This tried and true surgery for removing fat has proven its effectiveness over decades. If you’re looking into Lipo, there are a few ways to tell if it’s the best option for you. It may be perfect alone or in combination with other procedures for your ideal results.

WHAT IT IS:

Goodbye Stubborn Bulges

Liposuction is great for people who have already reached or are near their ideal weight yet are struggling to lose those fat bulges in stubborn spots. After getting healthy with a good diet and exercise routine, Liposuction is perfect for contouring those areas of the body with that hard to lose fat. Liposuction has these wonderful effects:

• smoothes the thighs to eliminate saddle bags or create less inner thigh friction
• lumps above or behind the knees are contoured so that this area of the leg is not prominent
• flattens out that lower abdomen to take care of fat, for example from that stubborn post baby belly pooch
• minimizes the hip’s muffin top for a more comfortable and flattering fit in your clothes
• bra fat bulges aren’t detracting from the upper body curves that should be there
• even eliminates double chin if the skin has good elasticity

Farewell Fat Cells

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the body so they are gone forever. This gives you a great benefit in keeping the weight off because we don’t produce any new fat cells. However, the fat cells that aren’t removed can expand, so this means it’s incredibly important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to continue enjoying the beautiful benefits from Liposuction.

WHAT IT IS NOT:

Skin and the Scale

A common misconception is that Liposuction can be used to remove fat instead of healthy diet and exercise. It is not intended as a way for you to lose weight. You might actually not see a huge difference in that number on the scale. However, you will see it in inches and how your clothes fit.

Another consideration is the elasticity of the skin. We don’t want to have loose, hanging skin left in the area where the fat was removed. If there is stretched skin from previous weight loss, and liposuction is needed to eliminate those last stubborn fat cells, it can be combined with Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), Neck Lift or other skin trimming procedure for the best body contouring results. It also can be combined with the non invasive laser treatment SculpSure to melt away small mounts of fat and slightly tighten the skin.

MAKING THE MOST OF LIPO

An additional benefit of Liposuction is that you can use the fat that is removed from where you DON’T want it and insert it to areas where you DO want it. Using your own fat is the most natural way to restore volume to the areas of your face and body that you’d like to plump up. This could be used to enhance your breasts, butt, facial features and even boost the look of your six pack or other muscles. This additional body rejuvenation can be done in the same session as the Liposuction for an overall body benefit.

So if you’re looking into Liposuction as a body contouring option, let’s talk about what it can do for you. Schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

As an expert in Fat Grafting (also known as Fat Transfer), I’ve seen how wonderful this completely native material…from your own body can naturally enhance features without the use of foreign substances. It does require great skill to be used correctly and does have some limitations. But for my natural minded patients, this could be a great option for facial volume loss and the Brazilian Butt Lift, as I’ve previously written about. Depending on my patient’s expectations it can even be an option for breast augmentation.

Managing Expectations of Fat Grafting
I like to have an extensive discussion of my patient’s expectations and their options with any procedure, but when it comes to breast augmentation, there are quite a few options to discuss. These discussions include what size breast would be harmonious for the body, the kind of implant, the type of incision used to insert the implant or whether to even use an implant. Often, fat grafting isn’t considered by my patients because it isn’t as widely publicized as implants, but I do believe that it can be a great option for many.Here are some of the reasons to consider Fat Grafting for your Breast Augmentation:
… It’s a completely natural substance coming from your own body.
… Because it’s from your own body, there is less chance of your body rejecting it.
…The results are as natural looking as you can get.
…There’s no risk of silicone leakage or integration into the body, so no follow ups years later and no worries.
…”Upkeep” surgeries aren’t necessary.
…No scalpel is required, as the fat is extracted and relocated to the breast with a needle.
…A minimal 2 to 4 day recovery time is needed, compared to weeks of recovery after a breast augmentation with implants.
…The fat used for the breast is taken from an area of the body that can spare some, so while you’re enhancing the breasts, you’re getting the benefits of liposuction elsewhere in the body.

