No matter how smooth, firm and wrinkle free someone’s face is – a drooping, weathered and wrinkled neck can take away from any youthful appearance. So unless you want to be wearing a turtle neck or scarf year round, take care of your neck.

If you’re already seeing  signs of aging,  don’t worry – I can help. There are a variety of ways to rejuvenate the neck and take years off your overall aging appearance.

Why Rejuvenate the Neck… Although it’s technically not part of the face, having a smooth, trim neck profile can dramatically restore an overall natural and youthful appearance. A youthful neck contour not only makes the patient appear younger, but also elegant and refined. The neck also can have a significant aging (or anti aging) effect on the profile.

How the Neck Ages… Understanding the underlying muscles of the neck and how they are affected by the aging process will help you understand why the neck ages and how. The platysma muscle is immediately under the skin of the neck. In our youth, it is tight and meets in the middle of the neck under the chin. You can easily see this muscle in the mirror when you clench your teeth and tighten your jaw. As we age, the right and left sides of the platysma muscle come apart, which creates the look of vertical bands in the neck. Also, as the skin loses elasticity with age, the lower part of the face and neck show the effects most dramatically. This results in sagging, drooping jowel and waddle under the chin.
Reverse Aging of the Neck… I have extensive study and experience in face and neck rejuvenation.  They are my specialty. The most effective surgical options for rejuvenating the neck are liposuction, cervicoplasty and the neck lift, technically called a platysmaplasty …which is named after the muscle in the neck that the surgery corrects.

Liposuction: Generally speaking, my younger clients who want more definition between their jawline and neck  and who still have good skin elasticity and strong muscles are good candidates for liposuction.
Cervicoplasty: This procedure is geared towards people only concerned with the double chin or excess neck waddle.
Platysmaplasty: A neck lift deals with more midline neck correction of muscles to improve the chin and neck, and the removal of extra skin and fat.

Without a doubt, the neck is a major contributor to an overall youthful  appearance. The aesthetics of a defined jawline and long flat neck is apparent in every magazine and on every movie screen. I will get into more details on each aspect of surgical rejuvenation of the neck in next week’s blog.

In the hands of a specialist like myself, these surgeries for the removal of fat and excess skin, and tightening of the muscles, are sure to result in an attractive neck contour and rejuvenated appearance.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation, www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

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

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

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.

Liposuction is the method most used for removal of body fat and sculpting those areas. Liposuction has changed over the years becoming safer, less invasive, more advanced and more in demand! Liposuction is the “Gold Standard”  for body sculpting treatments.

LIPOSCULPTURE AND BODY CONTOURING   Body contouring can flatten a tummy, give you a waist, remove the fatty deposit under your chin etc. and today’s revolutionary technology such can even result in skin tightening. In brief, body sculpting is a top cosmetic procedure and today’s technology  us to enables us to treat areas we could not before while getting truly beautiful, artful results. Read on for more info on popular procedures men and women are getting today.

KISS YOUR DOUBLE CHIN GOODBYE with your BEAUTIFUL NEW LIPS!  If you were among the many thousands of women who chose to have Injectable Lip Augmentation for Valentine’s Day…then you may now want to complement your gorgeous lips with a quick fix liposculpting neck job to enhance your lips for a more youthful, balanced look.

BODY SCULPTING TUMMY TUCK… TOP CHOICE AMONG WOMEN HAVING MOMMY MAKEOVERS and MEN WHO WANT THE BULGES to Disappear!!

Abdominoplasty is the surgery of choice for men and women who want to get rid of a bulging tummy.  Using liposuction to remove stubborn, resistant bulging fat is still among the top 10 most performed procedures after many years. Here are a few benefits:

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) restores proper firmness to the abs
• It tightens skin and relaxed muscles
• Flattens the stomach and sculpts it
• Can be a full, mini or marriage Abdominoplasty based upon your needs
• Commonly combined with other procedures
• See www.davinciplastic.com for complete info.

STOP WEARING CAMOUFLAGE TUNICS, FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF, FACE THE WORLD WITH CONFIDENCE, SUCCEED IN YOUR CAREER, GET THE BODY of your DREAMS and much more.  This is what happens to my patients who choose to get into shape, achieve health and proper body balance through body sculpting.  You can too.

