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Liposuction and the tummy tuck consistently rank among the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures because fat reduction and skin tightening treatments yield some of plastic surgery’s most dramatic transformations. With the rise of noninvasive fat reduction technologies, prospective patients have more options than ever before on this front.

Today, I’ll highlight the most effective surgical and noninvasive fat reduction and skin tightening treatments for, arguably, the most common trouble spot to help illustrate how you can narrow your choices.

Surgical or noninvasive?

First, here’s a little guidance to help you choose between a surgical and noninvasive fat reduction treatment. The number of noninvasive devices has multiplied over the last decade, and that trend’s only expected to continue for the foreseeable future. To filter that number down to a more digestible amount, there are two main questions you should be asking:

Does it actually work? And, does it fit my needs and goals?

No one’s expecting you to come up with these answers on your own — me and my staff are here to help guide you down a path that works for you. Of course, It helps to do some preliminary homework on your own, but you should rely on your plastic surgeon to help you filter your options and, ultimately, select the right treatment for you. During our consultation, we not only physically assess your anatomy and skin quality, we also want to learn about your goals. All of which will enable us to form a realistic idea of what is achievable through each approach.

Target area: The abdomen

CoolSculpting works through a noninvasive process called cryolipolysis, where the fatty tissue in the targeted area is frozen and up to 25% of the fat cells in that area are destroyed. And because the body only produces a certain number of fat cells, those particular fat cells are never coming back. All of that is encouraging. It does, however, require some patience. The fat cells are dispensed by the body gradually, so it can take several weeks to see the full results of a treatment. And most patients need multiple treatments to achieve their desired look.

If you don’t mind a bit of downtime, liposuction remains the gold standard for precision and large-volume fat reduction. Coupled with BodyTite, a minimally-invasive procedure that tightens skin through radiofrequency-induced heat, the two are a formidable one-two punch for flattening just about any paunch.

There is an exception, though. A sculpted midsection is comprised of three components: tight skin, minimal fat, and strong muscles. If lax muscles are a concern, a tummy tuck may be a more appropriate choice. Depending on your needs, that could mean a mini-tummy tuck, which focuses on the lower abdomen, or a full tuck, which will address the entire abdomen.

Three potential treatments for one problem area, all of them effective. Again, allow your expectations for both the treatment and the outcome to be your compass. And trust your surgeon’s expertise.

I know this information can be overwhelming, which is why my staff and I are available to help you decide which treatments are best for your overall goals. Please contact us with any questions, or if you wish to schedule a consultation.

It never ceases to amaze us that Davis CPS patients, and the general public are always interested in what TV Personalities are doing cosmetically to look their best.

The Real Housewives of New York City’s Sonja Morgan has always been transparent about the plastic surgery she’s had. Still, her announcement on Instagram that she had a lower facelift and neck lift after season 12 of The Real Housewives of New York City has stirred a surprising amount of buzz.

“I just wanted to be rid of the wrinkling on my neck and the jowls that were starting to form,” Morgan says in her post. She also said the procedures were a “no-brainer” and that “gravity had taken its toll.”

Dr. Steven Davis cites aging and the natural effects of gravity as one of the most popular reasons people come to Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Much of the interest appears to stem from the fact that Morgan didn’t undergo just any facelift; she chose a deep plane facelift.

Dr. Davis explains what is deep plane facelift

A deep plane facelift is a type of full facelift that tightens the middle and lower portions of the face by going below the muscle and connective tissue layer (known as the SMAS) and lifting it, along with the skin.

It differs from a traditional facelift in one key way: During a deep plane facelift, the skin and the SMAS are lifted as one unit, rather than separately. Some plastic surgeons believe that by doing it that way, the results are more natural-looking. However, studies have found no major differences in the outcomes of deep plane and traditional facelifts in patients under 70-years-old, even a decade later.

Both types of facelifts aim to tighten sagging cheeks, along with the lower face and neck. And with both, results can last up to 10 years. The recovery period is similar, too, at about two weeks, with appreciable results appearing as soon as the bandages are removed. It takes about three months for the swelling to fully subside and the full extent of results to become visible.

Is this facelift right for me?

Ultimately, the type of facelift technique we at Davis CPS recommends depends your particular goals and expectations for the procedure. Once we sit down to discuss your goals during the a virtual consultation we will have a better understanding of what plastic surgery procedure is right for you. Our goal is to make sure we help you look your best no matter which direction we pursue.

If you want to learn more about facelift options, including deep plane facelifts, please let us know, and we can schedule a consultation with Dr. Davis.

I’ve always thought that one of the most interesting aspects of dermal fillers is that, in order to achieve the look a patient has in mind, a certain amount of precision is required—no surprise there. But then there’s also a big part of the treatment that’s left open to interpretation.

Straightforward as it may look from the outside, we at Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery understand it’s not painting-by-numbers.

Precision

Once I have a thorough understanding of the patient’s ambitions, my next step is selecting the appropriate filler. Each dermal filler has its own nuances, but they’re generally categorized based on their different degrees of viscosity, lift, and longevity.