Fat Grafting is a Less Invasive Option

When done by an expert in fat grafting, like myself, it can add natural looking volume to the breast without lumps, bumps, clumps or clusters. It also encourages a natural response, from the body, that makes it long lasting. No drainage ports, compression bands, or weeks of recovery while waiting for the pain to subside and the implants to “settle” into their place. A breast augmentation with fat grafting looks truly natural… after only a few days, when the swelling and bruising from the injections subside. And no worries if you’re needle phobic. You can remain totally comfortable while sedated under general anesthesia, as the fat is extracted from another area and injected into specific places in the breast.

Natural is Not for Everyone
While fat grafting can create lovely results, it does have limitations. It may not be able to accomplish the increase in volume or shape that some women are looking for, which is why there is a large market for implants. There are many safe options with implants that offer a beautiful and satisfying breast augmentation.

If you’d like to discuss your options for a breast augmentation, including the possibility of fat grafting, please schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Most people are in a battle against fat, but fat can be your friend. I find that it is one of the best fillers for plumping areas that are sunken, hollow or flat. Using the body’s own fat by taking it from a place where it’s unwanted and putting it somewhere that needs it reaps a double benefit.

Fat as We Age… Isn’t it ironic that as we age, we often lose fat in the wrong places and gain it in unwanted areas. As a child, we have that “baby face” that includes round full cheeks, but as early as mid to late 20s the fat in the cheeks that keeps it full and firm already starts to degrade even though the narrowing of the face usually doesn’t appear until the 30s. In the 40s, fat loss usually shows itself as drooping in the midface that causes nasolabial folds and jowls. The face shape continues to change in the 50s and beyond as fat is affected by gravity and age.

Fat Vs. Other Fillers… Fat grafting is a very effective way to retain a youthful face by restoring facial contour and fullness. Compared to other fillers, fat produces longer lasting results. Additionally, it’s completely natural since it’s using your own excess body fat – that is refined, purified and relocated. This means that there isn’t the risk of an adverse reaction or allergy as with other injectables.

What Can Fat Grafting Do? Although one of the most common areas to treat with fat grafting are the creased, sunken parts of the face, it can be used to contour many areas of the body. It can enhance areas such as hands, breasts and buttocks. One of the more popular procedures recently is the Brazillian Butt Lift. I actually prefer to use fat grafting for this rather than implants, as long as there’s enough fat to take from another area of the body. I’ve also used it to successfully revise and minimize the appearance of scars, or other bodily depressions.

How Does It Work? Fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from areas that have some to spare, such as the outer thighs (saddle bags), refining it, and then injecting it into areas that need volume. It is very safe and provides long lasting results. It has minimal downtime and recovery, similar to other injectable treatments.

In Good Hands… Working with fat for grafting requires a lot of skill to extract and reinject it without lumps or sagging. I offer this safe procedure to many people every year…with great results. I know how to work with this natural filling component to create a lasting, natural look and feel. To schedule your consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com.
Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive 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

Lovely Lips for Lovers on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just 2 weeks away and if you’d like to get those luscious lips in time for your hot date, then now is the time to act. Not only will your lips be so kissable, they’ll also help rejuvenate your whole face.

PLUSH POUT CUTS THOSE YEARS OUT… A woman’s full lips are influential in how young other people think she is. Since collagen reduces as we age, lips normally get thinner, so this perception is a reality for most people. But with hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm, you can replenish the fullness of your youthful lips or even add the volume you’ve always wanted but never had.

LADIES LOVE THEIR LIPS… It may be the prevalence of lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, lip tint and other forms of makeup for the lips, but something about loving their lips makes ladies feel more feminine, sexy and confident. Most women’s desire isn’t for over filled duck lips of years past, but for nicely shaped, soft, naturally gorgeous red lips. 