LONG, HARD WINTER…is HARD on SKIN – It has been a brutal winter across the Nation.  The fluctuating temperatures, dry heat and wind can also be brutal on your skin.  I’ve given ideas in my last few blogs on how to avoid skin damage…please see those blogs.  Here are 6 foods to eat every day for great skin.

1) Oranges, grapefruit, kiwi and strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant skin saver, rejuvenator and protector. Vitamin C reduces inflammation that can lead to acne, protects against collagen breakdown that leads to wrinkles and even repairs sun damage to avoid sun spots.  Fresh is always best!

2)  Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries contain higher levels of antioxidants than mild colored fruits and vegies. Antioxidants fight free radicals. Eat lots of fresh berries!

3)  Poultry such as free range or organic turkey or chicken help boost the bodies collagen structure.  These high quality proteins help the body replenish natural collagen and the tryptophan found in poultry encourages restful sleep.

4)  Green Vegies also boost collagen production and protection. along with high doses of Vitamon C.  Dark colors are more nutritious.

5) Walnuts (especially) and other nuts are a great source of Omega 3’s essential for skin health.  Olives, Salmon and Avocados are as well, in case you’re allergic to nuts.

6)  Green Tea…yes it is a powerful antioxidant with benefits to numerous to mention!  Drink it hot or iced…but drink it.

OK…Stay well and let’s talk soon to help you get into shape.

Steven Davison M.D.

Struggling with bulges that still won’t budge many weeks after the Holidays?  Many people are… in spite of healthy diets and rigorous workouts.  Clearly, their body is out of shape and resists all attempts to get it back into a desirable shape.  Sometimes, no matter what we do excess fat and loose skin just won’t go away.

LipoSculpting, Body Contouring and Body Shaping are treatments that men and women, of all ages, stages and shapes are having done today, because they are unhappy with the body they live in now.  For this reason, among several, I keep many tools in my chest to help my patients achieve their goals.  www.davinciplastic.com.

LIPOSCULPTING, LIPOSUCTION, BODY CONTOURING, BODY SHAPING

These are titles given to this popular procedure that helps restore or create the body of your dreams. If you are near your normal weight and in good general health, this could be a great option for you.  Often it “kick starts” a person into getting back into shape and maintaining.  It’s great for sculpting specific areas of the body.   The bullets give a good overview:

·      Advanced, precision tools are used for safe, effective treatments

·      Liposuction removes fat unaffected by other efforts

·      Can effectively sculpt pockets, bulges and overhangs

·      Microliposuction treats smaller areas with new smaller precision cannulas

·      Today’s treatments and instruments are less invasive…that means less swelling, bruising and briefer downtime if any

·      Can be done in combo with surgical Facelifts, Necklifts, Bodylifts etc

·      Commonly used for the abs, breasts, thighs, back, upper arms, face/neck & buttocks, behind knees etc.

·      In office procedures mean no hospital stay/expense

·      Treatments are individualized and may be a combo of procedures…Dr. Davison is expert at educating his patients and helping you choose the best options at the right times to achieve your goals.

GET BEACH BODY READY IN TIME…by planning ahead and starting now.  Let’s chat about your goals for 2014.  Mommy Makeover, Daddy DoOver, Seniors Aging Together Youthfully…whatever is on your mind…I have the tools and skills.

KISS THAT DOUBLE CHIN GOODBYE…Liposuction to removes that unwelcome pocket of fat.  Have a well sculpted neck/chin to complement your Filler Lip Augmentation for Valentine’s Day!  ENJOY YOUR GORGEOUS RED HOT LIPS and a well contoured Neck!

DON’T BARGAIN with YOUR FACE!  You can open any phone book or read billboard ads offering bargain prices for injectable treatments.  Know this:  low prices have proven to be a “red flag”  that something’s amiss.  Here’s Why:  1) The person advertising may not be trained in the complex facial anatomy. (understanding this is critical to desirable outcomes for facial procedures)  2)  may not even be a doctor!  3) They may pull a “bait and switch” meaning you are not getting the product you asked for.  4)  Low prices often indicate “a diluted formula” with short term results.  PLEASE seek a Board Certified Surgeon who is also well trained and certified as “An Expert Injector.”  Know before  you go!

