The Lipstick Effect is a well known theory projecting that, in times of economic downturn, people may cut back on the bigger luxuries in life and instead splurge on the smaller ones. For example, fewer people will be going on expensive overseas vacations, but they’ll spend the money to dine at local restaurants to still enjoy a treat – and to not feel like they’re going completely without any splurge. The question is, how does this theory apply to the cosmetic surgery industry?
Cosmetic Surgery and the Lipstick Effect… While some might consider cosmetic procedures a luxury that can be foregone in times of recession, the economy today has not hindered the growth of this industry at all.  Some analysts speculate that our society has developed a “collective vanity” and that social media has given us the mentality of maintaining good looks despite the costs. Another perspective is that youthfulness is a sign of health, vitality and success. Also, Millennials understand that prevention is the key and they include cosmetic procedures in their budget as part of their routine health regimen.

Injectables and the Lipstick Effect… For those who follow the purchasing pattern of the Lipstick Effect more truly, this still doesn’t mean they forego cosmetic procedures all together. It just means they choose the less expensive anti aging treatments, especially the injectables such as Botox and fillers, such as Radiesse. Maintaining youthfulness with these anti aging tools is a necessity to hold off surgery for a few more years. This practice is actually considered saving money. A much more cost effective, non surgical way to help maintain a younger look without a full Facelift is to consider a “Filler Facelift.”

Lipstick Effect for Luxurious Lips
Another indication of the Lipstick Effect is that during tight economic times, women don’t shy away from buying skincare or a new shade of lipstick to help them feel a little indulgent. You can absolutely love the way your new shade of lipstick looks – on fuller, more sensual lips plumped up with Juvederm. This would actually be a great gift for Mother’s Day.

Let the Lipstick Effect, using Injectables, lead you to save money in the long run by maintaining a more youthful look. And don’t forget about mom! Mother’s Day is May 8. Get her a new shade of lipstick to accompany her certificate for fuller lips with Juvederm. To set it up, call 202.966.9590 now – or visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Medical Tourism is a big issue today in the world of cosmetic surgery. Even though it is a very popular trend – it indeed raises a lot of questions and concerns. Here I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of getting your cosmetic surgery done in a country or area -other than – where you predominantly live.

1. What is Medical Tourism?
   “Medical tourism” involves traveling to a “destination” for medical care. Cosmetic surgery is one of the top medical procedures today, along side dentistry and heart surgery – for which people travel globally to have their procedures done. Some of the positive reasons someone would consider traveling for a major medical procedure are:
2. Getting a cheaper price… often the main motivating factor
   Going back home… resident immigrants travel back to their homeland for a medical procedure – due to familiarity with the system or the government subsidizing the medical care for its citizens.
3. Specialty doctor or facility… choosing a particular doctor who specializes in a procedure – or a facility that offers resort style recovery accommodations.
4. Being near family… Family can help care for the patient during recovery. When they lives a great distance away, and family can’t travel to the patient – often the patient travels to them.
5. Surgery vacation… There is the perception that a vacation can be combined with the recovery process, so a surgeon is chosen based on the appeal of their location – as a destination vacation spot.

What are the risks of Medical Tourism?
While the benefits can sound appealing, there are serious risks that need to be considered. There are risks specific to certain areas of the world and the particular procedures performed there, but these are some of the general issues:

Language barrier and cultural expectations… can cause miscommunication. In my practice our communication during the consultation is crucial to get an accurate feel for what my patients want and for me to manage expectations. If you and your doctor don’t speak the same language – fluently, this significantly increases the chances of misunderstandings about the care, surgical expectations, and recovery. It can also be very frustrating and scary if complications occur.
Less oversight and stringency of medical standards… The medical industry isn’t well scrutinized in some countries. For example, disease transmission is a concern if doctors reuse needles between patients or have other unsanitary injection practices. Also, medications may be poor quality, old or even counterfeit.
Medical care during complications… If a complication arises requiring a blood transfusion, the blood supply in some countries comes primarily from paid donors – who may not be thoroughly screened. This puts patients at a higher risk for HIV or other blood transmitted diseases.
Rushing recovery… Some surgeries require weeks of recovery. Traveling can be difficult and stressful and it’s not wise to do so within the first weeks after an operation – since it can ruin the cosmetic surgery, disrupt recovery and cause complications. Also, travel by air after surgery increases the risk for blood clots.

