Youthful Looking, Aesthetically Pleasing…Ideal Profile

There are actually three views of the face: the front, side or profile, and the three-fourths view. Each view dictates a different shape and different curvature of the facial features. Regardless of a person’s favorite view of his or her face, everyone wants an attractive, profile…and one that’s a close to their ideal as possible. In brief: people want a “perfect” facial profile.

Here’s what an ideal facial profile looks like:

• Profile that’s straight and in tune with the rest of the face
• Youthful looking, aesthetically pleasing profile
• Masculine or Feminine ageless look
• Forehead that isn’t entirely round or flat (upper face)
• Straight nose with some concavity to it (mid face)
• Full lip projection (lower face)
• Well defined chin, neck, jaw line (lower face)

For those people who are unhappy with their profile, know that it can be corrected and/or enhanced. For many patients, correction is of great value to them for various reasons.

Understand first the facial thirds and your aging profile, then you can determine how to correct or enhance what you’ve got to work with.

Our “profile” changes as we age. This occurs from the top of the face down. Here’s what you are likely to experience:

• Flattening of the forehead
• Drooping eyebrows
• Under eye bags and hollows
• Loss of cheek volume & definition
• Lines & folds around the mouth
• Chin & neck sagging
• Jowls & neckband formation
• Hollowing of the temples
• Drooping nasal tip
• Nasal bumps & humps become pronounced

Since the facial anatomy is divided into “thirds”…the upper, midface and lower face, the goal is always to achieve balanced proportions with one another.

TODAY’S OPTIONS…include “quick fixes” that are here to stay. For those who start young enough doing the small things such as Injectable Dermal Fillers, Skin Resurfacing, Botox and others, surgery may be delayed or avoided completely. The Boomers are on it and are having all the Age Defying, Age Reversing procedures offered today…because they want to look as good as they feel. The Millennials are right behind them and consider cosmetic, anti aging treatments to be a regular part of the normal health care regimen.

For every problem listed in the bullet points (above) we have a treatment option that is age reversing and can give people the facial balance and attractiveness of their dreams.

BALANCE is the KEY! Balance among the three facial areas is the key to an attractive face with a harmonious look and good alignment.

LIPS are IN TODAY! Much focus is placed on lips today. They should be perfectly proportioned and this can be accomplished with Juvederm or another HA filler to restore volume and lip color.

WRINKLES & LINES ARE OUT! We eliminate lines, wrinkles and folds with Botox (around the eyes/forehead), Juvederm/Voluma in the cheek area (midface), Restylane and others in the lower face. See my website for more on injectables: www.DAVinciplastic.com.

SPRING IS HERE and Moms, Sisters and Daughters are showing up in our office for similar treatments…since they’ve discovered that families do age the same!

ARE YOU BEACH BODY READY? Body Sculpting could be your answer. Let’s Talk now.

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

 

Brotox (Botox) for Men…Career Booster by looking peppy, alert, energetic!

Not just for women…Men also are getting Botox to regain lost youth. In fact, it’s become a phenomenon, because of the staggering numbers of men who are lining up to get these safe, exacting injections in an all out effort to defy aging.  Thus doctors have renamed it “Brotox.” 

Aging Men and Job Hunting Men are finding it absolutely necessary to feel and look their best, and the younger, more alert, more energetic one appears, the better the likelihood of getting that promotion…or that job. In 2010 alone nearly one half million men opted to get Botox thereby making it the leading cosmetic procedure choice among men.

Men are getting Botox to look younger, to keep their face free of emotion or movement, to appear more relaxed and friendly, to ease or erase forehead wrinkles, to get rid of a tired, angry look and for a myriad of other legitimate reasons.

The Stigma is gone and today’s men are taking advantage of the various age defying cosmetic procedures we can offer.

Botox for BrowLifts

It’s the eyebrow that is getting the most attention since men’s emotions become easily etched in their foreheads over time.  Men want to ease the forehead wrinkles that make them look angry.

One 47 year old man recently commented: “It’s become harder to stay fresh in my highly competitive career field and Botox got the job done.!” 

Brotox has exploded as older men turn to cosmetics to compete with the younger generation.  Men have had to become more open to new ideas, but it has caught on and it taking off like wildfire.