Let’s Get and Keep Your Best Self Forward in 2014!

Steven Davison M.D.

Often patients ask me: “Do I need a facelift?” 

Besides not liking the visible age related changes when looking into the mirror, some valuable guidelines can help determine when it’s time for a surgical facelift. Unwelcome Visible signs of facial aging include: lines, wrinkles, deep etched grooves, hollow cheeks and sunken eyes, thin sagging skin, a poorly defined neck/jawline often with “Turkey Wobble”, sagging eyelids and undereye bags and more.  These are the conditions that send men and women to plastic/cosmetic surgeons for a facelift, if injectables and other mini treatments are not appropriate.

AGING and YOUR FACIAL SHAPE:  Each shape affects how a face will age.

• OVAL FACE … will experience hollowing at the temples and in the cheeks due to fat loss.  Fillers can correct this if started early enough and if needed a Mid-Facelift corrects sagging.
• ROUND FACE…Cheeks and lower face tend to sag.  A lower Facelift addresses this while fat or fillers resculpt the hollow cheeks.
• RECTANGULAR OR SQUARE FACE…usually loose skin and sagging jowls are the most prominent issues.  A Traditional Facelift is usually the best option to effectively correct this extensive aging.
• HEART SHAPED FACE…aging appears first in the forehead and upper eyes. The high cheek bones of heart shaped faces tend to age slower than in square faces  with flat cheekbones.

WHAT ABOUT SURGERY AT AN EARLY AGE?  The trend for the past decade has shifted;  people are getting cosmetic procedures sooner, some at the first signs of aging, rather than later when more extensive work is needed to restore youthfulness.  Celebrities have been teaching us for decades that starting with small procedures early can slow down the appearance of aging and…keep you younger looking always!  Seniors, Boomers and Generation Xer’s are starting mini procedures in their 30’s, with periodic maintenance, and more as needed in their 40’s and no later than 50’s.  Visit my website to peruse the many anti aging options available: HTTP//:www.davinciplastic.com.

STARTING EARLY LEADS TO BETTER, LONGER LASTING RESULTS.  It allows patients to look fresher and younger from the improvement made now rather than dealing with greater aging challenges later in life.  They are getting facelifts along with fillers and Botox and are “looking great!”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…BEFORE YOUR SURGERY  –  1) Realistic expectations are essential!  Don’t expect to look 20 if you are 50.  The goal of surgery, in particular, is to  make you look refreshed, more youthful and to fix laxity, hollows etc. Know that a facelift does not always eliminate every single line and wrinkle.   2) Scars are inevitable in spite of our refined techniques and precision instruments.  But, I hide them so often they are not visible while they fade away or blend in.   3)  There is some “downtime.”  For traditional facelift surgery plan on 2-3 weeks before resuming normal activities.  Each case is different, but that’s a reasonable norm. It can take a few months for all swelling to resolve and for your facelift to really settle in.   4)  Learn what can and cannot be fixed/corrected.  The consultation is critical for arriving at an honest understanding of my patient’s concerns, goals and expectations. I believe in educating them as to their options and outcomes.

So if when you look into the mirror you see lines, wrinkles and deeply etched grooves, sagging skin, sunken eyes, loss of facial volume, changing jawline, disappearing neckline and chin…let’s talk about your options sooner rather than later!

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

MINI TREATMENTS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND, are more REFINED and are HERE TO STAY.  I’ve blogged about:  Mini FaceLift to “refresh the face”, Mini NeckLift to take years of aging off the lower 1/3rd of the face and Mini EyeLid Lifts (Blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate the eyes.  There are other “mini” procedures. I offer brief overviews of these 3:

MINI CHEEK LIFT is usually performed in combination with the Mini FaceLift to achieve the maximum desired results and improvement in the midface area.  Mini CheekLifts can be performed through the same incision that is used for the Mini FaceLift to minimize incisions and scarring.  Incisions are hidden inconspicuously in skin folds and creases where they fade away.  Mini CheekLift surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscle to accentuate and define the cheekbones.