The denser the filler and the greater its lifting capacity, the less likely it is to lose its shape. So they’re used for creating structural changes to the face, such as enhancing cheekbones or refining the jawline. In order to create such an effect, they need to be injected relatively deep, close to the bone.

Essentially, I’m reinforcing the bone in order to provide better support to the overlying muscle and tissue.

Most of these stronger dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid-based, but they come in other varieties, too. For example, Radiesse, which is popular go-to for replenishing lost volume in the cheeks, is composed of calcium hydroxyapatite. The more malleable fillers, on the other hand, are all hyaluronic acid-based.

These lighter fillers are designed to blend seamlessly in the most animated (and, consequently, noticeable) parts of your face. I apply them most often to the so-called “smile lines” and other, more subtle creases that have formed around the eyes, mouth, and forehead from countless muscle contractions.

Artistry

There are, of course, highly specific techniques for injecting these fillers. As an instructor for a number of the manufacturers, my role is to train other board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists in those techniques. But because everyone’s features and wants are unique, there are a lot of variables in a given procedure, from how much filler is used to where exactly the injections are made.

The face isn’t simply a collection of singular features. An expert injector understands that everything is connected in both direct and indirect ways. For example, emulating Scarlett Johansson’s lips isn’t merely a matter of adding a bit of filler to the lips. I also use hyaluronic acid fillers and neuromodulators (think Botox and Jeuveau) to fill the small vertical lines that can appear just above the lips with aging and constant repetition. It has a smoothing effect that further accentuates the lips and makes the entire face look younger.

My point is, experience—extensive experience—counts for a lot here. It’s not enough to find a doctor who offers dermal fillers. Make sure they’ve refined the specific treatment you’re interested in over years—and they have the before-and-after photos to prove it.

If you are interested in learning more about how our expert cosmetic injectors in Cherry Hill at Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery can help you — please let us know and we will schedule a virtual consultation.

I bet you didn’t know that more than 70% of the 18,541 women who were polled as part of the Breast Size Satisfaction Survey, published earlier this year, reported that they were dissatisfied with theirs. In other words, it’s not a coincidence that breast augmentations are the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States, and has been for quite some time.

At Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery we find size isn’t the only quality many women would like to change about their breasts. If you ever stared into a mirror and wondered to yourself, are my areolas normal? You’re not alone. They come in all different colors and sizes, both of which tend to change over the course of a woman’s lifetime—which only seems to feed the insecurity that surrounds them.

What does a “normal” areola look like?

First thing first: What is the areola? Sure, it’s the pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple, but what is it, exactly? Have you noticed the tiny little pimples on your areolas? Dr. Davis explains, “Those are lactiferous ducts. There’s a small number of them on the areola. There are also Montgomery glands – they can release a small amount of breast milk, but they mostly produce a lubricating substance to keep both the areola and the nipple soft and smooth for lactation.”

The pigment ranges from nearly identical to the rest of the skin to deep purple or dark brown. The color of your areolas is not indicative of anything, though the color generally darkens as the breasts and areolas grow during pregnancy and breastfeeding — due to hormonal changes.

Genetics are the driving factor for how large your areolas are. Sometimes their size correlates directly with the size of the breasts, but there’s a lot of deviation from that.

The so-called “normal” areola doesn’t exist. There’s too much variation to pin down any one combination of color, size, and shape and anoint it the ideal. Here, we make sure our patients understand, it’s OK if your areolas aren’t identical.

How to change the size of your areolas

Dr. Davis is experienced in many procedures that will alter the size of your areolas. Whether you want to go smaller or larger, surgery is your best bet.  If you want smaller areolas, an areola reduction is most often done as part of breast reduction or breast lift, though it can also be done on its own, or with breast implants. This procedure is generally able to reduce the diameter by 25% to 50%.

A breast augmentation is the most effective way to increase the size of the areola. When the breasts get bigger, the areolas will too. And that’s because, as the breast grows, the overlying skin stretches with it, increasing the diameter of the areola.

Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is known for state-of-the art breast procedures that insure you looking great and feel the best about yourself.

If you have any questions related to Breast Augmentation, please contact us and we can schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Davis.

Once you had your consultation with Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and scheduled your procedure, your homework doesn’t end there. Our patients are often surprised to learn just how much of their recovery from their treatment impacts their results. While we are there to guide you through the process, whether it’s a few days or a few weeks, there are some things you can do beforehand that will enable you to fully focus on your recovery when the time comes.

Get organized

Everyone recovers at their own pace, but I’ll give you a general idea of how long you should expect yours to last. For your part, make a list of all the errands you’d normally run during that period and plan to take care of them during the days prior to your procedure. Allot time, too, for cleaning your home and scheduling pet or childcare. Basically, act like you’re leaving for an extended, exotic vacation.

Make time for yourself

But don’t let all of your time be absorbed by chores. Ideally, try to have all of that taken care of within two to three days of your procedure. Then use the remaining time to focus on yourself. Even less invasive procedures can induce a certain amount of stress. So try to do things that will relax you. We recommend getting a massage, or taking a couple virtual restorative yoga classes. We often find calm patients consistently heal the fastest.