But, not just older men...In fact, younger men even in their 30’s are asking for “gifts” from wives and sweethearts for…you guessed it…Brotox.  And these are not the stereotypical guys you would expect to show up in a plastic surgeon’s office…these are guys from all walks of life and career backgrounds.  Recently a chemical worker from Detroit and a guy who restores old cars showed up on offices of colleagues for…Brotox.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there was a 10 percent increase last year alone in male Botox treatments.

Look and Feel Younger in Days…No Discomfort…No Downtime…Subtle Changes

Botox injections are done in my office, often during a lunch hour.  There is little to no discomfort and no downtime.  Men and women walk in for treatment, walk out after treatment and return to normal activities/routines if they want to.  Results last for months but are not permanent, so if you want changes you can get them next go around.  Botox has been around for decades and used in various life changing treatments around the world.  We have perfected its use for cosmetic uses over the past several years with millions of users globally.  The safety and efficacy are well documented.

See my website for more complete info on Botox: http://www.DAVinciplastic.com. 

Just a few minutes in my office, a few tiny precisely targeted injections and a few days later….lines, wrinkles, angry look and more disappears!  

Come on in and let’s get you started.  I am a qualified Expert Injector, specially trained, skilled and get truly natural looking results men and women love wearing.

  Steven Davison M.D.

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

2014 Trends for Aging Beautifully and Youthfully

BEAUTIFUL, YOUTHFUL AGING in 2014

Welcome to 2014, the age when 50 seems to be the new 30.  No, we can’t stop the aging process but there are a host of things each of us can do to enjoy the journey while turning back the clock and maintaining a “more youthful aging experience.” Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on preventive health and anti aging beauty treatments.

 TIPS for AGING WELL in 2014

1)   Be practical…acceptance is at the core of aging well.  Authentic, aesthetic beauty embraces realistic goals.  This means at age 50 you can’t and should not try to look 20 again.  Today’s age defying options successfully recapture at least 10 years of youth…then you can always look 10 years younger as you continue to age.

2)   Live in the Moment and remain grateful for each day.

3)   Focus on the person you are, be yourself and be your best every day.

4)   Be Authentic by keeping it real.  Benjamin Franklin said we cannot control what happens to us but we can control how we respond.

5)   Laugh often because it keeps your soul young

6)   Get Creative.  It’s proven that exercising the right brain into the golden/bonus years keeps life fun, fresh and full of excitement.

7)   Enjoy Meditation it relaxes mentally and physically.

8)   Keep Love Alive.  If you’re married act /live as though you’re dating your spouse.  If you’re single go mingle.

9)   Find Your Passion by finding ways to play and laugh daily.

10)                  Be Healthy to ensure natural beauty.

11)                   Build Meaningful Relationships based on honesty, respect, trust, love, common goals, appreciation and togetherness.

12)                  Be Grateful.  My November blogs touched on the many benefits of gratefulness and the health and power it produces in your life.

THE BEAUTY GAP is CLOSING

MEN WANT IN

Just for men salons are popping up across the Nation and globally.  Men want in.  We’ve seen a growing trend for men seeking in and out cosmetic procedures to win their war on aging and keep them competitive in their careers and simply because they want to look good.

ECONOMICS of BEAUTY, ANTI AGING OPTIONS

The up and coming Generation sees anti aging procedures through the same lens as regular healthcare.  So, they include it in their annual budget and regularly seek  the latest, greatest options.  Beauty Options Economics is here to stay.

CULTURAL EMPHASIS ON YOUTH and BEAUTY

The new male has undergone dramatic social changes that demands looking younger, looking good.  The day of “looking rugged” is no longer required but rather looking healthy, more youthful and attractive sends men in quest of cosmetic procedures in increasing numbers each year.  Women still dominate this arena but not for much longer!

GEN X DEMANDS IN and OUT PROCEDURES

Today’s popular no downtime procedures include Botox, Brotox, Filler Facelifts, LipoBody Contouring, Laser Procedures, Skin Tightening, Skin Rejuvenation such as exfoliation by Dermabrasion or Chemical Peels, Injectable Chin Augmentation, Filler Cheek Augmentation, Lip Augmentation to restore gorgeous, sexy lips and many more…. Visit www.davinciplastic.com for compete info on all noninvasive procedures.