MINI LIPO PROCEDURE is treatment of choice when neither diet nor rigorous exercise succeed in sculpting certain areas of the body.  That’s no excuse to abandon healthy nutritious food and exercise.  The body needs a balance in those areas everyday.  But, as we age, the body often resists things that used to work thus “liposuction” for removal of excess fat deposits and to sculpt those resistant areas to a more desirable shape.  Mini incisions, small canulas and years of expertise allow me to sculpt the neck, breast, arms, flanks, hips, knees, abs and other areas of concern. Discomfort is usually minimal and many patients resume normal activities following treatments.

MINI TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty) can deal with an adverse scar from a C Section, a lower tummy pouch formed from fat and excess skin located below the belly button and can be safely performed in office with local anesthesia.  Mini Tummy Tuck involves removing excess skin and tightening lower abdominal muscle (below the belly button).  I work through a small incision and often include liposuction to further sculpt the treatment area.

MINI PROCEDURES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND and ARE HERE TO STAY! They entail shorter incisions, briefer downtime and are Popular among those in their 40’s, 50’s and others who are starting to see age related changes but who don’t yet require a more traditional procedure or full blown surgery.  STARTING EARLY, like Celebrities, before aging becomes too visible; before lines, wrinkles and grooves too deeply etched, and before skin and muscles lose elasticity and tone...starting early allows you to have “mini” procedures and blocks the visible signs of aging so you can look years younger always!

MORE MEN ARE HAVING MINI PROCEDURES  (e.g. body contouring) according to recent survey/report results from the AMERICAN SOCIETY of PLASTIC SURGEONS and THE AESTHETIC JOURNAL.  Treatments men are requesting include:  removal of excess body fat, Gynecomastia (reduction of overly large male breasts) facial injectables, laser treatments, hair removal, skin resurfacing and, of course, Botox referred to as “BROTOX.”  Surgeons across America are seeing more men.  Men choosing cosmetic surgical and non surgical treatments increased by 42% since 2010.  And, they become regular clients because they believe cosmetic/aesthetic procedures are an important part of their regular healthcare routine and that younger, fitter looking men get career advancements.

See my website for complete info on all procedures offered at DAVinci: HTTP://www.davinciplastic.com.

Before we know it, Fall will be upon us with all it’s glorious colors and lots of social events. Are you ready to put your “best self” forward?  Let’s talk.

Best to you and yours.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

MINI FACELIFT was the topic of my last blog and the NECKLIFT is commonly married to it. As I said in the last blog, the “Mini procedures” are here to stay, they are refined, perfected and chosen by hosts of people every year in their war against aging.

Necklift refines the neck by removing years of visible aging to restore a more refreshed, balanced, younger appearance.  By removing excess, loose and sagging skin and fat, we can lift the skin, tighten muscles if needed and “recontour” the neck less invasively than with a full blown Necklift.  The Benefits:  Mini Necklift eliminates small amounts of saggy skin/fat and redefines angles from the chin to the neck. Refining the neck freshens the face also.  The Limitations:  Neckbands may still be present and Jowls may not be addressed adequately with a Mini Necklift.  It is important that your surgeon educate you well so you can make the right choice.  Mini Necklifts are the perfect solution for many people.  Remember they are “mini.”

ABOUT THE AGING NECK   The neck is frequently the area of facial aging that is a dead give away as to your true age!  When loose skin, sagging neckbands (Turkey Waddle) and a poorly defined neckline become visibly obvious, we may be perceived as older than we are.

MINI NECKLIFT:  1) WHO IT’S FOR:  younger people with small amounts of fat under the chin and whose skin is fairly elastic, not too saggy and not overly laden with thick neckbands.  (your surgeon will know)  2) ANESTHESIA:  usually local or IV Sedation,  3) LENGTH OF SURGERY:  about 3 hours,  4) RECOVERY:  7 to 10 days required to rest, begin healing and allow for swelling and bruising to begin resolving.  You may need to wear a neck or chin “bra” to support the surgery and apply mild compression to the operated area.  5)  RESULTS …your results generally last 5 to 10 years.  Each individual is different but this is a good norm.  A full blown necklift is usually done with a Facelift and uses incisions behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. With a Mini Necklift, a Fecelift is not always done and sometimes just contouring the fat using liposuction along with some skin removal is enough to achieve the results the patient desires.