Be patient with your recovery. You’ve done everything you could to position yourself for the best possible outcome. Think of the recovery as one more extension of that commitment.

That means not only giving yourself a break but also remembering that we’re in this together. The post-treatment instructions I’ll provide you, while they may feel a bit restrictive at times, they’re meant to help you achieve a great outcome and keep you safe in the meantime.

Limit your time online

Google and social media may have been great resources during your preparation, but they can also stir up a lot of unnecessary anxiety. If you have any lingering questions or concerns about your procedure, don’t hesitate to call or email me. The problem with relying on the internet for those sorts of things is it can be quite disorienting. Every review, testimonial, and post is presented matter-of-factly, when in reality, there’s nuance in the context that influences every procedure.

As always the staff at Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is here to answer any and all questions and set you up for the best success — we want you to look and feel your best.

Summer 2020 is in full swing, and if you’re like many of our patients, you, too, are still seeking the beach butt you always wanted.

Whether you’re spending time at the Jersey Shore, the beaches of New York, or your backyard pool in South Jersey or Philadelphia, it’s a great time to get that summer butt that makes you look great and feel better. And, with bathing suits having less and less coverage, now is the time to focus on your summer butt.

Here at Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, we’re working hard on making sure you look your best through these uncertain times. Dr. Davis and Nurse Sara Cole, RN, put together three different packages for you to “Perfect Your Peach.”

“When it comes to perfect summer butts, not everyone has the same idea in mind. Since we are a full-stop cosmetic plastic surgery practice, we can meet the needs of the patient’s’ idea of perfectly contoured buttocks,” notes Dr. Steven Davis.

The “Perfect Your Peach” summer butt packages, introduced in July 2020, combine the best of the Davis CPS aesthetics, and medical grade procedures, including PRP, Botox, fillers and CoolSculpting, and medical grade skin care, made just for your booty. 

Summer 2020 is the best time to Smooth It, Plump It, Tighten it, Contour it, and Perfect it!

The “Perfect Your Peach” Summer Butt packages Include:

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Perfect Your Peach Packages

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Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall — it’s always a good time to show off that Beach Butt you have always wanted. To learn more about these packages, contact us, and we will schedule your consultation with Nurse Sara Cole.

BONUS: For more information listen to Dr. Steven Davis and Sara Cole, RN talk about everything Davis CPS is offering in new and innovative ways to get your summer body ready on The Plastic Surgery Revolution Podcast.

BONUS: Watch Dr. Davis and Nurse Sara Cole RN talk about these exciting packages and how it’s not too late to get that summer look you want.

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Watch Dr. Davis discuss ‘Perfecting Your Peach’ on NBC 10 Philadelphia

If it’s not heartening to hear that stretch marks are extremely common, there’s this: Even supermodels get them. Chrissy Teigen caused a stir a couple of years back when she posted a video of her post-pregnancy stretch marks on her Instagram story.

Stretch marks are most likely to crop up during and after rapid body changes, like weight gain or loss, a growth spurt, and, of course, pregnancy. In fact, a 2015 study found that more than 50% of women developed stretch marks while pregnant.

And while they can appear anywhere on the body, stretch marks are most likely to surface in spots with larger fat deposits, such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts.

So, what can you do about them? You may have noticed there’s an abundance of stretch-mark creams. Trouble is, stretch marks result from damage below the skin. Basically, they’re scars that occur when collagen and elastin in the dermis are damaged. So no topical product’s going to effectively diminish or remove your marks.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with yours. There are a number of in-office procedures available at Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Here’s a look at three of the most effective ones.

Microneedling

You may be familiar with facial microneedling from your favorite aesthetician, where the procedure helps stimulate collagen production to minimize wrinkles. That same process can help dramatically reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Tiny needles are rolled across the stretch marks, creating microscopic injuries along the way. While that may sound torturous, the procedure is relatively painless. (The needles are really tiny.) And the “injuries” are triggering the body’s wound-healing response, which entails boosting its production of collagen and elastin.

Improvement won’t come in a single session; you’ll likely need several treatments to achieve your desired results. But, there’s no downtime. And once your stretch marks are diminished, they’ll stay that way.  You’ll see our aesthetician a few weeks in a row, and you’ll have a plan in place with her from the start.

Lasers

Another way to treat stretch marks is lasers – there are primarily two kinds that we use, pulsed dye lasers and fractional resurfacing lasers. The latter works by targeting the hyperpigmentation in stretch marks, directing pulses of light energy at blood vessels.

Pulsed dye lasers produce the best results in newly formed stretch marks. You may need three to five treatments to fully reduce the redness and halt your stretch marks’ progression, but the procedure is fairly quick and painless.

We can also use a fractional resurfacing laser – which works much like microneedling, creating precise and controlled wounds in the stretch marks in order to increase the production of collagen and elastin.

It’s considered the gold standard treatment for older and wider marks, especially those on the hips and thighs, helping to both narrow the marks and improve the overall texture of the skin. Similar to the other procedures, you’ll need three to five treatments.

Both types of lasers are considered to be safe and effective to use on all skin tones.