ALL for ONE – ONE for ALL PROCEDURES

Cosmetic procedures are no longer just for “celebs” or aging women.  Today Men and Women of all ages, stages and ethnicities are having aesthetic procedures on a regular basis.

THE CLOSING BEAUTY GAP is very evident today as seen by the age ranges (18-85) of both genders and from every cultural background who are seeking youthfulness.  While there will always be fundamental differences between the genders, it is clearly evident the “gap” is rapidly closing when it comes to both genders wanting to look good!  Let’s talk!

I’m here to help you look and feel your absolute best again in 2014.

Best To You and Yours,

Steven Davison  M.D.

Men and Laser Hair Removal…Celebs and Cosmetic Treatments

Hollywood Celebs, both young and older, recommend today’s amazing age defying cosmetic treatments so you can look/feel your best before you start to lose your looks!   Jane Fonda is just one of a host of celebs refusing to let go of her youthful appearance.

 Men and Women experience “change of life” sooner or later.  For women this means estrogen levels decline during menopause causing the skin to sag resulting in fine lines and wrinkles to appear. As collagen and elastin production slows down, these wrinkles become more defined, especially in the forehead due to muscles in motion.  Laser treatments, Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and other super youth boosters correct various concerns.  www.davinciplastic.com. Also, instead of cell turnover occurring every 26 to 28 days, over 50 women replenish cells on average of every 50 days.  This change alone contributes to duller more sallow looking skin while volume is lost due to decreasing collagen and elastin production. For these and other reasons women (Baby Boomers + Gen X) are lining up for cosmetic procedures as part of their total healthcare program. Women frequently get anti aging cosmetic treatments for:

• Facial lines and wrinkles
• Volume loss resulting sunken areas
• Uneven pigmentation
• Spots – red and brown
• And many more…

Plastic Surgery to Boost Your Confidence and get the body of your dreams!  That is totally possible today but it should be your decision and your alone based upon good counsel, education and a strong desire to achieve your desired outcomes.  We’re here to help you get and put your best face forward before Christmas!  Give your self a special gift! MEN WANT LASER HAIR REMOVAL   Laser hair removal is one of today’s most requested options for men.  They get hair removed from:

• Chest,  Back,  Shoulders,  Ears,  Back of Neck,  Hands, Arms
• Legs,  Buttocks,  Feet,  Under chin,  Cheeks, Sideburns
• GIVE YOUR MAN the GIFt of LASER HAIR REMOVAL

 HOW HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS The laser emits a gentle beam of energy that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicles.  This laser energy disables the hair follicle without touching the tissue (skin) surrounding it.  The laser also has a cooling device that cools the skin as well to prevent discomfort.  Since hair grows in phases, it may take a few treatments to disable all follicles during the growth cycle. Most people achieve permanent results in fewer than six treatments.  SUGAR and HOW IT AFFECTS OUR SKIN I know, I know.  How can we get through the Holiday’s without sampling the cookies, cakes, pies and scrumptious deserts!  Well, we can’t but you need to know the following: American Heart Association says Americans  average up to55 teaspoons of sugar consumption daily – 2 to 4 X’s what we should.

• Sugar destroys collagen and elastin through“advanced glycation end products (AGE’s)
• AGE’s result in skin sagging/wrinkles and either
•  “stable or unstable” collagen production
• AGE’s deactivate our natural “antioxidants” increasing risk of sun damage and body toxins

WATCH FOR and MINIMIZE HIDDEN SUGARS:  high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, barley malt etc.  Also, take 1 mg of B1 and B6 daily during party season.  Talk to us about age/damage reversing Retinol products.  REMEMBER our BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS REWARDS program…for HEALTHY SKIN! www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com. treat Yourself and give it as a gift.  

Happy Thanksgiving….remember to count your blessings!

Best to You and Yours,     

Steven Davison M.D.  