FIVE SIGNS of an AGING FACE – These are the issues that you can see when looking into the mirror.  They are the top signs of facial aging:  1)  DEEP WRINKLES of the face and neck,  2) A TIRED APPEARANCE,  3) POOR DEFINITION of the chin and sagging in the neck,  4)  JOWLS and DEEP CREASES found around the nose and mouth,  5)  LOSS of MUSCLE TONE and REDUCED SKIN ELASTICITY.  The best time to start anti aging treatments is before they are needed or at least as the first signs of aging appear.  We’ve learned from Hollywood celebrities how to keep looking younger always.  The Key:  start age defying treatments early and continue them on a regular basis to eliminate problems, restore health and youthfulness and to keep looking several years younger….always.

SURGERY IS OFTEN COMBINED WITH NON INVASIVE OPTIONS.  More often than not, people choose to have  2 or more treatments in tandem such as Mini Facelift with restorative Injectables or Fat Grafting for volume replacement and recontouring. We have many amazing options for you.  All safe.  All effective.

Next time I’ll blog about Mini Eye Procedures.  Check back often.

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

We all age, every single one of us as long as we are alive.  We don’t age suddenly or overnight.  Aging is a gradual process that occurs across a person’s lifespan with neon warning signs at every stage. But, we do suddenly look into the mirror one day and finally,  see those unwelcome lines, wrinkles, grooves, sagging cheeks, flat lips and pouty mouth, baggy undereyes, turkey gobbler necks, a nose that doesn’t fit the face anymore…and much more.

There is non stop research for the purpose of defining or redefining aging and its causes. We know from good Science that “stem cells” are a key internal factor in our aging process.  As they age, they degrade and become less functional, hence visible signs of aging gradually appear all over the body.  External factors include a host of things such as lifestyle, diet, sun exposure, smoking and more.  One group, for example, that exists for the purpose of “redefining aging” is called Redefining Aging.org.  Their research method is to question everything about the process of aging. There are many other groups and organizations doing the same or similar in an ongoing quest for solutions to the aging process.  So what of all this?

Aging Gracefully terminology has been for decades to describe people who choose to grow older without concern over the bodily signs of aging. They know they don’t look as good as they once did but their attitude about life is terrific. But, todays’ Boomers, Generation X, and others, are fighting back against looking older.  Because, people are staying more active, they feel healthier, are healthier and they want to look healthy!  A Youthful appearance and health are partners.  Age Defying!

The Media and generational attitudes, married with today’s advanced age reversing options, have virtually erased all “taboo” about cosmetic/plastic procedures. Men and women today are choosing to age “youthfully.”

In a recent blog I mentioned the Mom who gave birth to her daughter at age 40 and then for years suffered the hurtful remarks about this lovely girl being her “granddaughter.”  She finally realized that she did look much older, came in and we tailored a “Mommy Makeover” for her. Today, people ask if she and her daughter are sisters!  Beautiful outcome and restored confidence!  See my website for age defying options:  www.davinciplastic.com.

EVERYDAY ANTI AGING TIPS:  Don’t smoke, limit alcohol use, avoid too much sun exposure, get plenty of good sleep, rest when fatigued, stay well hydrated…there is no substitute for pure water (your body is 96% water), exercise daily – walking, biking, swimming, Yoga, Pilates etc!  Good nutrition with lots of anti oxidants including uncooked live foods like fresh salads, fresh fruits, herbal teas, good cold water fish (salmon, cod etc ), poultry minus the hormones, eggs and other high quality proteins like nuts, whole grains (avoid products made with bleached and bromated flours as they are deadly!)  Limit sugar, honey and real maple syrup are better. The Mediterranean Diet is a good example.  Breathe to help rid the body of toxins.  See Dr. Davison for age related, age reversing options to help you look as great as you will feel!

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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