When you look at yourself in the mirror do you see dark circles, deep hollows, and tired looking eyes? If the hustle and bustle of the holidays is putting extra stress on you and it’s showing, you can turn to one of the most under estimated areas of the face – to restore some youthfulness to your tear troughs.

What are tear troughs?
The tear trough is the area under the eye that extends from the inner corner of the eye, arching down in a semicircle. The technical term is the nasojugal groove. Sunken tear troughs can cast a shadow under the eye that looks like dark circles and gives the face a worn out appearance. This sunkenness also ages the face by creating a visible separation from what should be the smooth transition – from the lower eyelid to the cheek.

Why do tear troughs happen?
The skin under the eyes is very thin and delicate. It shows signs of distress more easily than thicker skin. It is also more prone to the aging effects of gravity. The tissue laxity and volume loss under the eyes, as we age, leads to the tear trough becoming more prominent. Also, as fat gets displaced from behind the eye, or possibly increases and bulges under the eye, this can accentuate the aging of the eye area.

How can the under eye be rejuvenated?
Try …
– getting more rest
– cutting down on salty foods
– minimizing your exposure to environmental pollutants
– not rubbing your eyes so much

While these tips can prevent the tear troughs and under eye bags from getting worse, you can also reverse their appearance with hyaluronic acid fillers.

Rejuvenate Your Tear Troughs with HA Fillers
While there are surgical options to reversing tear troughs, more people prefer to try non invasive treatments first. This has led to the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as Restylane, Juvéderm or Belotero. When they are injected on top of the orbital bone, the HA attracts water to the area to restore volume. This gives the eyes a fresh, rested appearance by the next day after treatment. These results will last 6 months to a year, and you can go right back to your daily routine with no downtime or recovery.

Subtle Solutions for Significant Youthfulness
Today’s patients realize that facial rejuvenation can happen from restoring volume loss in subtle areas … such as the earlobes, temples, chin, melolabial folds and tear troughs. I definitely see a more rested, fresh, and youthful appearance for the whole face using HA fillers to rejuvenate the under eyes.

There’s still time to make your eyes look alive and bright again….before the Holidays!  Call to schedule your treatment today!

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

In just a few days February 2014 will be ushered in.  February is known for it’s “sweetheart” day otherwise called Valentine’s Day.  We envision hearts, cupids, Valentine cards, Roses, special chocolate treats, dinner in a luxurious environment, handsome men and beautiful women with gorgeous red, well shaped but soft and supple lips. For many women…the well shaped, pouty, soft and supple lips are a thing of the past, but they don’t have to be.  If you start now, you can have the lips of your dreams before Valentine’s Day (February 14).  Read on as I blog about Lip enhancement and other ways to restore beautiful, youthful lips now.

AGING LIPS, VERTICAL LIP LINES and more…

Lip puckering involves pursing the lips, a motion that forces formation of vertical lines above the top lip.  Along with this, loss of collagen and elastin contributes to lines, loss of lip shape and color.  This makes you look older and allows your lipstick to bleed beyond your lips.  These are contributors also:

• Smoking (regular/frequent lip pursing)
• Excess sun exposure
• Poor skin care
• Being under hydrated

These can be easily dealt with:  exfoliate away all dry skin, moisturize regularly, quit smoking, use sunscreen, get into a regular, healthy skin care routine, and stay well hydrated with at least 64oz of pure water everyday!  However, normal aging, minus the bad habits, inflicts losses in every part of the body… lips not excluded.  To get those beautiful, youthful lips back by Valentine’s Day, I offer these “hot” options.

LIP ENHANCEMENT to restore FULLER SHAPE for GORGEOUS, YOUTHFUL, SWEETHEART LIPS

Age related loss of collagen results in lines, mouth wrinkles, less shapely and less colorful lips.  Injectable Filler Lip enhancement is today’s top fast fix to minimize those lines and restore healthy, beautiful lips instantly, without surgery. Collagen causes facial structures to deflate and sag, hence the lines show up.  Hyaluronic Acid fillers offer dramatic results.  The results are not permanent but can be easily maintained while your body learns to regenerate it’s own collagen again.