Cosmetics Mercury Poisoning, Medical Travel and Board Certification

COSMETICS containing Mercury are poisonous.  A new FDA update begs your attention. Many face creams manufactured out of country and sold in the US, illegally contain mercury. Mercury causes serious health problems such as kidney and nervous system damage, poor brain development in the unborn and very young children, breathing/respiratory issues and much more.  Children are exposed simply by touching their mommies and putting fingers into their mouths or by breathing in vapors.  ONE EXAMPLE:  A 39 year old woman from California presented with 100 times more than the average amount of mercury in her urine and symptoms of mercury poisoning.  For three years, she and her husband had been using an unlabeled face cream brought in from Mexico.  Other immediate family members (one 4 year old), who did not use the cream, also had elevated levels of mercury.  Virginia, Maryland and New York have reported similar cases.  Mercury containing products have been found in 7 states so far.  Recent FDA investigations  revealed 35 products with unacceptable levels of mercury.

Products most likely to contain mercury:  skin lighteners, anti aging treatments, acne products, lotions and potions to remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles. These are frequently sold online and in Latino, Asian, African or Middle Eastern communities.   Other names for mercury:  mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio or mercury.  Avoid them!  Stop using them if you are using them!

Talk with Nora at DAVinci…she can help you find the right products and skin care regimen for your specific needs.

MEDICAL TOURISM UPDATE:  We enjoy many, many international patients here at DAVinci.  They travel to us for the “Premium” procedures offered and because they know we are educated, trained, skilled, qualified and board certified.  They come because they  can place their confidence and trust in us.  They know we perform only within our realm of expertise, using the safest, yet most advanced techniques and world class technology.  They come because they have experienced the outstanding results and…they bring friends and family members from all over the world.  DAVinci has earned that trust and the privilege of serving so many wonderful people!  My patients have good outcomes and amazing experiences. This is not always the case with medical travel…read on.

SAD TALE of TWO WOMEN!  Two women took a trip to Mexico in hopes of saving $$$$ on plastic surgery costs in the US.  They were excited about getting Tummy Tucks and Breast Augmentations until it was too late.  Both were excited about the discounts for plastic surgery in Tijuana.  They both knew it was too good to turn down.  The YouTube presentation filmed at Jerusalem Hospital in Tijuana was exciting. They went, they saw and they had surgeries.  The excitement turned to horror when the bandages came off and one of the women saw skin hanging out of her incisions.  Within two weeks both women required medical treatment and hospitalization…one was near death.  They have survived and want other women to take heed!  They ignored certain signs and trusted medical people who clearly were not qualified. Enough said.

BOARD CERTIFICATION…in the United States does not guarantee specific outcomes.  It does ensure that the surgeons’ training is beyond the norm, with honed skills, a vast knowledge base, and years of experience.  Please choose carefully…here at home.  The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has a find a surgeon option on their website.  If travel to DAVinci is not an option…find a qualified surgeon in your area using this website.

Fall is here!  Are you ready for the Holidays?  Need Brotox, Mommy Makeover, Daddy DoOver, anti aging facial treatments…and so much more.  Come and see me.

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

MINI NECKLIFT…REFINES THE NECK

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.

See my Website for complete information on all the procedures I offer.  HTTP://www.davinciplastic.com.

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.”

Anti Aging Mini Treatments Are Here To Stay!

The Mini treatments idea was born about 20 years ago based upon the needs of younger patients (40ish) who wanted the benefits of cosmetic procedures, who didn’t need full blown treatments such as facelifts, and whose schedule demanded less downtime etc. These are younger Boomers, Generation X and now also includes the Millennials. What we learned back then was:  1) that aging occurs in stages,   2) that younger people usually need less invasive treatments, and that  3) “mini” options could work very well as long as they started early enough (at the first signs of aging) and maintained the results.  Http://www.davinciplastic.com.

Modified versions of traditional procedures being done today are much more refined, than those offered 20 years ago, by virtue of more advanced precision instruments that enable us in achieving totally natural looking results with increased longevitiy.  Yes, smaller surgeries are right for many people, usually those in their 40’s and early 50’s who are seeing visible age related changes.

Here’s the Bottom Line for today’s Mini Treatments chosen by our patients: 1)  look younger faster,  2) less downtime/ shorter recovery,  3) quicker results, 4) smaller incisions, 5) permanent results when possible.