It is so important to consider all things when deciding to whom you will trust your face and body. Please consider speaking to a Board Certified, highly credentialed and experienced surgeon like myself. To schedule a consultation, please visit our newly updated website www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

One of the hardest situations in the plastic surgery industry is to have a patient’s results not go as expected. This may or may not be the fault of the physician, but the best results are directly correlated to the most credentialed, experienced surgeon. This is why it is crucial to only trust your face and body to an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon…someone like myself.
In my area, I’m the only triple Board certified plastic surgeon, a member of multiple prestigious medical societies, and a published professor at Georgetown University. Along with my many years of experience, compassion and patient care, these credentials have led to my ability to provide a very high level of patient satisfaction. As a result, I’m often called upon to correct the concerns that arise from unsatisfactory surgeries, at the hands of other physicians, and the unforeseen side effects that happen from improper healing.

For example, an occasional unwelcome side effect after beast augmentation surgery is Capsular Contracture. This occurs when the scar tissue that has formed around breast implants tightens and hardens around the implants to create an imbalanced external appearance. This means that the affected breast will look a different shape or be at a different height on the chest. While meticulous surgical precision can help prevent capsular contracture, as with any surgical procedure there will be scar tissue and there are factors outside of the physician’s control.
Here are some tips that can contribute to avoiding Capsular Contracture:

…Avoid smoking is one of the most predictable ways to reduce your chances, as you’re twice as likely to have Capsular contracture if you smoke.
…Two weeks prior to surgery, start taking Vitamin E and possibly Prednisone, a prescription corticosteroid drug.
…Breast implants in a submuscular position, or under the pectoral muscles, may be less likely to develop capsular contracture than when breast implants are placed in a subglandular position, or over the pectoral muscles.
…There’s a slightly higher percent of Capsular Contracture with silicone implants over saline.
…Upon the instruction of surgeon, massaging and compression of the breast implants can help keep the capsule flexible and loose.

Capsular contracture may develop at any time, but can occur as early as 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and usually not later than 6 months. It can affect just one or both breasts. Fortunately, it can be corrected with Revision Breast Surgery.  There is a special art and skill to correct Capsular Contracture… because of the difficulty of working with scar tissue. It’s a puzzle figuring out what possibly went wrong and then to skillfully correct it.

Revision Breast Surgery to correct Capsular Contracture can involve a variety of ways for releasing the interior scar tissue. These ways may include capsulotomies, capsulectomies, implant exchange or placement behind the pectoral muscle. A Capsulotomy is a surgical procedure that releases scar tissue without removing it from the pocket. This gives room for the breast pocket to expand, relieving the scar tissue contraction that is squeezing the breast implant. A Capsulectomy is a more aggressive approach, as it completely removes the scar tissue surrounding a breast implant. This procedure is more often used when the scar tissue is very thick and calcified or when a silicone breast implant has ruptured.

If you’ve experienced the disappointment of your breast augmentation not going right and want to trust your body to one of the leading plastic surgeons to correct it, please set up a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

The season is here for sweaters and scarves. This is the perfect time of year for neck rejuvenation… since it’s easy to comfortably cover and conceal. This is why I recommend that my patients, who want to get rid of their double chin, schedule KYBELLA treatments… especially during the fall and winter months… even during the holidays, since there’s no downtime.

What is KYBELLA?
KYBELLA is a deoxycholic acid injection that is the first and only FDA approved injectable treatment to melt away the fat under the chin. It noticeably contours and minimizes the appearance of the “double chin” without surgery. Since it is just a series of injections, it doesn’t require any incisions, bandages or the downtime associated with surgery, so you don’t have to miss any holiday festivities.

Why would someone get KYBELLA?
According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), 67% of people said they’re bothered by fullness under the chin or the appearance of a double chin. This occurs in men and women due to many factors, such as aging, weight gain and genetics. It is a stubborn area to treat naturally because often, no matter how much someone works out or changes their diet, the double chin remains.

