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

A facelift can take up to 10 years off your appearance, but the aging process will continue. Sometimes, during the short years after a facelift, it may appear as though the youthful leap can be lost even more quickly. There are some skin care tricks that enhance and extend your facelift results so the ongoing signs of aging appear slower. You can achieve great results with proper care and maintenance of your skin.

These are good practices for maintaining more youthful skin in general, but are imperative for those who’ve had a facelift and want to protect their investment in facial rejuvenation:

LIFESTYLE CHOICES LINKED TO AGING… Your diet affects more than your body image and whether you keep or lose weight. The quality of what you put in your body affects the organs and tissues, and after all, the skin is your biggest organ.

• Sugar causes inflammation and wrinkles. A healthy alternative is vitamin and mineral rich local, raw honey.
• Be sure to include collagen boosting foods in your diet, such as celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, dark green and colorful vegetables, fish, avocados, berries, white tea, garlic, fresh citrus fruits, oysters, and proteins like eggs, nuts and lean meats. 
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and flush your skin of toxins. Limit dehydrating beverages, such as alcohol and coffee.
• Help your plastic surgery results last longer by avoiding smoking and extreme fluctuations in weight.
• Studies show that a positive, cheerful disposition can help keep you healthy. You use more facial wrinkle making muscles to frown than to smile.
• STAYING AWAY FROM THE SUN AND POLLUTION… One of the most significant factors that cause the skin to lose its collagen and elastin is the sun. This can reverse the benefits of a facelift real quick. The sun contributes to:
• sunken, loose skin that is leathery in texture
• pigmentation that gives an uneven, rough appearance
• dehydrated skin that’s lost volume and wrinkles set faster

You can protect your face with sunscreen, hats, and by limiting your direct sun exposure. You’ll also want to guard yourself from environmental pollution, which can damage the skin’s cellular integrity to protect against the signs of aging.

REFRESH YOUR FACELIFT WITH INJECTABLES that will keep your Facelift looking younger longer.  Injectables can gel address those facial visible lines and also replace lost volume to help stave off surgery or enhance a recent surgery.

CHEMICAL PEELS REVEAL FRESH, GLOWING SKIN… I offer this effective skin resurfacing treatment in my office. It is very important to consider why this should be done under medical supervision since chemical peels can also damage the skin if done incorrectly.

DAILY SKIN CARE FOR MAINTENANCE… This seemingly small yet significant daily need for using clinically proven skin care helps to prolong the youthful effects of cosmetic procedures. SkinMedica is the skin care of choice for my patients.

These simple options can protect your skin and keep the beautiful, youthful results from your facelift lasting as long as possible. To talk about a facelift or if you’ve already had one and would like the help to effectively maintain the results, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Helping you keep “your best face forward.”

Dr. Davison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facelift for a Firm, Full and Fabulous Face

The Facelift is one of the most time tested and evolved cosmetic surgeries. Todays’ Facelift has many customizable options for facial rejuvenation and when performed by an expert surgeon like myself, you can expect to achieve beautiful results. Often, it is a combination of surgical and non surgical procedures that help my patients achieve the optimal age reversal results.

FACELIFT FOR FACIAL HARMONY…There certainly is an art to the science and surgery of the Facelift. It is always my goal to create a rejuvenated appearance that is harmonious and restores natural curvatures and volume in the right places. Each feature of the face may show the signs of aging at different rates, so it’s best to address each feature at the right time. It’s also important not to neglect an area of the face so that the effect is a disjunction in aging. In conjunction with injectables, there are levels of Facelifts, from less invasive to those that can take up to 10 years off your appearance.

FACELIFT IN YOUR 40s…It’s very normal to try liquid face lifts, especially now with VOLUMA XC to restore volume in the cheeks and create a subtle lift to the mid face that can even lessen marionette lines. But if the upper face and lower face need to be addressed as well, a mini lift is the least invasive surgical option. This option is highly requested by women in their 40s. Mini lifts give better definition by tightening the underlying muscles. This can really give a youthful boost to the brows or jaw line that can keep you looking younger for longer.