There are many, many people who qualify for and benefit from these  mini procedures.  What surgeons expect from their patients is this:  realistic expectations.

For the next few blogs I want to cover “mini” procedures:  who they’re for and the many benefits.  This will include the Face, nose, eyes, and neck procedures.  So, look for these blogs.  I also want to do a “primer” on injectables to get you up to speed on what’s really involved there today.

MINI PROCEDURES ARE MAINSTREAM TODAY and are as much in demand as Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and our other great fillers.  Let’s start with the face:

Mini Facelifts “refresh” the face by addressing the most common signs of aging like sagging skin in the lower 1/3rd of the face and possibly the upper neck during one procedure. The Benefits include shorter recovery time, shorter incisions/nearly invisible scars and permanent yet subtle improvement.  Limitations include:  inability to effectively correct excessively slack skin and large areas of wrinkles. Longer incisions are required to deal with excessive skin laxity.  True Mini Facelifts correct the underlying structure and loose skin.  Beware of “fake” mini lifts that are superficial only; that claim to be done in under an hour and without anesthesia.  This is not a true facelift and will not achieve desirable results especially in older patients who may need more work than the mini can offer.

BOTTOM LINE:  the Mini Facelift is terrific for many people who opt for it soon enough and who choose a board certified plastic surgeon who is fully trained and experienced in performing facial surgeries.

MINI FACELIFT OVERVIEW:   1) WHO IT’S FOR…those in late 30’s, 40’s or early 50’s with fairly good skin laxity and the first signs of aging in the mid and lower face.  Younger patients have fewer signs.    2) ANESTHESIA:  Local or sedation   3)  LENGTH OF SURGERY:  2-4 hours,   4)  RECOVERY:  some swelling, bruising and general discomfort for a few days.  Resolves on it’s own with rest and oral pain medication.  5) RESULTS: usually last for 5 to 10 years with maintenance.

Hope your summer is going well.  Let’s talk about your concerns and help you get your best face forward!

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

People travel to D.C. from around the world for Dr. Davison’s Premium Plastic Surgeries

International travel for the purpose of having some “specialized” cosmetic procedure is very common today. At DAVinci we have a significant family of International patients and that trend is growing weekly.  Patients from around the world come to us for the “Premium” procedures we offer including refined surgical techniques and results they love.

Often, people book Medical Vacations because they want the privacy, a little get away and because they think “it’s a better deal.”  Many of them regret the face or bad breast job they now have to live with, until they show up in my office for “Revision” surgery.  I recently blogged about Revision Rhinoplasty (nose jobs) and Revision Facelift surgeries and Revision Breast surgeries using the premium Natrelle410 implants.  Please refer to those blogs for more info.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS TRAVEL TO DAVinci for “peace of mind” knowing I am skilled and qualified to perform the often delicate, difficult procedures they desire. I can and do perform these amazing procedures because I am specially trained in plastic and facial plastic surgery and am experienced to do so.   Beware of media ads promising affordable breast implants, facelifts, nose surgeries and more.  Know before you go that you are in trustworthy hands!  Look at the education, training, certification and experience of the surgeon you are considering.

PATIENTS TRAVEL to DAVinci for PREMIUM PLASTIC and FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERIES Things our international patients know about DAVinci: 1) We do complete detailed planning and a tailored treatment plan for each patient.   2) Our medical team has years of experience and are highly qualified  3) All surgeries are performed in an AAAASF or JCAHO certified surgical suite fully equipped with world class technology/precision instruments…same as a hospital  4)  I am triple board certified and fellowship trained and teach other surgeons globally the specialized techniques I developed and use  5) Each patient is followed closely with ongoing post procedure care  6) Many patients combine the medical treatments with a mini vacation to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the beautiful Washington, D.C. area  7) I only perform procedures within the scope of my ability and expertise, 8) The FDA, as overseer of all things medical in the USA protects against procedures being offered that may not be safe & effective .

Our patients proudly show off their results everywhere they go…as soon as can!

PREMIUM PLASTIC and FACIAL PROCEDURES offered at DAVinci include:  Revision Facelift Surgery,  Revision Rhinoplasty surgery and Breast Augmentation using Natrelle410 supreme implants.  This includes revision breast surgeries to replace old or problematic implants, reconstructive breast surgery following mastectomy for cancer or prevention (see blog on Angelina Jolie) and other reasons.