LIFESTYLE CHOICES THAT YOUR LIPS DON’T LIKE… Are you a lip purser? When you’re thinking, sipping coffee or smoking a cigarette, this puckering motion can exacerbate those fine lines around the mouth. Along with loss of collagen and elastin, this repeated action contributes to lip lines. Lip lines not only age the face dramatically, but cause the annoying “lipstick bleed” where lipstick will creep beyond your normal lip lines. Other causes of lip lines, loss of shape and lip color include:

• Sun damage
• Poor skin care
• Dehydration

LIP ENHANCEMENT WITH HA FILLERS… Volume can easily be restored with hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables, e.g. Juvederm. Juvederm naturally creates fuller, plumper lips because hyaluronic acid attracts water to the area. It has a smooth texture, and is FDA approved for safety, so this is a top pick for lip contouring. Although the change isn’t permanent, it is a safe, natural way to create a perfectly plush pout that can rejuvenate the over all appearance of the face.

GETTING THE RIGHT “LOOK” FOR YOUR LIPS… Lips that look “over filled” can be stiff or bumpy and unnatural. Soft, supple, kissable lips should be in harmony with the whole face. Even small amounts of filler enhance the contours of your natural lip shape. Here are some suggested proportions for a nicely contoured lip:

• slightly fuller center part
• well curved Cupid’s bow
• lower lip about twice the size of the upper lip, rather than the same size

LIPS LIKE EXPERT INJECTORS… Achieving luscious, harmonious lips are best accomplished at the hands of an expert injector. I am a board certified physician, specially trained to perform injectable filler treatments. It is crucial to understand the complex facial anatomy, know which product to use, and know how to create ideal results with fillers, such as Juvederm.

Lip enhancements are one of the most popular Valentine’s Day treatments I perform this time of year. This quick, no down time procedure can give you those luscious lips that you and your significant other will love. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule your appointment today.

Dr. Davison

Just the Right Kind of Curves: Butt Augmentation

The full, curvaceous buttock trend has been growing for years, being brought into the public eye by celebrities such as J Lo, Beyonce, Shakira, and most recently the Kardashians. This has lead to butt augmentations being one of the fastest growing surgeries. The butt augmentation procedure has even been coined to be familiarly called the Brazillian Butt Lift.

NO BUTTS ABOUT IT… The Brazillian Butt Lift means different things to different people. Therefore I strive to use my many years of experience, surgical skill, and understanding of body aesthetics to help each person uniquely achieve the best butt for their body. I also use only the safest techniques that provide the longest lasting results.

SAFEST & MOST EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUE… Using your own excess body fat tissue is one of today’s procedures that is most widely accepted as safe. Also, if fat is taken from the abdomen, hips or thighs then those areas are thinned out, which adds even more emphasis to a newly curvaceous buttock. I believe that it is the ideal way to sculpt the body into that hourglass figure.

BENEFITS OF BRAZILLIAN BUTT LIFT WITH FAT GRAFTING:

• Using your own extra body fat to reshape your buttocks
• Safely augment any buttocks shape or ethnicity
• Smooth, natural texture, look and feel
• Restores a more lifted, fuller, more youthful shape
• Longest lasting results
• Can be combined with implants if ample fat is not available from other areas

FAT GRAFTING VS. IMPLANTS… I believe that the ideal buttock augmentation is from using your own fat. Fat grafting is safer, longer lasting and feels natural. Fat grafting uses only your living fat cells, and when performed with expert precision and technique, the transplanted cells “graft” and live permanently where they are placed. I only use implants if there is no available excess fat or in combination with fat grafting if there isn’t sufficient fat to achieve the complete desired results.

MAKING BUTT AUGMENTATION HAPPEN… Since a buttock augmentation includes liposuction to collect the fat, it is technically two surgeries in one. I use the most delicate liposuction technique to preserve the most amount of living fat cells to for a highly viable fat graft. Using a special cannula, for the liposuction, means that I’m collecting only the ideal sized fat particles. These particles are purified through sterilization and then meticulously injected in… just the right amounts… into specific areas of the buttocks for desired contour, lift and shape.

