Your Best Butt Now

All this snow and cold weather has lots of people dreaming about the warm summer months. This is actually the perfect time to start thinking about your bikini body too. With all the amazing body enhancing surgeries to give your body the curves you desire, such as liposuction, tummy tuck and breast implants, more and more people are requesting buttock augmentations. Butt augmentation was the fastest growing procedure last year and that trend is expected to continue.

Trend from South America for Your “Southern Regions”…This greater buttocks awareness has come up from South America over the last couple of years, especially Brazil, that has a large cultural appreciation for this part of the body. Celebrities, such as Shakira, J Lo, Nicki Minaj, and the Kardashians have led the way for the plump posterior preference. Popularly called a Brazilian Butt Lift, this procedure can include liposuction, lifting, fat grafting, and implants to create your ideal buttock fullness and shape.

Working with “What Your Momma Gave You”… Which butt augmentation technique we’ll need to use will be determined by your     

• age,
• muscle tone
• skin elasticity
• available fat you have to transplant
• existing buttock size and shape

Fat Grafting By the Best… Fat grafting is the ideal way to contour the buttocks because it uses your own living fat cells. The fat cells are liposuctioned from areas such as abdomen or thighs, purified, and then injected expertly to shape and contour the buttocks. The success of this process has much to do with the experience of the surgeon.

Don’t compromise by choosing someone without a high level of training because you could end up with a lumpy, bumpy or saggy butt. For example, I am an expert injector, specially trained and certified to know how much to inject and in what areas to create wonderful, natural looking results.

Implants for that Rounder Rump… For most people I recommend the fat grafting method for butt enhancement, but there are some cases where an implant is the best option. For example, if you’re a size 2 or 4, you probably won’t have enough fat to transplant, therefore an implant can create your curves. Also, if your buttock area is completely flat and sagging, then creating the derriere of your dreams will require a bit more help. Here are the aspects of using implants for building better buttocks:

1. IMPLANT…A solid silicone implant works best since it cannot rupture, spill, or deflate. Your augmented buttock will still feel natural, but firm… like you’ve been working out.
2. INCISION… There are a few location options we can decide on together, such as toward the top of the buttocks, the bottom crease, or down the center of the sacrum.
3. POSITION… Nice results have been attained with both above and below muscle placement, but typically placement within the muscle supports the implant more.
4. LIFT & LIPO… Lifting sagging skin and liposuction can help create a harmonious effect with the buttock implant for an overall beautifully contoured area.

If you want your best butt now, you need to be in the hands of the best surgeon. I’m triple board certified, a professor and author of hundreds of publications on important plastic surgery subjects, including patient safety. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation for your safe, beautiful Brazilian Butt Lift today.

Dr. Davison

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

Just the Right Kind of Curves: Butt Augmentation

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

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

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

BENEFITS OF BRAZILLIAN BUTT LIFT WITH FAT GRAFTING:

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Davison

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

Take Years Off Your Face with Rhinoplasty

Poor Rudolph the Reindeer. All he’s known for is his bright red nose. In reality, no person suffers from a bright red glowing nose, but sometimes those humps and bumps, that droopy or bulbous tip, or crooked bridge can make some people feel like they do. Ideally, the nose is meant to fit harmoniously with your unique facial composition.

RESHAPING WITH RHINOPLASTY… Commonly called a “nose job,” Rhinoplasty plastic surgery can enhance the nose in many ways. By reducing its size or shape, or correcting injuries, the nose can become part of a pleasing facial unity. I’ve written about this before and am considered one of the experts in this area, but this time I’d like to focus on the anti aging benefits that can be provided by Rhinoplasty.

NEGLECTED NOSE NO MORE… Cosmetic procedures such as facelift, necklift, and blepheroplasty are very popular for turning back the time on the face. However, most people don’t realize that Rhinoplasty can have dramatic age reversing effects, as well. While Rhinoplasty is still predominantly considered a facial modification procedure to change the nose to be more visually pleasing, it is becoming more recognized for its age reversing effects. Predominantly it’s being done as part of an overall facial rejuvenating experience in combination with fillers and other surgeries.

HOW THE NOSE AGES THE FACE… The break down of collagen and elastin fibers in skin surrounding the nose and in the cartilage of the nose causes sagging and drooping. This can make the nose stretch and appear longer. This combination of droopy nose tip, and loss of elasticity and volume to the surrounding areas makes the nose look even larger, which amplifies the appearance of facial aging.

NOSE JOBS “THEN & NOW”… In years past, rhinoplasty involved removing most of the cartilage, which also made it more prone to aging faster. With less support structure for the tip of the nose, it would more readily fall down and forward. In today’s surgical methods, only a small portion of the cartilage may need to be removed. Even so, I also reinforce the supporting structures of the nose to make it less affected by gravity, therefore staying younger longer.

FACIAL HARMONY… The nose is the centerpiece of the face and so it really affects how well the other features are integrated. It shouldn’t distract from the lips or eyes, but if other areas of the face are receiving the anti aging attention of injectables and surgery, while the nose stays untouched, it could become a distraction.

YOUTHFUL NOSE FOR A YOUTHFUL FACE… There are some recognizable features of a youthful nose that can help rejuvenate your appearance. Here are a few:

1. Smooth and Even rather than bumpy and bulbous.

2. Tip pointed slightly up rather than dropping down.

3. Narrower width rather than poorly defined placement.

So follow your nose for an anti aging RHINOPLASTY that can help take years off your face. Visit my website www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Botox nose reshaping is one of today’s most popular procedures and requires no surgery. While you’re short on time for surgical Rhinoplasty for the Holidays, if surgery is not required, Botox may be a good option for you. Otherwise, schedule your Rhinoplsty surgery now for the first of the year and start enjoying a “more youthful” facial appearance.  Rhinoplasty is popular among people of all ages, stages and ethnicities and people love giving and receiving the gift of cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Davison

All About That Breast

While most of America and the world have been bopping their heads to the pop music hit “All about that bass” by Meghan Trainor, there have been so many parodies of the song that have some funny twists to the lyrics. Many of us have seen that family who did the Thanksgiving parody called “All about that baste”, as in basting the Thanksgiving Turkey.  All this got me thinking about another twist on the song that I should write called “All about that breast”… well not really. You won’t hear any musical lyrics coming from me any time soon, but that is the topic of this week’s blog.

BREAST AUGMENTATION IS THE MOST PERFORMED SURGICAL PROCEDURE… Behind breast augmentation is nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and then the facelift. Why do you think that breast augmentation is number one? Well, here are a few of the most common reasons it appeals to women of all ages, shapes and sizes:

• More harmony of proportion, balance and symmetry
• Enhanced size, shape & projection of your breasts
• Improved self-esteem & confidence
• More youthful looking
• Immediate and long-lasting, natural looking results
• Overall satisfaction with body image when looking into the mirror
• Better fashion choices…wear the styles you really love
• Getting the breasts you’ve lost over time or from having children/breastfeeding
• Getting the breasts you’ve always wanted, but never had
• Large variety of new, advanced, and more natural implants

WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION… 
While there are other surgical procedures to reduce breast size and to lift them, BREAST AUGMENTATION is a surgery to enlarge the breasts. Using saline (salt water) or silicone implants in the breasts can lead to a more flattering figure that is youthfully proportionate. They will continue to age with your body, but BREAST AUGMENTATION can take off many years from the process and have long lasting youthful effects.

WHAT DOES THE SURGERY INVOLVE…Technology has advanced significantly, over the last few years, to improve the procedure and long term safety of the implants. During the surgery, general anesthesia ensures your total comfort.

There are some choices with the incision location (under breast line, armpit, belly button, areola) and where the implant can be placed (above or below the pectoral muscle). We will decide on the best options for the results you’re looking for during our consultations leading up to surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTERWARDS… Moderate discomfort (achiness) is normal following a breast procedure, but is easily managed with oral pain medication. You’ll have some aching for a few days and will be limited in your lifting and some movements in order to rest for optimal healing.

Let’s talk about creating the breasts that are best for you. Visit www.Davinciplastic.com and schedule a consultation today.

Steven Davison M.D.

Tummy Tuck Time

With the coming feasts that are part of Thanksgiving and the December holidays, it’s going to be very hard not to put on an extra few pounds this winter season. Many people are already starting behind the curve by not meeting their summer weight loss goals, and will add more pounds to that over the next 2 months.

If that’s you, there’s no reason to be depressed about it. As long as you’re on the journey towards better health (or plan to start in the new year), there’s a solution to help you get the results you desire. A Tummy Tuck could be just the boost you need to get on the right track for the body you want.

WHO GETS A TUMMY TUCK AND WHY… This is one of the most common procedures. As with most elective surgery, it’s for people with generally good health, but can help most anyone who’s struggled to get rid of belly bulges. It could be from stubborn post pregnancy weight that won’t budge, to that extra bit that just won’t go away no matter how much you work out or diet. A Tummy Tuck can:

• reshape your body to fit comfortably in the clothes you want,
• relieve back ache from getting rid of extra weight,
• help boost your energy and self confidence.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK…Formally called an Abdominoplasty, it is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area resulting in a smoother, flatter tummy. It is the “Gold Standard” and surgery of choice for men and women who want to be rid of the tummy rolls, beer belly, and muffin top. Unlike just getting liposuction, a Tummy Tuck removes both the fat and the stretched out skin for a completely smooth abdominal area.

WHERE CAN YOU TUCK… While Abdominoplasty, by name, is focusing on the abdominal area, you can also receive the same type of procedure and benefits on different parts of your body. For example, some other common areas include:

• hips
• thighs
• back
• bra line
• buttocks

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A TUMMY TUCK… recovery from this type of surgery generally takes about 6 weeks, so it’s important to plan for some down time. Some people like to use the time off, they’re already getting for the holidays, others like to start off their “New Year with a New Body.” Every person is different, which is why our time in the consult is so important.

FULL BODY CONTOURING… If you’re looking for a full body lift and tuck, Abdominoplasty can be combined with other procedures to address all your areas of concern. Here are some more options for full body contouring:

• Liposuction to remove targeted fat deposits.
• Arm Lifts (Brachiaplasty) to eliminate the hanging, flabby skin under the arm.
• Breast Augmentation, Reduction and Lifts to create a harmonious upper body balance in breast size and form.
• Lower Body Lift to remove fat and extra skin, while lifting and reshaping the thighs, lower abs, and buttocks.

So is it your “time for a tummy tuck”? Let’s talk about your body rejuvenating goals. Visit my website www.davinciplastic.com for more info.

Steven Davison, M.D.

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

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

SCARS  often come with a myriad of emotions.  Some scars remind us of pain, others of joy; of accidents or medical emergencies, or the miracle of ew life emerging via c-section deliveries.

In the eyes of a plastic surgeon, a scar is not our friend.  We want to leave the most minimal, if not invisible trace of our work, so a scar is not desirable.  In the case of keloids, I have the pleasure of helping to remove a scar, but not just any scar.  Keloids are scars that don’t stop!  They are not pleasant at all for the afflicted, and so it is personally rewarding to help individuals find relief from keloid scars.

WHAT ARE KELOIDS?   Keloids are scars that are usually discolored and raised.  They can be pink, flesh colored, or darkly colored in hues of red, purple and brown.  Keloids don’t blend in with the rest of skin texture since they’re often shiny, thick and fibrous.  They feel firm and rubbery to the touch, but can be uncomfortable.  They often cause severe itching and due to their thickness, can impair skin movement.  Keloids are not cancerous but result from an overgrowth of collagen type tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.  Here are some characteristics of Keloids:

• extend past the borders of the original incision or cut into surrounding areas that weren’t injured                                                          
• irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively
• hard to treat and eradicate
• can reoccur…even after year of being dormant
• do not subside over time
• typically appear following surgery or injury but can also appear due to slight inflammation, minor injuries or even spontaneously
• can be triggered by burns, body or ear piercings, pimples, insect bites and simply scratching ones self

KELOID vs HYPERTROPIC SCARS … Skin’s normal healing process usually leaves a flat scar that fades over time.  Sometimes as the skin heals there appears a thicker scar, which could possible be a hypertropic scar.  Hypertropic scars exist only where the original wound was, although they may be more reddish and slightly raised.  They will blend in more with regular skin over time, although aggressive massage and steroid injections help them along.  To minimize Keloids, on the other hand, usually requires more treatment.

Here are some of the most “tried and true” treatments for Keloid removal:

• Corticosteroid injected directly into the tissue once a month for about 3-4 months
• Laser Excision followed by monthly intralesional steroid injections alone or in conjunction with Imiquimod
• Surgical removal via scalpel, electric knife or laser for larger, more extensive formations

TREATING KELOIDS REQUIRE SKILL and EXPERIENCE…I have thousands of hours of surgical experience and specialized training.  Over the years, I have successfully been able to help many people who’ve suffered with Keloids.  I also take special care to offer complimentary post surgical treatments to minimize Keloid recurrence.

If you, or someone you  know is suffering with the discomfort of unsightly Keloids, let’s talk about the best options I can offer for your relief.

Dr. Steven Davison

Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Lipomas are the most common form of soft tissue tumors and they are formed with adipose (fatty) tissue. Lipomas can form in many shapes, sizes and places on the body and they occur more often during middle age (40 to 60) but they are often diagnosed in children as congenital lipomas. They are soft to the touch, moveable and usually painless. Typically they grow just between the skin and underlying muscle but can also be found in the deeper muscle tissues such as the intermuscular septa, or in organs like the abdominal organs, the oral cavity, the internal auditory canal, the cerebellopontine angle and the thorax. They require treatment by a plastic surgeon for safe, effective removal. Lipomatosis, also called liposis, adiposis or lipomatoza and simply refers to groups of lipomas in one location on the body.

Other names for lipomas (types) include:

1. Adenolipomas are associated with the sweat glands
2. Conventional lipomas are the most common type composed of mature white fat
3. Hibemomas are made up from brown fat
4. Fibrolipomas are fat and fibrous tissue
5. Angiolipomas are mostly blood vessels and fat tissues
6. Myelolipomas are fat and the tissues that make blood vessels
7. Spindle Cell lipomas are rod shaped, seen mostly in elderly men
8. Intradermal spindle cell lipomas is most common in women
9. Pleomorphic lipomas are the various shapes and sizes
10. Atypical lipomas are composed of a large number of “deeper” fat cells
11. Neural lipomas are fibrous, fatty tissues
12. Others include: Proteus Syndrome, Cowden Syndrome caused by PTEN gene mutations, Familial lipodystrophy, Hibernomas and Familial angiolipomatosis.

METHODS OF REMOVAL

Lipoma cases are nearly always referred to a surgeon who is skilled and qualified in their removal.

Typical Treatments:1) endoscope assisted removal: 2) suction assisted removal, 3) minimal incision removal and 4) remote incision lipoma extraction.  These all work and have been used by surgeons for decades to remove lipomas of all types.  But, some of these techniques are tedious and require extra equipment (even though they are advanced treatments) and are not always necessary since a quicker, simpler method is now in use.

I helped pioneer a very simple, safe and effective method that involves a “simple incision and a quick squeeze” to remove lipomas without all the extra instruments used in other methods.

Once surgeons learn the quick squeeze method and start using it, they realize it’s great benefits. It’s safe, quick, simple and effective.

QUICK SQUEEZE LIPOMA REMOVAL

1) The lipoma is identified by palpation and its margins are outlined.  2) The area is then infiltrated with local anesthesia and is prepared and draped in standard fashion.  3) An incision approximately one quarter to one third the diameter of the lipoma is made (carried down to the lipoma capsule).  4) The lipoma is then squeezed out through the incision…without any additional dissection.

LIPOMA STUDY

Involved 140 lipomas removed, in 50 patients, over the life of this study.These lipomas were located on the face, scalp, neck, thorax, back and flanks, hips/pelvis and on both the upper and lower body extremities.  Of the 140 removals, there were only two recurrences, no complications, no revisions.

Simple Incision, Quick Squeeze technique for lipoma removal makes them gone in 30 seconds!

See complete information about this method of lipoma removal at: www.DAVinciplasticsurgery.com.

Dr. Davison