FACE LIFT IN YOUR 50s AND 60s… Often times, women in this age range are looking for more noticeable results that address specific age issues that can’t be fixed with injectables. A Traditional Facelift during this time can take 10 years off the face. As skin sagging becomes more apparent, so do concerns of drooping brow, mid-face and sometimes the neck. The Traditional, also called a Full Facelift is the only way to rejuvenate every area of the face from the forehead down to the neck.

• THE MANY FACETS OF THE FACELIFT…Facelifts address many layers of the face to restore youthful appearance. While in decades past it just involved tightening skin and using skin tension to contour the face, modern Facelifts accomplish more natural contours by taking a multi faceted surgical approach. It even improves the facial shape to be less square and more angular or tapered, which is more youthful. Addressing the layers of the FaceLift include:
• reposition sagging muscles, fat and tissue
• redrape skin
• reduce excess face, jawline and neck skin

COMBINATION FOR OVERALL FACIAL REJUVENATION… Each individual has unique needs, but a youthful appearance that is harmonious across all facial features often involves a facelift in combination with other common facial rejuvenation procedures. Some combinations include:

• eyelift
• browlifts
• lip filler
• chin augmentation
• necklift

I am triple board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and head & neck surgery. You can be confident you’re in the best hands for a facelift. Contact me today to schedule a consultation. www.davinciplastic.com

You can trust your face to this facial plastic surgeon!

Steven Davison M.D.

Just What She Really Wants for Valentine’s Day …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you soon!

Dr. Davison

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

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

Cosmetics Procedures on the Rise for Generation X

Generation X is stimulating the plastic surgery industry. Younger people are having more procedures done earlier rather than waiting for major signs of aging to surface. Many of the innovations of the past 10 years are due to this shift in the age of our clients their preferences for fast recovery from less invasive methods. The focus is on prevention, particularly for the face.

GETTING THE MOST “WORK DONE”…This Gen X age group, 31-45 yrs old, had close to half of last years procedures, which is even more than the Baby Boomers (ages 51 to 64). Looking good is paramount to staying competitive in the corporate world and so these career expectations are driving younger people into our surgery centers in ever rising numbers.

CONSCIOUS WITH KEEPING UP ON SOCIAL STANDARDS…Another influence on the Generation X is of course the perfect image portrayed and perpetuated by Hollywood celebrities. And even more now than ever, especially with the popularity of “selfies” and image sharing websites like Facebook and Instagram, is the pressure to look good on social media. Gen X is hyperaware of their image and they are not hesitant to take advantage of cosmetic procedures to get them the image they want.

NO TIME FOR RECOVERY…GET YOUNGER LOOKING AND GET GOING…These anti aging procedures that Gen Xers are wanting are less invasive and have minimal to no downtime. This makes the injectables like Botox and fillers like Restylane, popular procedures. In the matter of a lunch break, Gen Xers smooth out the beginnings of forehead lines or crows feet with Botox, plump their lips with Restylane, or even get a minim facelift from a check augmentation with Juvederm Voluma XC. Other popular procedures that require more time than a lunch break yet still have minor recoveries are the skin laser treatments, and surgeries with minimal recovery such as blepharoplasty.

LOOKING YOUNG MEANS LOOKING HEALTHY…Mostly, Generation X is all about prevention, customization, and natural results. By viewing cosmetic procedures as part of their health regiment and body “up keep,” they’re maintaining a more youthful appearance longer rather than waiting for a major issue before addressing it. Getting cosmetic procedures is viewed as part of taking care of their body.

So are you part of the Generation X, or if not, do you have their mindset about maintaining your youthfulness before you have major issues to address? If so, come in soon so we can define your best options for a more youthful 2015.

Dr. Steven Davison

Seasonal Guide to Cosmetic Surgery

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for cosmetic surgery. While cosmetic surgery can easily be performed all year long, there are times of year that make it more convenient. This time of year, the winter, is perfect to get the majority of the surgeries on your list. (You added this to your Holiday Wish List already right?) Here is a guide for you when considering the ideal season for you to get the surgery you’ve been wanting.