BOOTY WORTH THE RECOVERY… All surgery is performed in a state-of-the-art surgery center that is fully equipped and certified the same as a hospital setting. Recovery involves a little swelling and tenderness, and you won’t be able to sit on directly on your butt during this time. Once healed, you won’t have any numbness and your buttocks will feel totally natural and normal inside and out. You will be able to exercise and shake your new curves to your heart’s content.

So if you are not happy with the shape of your buttocks, let’s talk about how a Brazilian Butt Lift can help you get the buttocks and curves you want. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation today.

Dr. Davison

COSMETIC and PLASTIC SURGERY TRENDS FOR 2015 

Some of the hottest procedures of 2014 will continue to grow this year, but there are some new predictions about what will be “in” for 2015. Last year buttock augmentation and neck rejuvenation showed some of the greatest increases. So what is in store for this year? Read on to learn about the trends for 2015.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM… Increasing over 50% in previous years, the popularity of the buttock augmentation will continue to grow. The safest way to improve shape and volume with a buttocks augmentation is from using your own excess body fat. Fat grafting is rising in popularity, but it’s very important to choose a surgeon such as myself, who understands the art of body sculpting and has the surgical skill to achieve each individual’s desired result.

Also, the neck lift and neck liposuction will continue to grow, as people realize that no matter how smooth and wrinkle free the face is, a droopy neck and jowl is a sure tell tale sign of age. Depending on the specific concern about the neck, there are a variety of techniques to smooth, lift and thin out this area and restore a youthful, elegant neck profile.

MORE FOR MEN… Men aren’t missing out on the opportunities that come from looking young and healthy. They are looking for more kinds of procedures ranging from non invasive to plastic surgery. Gynecomastia (male breast reduction) has risen as have facial procedures. Men tend to prefer “in and out” procedures that don’t keep them from productivity, especially line smoothing injectables like Botox, so much that Botox for men has been nicknamed “Brotox.”

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE MOMS… After sacrificing their body to grow and nurse the miracle of a baby, moms deserve to feel good about themselves. This has led to an increase in Mommy Makeover procedures to help them return to their pre pregnancy body. Mommy Makeovers can restore confidence, the feeling of body normalcy and beauty. This can mean different things for everyone, but usually includes a combination of procedures like a tummy tuck to tighten the stretched out abdomen muscles, liposuction to address baby weight that just won’t go away, and breast augmentation to create a more harmonious upper body.

FILLING IN THE FACE…The effect of volume loss on an aging face is becoming more and more understood by the general population. Facial contouring to restore volume can make a subtle yet significant difference in the youthful appearance. Fillers like Voluma XC are perfect for cheek augmentation that can provide a slight lift to the entire face, even decreasing the appearance of marionette lines.

LUSCIOUS LIPS… This popular treatment will likely remain a top request for 2015. Although, the trend is changing so that more and more requests are for a natural looking fullness rather than the over filled lumpy lips of years past. This more natural lip look can be achieved with (lip augmentation) involving the judicious injection of hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm.  Do this now to look fabulous for Valentine’s Day.

What will your new look be in this new year? If you’d like to discuss any of these popular procedures for 2015 or another more personalized need, please schedule a consultation with me. Visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Dr. Steven Davison

The face is such a harmonious masterpiece that even the slightest tweak can make a drastic change to the whole face. Just take the controversy last month over the Hollywood actress Renee Zellwegers’s new look. She stepped onto the red carpet at ELLE’s 21st annual Women In Hollywood Awards and something was markedly different about her appearance, particularly the eye and forehead area. Regardless of whether you think it’s an improvement or not, she’s still a beautiful woman, and yet it’s amazing how much change can be made from the small procedures (eyelid lift and botox) that are speculated she’s had done.