ABOUT INJECTABLE FILLERS for the LIPS

When fixing your lips – stear clear of permanent injections and silicone; even though they may be FDA approved.  Permanent fillers often results in lumps and bumps which can require surgery to correct and silicone is permanent…so if you don’t like the outcome you just have to live with it.  You want avoid overfilling (Duck Lips) and under filling also.

HA fillers like Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane can create fuller, plumper lips.  There are two types of candidates for lip enhancement using injectables:  1) needs volume, 2) needs to balance their other facial features. Your surgeon must understand the complex facial anatomy and be specially trained as an “Expert Injector.” An Expert Injectors knows the face, the products and how to match the right treatment with each individual need.  Know before you go!  See my website for more info on Lip Augmentation/Enhancement: www.davinciplastic.com.

ABOUT COLLAGEN…Collagen is the foundation of all connective skin tissue.  It supports the skin’s structure, thus it is essential for youthful looking skin.  As we age, the body produces less collagen causing the skin to thin, lose firmness and form wrinkles. Choose your foods for collagen generation:  organic celery, cucumbers, tropical fruits, green drinks, tomatoes, citrus fruits/smoothies and more are excellent in helping the body make collagen.

In today’s economy more people are seeking ways to cut costs. Bargain Injectable Treatments have been proven to not be bargains!  Please don’t bargain with your face.  More on that next blog.

Let’s talk about your lip enhancement right away. 

Steven Davison M.D.

“All cosmetic surgery should be functional and all reconstructive surgery should be aesthetic and look as natural as possible.”

The eyes are one of the first areas of the face where aging becomes highly visible.  The eye area has thin skin and fat deposits, that over time often get lost or displaced, while unwelcome dark circles, hollows and bags develop and become more visible.  This blog continues my short series on “mini procedures” what they are and why they’re here to stay.

If you’re new to my blogs see my website for comprehensive information on the many age defying/health restoring procedures I offer. HTTP://www.davinciplastic.com.

MINI EYELID LIFTS are among the top procedures requested today. They are called by different names such as:  Pinch Lift, Skin Pinch, Mini Eyelid Lift or Skin Pinch Blepharoplasty. Each surgeon has usually developed special techniques for their procedure of choice.

I do full blown eyelid surgeries (Blepharoplasties) and Mini Blepharoplasty procedures.  My mini eye signature procedure is the “Skin/Pinch Blepharoplasty.  This is a conservative eyelid tuck involving skin only and is ideal for patients who desire more space for applying eye shadow as well as a more defined upper eyelid crease.  My Mini Skin/Pinch Blepharoplasty takes about 1 hour: involves some swelling and bruising that resolves by itself over 5 to 7 days, and General Anesthesia is that of choice for this surgery.

Mini Skin Pinch Blepharoplasty surgery does the following:

• Achieves a modest but natural refreshed look
• Increases space for applying eye shadow
• Beautifully, naturally defines the upper eyelid crease
• Involves the least risks possible
• Erases a tired look in the upper facial third
• Refreshes, rejuvenates, renews youthfulness to the eye area

The Limitations include:  bags and eye hollows are not addressed since the fat and muscle is not transposed or eliminated…only extra skin is removed with this mini procedure and it may need future maintenance as many mini’s do.

Here’s a comparison of the “Mini” and “Traditional” Eyelid Surgery:

MINI BLEPHAROPLASTY:  Best for those with good skin elasticity and minimal wrinkling on and around the eyes…without under eyelid bags.  This takes about an hour, healing about 1 week, little to no bruising and less swelling than with traditional. Results last 3 to 10 years.   TRADITIONAL BLEPHAROPLASTY:  Best for those with heavy under eye bags and loose facial skin in the eye area.  Takes from 1 to 3 hours and is one of the easiest procedures from which to recover. Swelling and bruising lasts up to 10 days at which time you are about healed.  Results typically last from 8 to 15 years.

THE EYES ARE THE MOST COLORFUL AND ENGAGING FEATURE OF THE FACE.  THEY CREATE UNIQUENESS AND DEPTH or THEY CONVEY A TIRED, AGING APPEARANCE.    Steven Davison M.D.

ASIAN EYELIDS are unique and require special knowledge, training and skill.  Asian eyelids lack a crease, usually have extra skin or epicanthal web towards the side of the nose.  I have much experience and expertise in creating the ideal eyelid for those subtle needs.