Winter

Cosmetic surgeries in winter are great because:

• Cold climates require bulkier clothes, turtlenecks, scarves, and hats.
• Lots of holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, Martin Luther King, and Presidents Day allow for long weekends and time off.
• Often business is slow so your absence from the work place wouldn’t be as noticeable.
• You’ve decided to finally get “the look” you’ve always wanted for the New Year!

LIPOSUCTION, TUMMY TUCK, BREAST IMPLANTS… just about any type of cosmetic surgery is great during the winter. The thicker clothing with more coverage conceals any swelling and bruising, and is overall more cozy and comfy for nurturing your healing. It also covers any drastic body changes so it won’t be noticed if your body looks one way today and different tomorrow.

RHINOPLASTY, FACELIFT, BLEPHAROPLASTY, BROW LIFT, LASER RESURFACING… and their after effects like swelling and bruising are discretely covered by hats, scarves, and turtlenecks. It’s also very normal to go darker in your hair color and makeup with the season change, so this can help draw attention away from facial surgery and cover any bruising.

Spring

Spring is a better time for surgery for those who want to focus on being around family and stay visible, in the social scene, during the winter. The “spring cleaning” mindset of getting things done can be an inspiration to get the surgery done that has been on the back of the mind.

BODY CONTOURING, LIPOSUCTION, BREAST AUGMENTATION… cross them off the list and allow your body a full recovery for summer months of beach, more revealing clothes, and bathing suits. New years resolutions for weight loss have a chance to kick in and become a habit so that body contouring can have the best results.

Summer

Unless you want to use your summer vacation time to recover, summer isn’t the ideal time for cosmetic surgery. But, if this is the best time for you then avoid the sun and sweating for a normal healing process… so no you shouldn’t be hanging out poolside while you heal. Dr. Davison’s advanced techniques allow for shorter healing times than with older procedures.

BOTOX, JUVEDERM, RADIESSE, SCULPTRA… are good choices for the summer months. These injectables require little or no down time or recovery. They are in and out and you’re on your way to looking fabulous on your vacation or for those summer parties.

Fall

This is another good time to consider cosmetic surgery. The fall boasts cooler weather that required clothes with more coverage. The back to school routine can provide some predictability that would allow for scheduling a surgery, just in time for the holidays.

But who wants to wait all the way until next fall? The winter season we’re in right now is ideal for any cosmetic procedure. Men and women of all ages and stages in life are taking advantage of holiday breaks to schedule a consultation and then the cosmetic procedure they’ve been wanting to have done.  You can do the same today at www.davinciplastic.com.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Steven Davison

Get a Glowing Face for the Holidays

December Beauty Tips

Oh the holidays are a joyful time of family, friends, and being with loved ones. There are countless social gatherings and many pictures will be taken. This is the time of year you’re going to want to look your best.

Along with all the fun comes a bit of stress and fatigue. It can take its toll on your health…and on your beauty. This can show up as dark circles, puffy eyes, fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull, uneven complexion. These culprits include:

• not enough sleep
• too much rich food
• more wine than usual
• cold, dry air

Nearly everyone is affected by these factors and the extra stress put on our looks this time of year, but there are also simple ways to neutralize some of the damage.

ADD THESE STEPS IN WITH YOUR HOLIDAY FUN TO HELP PRESERVE HEALTHY, GLOWING SKIN:

1)   For every glass of wine or other beverage … drink a glass of water. Alcohol is dehydrating and can age your skin. There is no substitute for good, pure water to flush toxins and help you stay hydrated.

2)   While there’s so much more to do, stay organized and take it one day at a time. Don’t skimp on your sleep to compensate, just try to make the most of the day time. Adequate rest helps your body heal and rejuvenate.