Before and After…I have many patients’ before and after photos that point out how much altering the eye and forehead area can change the overall appearance of the face. It offers a completely refreshed, alert, and newly rejuvenated look. So if you have struggled with the terribly aging effects of droopy or puffy eyelids, and deep forehead wrinkles, you can rest assured that there are simple, safe and effective solutions that Davinci Plastic Surgery can provide.

Consider eye lid lift if you…

• have excess, hanging skin covering the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• upper and lower eyelids appear puffy, making your eyes look tired and aged
• have deep troughs under your eyes

What BLEPHAROPLASTY involves… For upper lids you can expect a more visible eyelid that opens up the eyes by removing the excess, hanging skin. To accomplish this without any signs of surgery, the incision line will be made at the natural eyelid crease.

For the lower eyelids
 you can expect the dark shadow created by the bulge and hollow to disappear, giving you a more awake, rejuvenated look. There are a few surgical method options depending on the eye structure and elasticity of the skin, including making an incision just below the eyelashes or inside the eyelid.

Consider a BROW LIFT if you…

• Just don’t like heavy brows close to your eyes
• Have thickened, deep creases in between the brows
• Feel like your lower brows give you a sad, tired or angry look

What a BROW LIFT involves … There are a few methods to choose from depending on your facial structure, such as Biplane, Endoscopic and Traditional/Coronal/Direct Browlift. Knowing which one is best for an individual is why it’s so important to choose someone like myself who is an expert in these types of surgeries. The incisions will be hidden in the hairline and my techniques result in less swelling, bruising and recovery time.

Non Surgical Eye Area Rejuvenation…

• Try hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers lower eyelids. JUVÉDERM can be injected into the under eye trough where there’s normally dark circles to rejuvenate the appearance of the under-eye area.
• Fat grafting is also an option for filling in sunken under eyes.
• Lasers to tighten excess skin and remove wrinkles.
• BOTOX for relaxing the lines on the forehead and crows feet.
• These all may be used in conjunction with BLEPHAROPLASTY to accomplish optimal results for youthful eyes.

Rejuvenating your eye area will impact the youthful appearance of your whole face. Some say the eyes are the gateway to the soul, but I can at least attest that the eyes are the gateway to the face. Let’s talk about revitalizing your eye area today. To learn more visit www.davinciplastic.com

Steven Davison, MD

Facial & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon/Board Certified

Schedule  Surgery Now … to be Ready for the Holiday’s

Our social calendars fill up quickly this time of year. Celebrating the holiday season is a fun, festive time, and you want to look great at each of these social appearances, right? If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, you’ll want to keep in mind the recovery time needed for healing. The priority is to be enjoying the holidays to the fullest and not worrying about any bruising or healing that could hold you back.

Here’s a guide on the recovery time, during which you’ll need to rest and/or take off work. It’s better to schedule a little more time than you’ll need and be pleasantly surprised if you recover faster.

Procedures that need at least…

1 week… Breast augmentation, reduction or lift, arm lift (brachioplasty), liposuction, male chest reduction (gynecomastia)          

2 weeks… brow/forehead lift, facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

3-4 weeks… tummy tuck, “mommy makeover,” body lift

The recovery time frame can be influenced by your health and habits. Having plastic surgery would be the perfect reason to stop smoking – at least 2 months prior to your surgery. Two weeks prior and after surgery, stop taking anything that enhances bleeding, such as aspirin, Motrin, Vitamin E and some herbs (I’ll provide a full list). You can also do some things before surgery to help recovery go smoothly and to ease your mind going in and coming out of your procedure.

