Cosmetic Surgery
Volume 4, Issue 1, Winter 2004 A Publication of the Cosmetic Surgery Practice of David J. Levens, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S.
When Less is More...

"Extreme” makeovers might be popular on reality tv, but a recent national survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showed most Americans who wish to change their appearance want the change to be subtle, not dramatically different.
That’s why I always give patients an overview of the various options that can be used to address their concern, starting with the least costly, least invasive solutions.
    Think you need a facelift? Maybe you do, but maybe a combination of injectable fillers, skin resurfacing and/or a mini-lift will do the job. Same goes for tummy tuck (sometimes less-invasive liposuction is more appropriate) and breast lift (sometimes a less invasive augmentation can create the
desired lift). When more invasive procedures are truly appropriate, the goal is to achieve a fresh, natural look that makes people notice how great you look without necessarily thinking you’ve had surgery.
At our next seminar, Wednesday, March 24, I’ll cover what’s new in both invasive and non-invasive treatments.

- David J. Levens, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S.
    Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
    Vice Chief of Staff, Coral Springs Medical Center
    Former Chief of Surgery, Coral Springs Medical Center
    "Best Docs in So. FL", Miami Metro Magazine
    Practicing in Coral Springs since 1989
    Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
    Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Levens now offering new
Wrinkle-Filler, Restylane

Move over, Botox®, there’s a new wrinkle solution in town.
It’s Restylane, a natural tissue filler recently approved by the FDA. Unlike Botox®, which uses safe botulinum toxin to temporarily relax muscles and thus reduce wrinkling, Restylane is injected to fill in laugh lines and forehead wrinkles, and add volume to lips...
(continued on page 2)


The ”Extremes of Makeover”:
from Botox® to Total Body Lift

    The case studies in this issue of Cosmetic Surgery Today focus on procedures which represent the opposite extremes of makeover options.
The first is Botox® treatment, the most popular procedure (1.6 million procedures in 2002). It appeals to both men and women of all ages because it is affordable, effective, non-invasive and can comfortably be done during a lunch hour.
The second is the Total Body Lift, one of the least common makeover options because it is very invasive, often requires more than one surgery and is only appropriate for persons with extensive excess skin.
Botox® will likely be the leader again in 2004, though Restylane, the newest FDA-approved injectable soft tissue filler, will definitely challenge its prominence. The Total Body Lift may become more common as well, given the increasing numbers of gastric bypass surgeries which result in large weight losses that can leave the patient with significant excess skin.
In the case studies shown here, names have been changed to protect patient privacy but the accompanying photos are actual before/after pictures.

Case Study: BOTOX®
    When Anne K was 33, she decided to take action against the deep furrows between her eyebrows.
“I was tired of looking tense and angry,” says the Coral Springs resident. “I have a habit of squinting, even when wearing glasses. I know this causes wrinkles but it’s a habit I can’t break. So I started getting Botox® treatments and I was very pleased with the results.” (continued on page 3)

Case Study: TOTAL BODY LIFT

Jamie S., of Tamarac, is no stranger to weight loss. In 1982, she lost 50 pounds after gastric bypass surgery...and regained it all. In 2001, at 250 pounds, she rejoined Weight Watchers for the 8th or 9th time, having never reached her goal weight. But this time, she stuck with it. Eighteen months later, she had lost 120 pounds. This time, she kept it off.
Was she thrilled with her new figure?
“No, I was so disappointed,” she recalls.
(continued on page 2)
At left, before and after the abdominal portion of the total body lift procedure. Note: Visible scars are from earlier, non cosmetic surgeries.

The Levens Cosmetic Surgery Practice is located at 1725 University Drive, Coral Springs.
For a free consultation, please call 954-752-1020.

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