After a full KYBELLA treatment, 79% of patients were satisfied with the appearance of their face and chin. These are great results to achieve without surgery, especially since the outcome is long lasting and recurrence is not expected. After treatment on 1,600 patients, most people reported feeling happier and younger with their new KYBELLA chin profile.
How does it work?
KYBELLA contains deoxycholic acid, which is a molecule that naturally occurs in the body. The natural function of this acid in the body is to help the body break down and absorb dietary fat.
 When used in the form of KYBELLA via injection into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys fat cells in the immediate area. Those cells will no longer be able to store or accumulate fat.
 As the fat seems to melt away, the bulge from double chin retreats.

What does a KYBELLA treatment involve?
A successful KYBELLA treatment will include multiple treatments. Most patients need 2 to 4 sessions. This will be determined by a personalized plan during your consultation. In each session, multiple injections will be strategically made under the chin area. Any temporary swelling or bruising can easily be covered by Jane Iredale mineral makeup and your pretty scarves and turtleneck sweaters typically worn this time of year. Thus, the reason Kybella treatments are so popular this time of year. It’s the perfect time to get them done and have your youthful, contoured chin for the Holidays.

If you’re ready to refine your chin… to feel less self conscious about your double chin…and more confident with a sleek profile, schedule your KYBELLA consultation with me at www.davinciplastic.com. Take advantage of the benefits of a cold weather wardrobe to refine your profile with KYBELLA, the non surgical way to love the contour of your neck and chin.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

With today’s refined techniques and heightened sensitivity of the plastic surgery industry, there’s no reason for any woman to be unhappy with how her feminine nether regions look or feel. We briefly discussed the topic of revitalizing the “V zone” in the Mommy Makeover blogs a few months ago. I thought it would be worth going over in depth to help more women, not just recent moms, realize that there can be a solution for their concerns in this area and it isn’t taboo.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL… As women age and especially after childbirth, the female genitalia, let’s call it FemGen for short, can drastically change. It may look different, feel different or both. Every woman is unique, but some are born with irregularities that cause discomfort. Any of these irregular FemGen issues, whether genetic or from life experience, can be very troubling both emotionally and physically for women in all ages and stages of life. Revitalizing the “V Zone” through Labiaplasty or Vaginoplasty can help women feel normal in that sensitive area, which can increase self confidence and sexual satisfaction.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LABIAPLASTY AND VAGINOPLASTY… To simplify, Vaginoplasty addresses internal vaginal corridor and Labiaplasty addresses concerns with the outside labia minora or majora. There is also Perineoplasty, which is commonly done to correct poor healing from vaginal trauma in childbirth resulting in a drastic tear or episiotomy with an irregular scar. Vaginoplasty is usually done to tighten the vaginal canal. This is the most complicated of the FemGen procedures because it addresses internal muscles, so it requires a very skilled and experienced surgeon. Labioplasty is the most commonly performed surgery of the 3. It is also called Labial Revision, Labial Beautification, Labial Reduction, Labial Augmentation, etc.

1. LABIAPLASTY RESTORES BEAUTY AND COMFORT… To some women, their “flower” looks a little wilted, large or lopsided and so Labiaplasty can beautify this area. Refining the labia also means more comfort for some women. If the labia is too enlarged, thickened or elongated, it can cause several physical discomforts or embarrassment.

2.  Excess tissue from enlarged labia traps moisture causing irritation, rashes and infections.

3.  Visible lumps can be seen through tighter clothing, such as athletic wear, tight pants, baithing suits, etc.
4.  Certain movements can be uncomfortable, like when exercising, biking and during sexual intimacy.
5.  Labia can cause discomfort and pain during intimacy and get in the way of sexual gratification and fulfillment.

“V ZONE” VOLUME LOSS… This isn’t just an issue for the face. Volume loss that comes with aging affects the FemGen area too. This loss of padding on the pubic mons and labia majora can make sexual intimacy quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, the natural padding can be restored through Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Grafting.