MINI PROCEDURES ARE HERE TO STAY BECAUSE:  they are practical, they work well when started early enough, and often can prevent the need for full blown procedures/surgeries. A major reason also:  our patients have demanded them and we have researched and developed and refined them.

MINI PROCEDURES CAN BE COMBINED:  more often than not patients choose to combine two or more procedures to achieve “optimal results.”  For example:  Mini Skin Pinch Bleph surgery is popular with a Liquid Facelift using today’s miracle power lifters!  Check it out!

MOMMY MAKEOVERS and DADDY DO OVERS are here to stay too!  Let’s talk about your concerns soon!

Best to you and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Since Angelina Jolies public announcement, and Brad Pitt’s comments about her double breast mastectomy, removal of both breasts as a “preventive” measure against developing breast cancer…I’ve decided it’s a good time to discuss today’s most popular…most natural cohesive (gummy bear) breast implants.

Natrelle 410 Ultra Cohesive Breast Implants are the most popular in the world today…chosen 2:1 by women having breast reconstruction surgery (after cancer treatment and breast removal)…and by women having implant revision surgery.  The Natrelle 410 also has more “loyal” physician advocates than any other single breast implant in the world!

WITH NATRELLE’s 410 COHESIVE tear shaped BREAST IMPLANTS…YOU WILL ALWAYS KEEP THEM GUESSING! 

The 410 Implant was the very first highly cohesive…anatomically shaped implants and they are now referred to as “gummy bears.”  They have been in use throughout Europe since 1993 with wonderful results.  Natrelle 410 offers 12 shapes for a given volume.  I love them…my patients love them… for many reasons!

• Natrelle 410 Implants…mimic the natural breast the best
• They are the implant of choice today for women having breast reconstruction surgery
• For breast implant revision surgery…the Natrelle 410 is top choice over all implants
• It’s “tear drop shape” contours resemble the curve of a woman’s breast
• The highly cohesive gummy silicone filler “holds together” uniformly to prevent migration in the event of a rupture (rarely occurs according to years of studies)
• 12 shapes for a given volume enables patient/surgeon to be very specific in shape selection…for every single patient
• Natrelle 410’s are chosen 2:1 by patients because they feel the most natural….soft to the touch
• It’s the #1 shaped gel implant chosen by surgeons in Europe and Canada…where it’s been available for years  (the FDA just approved it in the US in February, 2013)
• The textured surface means it will stay where it is placed beneath the breast
• The implant surgery requires specialized training and skill…I am one of a select group of surgeons currently allowed to offer the Natrelle 410 implants to patients.

Highly Developed Method…used for selecting the ideal implants for each individual patient….no cookie cutter methods here!  Also, incorporating my Vectra 3D Computer Imaging program empowers my patients to see actual potential results…before having surgery.

Hand in Glove Fit! Selecting the right implant is the first step to achieving your desired outcome…Second is “surgical technique and skill.”  Added years of specialized surgical training and years of great success and natural outcomes in reconstructive breast surgeries…have given my patients have the highest level of confidence in my abilities…strong enough to send their friends and loved ones to me also.

OK…been thinking about implant revision/replacement…or have you been through a mastectomy?  Let’s talk…

Spring Graduations, June Brides, New Mommies, Class Reunions, Career Changes, normal facial Aging is really showing…Beach Days are here…are you beach body ready? …and many more reasons to get that Breast Augmentation scheduled, to have a Mini Facelift, to keep them guessing with Botox treatments or have an “instant liquid facelift.”  Take 10 years off the face with an Eyebrow/Forehead Lift…removing years of aging with an Eye Job (Blepharoplasty) or a Nose Job…come on and let’s get to work. See complete info: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

Helping You Keep Your Best Self Forward….best to you and yours.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

KISS YOUR LIP LINES GOOD BYE…Look years younger instantly!

My last blog dealt with the aging chin and neck also referred to as the lower one third of the face.  I would be remiss if I didn’t cover the topic of aging lips.  Lips age right along with the rest of the face.  This is seen as collagen and elastin levels decline causing the skin’s scaffolding (support system) to breakdown while forcing the formation of lines and wrinkles.  These unwelcome, often unsightly, lines appear around the mouth…the most noticeable being above the upper lip (Smoker’s Lines).  At the same time your once luscious lips start thinning and facial balance/youthfulness flees.