BEFORE SURGERY… try to set up your household to be on autopilot, such as electronic bill paying and have lawn or pool maintenance prescheduled. Stock up on groceries, but also give yourself a break on cooking the first few days and have your favorite restaurant delivery menus handy. Ideally you’ll need to have someone stay with you, at least the first couple days post surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

AFTER SURGERY…

• I know recovery isn’t fun, but think positive and surround yourself with people, music, movies, aromatherapy, etc. that will uplift your spirits.
• Have some natural bruising recovery gel on hand, such as Arnica Montana and Bromelain…both can help reduce discoloration. Save rubbing Vitamin E on the incisions until after sutures are removed usually within 5-10 days post op.
• Stay well hydrated (non-alcoholic beverages please) and well nourished with whole foods so your body has nutrients to repair itself. I know you’re going to want convenient and comfort foods, but try to keep greasy or processed foods to a minimum.
• It’s perfectly fine to do a little moving around after a few days, but avoid all activities after surgery that increase your heart rate and blood pressure for 2 full weeks.
• Allow yourself time to sleep. When your body is physically at rest it can focus more energy on repairing itself.
• Follow instructions on caring for your dressings and drains. Call if you have any concerns.
• Keep your follow up appointment with me (usually within a week) so that we can make sure you’re recovery is on track and I can answer any questions.

You still have time for cosmetic surgery before the holidays, but if surgery is not an option for you, then consider our non surgical options to rejuvenate your face, such as Botox, Juvederm/Voluma, Radiesse, Fat Transfer/Grafting. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.  Today’s Men and Women are having cosmetic procedures.  Couples show up in my office on a regular basis, requesting today’s most advanced anti aging treatments.  Baby Boomers and Millennialls are aging more youthfully…together!

Let’s get you looking your absolute best so you can look younger and more vibrant…everyday!

Dr. Steven Davison

Board certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

FLAT, TIGHT, TONED, FLAB FREE…what ever your goal is for your body sculpting treatments, especially for the midsection, knowing what really works and what is not so effective makes a big difference.  There are always “myths” attached to popular procedures whether they are surgical or non surgical.  I want to cover a few of those in this blog to empower your mission in Body Sculpting, Refining, Reshaping…or whatever it may be.  Hands Down the best way to achieve a flat, toned tummy is with a surgical Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).  Read on!

TOP TUMMY MYTHS:  1)  A Tummy Tuck can make you constipated.  Wrong!  TRUTH: When done properly, a tummy tuck should have no bearing on your digestive tract since no incisions are made near the digestive system.  The only time problems arise is if a large hernia exists in a nearby space.  If so, it should be addressed.  There is always potential for some swelling in the stomach that could temporarily affect the bowels but in most cases, after healing is complete and you are no longer wearing a compression garment, no problems should exist.   2) You can’t have a Tummy Tuck right after a C Section.  TRUTH:  You should never have a Tummy Tuck right after delivery since time is needed for swelling to resolve and extra weight to be lost.  “Too posh to push” was coined when Hollywood celebrities were electing to have C Section deliveries combined with immediate Tummy Tuck surgery.  Bad Idea!  Both surgeries are invasive and require healing time.  Also, during breast feeding hormone levels are elevated and most new moms have water weight to deal with.  Tummy Tuck surgery should be done about six months post delivery.  3)  During a Tummy Tuck the belly button is removed and a brand new one is made.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  The belly button is never removed during a Tummy Tuck, only the loose, excess skin around it is removed (excised). The belly button is attached to a “stalk” that goes deep into the stomach and cannot be removed.  The belly button may be reshaped and repositioned as excess skin is removed.  In this case, the belly button is simply pulled up through the skin once the tummy has been reshaped and excess skin and fat removed and tightening is done.  It’s the original belly button you were born with attached to the tissue stalk you were given in utero.  www.davinciplastic.com.

TOP BREAST MYTHS:  1)  A Breast Lift is the only way to lift the breasts.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  Implants are often used if your skin is in good shape and sagging is minimal.The right implants offer a nice lift, increased breast volume and reshaping.  Surgery is needed when muscles and skin are too relaxed and stretched. Then surgery can tighten and lift muscles to where they belong, excess sagging skin can be removed and the breast lifted to a naturally beautiful position.  2)  After a breast lift, your breasts will stay perky and in a high position forever.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  Nothing is forever and just like the rest of your body, the breasts continue to age and settle even after a surgical breast lift.  However, the breast lift keeps you looking years younger.  3)  Fat Transfers to the breasts makes your breasts immune to weight changes.  Wrong!  TRUTH:  Just like the rest of your body,  the breast weight can fluctuate for life.