So whatever it is you’d like to address in your FemGen area; tightening,contouring/ trimming, filling to replace volume or flattening (remove an obvious bulge), there is a safe and effective procedure that can help you restore confidence and comfort. To schedule a consultation with a confidential, caring specialist plastic surgeon, visit 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

MYTH #6 Botox is Permanent

Some people actually wish Botox was permanent, but it isn’t. Your muscles, that have been relaxed by Botox, will eventually regain movement after about 3 months. Fortunately, the benefits of Botox can last for 6 to 12 while the muscle memory gradually returns.

MYTH #7 You are never too young or old for Botox

There’s not an age where Botox magically stops working, and not everyone’s skin ages the same, so there isn’t an exact age on when to start or stop Botox. As a matter of fact, some plastic surgeons report success with Botox patients more than 65 years old. Botox will always work to relax the muscles, but in older patients, it may not be enough or it may throw off facial harmony – if other treatments are not done in other areas of the face. On the other side of the timeline, I’d say there definitely is a lower limit on the age. I’d advise teenagers against it. There certainly is value to preventative Botox in the 20s, but until then, there really isn’t enough constant muscle movement to warrant this treatment for cosmetic reasons.

MYTH #8 The best time for Botox is when the lines appear

As stated in the previous question, there is surging interest in using Botox for wrinkle prevention starting in the 20s. Getting started early, rather than waiting until the wrinkles get deeper and more noticeable, can help you in the long run. Getting Botox early can also help make you conscious of the facial expressions that cause those wrinkles – and can raise your awareness to avoid or limit them. To not frequently furrow your brows or frown is a good habit anyway!

MYTH #9 You can become addicted to Botox
It’s true that you’ll probably love the results from Botox so much you will want to keep coming back. You’ll feel great about looking fabulous and won’t want to stop, but Botox has nothing in it that would make you physically addicted. There’s no “withdrawal” or negative side effects from stopping Botox. You’ll just return to your usual “wrinkling pattern” as before you started getting Botox treatments.

MYTH #10 If you stop getting Botox, your wrinkles will be worse

In contrast to how smooth your skin will be while getting Botox, it might seem like it’s gotten worse once you stop, but really, it’s just resumed the same muscle position as prior to receiving treatment. Once you start Botox, it will relax the muscles so the wrinkles seem to disappear. Even though they don’t actually disappear and normal development of wrinkles, with muscle movement will resume… they won’t be any worse.

I hope this has helped clear up any Botox “myths.” You can schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com if you’re ready to stop those wrinkles in their tracks and smooth out those lines with Botox. We can take care of you during a normal lunch break.
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

Cosmetic surgery has become an accepted part of a healthy, youthful lifestyle regimen. Despite this, many women would have never considered it… that is, until they became a mom and experienced the body changes that even a diligent healthy lifestyle cannot fix.
We’ve all seen the magazine photos that show celebrity moms getting back their trim and toned bodies in just a few weeks. What we don’t see is that many of these images are electronically enhanced or fail to mention the surgery involved to achieve it. For example, the increasingly common practice of receiving a tummy tuck while the cesarean section is performed.

It takes time, sometimes years, for the baby fat to be worked off. Then, even when the weight comes off, some things just don’t naturally go back to being as perky as before. This is a reality that moms shouldn’t be ashamed of because they’ve sacrificed to bring precious life into the world.
Any mom will agree that it’s worth it, but these changes can still affect a woman’s confidence and satisfaction with her body image. The good news is that the “Mommy Makeover” is geared towards addressing these specific changes that come with motherhood. The Mommy Makeover, which is a combination of specialized treatments and surgical procedures, can restore and rejuvenate your body so that you look and feel good in your own skin again.

These are some of the issues that can be addressed with a Mommy Makeover:
– Sagging, deflated breasts and nipples from breastfeeding, weight gained then lost
– Abdomen pooch from torn muscles or stretched out skin that won’t go away with exercise
– Extra shapeliness to the hips, tummy and thighs from stubborn baby fat
– Discomfort or dissatisfaction with the changes to the vaginal zone after delivery
– Uneven, rough or patchy skin tone

To decide if you’re a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover, you can ask yourself these questions:
Does my post partum body affect my self image and satisfaction with myself? While your self worth shouldn’t come from your appearance, it is very understandable to desire the body you had before the changes from pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a comfort, confidence and satisfaction in looking and feeling your best that will translate to being a better mom.
1. Am I done having children and breastfeeding? Your body will continue to change with each pregnancy and while you will still see some of the benefits of prior surgery, it’s best to wait until your “done” so that the benefits can be longer lasting.
2. Is my support system in place to help me care for my child/ren while I recover from surgery? Moms try to do it all and bear the burden of many physically and emotional tasks on a daily basis. It is crucial, for a successful recovery, to have help with those daily tasks and with the kids or you will risk disturbing your results and possibly serious injury.

