenation trends, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Since I addressed the youthful contour of the neck the past two weeks, I thought we’d work our way up to the chin and the important role it plays in attaining the “perfect profile.” Generally speaking, our society appreciates different features in men and women, but an aesthetic profile… regardless of gender… is harmonious and balanced.

These profile characteristics are popular among Americans:
• Upper face: a forehead that isn’t entirely round, flat or elongated, and a browbone structure that isn’t overbearing
• Mid face: straight nose with some concavity to it, not too long, wide or bulbous
• Lower face: full lip projection, well defined chin, neck and jaw line

MAKING THE CASE FOR THE CHIN … It is the framework and support system for the entire face. Too weak or strong of a framework can distort the rest of the facial structure, throwing off the balance and proportion. For example, a chin that is too small or recessed can make the nose look too big, or on the other hand, a chin that is too prominent can draw too much attention and be unbalanced with the rest of the facial features.

BRINGING PROFILE BALANCE WITH THE CHIN…Usually the chin is a feature that men are known for, and is therefore attributed as a masculine focused feature. But the lack of a chin can even throw off the harmony in a feminine profile and can increase an aging appearance caused by that lack of definition between the face and neck.

HOW THE CHIN AGES…Most people first notice the signs of aging in the upper face, such as wrinkles on the forehead and around their eyes. But, even though they may be more subtle in some people, the signs of aging don’t skip over the lower face. With age, the chin begins to look different:
• sagging skin, volume loss from the mid face and upper jaw ends up hanging from the lower jaw
• fat and sagging skin accumulation under the chin
• bone loss in the chin and jaw

One solution for mild repair would be use of injectables to restore volume and contour to the chin area. Another option could be chin augmentation surgery.

CHIN IMPLANTS FOR RESTORING FACIAL BALANCE… This is one of the most popular options to restore facial balance and a youthful, natural appearance. Chin implants are a safe and effective surgical modification that can be tailored to your unique facial needs. It can also be combined with other surgeries, such as a Facelift, Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) or Nose Reshaping.

CHIN IMPLANT SURGERY, SAFE AND QUICK… Of all the facial plastic surgeries, this is one of the fastest to perform, and for my patients, a quick recovery. Chin implants are made from a variety of materials and come in various shapes and sizes. This allows for custom tailoring in order to create your perfect profile!

For complete information about Chin Implants and your consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com. Let’s talk about your perfect profile goals.

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

With a touch of warm weather that gives us hope for the spring season to be upon us, it’s also time to consider that with the warmth comes wedding season, graduation parties and family reunions. These gatherings will be the perfect opportunity for you to put your best face forward. Especially since there will be lots of photo opportunities where you’ll want to be remembered in your best light.

In our office, you will be in the hands of an expert injector who will help you select from a variety of safe, effective, non invasive treatments. You will be in and out and able to enjoy the spring festivities with a younger, fresher appearance.

YOUR BEST OPTIONS FOR NON INVASIVE REJUVENATION… We offer Juvederm, Voluma XC, Botox, Radiesse, and Sculptra. Theses are all non surgical injectables, and you can resume regular activity immediately afterwards. Some people even get these treatments on their lunch break and cover any slight bruising or redness with mineral makeup.

JUVEDERM… instantly smooths out lines and folds using hyaluronic h attracts water to the area. This filler is perfect for the mid to lower face. It can fill lines on the side of your nose and mouth, or to plump up lips. Juvederm gives long lasting results for up to a years.

• VOLUMA XC is a thicker hyaluronic acid filler that instantly adds volume to the cheek area to replace lost volume. This can create a gentle, subtle mini facelift that can reduce the appearance of marionette lines around the mouth. Voluma XC is the only FDA approved filler for the cheeks that restores the fullness of a youthful face, and is better suited to fill more difficult folds and wrinkles.
• BOTOX is a simple, safe injection using botulinum toxin type A to block nerve signal to muscles. This relaxed lines and prevents them from getting deeper. 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. Optimal wrinkle relaxing is seen within 7 to 14 days of treatment, and you can expect the results to last for several months.
• RADIESSE uses calcium based microspheres to rebuild your skin’s foundation. It is a semi permanent filler that creates scaffolding for your own collagen to grow around, so that the wrinkle reducing results last long after the Radiesse breaks down.
• SCULPTRA is not a quick fix, but this PLLA injectable lasts twice as long as hyaluronic acid fillers and stimulates the body’s own collagen renewal. It is great for restoring volume loss and can act as a liquid facelift.

IN THE HANDS OF EXPERTS… These injections are administered by myself or my Physicians Assistant. Our specialized training enables us to perform filler facelifts and injections with ease, precision and great artistic skill after many years of experience. While the study of facial anatomy is crucial, it’s also important to have a precise hand and artistic eye.

With this variety of choices, you can target the area of your face that needs rejuvenation, and be on your way to normal activity. In the hands of an expert injector, you can get the results to help you feel confident and fresh going into the spring season when new life and rebirth is the norm. To schedule your appointment today, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Happy Spring!

Steven Davison M.D.