WHAT AGE IS TOO OLD for COSMETIC PROCEDURES?  The better question is:  When is it too late?  Sadly many people wait too long and then require invasive procedures…if they had started when younger…NON INVASIVE would work to minimize the visual effects of aging.  More on that in future blogs.

Ready for “beach time” Family Reunions, Graduations, Weddings etc.?

Let’s Talk now.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

BODY CONTOURING is a general term for Cosmetic Surgery Procedures used to reshape, resculpt or change the size, profile or parameters of the body anatomy.  Contouring employs  surgical and non surgical methods to achieve the desired results.  This blog will focus on the surgical methods that are in top demand today…such as Mommy Makeovers, Breast Augmentation and Buttocks Augmentation.  Since no two people are identical, I tailor an individualized program for each patient.  No “cookie cutter” plans here!

CAREFUL PLANNING with your SURGEON IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENT, DESIRABLE RESULTS in BODY CONTOURING…to remove bulges and curves you don’t want and create curves you do want…where you want them!

REASONS PEOPLE HAVE BODY CONTOURING:

• Considerable Weight Loss
• Post Pregnancy…Desire for Pre Pregnancy Body
• Saggy skin and skin flaps that won’t retract in spite of diet and exercise
• Excess fatty deposits, flab and bulges that won’t budge
• Out of Shape Body due to all the above
• Cellulite pockets causing unsightly dimples
• Baggy clothes…nothing fits right except baggy, saggy tops/bottoms
• Desire for a healthy, firm, trim body to improve self image and self confidence

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME to have BODY CONTOURING (Sculpting/Shaping) DONE?   Every person is different so times will vary, but you should be in good general health and at a stable weight (for about 6 months) in order for the chosen procedures to be safe and effective.

BODY CONTOURING…THE GOAL of all Body Contouring surgery is to achieve balanced and harmonious sculpting, by treating the body as “a whole” and never treating the body as “isolated parts.” 

BODY CONTOURING SURGERY MAY INCLUDE:  Liposuction, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Body Lift, Arm Lift (Brachiaplasty), Breast Augmentation using implants, Breast Reduction and/or Breast Lift. Nose Jobs, Necklift/sculpting Eyelid/Brow Lifts, FaceLifts, Thigh Lifts, Buttocks Augmentation/Reshaping/Lifts etc. and several more procedures.  See my website for more info: www.davinciplastic.com.

FULL BODY CONTOURING TODAY INVOLVES … Liposuction to remove isolated fat deposits to eliminate bulges on the thighs, hips and abdomen. Liposuction sculpts the body to the proper proportions and offers dramatic results that can be maintained with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) to remove excess abdominal skin and fat to create a smoother, flatter tummy.  Lower Body Lift to remove excess fat and skin from the thighs, lower abs and buttocks, as well as to tighten and lift everything to resize, shape and contour this area. Breast Augmentation, Reduction and Lifts to create desirable breast size and form and Arm Lifts (Brachiaplasty) to achieve upper body balance.  Arm Lifts involve removal of excess fat and hanging, flabby skin under the arm. 

COMBINATION of PROCEDURES for BODY CONTOURING!  A combination of procedures is common to achieve each patients individual plan for Body Sculpting.  See my last two blogs for more info on methods used today.

MOMMY MAKEOVER is one of today’s Top Body Contouring/Sculpting procedures.  Watch for my next blog to get updated on Mommy MakeOvers. 

Spring is on it’s way soon…Family Reunions, Graduations, Weddings, Corporate events, and more.  Are you ready to put your “best body” forward.  If not, let’s talk now.

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.