Let’s Talk Soon!

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Pubic Lift and “V Zone” Rejuvenation
Women no longer need to live with the discomfort and debilitation of their self esteem due to a less than satisfactory genital area. I offer a high level of sensitivity to the nature of this procedure, as well as the surgical experience to achieve desired Pubic and “V Zone” rejuvenation.
One of the fastest growing surgeries for women is the Pubic Lift, or Monsplasty, to smooth out the Mons Pubis area. The Mons Pubis often bulges with extra skin and fat after weight gain, childbirth or normal aging. This year more buzz has been created around this procedure for it’s ability to add comfort, appealing body contour, and possibly sexual enhancement by lifting and flattening the Mons Pubis area.

What is the Mons Pubis? This is a protective padded mound over the pubic bone, which segments to create outer labia. The fatty tissue typically develops with the onset of puberty, but usually increases in size due to weight gain and childbirth. It can bulge and sag to become more pronounced, which can interfere with how clothes, bathing suits and underwear fit, as well as impede urination stream and sexual intercourse.
What is Monsplasty? Also known as the Pubic Lift, the surgical procedure reduces and tightens the mons pubis area. Monsplasty reduces sagging skin and creates a tighter appearance by connecting the remaining muscle and tissue together. This is done through an incision below the bikini line through which excess fat and sagging skin will be sculpted and tightened, while also lifting underlying muscle and tissue to accomplish a smaller, more natural looking Mons Pubis.

What about the “V Zone”? Another surgery to rejuvenate a woman’s genitalia is Labiaplasty. Like Monsplasty, this surgery can be performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons. The labia are affected by childbirth, weight fluctuation, genetics and ageing. Elongated or large, irregular labia can cause discomfort, painful sexual relations and traps extra moisture that can lead to yeast infections.
They can also be a point of embarrassment, increased self consciousness and poor self esteem. The psychological and physical effects of enlarged labia not only come from how women feel about being in the nude, but enlarged labia can even impede many women from wearing and enjoying swim suits, shorts, workout clothes, leotards or snug fitting jeans.

Lower Abdomen and “V Zone” Rejuvenation… Monsplasty is often performed in combination with Tummy Tuck and Body Lift to achieve maximum satisfaction of the lower abdomen area. It can also be performed at the same time as Labiaplasty and Vaginaplasty to rejuvenate the entire female genitalia area. In the hands of a skilled surgeon like myself, these surgeries can improve appearance and restore normal function of the most intimate areas of the body.
Given the sensitive nature of desiring and needing Monsplasty and Labiaplasty, I believe that devoting time into the consultation is critical to overall satisfaction with the process of rejuvenating the Mons Pubis and Labia. Investing in the relationship facilitates a comfortable environment to discuss the private nature of this surgery with ease. To set up your consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Bikini season can bring awareness to a lot of ageing and tightening the areas of the midsection. Along with the attention to this area comes a keen awareness of the small yet significant belly button.

THE IDEAL BELLY BUTTON…This makes sense because the as of our body that we’d like to improve. Most commonly are trimmcenterpiece of your stomach is the belly button. Does it tuck into a nice tight oval, or does it bulge and ripple? Is it perky or protruding? Are the edges smooth and vertical or irregular and sagging? These are some of the characteristics of the desirable navel versus the ones that usually are repaired.

NOT YOUR DESIRABLE NAVEL…Besides being the victim of a bad newborn umbilical cut, the belly button can go through a lot of changes over the years with weight gain and loss, hernia, pregnancies, piercings, etc. You may have never liked its shape, depth or protrusion, or the changes over the years may not have been kind to it. Now more than ever is the time to take care of your belly button, to repair it to look great in a bikini or today’s low waist fashions.