PEOPLE TRAVEL TO DAVINCI BECAUSE Revision Surgeries are difficult and more complex than the primary surgery.  Scar tissue and rearranged anatomical features as well as normal age related changes have to be dealt with.  Most surgeons are not educated, trained or experienced in dealing with revision surgeries.  See http://www.davinciplastic.com.

PEOPLE TRAVEL TO DAVinci because they know their results will be supreme and the support they receive is the best! From the first contact by phone, face to face or eMail, and for the rest of their lives…our patients have come to trust and rely upon the “reliable” medical skill and sensitive, caring family we are…all of us from all around the world!

FIRST TIME READING MY BLOGS?  I’m Steven Davison, M.D. specially trained in plastic and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries.  Our office:  DAVinci Plastic Surgery is located in wonderful Washington, D.C. and here’s my website for complete info:  http:www.davinciplastic.com.

Hope everyone’s summer is going well and you are healthy and happy.

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Revision Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) corrects undesirable form and function from a previous surgery

Since I’m specially trained and very experienced in reconstructive and revision surgeries I do a lot of “Nose Jobs.”  Patients of all ages, stages in life and from all cultures come to me because they are unhappy with a previous nose (rhino) surgery.

Rhinoplasty surgery is done to change the size, shape  and form of the nose and/or to correct functional problems such as difficult breathing caused by a broken nose (deviated septum), fracture or disease.  So, when the outcome from a nose surgery is not desirable, often I am asked to fix it.  Following are some very important points you need to know and understand about revision nose jobs.

Revision Rhinoplasty is always more challenging than the original (primary) rhinoplasty surgery.  Several reasons for this are as follows:

1. The geography of the nose was altered during the first surgery.  This involved removal of cartilage which provides form and structure for the nose
2. The cartilage needed for the revision surgery must then be borrowed from someplace else
3. An extra incision is required to allow for borrowing the needed cartilage
4. The nasal lining has typically turned to scar tissue in the operated nose
5. Risk of little spider veins increases with a second surgery (telangectasias)
6. Revision Rhinoplasty is very complex and detailed since nasal form has to be restored and function (breathing mechanisms) have to be repaired
7. These challenges increase the time involved in the surgery
8. Very Few surgeons are qualified to perform these highly specialized revisional surgeries

Even though Revision Rhinoplasty has its own set of unique considerations, it is among the most rewarding of all surgeries.  The nose is the most prominent feature on the face so getting it right is most rewarding to people having this surgery.

HOW I PERFORM REVISION RHINOPLASTY:  There are 2 methods used for nose surgeries:  Open Technique and Closed Technique. Open involves incisions made inside the nose and 1 under the nose between the nostrils.  Closed means incisions are inside the nose only.

Revision Rhinoplasty surgery is frequently performed using the open approach which allows for more “complex” nose jobs to be corrected with natural looking, desirable outcomes.  Borrowed cartilage is taken from behind the ear, when needed,to restore nasal form and function.  This incision is well hidden.  The under the nose incision is barely visible and fades to a very faint thin line over time.

Here are 3 frequent questions I’m asked:

1. About anesthesia…I use local with sedation or general.  We determine that during your consultation to choose what’s best for you.

2.  Who can have Revision Rhinoplasty?  Men and women of all ages (must be in good health) and teen boys and girls who are fully grown.

3.  How long does the surgery take?  This depends upon the complexity involved.  It could be from 45 minutes to 3 or 4 hours.  The important thing here is to achieve a pleasing outcome with restored function.

These are the top three questions.  The rest are on my website: http://www.davinciplastic.com.

If you have nose problems from a previous surgery and have been afraid to approach it again…let’s talk.  I am specially trained in these surgeries and have been performing them for years. I still perform them on a regular basis using today’s most refined instruments and techniques…those that are proven safe and reliable. My patients get the results they desire and deserve.

HAVE FUN in the SUN.  BUT REMEMBER THE HATS, GLASSES, SUN SCREEN, WATER, UMBRELLAS ETC.

Steven Davison M.D.

“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.”