CAUSES of LIP LINES and THIN LIPS

Loss of collagen and elastin, years of “pursing” the lips, smoking, excess sun exposure, poor nutrition, dehydration, illness etc. are frequent causes of lip aging and facial lines.  Some people are just born with thin lips…and come to me to give them the lips they’ve never had but always wanted!

FILLERS to ELIMINATE LINES…CREATE PLUMP BEAUTIFUL LIPS

Nothing compares with the instant transformation and long lasting results of today’s liquid fillers (injectable dermal fillers) to erase wrinkles and restore volume, plumpness and contour to facial areas.  The lips get immediate, remarkable results that my patients absolutely love.  I recommend and use hyaluronic acid fillers  that are safe and effective.

EXPERT INJECTOR vs NON EXPERT

Coupled with my injector training, comprehensive understanding of the complex facial anatomy and the right formula for each patient…my artistic and surgical skills are combined to achieve wonderful outcomes.

Did you know:

Over 1.2 million doctors are legally allowed to perform injectable treatments in the United States...BUT

Less than 7% qualify as an expert injector.

All Expert Injectors are board certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists and oculoplastic surgeons who have demonstrated extreme due diligence in regards to patient safety, reliable results and consumer education.  Expert injectors are properly qualified to perform injectable procedures and will only administer products that are FDA approved for aesthetic use.

ABOUT EXPERT INJECTORS:

• ALL HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TRAINED BY THE PRODUCT MANUFACTURER…
• ALL EDUCATE THEIR PATIENTS ON THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE…EMPOWERING THEM TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
• ALL EMPLOY CORRECT PROTOCOLS TO MINIMIZE POTENTIAL ADVERSE REACTIONS
• ALL KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS OF INJECTABLES PERFORMED FOR EACH PATIENT

INJECTABLE FILLERS TODAY…CHOICES

I offer my patients the safest, most advanced…but tried and proven fillers available including:  Juvederm®, Radiesse®, Restylane®, Sculptra® and Fat Grafting (gets amazing long lasting results). All treatments are customized to achieve your goals and desires and are done in office…often during a lunch hour!

Ready for a quick makeover?  Nose, Chin, Lips…we can do it in time for summer vacations etc.  Let’s talk now.

I’m here to hep you put and keep your best face forward.

Dr. Steven Davison

AT DAVinci…I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.

AGE DEFYING AUGMENTATIONS: the Chin is in

Chin augmentation is currently the most “in demand” anti aging cosmetic procedure being done today.  Among all demographics, it is the fastest growing trend according to recent survey results from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Here are the numbers:

– Chin augmentations increased overall by 71% in 2011

– Chin augmentation outranked breast procedures in 2011

– Men of all ages – 76% increase

– Ages (both genders) 40 to 54 – 77% increase

– Ages 55 & over – 70% increase in Chin augmentations

– These numbers were in comparison to lip augmentation, breast augmentation and cheek implants, clearly showing that people saw the need to correct aging in the lower 1/3 of the face.  Chin Augmentation restores the neck and chin to a more youthful appearance by reducing the sagging jawline, often with a chin implant and correcting the neck issues.

So what’s the reason for this dramatic change?  Surveys also revealed that as more and more people are chatting online with camera’s rolling…they see the receding chin and sagging jawline since it shows facial aging very early.

Baby Boomers especially, are showing up in aesthetic surgeons offices seeking ways to turn back the clock with Chin augmentation or a combination of age defying options.

Concerns over their careers prompt many to have combination treatments such as Botox and liposuction, while others choose chin implants and neck lifts…or all of it.

Cameras don’t lie! The more time people spend in front of cameras on their PC’s…the more we see them asking me to take years off their face,  to explain chin augmentations, facelifts, injectable facelifts, Botox, liposuction & sculpting of the chin/neck to restore its youthfulness…and much more.  Read more about these: www.davinciplastic.com.

Chin Augmentation is in…but I also have many other tools in my tool chest.

Got concerns about facial aging?  Let’s talk.  There are many non surgical options we can explore so that you can be happy with your camera look.

Next blog will overview facial aging and the chin and neck…and how chin augmentation takes years off the face.

Dr. Steven Davison

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