GETTING A BETTER BELLY BUTTON…Belly button repair, also known as Umbilicoplasty, is one of the most popular surgeries being performed today. It safely corrects distortions for beautiful, natural looking belly button. Belly button repair surgery can help you to feel even more confident to show off your efforts after working hard for that flatter stomach at the gym or gained through the help of a tummy tuck. Either way, you’ll want to show off your new navel.

ABOUT UMBILICOPLASTY… A combination of issues may be causing your less than desirable belly button. There may be extra skin from the stretching of weight gain, a hernia bulging under the surface, or even the muscles may have separated and so the integrity of the abdominal wall may need to be addressed. Generally, if a tummy tuck isn’t needed,

I can correct the belly button within an hour. I work through a very small incision in the belly button to remove excess fat and skin. If a hernia exists, that can be addressed, whichwill diminish any bulging. Then the belly button is crafted into a more desirable, attractive shape. Sutures close the incisions, which are tucked within the belly buttons so they aren’t visible. During the very mild recovery, the area will be tender with some swelling and soreness, but depending on the extent of the surgery, most patients can return to work soon within one to three days. This is a surgery that can have one of the shortest down times so you can enjoy the beautiful results almost immediately.
BIKINI READY WITH A BEAUTIFUL BELLY BUTTON … Umbilicoplasty can help you get the belly button you desire which can give you the confidence boost to get you into that bikini you’ve always wanted. You can be enjoying your new belly button this summer, into fall and during your winter getaway to a warm, sunny place!  So don’t delay. To set up a consultation please visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Although most people still like to be discreet, gone are the days when cosmetic surgery is something to hide. This is especially true with many moms who are just being real about the changes that pregnancy and breastfeeding have on their bodies. The weight gain, stretching and stress take a toll that often leaves stretched skin, difficult fat pouches, sagging flat breasts, elongated nipples, etc.

While there comes great satisfaction and reward with bringing new life into the world, women are also craving the satisfaction and confidence that comes from restoring and improving their bodies to their pre baby days. This is where the Mommy Makeover can help.
There is no exact formula for a Mommy Makeover because it means different things for each woman’s unique body changes and needs. Often the most affected areas from pregnancy and breastfeeding are the tummies, breasts, vagina and legs, but to some women the makeover includes facial rejuvenation, too.

With the health benefits to their little ones in mind, women are usually taking the best care of themselves during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but lifestyle choices can’t always reverse their effects. A healthy regimen of diet and exercise is certainly recommended to help get rid of some baby weight, but really won’t address the sagging stretched skin or deflated breasts. And sometimes no matter how hard you work out, the tummy can’t get flat again because of separated abdomen muscles. This is where the cosmetic procedures of a Mommy Makeover can give that boost to get back in shape.
A Mommy Makeover can address a woman’s post partum body issues in a single session surgery, or over time, and can include surgeries such as:

• Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) is a multi faceted surgery that restores a flatter abdomen by removing excess fat (using liposuction), putting the abdomen muscles back together if needed, eliminating loose skin and beautifying the belly button.
• Liposuction can target multiple areas where tough fat deposits just won’t go away. The smoothness and balanced contour can be restored to the abdomen, hips, thighs, back, arms, etc. It’s also important to note that the fat removed through liposuction can be refined and repurposed to replace contour and lost volume in other areas, including the buttock.
• Breast Enhancement can mean multiple corrections in itself, including lifting, augmenting fullness, and nipple reduction for an overall more visually appealing position, size and shape.
• Labiaplasty enhances the “V Zone”, which can be minimally to dramatically altered depending on how labor goes. Even besides the stretching from labor, just with age, the elasticity of the labia loosens. Restoring an anatomical and aesthetic “V Zone” can improve discomfort or sensation during intimacy and overall confidence in sexuality.

Also, some moms add in the non invasive facial procedures to give that extra boost of confidence, such as:

Injectables for facial rejuvenation help correct the extra lines and creases that come with motherhood and aging in general…Chemical peels can lighten the hormonal discolorations and age spots that add years to the appearance… as well as improve skin’s smoothness and overall texture.
Each mother’s needs are unique and require a customized, personalized plan specifically for you.

To schedule a consultation for your Mommy Makeover, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon