Balanced Face Profile…Small Changes that make a Dramatic Difference

My last blog overviewed the three views of the face: front, side/profile and the ¾’s. Each view dictates a different shape and different curvature of the facial features. This blog outlines how to get a perfectly balanced profile using small changes that make a dramatic difference. For those people who are unhappy with their profile, know that it changes as we age, but that it can be corrected and/or enhanced. For many patients, correction is of great value to them for various reasons.

The eyes nose and chin are three distinct facial components, but they all work together to present a youthful and attractive appearance, whether one area is detracting from your overall appearance, or the aging process has begun to affect your face as a whole. There are a variety of surgical and nonsurgical options we offer to create or restore harmony and beauty.

Profile changes that occur:

EYES … Drooping upper lids, under eye bags, crow’s feet and a sunken hollow appearance are the first signs of aging and profile change.

NOSE…Gravity takes its toll to add years to your visage as a “subtle lengthening” can cause a profound aging effect. Rhinoplasty and Injectables can reverse this and take years off the nose.

CHIN…The chin begins to look different as skin sags, fat accumulates and bone is lost with age, as these changes cause significant lower face aging. Injectables can restore volume, contour and youthfulness to this area.

YOUTHFUL EYES ARE CREATED WITH: Injectables and Botox for people who do not need surgery and who are looking to refine or extend the results of a previous procedure. They are very effective for correcting wrinkles and depressions around the eyes. Ideal patients:

–     Are in their 20s or 30s and have good skin elasticity Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane are good choices since they are hyaluronic acid that attract water to plump up the area.

–     Crow’s Feet and BrowLifts candidates benefit greatly from these fillers. Botox is also great for eliminating Crow’s Feet and achieving an injectable BrowLift. Botox cannot replace surgery, if needed, but the benefits of Botox cannot be minimized.

–     BROW SHAPING the eyebrows themselves can have an impact on the appearance of the eyes an adjacent facial areas. Eyebrows are essential to being youthful looking, rested and bringing balance to facial contours.

BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY for YOUTHFUL EYES when cosmetic options aren’t enough. The brow, upper eyelid and lower eyelid all age in unison. The outer corners of the eyes drop down, the upper lids become deflated and droop, and bags form under the lower lids. Eyelid surgery can correct these fat, excess skin and muscle changes. Youthful eyes can be yours again either with injectables of Blepharoplasty.

VOLUMA is the treatment of choice to restore hollow cheeks without surgery.  See my website for complete info on Juvederm Voluma: www.DAVinciplastic.com.

More on facial balance and your perfect profile in my next blog.

Are you ready for Beach Time?  Need “quick Fixes” for graduations, weddings, corporate events, family reunions etc…Let’s talk now.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Certified Expert Injector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD…AVOID THESE WINTER SKIN MISTAKES

As seasons change so does our skin. Winter is the worst season of the year and can be very hard on the skin.  In this blog I offer a few tips to help you avoid costly mistakes in your daily skin care program, that lead to dry, flaky and red irritated skin. You can keep looking and feeling your best even during harsh winters. 

1. Avoid licking your lips and do use lip balm.  The skin on your lips is very fragile and requires special care just like your facial skin.  Licking your lips frequently can cause them to dry out and become flaky.  Even though licking provides temporary moisture it leaves the lips drier due to evaporation into the dry winter air and heated environments. The digestive enzymes in saliva can break down the skin causing lips corners to crack and the skin to flake. Prevent damaged lips by exfoliating the dead skin away and then use a well formulated, conditioned lip balm throughout the day to keep in natural moisture.

2.  Do Use Sunscreen all year around.  Winter UVA rays are nearly as strong as summer rays.  They are responsible for changing the DNA in the skin and this causes premature lines, wrinkles and sagging. Damaging UV light is the #1 cause of premature aging skin because they interfere with skin barrier function while simultaneously preventing proper moisture levels in the skin.

3.  Use the right formula and amount of moisturizer.  Too much moisturizer is wasteful, can cause skin congestion, bumps and breakouts.  The skin, like a sponge, can only absorb so much.  Find the right formula for your skin needs, apply it daily and prevent future skin problems.

4.  Adjust your skin care regimen to your skin needs. Our bodies constantly change and so does our skin with fluctuating temperatures and conditions.  Make sure you are using the right products during each season.  For example:  you may need to switch from a foaming cleanser and creamy moisturizer, during winter months, to a gentler cleansing lotion and serum moisturizer, to avoid loss of drying the skin.  Find a good aesthetician (Nora handles this at DAVinci) to help you with your best skin care program/products. Visit my website for more info: www.davinciplastic.com.

5. Seal in your moisturizer right after cleansing your skin!  You have a one minute window after cleansing, to moisturize and prevent skin dehydration. Water acts like a magnet and attracts the water deep within your dermal layers and result in evaporation. Apply your moisturizer or serum while your skin is still damp to ensure plump, well hydrated skin.

BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS® Reward Program that allows patients to earn redeemable points/coupons for SkinMedica® products, Botox® and Juvederm®.  My patients love this program. Check it out at: www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com.

Glow N” Go Treatments are popular all year long but especially during the winter months. Treatments include:  Botox® Cosmetic, Microdermabrasion, IPL treatments for dark spots and patchy or uneven skin color and Injectables are here to stay. The Seniors and the younger generations are in love with instant Liquid Facelifts when surgery isn’t necessary.  Manly Makeovers are rising in popularity as more men are choosing cosmetic procedures for career advantages and because they just want to look good.

Stay Well and Put Your Best Face Forward!

Steven Davison M.D.

Rising Demand for Female Genital (V Zone) Surgeries

Well, this topic is no longer taboo and the rising demand for female genital cosmetic and functional procedures continues to steadily rise.  One west coast surgeon reported that “with less hair there is more attention down there!”  

BRAZILIAN WAXING and VAGINAL AREA CONSCIOUSNESS   Since the advent of Brazilian body waxing, particularly in the FemGen Zone, women are much more conscious of their personal appearance.  They prefer a clean look with no pubic hair and no dangling labia minora!  (Dr. Hamori, Duxbury, MA)

I’ve written about this area of aesthetic/functional surgery before, but the new data and surge in interest begs an update on this once sensitive, taboo topic.  Still sensitive but no longer taboo!  A brief update:

FEMALE GENITAL NIPS and TUCKS … Today we offer a wide range of procedures beyond the traditional vaginal rejuvenation procedures such as those used to tighten vaginal muscles.  These include: 

• Nips and Tucks for women of all ages and stages
• All procedures are very commonplace today
• Labia minora (inner lips) trimmed
• Labia majora (outer lips) reduced in length
• Labia majora injected with fat/fillers to enhance shape and sensitivity
• Pubic Mons contouring
• Reducing Clitoral Hood
• Revision surgeries for correction and beautification

“Plastic surgery was developed to improve the quality of life and that includes the female vaginal area.”

REASONS WOMEN HAVE FEMALE GENITAL SURGERIES  

Compiled Survey results indicate that women feel having a harmonious vaginal area makes us feel better about ourselves and with our partners.  It affords more comfort during intimacy, it denotes youth and definitely increases sexual gratification.

SURGEONS’ APPROACH, REFINED TECHNIQUES, QUALIFICATIONS

Female Genital cosmetic surgery is a demanding surgical field and few surgeons are qualified and skilled enough to enter it.  Today, most of the aesthetic and functional genital complaints presented by female patients can be safely addressed/corrected.  Each year, as more women become educated on the issues and overcome the “taboos” complex, the numbers will continue to rise.  We are ramping up to meet the demands with increased education, symposiums and technology that can deliver outstanding results.  It is critical however, that you understand “not every surgeon is qualified to perform FemGen procedures period!”  Those specially trained and who understand the artistic nature and desired results women want include:   1) OB Gyns,  2) Plastic Surgeons, 3)  Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeons, 4) Urologists…sometimes.   Time and time again, surveys and patients satisfaction has told us that Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive surgeons are their first choice.
REVISION SURGERIES  are very common today because many surgeries are performed by the hands of unqualified doctors/surgeons.  Please choose carefully and “know before you go” who your surgeon really is.       https://www.davinciplastic.com

PATIENTS SEEKING FEMALE GENITAL SURGERY

Other names for these procedures include:  Designer Vagina, VZone Enhancement, VAginoplasty, Labioplasty, Hymenoplasty, Labia Surgery and others.

GOOD CANDIDATES INCLUDE WOMEN HAVING:

• Difficulty with personal hygeine  (toilet paper sticking)
• Discomfort with tight clothing
• Pain while riding a bike or during sports
• Labia catching in zippers
• Painful intercourse due to hypertrophy or the labia minora
• Lack of symmetry
• Chronic irritation
• Should be age 18 or older and sexually mature

BOOTOX EVENT OCTOBER 4.   Don’t miss this special event and the special deals being offered!    See our Facebook page for more details.

Fall is here.  Are you ready for the upcoming Holidays?  Let’s chat.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

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

KELOIDS and Today’s Top Treatments

KELOIDS are a type of scar that results from an overgrowth of collagen type tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.  Keloids can be firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules that vary in color….some are pink, others are flesh colored, or they may be red to dark brown in color.  Keloids are benign (not cancerous), are not contagious but often cause severe itching and changes in skin texture.  Severe keloids can affect movement of the skin.

Keloids require expert attention to deal with the pain, itching and physical disfigurement.

Keloids are often confused with “hypertropic scars.”  They are not the same. Hypertropic scars are raised and they do NOT grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound.

Since I have specialized training and years of experience in surgery and reconstructive surgeries, I have dealt with so many patients in need of Keloid removal and scar revision…I couldn’t begin to number them.  Just know, that dealing with Keloids is serious business and you should see a surgeon with expertise in this area…in order to get desirable results.

Keloids and where they develop on the body.  Keloids can develop any place an abrasion (injury) has occurred.  They can even result from pimples, insect bites, scratching ones self, from burns or other skin trauma.  They can develop post surgery.  They most commonly occur:

• On the central chest
• The back & shoulders
• On Ear lobes
• On arms & over the collar bone after body piercings
• From shaving…razor bumps may become keloids
• Bottom of feet
• Can occur at any age…but generally don’t until past age 11
• Keloids…may be linked to hereditary tendencies

COMMON TREATMENTS FOR KELOID REMOVAL

1)  Corticosteroid injected directly into the tissue – typically 3-4 treatments spaced about 1 month apart – will reduce a raised Keloid to a flat scar and reduce redness, itching and burning.

2)  Surgical Removal is used for larger, more extensive formations.  Technique involved may employ a scalpel, electric knife or laser removal.

3) Post-Surgical Complimentary Treatments are often used to minimize Keloid recurrence after surgical removal.  These treatments include:   -silicone sheet dressings applied directly to the skin around the incision; -compression therapy the mechanically flatten the scar formation, – topical imiquimod or advanced injectables such as bleomycin,  -interferon or 5-fluorouracil.  These drugs work at the cellular level to disable the Keloid tissue formation process.

4)  Laser Excision followed by monthly intralesional steroid injections alone or in conjunction with imiquimod.

These are my treatment preferences. I stay with the tried and true because those options are proven to get the most desirable results.

Stay well, remember the Sun Screen, lots of pure drinking Water, Sun Glasses and avoid the sun’s glare, especially when near a body of water.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Face 2013 with Confidence….and some advice from global beauty experts!

Welcome to February, 2013 already!  I need to comment briefly on a subject I dislike very much…but feel responsible to keep clients informed about for everyone’s protection.   It’s called “practice drift.”  It’s not illegal….but it’s ethically and morally wrong and can be very harmful to the patients.  Patient drift is the trend of unqualified doctors performing cosmetic procedures.  We are seeing this happening more and more as the economy continues to change…doctors “drift” into areas for which they are not qualified, skilled or experienced.  For example:  an ER doctor performed procedures from which 3 patients died.  A Pediatrician performed liposuction and fat transfer on a patient…who also died.  This is horrifying and totally unnecessary.  But, it is legal….so some doctors who feel “needy” decide to do a few cosmetic procedures now and then to boost their income.

Qualified Cosmetic surgeons are highly trained with honed skills and many years of experience before they launch into practice on their own.  General Practitioners and others should get this, respect it and protect patients not practice on them!  Be on your guard against this….be sure your surgeon is really qualified and experienced…..avoid doctors who “drift.”

BEAUTY EXPERTS OFFER WORDS OF WISDOM for 2013….

• Antioxidants…in cosmetics protect skin from environmental damage
• Child rearing takes a tremendous toll on a woman’s body…a Mommy Makeover helps her regain the body and confidence she enjoyed prior to childbirth
• Avoid skin aging….by avoiding the sun and keeping well hydrated…avoid sugars
• Water….few things are more important than it!  This serves as a barrier to protect skin from external damage
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables all winter for vitamin B protection and antioxidants
• Winter is an excellent time to maximize the benefits of medical skin care using light based laser skin treatments

Experts know and agree that there are a few simple things we all must do to help our bodies slow the aging process, repair/reverse damage.  No matter where in the world you are.

VECTRA 3D COMPUTER IMAGING is here to stay…Read about it on my website: http://www.davinciplastic.com.

OK…consider Vectra 3D Imaging for that procedure you’ve been wanting to get done.   You’ll be glad for the Vectra 3D experience….and the wonderful procedure outcomes it can help to create. It can truly make a difference in your choices and outcomes.

Stay Well

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Vectra 3D Imaging System…shows age reversing results…before your procedure is done!

Vectra 3 D Computer Imaging allows you to see actual body sculpting results before you even have the procedure performed! EXAMPLE; To demonstrate outcomes of a Breast Augmentation, 3 D images of your body are taken, loaded into the system and onto a large screen.  The system then selects several implants sizes and shapes…simulates them over your own body…empowers you to make the best possible choice.  RHINOPLASTY…aka…NOSE JOB is much easier to understand while viewing the nose from several angles…to see what really needs to be done.  The 3D system makes this happen.  Read more at: http://www.davinciplastic.com.

Vectra’s 3D Compiter Imaging System works for procedures such as:  Facelift, Necklift, Cheek and Chin Implants, Skin Resurfacing, Rhinoplasty, Browlifts, Blepharoplasty (Eyelids) Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposuction, Liposculpting with Implants and more…..

ASK US ABOUT  “SCULPT MY DREAM” 3D IMAGING…before your next Age Reversing Procedure!  Here’s what our patients say to us about it:

• Unbelievable!   It was like seeing my new body in a 3D Movie
• You can make all the changes you want….until you hit upon the look that’s you!
• Breast Simulation showed me my personal benefits from a combo “lift/Implants”
• I finally realized that the simulation could be my actual results!
• I was able to make a “crystal clear” science based decision…that enabled me to chose the right implants

GOOD CANDIDATES for “SculptMyDream” 3D Computer Imaging System…Men and Women of all ages, stages, ethnicities and goals are getting outstanding procedure results due to requesting 3D imaging first!  Baby Boomers want to regain some youthfulness…in order to look as great as they feel and Generation Xer’s are having a variety of anti aging procedures done regularly…to compete in their career place, to move up through the ranks and because they consider this a normal part of their routine healthcare.   Seniors…more and more are flooding surgeons suites as these “older teens” have decided to grow younger together!

Today’s procedures take years off an aging face and body…with less invasiveness….briefer downtimes and longer lasting results from more dramatic lifters Botox etc.

BENEFITS of 3D IMAGING

• Increases Patient Confidence
• Allows your participation in creating your treatment plan
• You see actual simulations (your own body)
• You can actual outcomes (simulated on your own body)
• Vectra 3D system is the most accurate, clear, flexible system today

Well, I wanted to make sure you know about this amazing imaging system to enable you to make better choices in 2013…along with offering world class anti aging, age defying, age reversing options…knowing you can make educated decisions based on clear science should help stream line the process a bit for you.   Come in and let’s get you set up!

See my last blog to get up to speed on “antioxidants”...let’s move into 2013 both healthy, more youthful and handsome for us men…. beautiful for you ladies.

Best Wishes to all!

Steven Davison M.D.

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