3)   You’ll have those frustrating moments where taking some deep breaths and counting to ten will be crucial. Don’t let the stress get to you. Play calming music, use aromatherapy, and laugh it off.

4)   As hard as it will be, maintaining your exercise routine will keep your metabolism going to burn those extra calories, the sweat will help flush out the toxins, and the endorphins will help you manage your mood during stressful moments.

5)   While eating splurges are just going to happen, balance those by eating nutrient dense foods, such as raw fruits and veggies, unprocessed nuts, avocados, salads and high quality proteins. Minimize the carbs and sugar as much as possible.

6)   And don’t forget to treat yourself to an anti aging procedure and skincare products that don’t just counteract the damage done, but repair and restore your skin’s youthfulness.

QUICK TREATMENTS TO GET THAT SMOOTH, WRINKLE FREE SKIN

With all the social events and photos you’ll be in, be proactive with your skin by taking advantage of the “in and out” procedures that don’t involve recovery, but offer fairly quick results.

Injectables such Botox smooth out those forehead wrinkles. The fillers Juvederm, Radiesse or Sculptra can plump and smooth lines and even contour the face for a fullness that turns back the clock several years.

A gift certificate for these, and other procedures offered at Davinci Plastic Surgery, will be sure to elicit a glowing smile. Visit www.Davinciplastic.com for more youth enhancing gift ideas.

Best Wishes to you and your loved ones.

Dr. Steven Davison

The Hottest Holiday Gift: Cosmetic Procedures

In years past the hottest, trendiest, most desired holiday gifts would be jewelry, purses or a spa package, but now the bar has been raised. Surveys are showing more and more people want to receive cosmetic procedures as a gift for the holidays. This includes both men and women, invasive and non invasive procedures.

So do you want to make your significant other, close friend or family member smile or squeal in delight this holiday season? Well, this week’s blog will guide you how.

WHO IS THE GIFT FOR…Are you giving a gift to someone who is already an injectables customer? A gift certificate for a non invasive treatment is the perfect way to get them back those results they know they love.

On the other hand, are you giving a gift to someone who’s never mentioned surgery or had any injectable treatments, but has expressed they’re not happy with their aged appearance? A gift certificate for a non invasive procedure can ease them into the world of cosmetic rejuvenation that I offer. This can be the answer to their concerns that maybe they would’ve never bought for themselves, but were secretly curious about.

IN AND OUT FOR A HOLIDAY PICK ME UP…Non invasive injectables have minimal to no downtime or discomfort, offer fairly quick to instant results, and have a reasonable price tag too. You can even consider giving the gift early so the youth restoring results can be enjoyed during all the social events revolving around the holidays and celebrating the new year. These are my top 2 choices:

1. Botox for Ladies or “Brotox” for Men’s Brow & Eye Area…Relax those deep lines and creases on the forehead and crows feet. This simple botulinum injection is one of the most popular gifts that can make a someone so happy with their quick youth restoring results. No consult beforehand is required so a special box with a bow and gift card inside can be a nice surprise for any guy or gal.
2. Juvederm for Fuller Lips and Smoother Smile…This is the perfect filler for plush, sensual lips. Ladies love their lips and they will enjoy their instantly fuller look with Juvederm injections. It can also minimize the deep smile lines that crease from the corners of the nose to just past the corners of the mouth in women and men too.

POPULARITY RISING FOR SURGERIES AS HOLIDAY GIFTS… According to some reports, including an ABC News article, giving the gift of cosmetic surgery is up 20% to 35%. Even the cost of bigger surgeries, such as nose jobs, breast augmentation and lipo are being shared with the gift being from multiple family members and friends.

HOW TO GIVE SURGERY AS A GIFT… A consultation is required before any surgery, but that doesn’t have to spoil the surprise. A great way to still make the gift a fun is to give a gift wrapped set of brochures from my office with your hand written note on what they can look forward to.

Give the gift of youth for the holidays and you’ll have a very happy special someone. Let’s talk about how we can make this option easy for you or visit www.DavinciPlastic.com.

Dr. 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