Cosmetic Surgery Newsletter | Spring 2006 | Page 1

	Spring 2006	Coral Springs, FL 33071 \| A Publication of the Cosmetic Surgery Practice of David J. Levens, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S.

Bob Rudolph, 68, of Coral Springs, is a successful computer consultant who works with a number of multi-million dollar companies.

“I love what I do and I want to keep working,” he says.
“But lately, I had begun to sense that my age was becoming an unspoken issue with potential clients. I decided it was time for a facelift...I wanted to look as energized as I feel.”

Bob is not alone. Men represent a fast-growing segment of the aesthetic surgery market. A recent survey showed 59% of American men approve of cosmetic surgery. 79% said they would not be embarrassed if people in addition to their family and close friends knew they had a procedure.

With a referral from his physician neighbor, Bob met with Dr. Levens to discuss options. He wanted to “reduce deep wrinkles and jowls, remove the under-chin waddle and get a firmer jawline.”

To address these goals, Dr. Levens performed a traditional facelift.

The Procedure Incisions were located within the hair at the temples, in skin creases in front of and behind the ear, and within hair behind Bob’s ears. The skin and deeper tissues of the face were shifted and then lifted upward and backward to reposition and retighten them.

In the neck area, neck muscles were corrected to provide better support and ideal contour. In both face and neck areas, excess or malpositioned fatty tissue was removed or sculpted. After re-draping the skin and soft tissues, excess tissue was removed and the incisions closed. Recovery“I had the surgery over the Christmas holidays so I didn’t work for two weeks, but I really could have gone back sooner if necessary,” Bob says. “I can honestly say I had no pain.”

Results

“People who didn’t know about the surgery didn’t realize I’d had a facelift. They said things like Gee, Bob, you look great, what’s different? And I’m getting a better reaction from younger people in the workplace...instead of just a cursory response, there is more willingness to engage in conversation.

This is particularly important when I’m making a presentation about my services. I feel much more confident. My objectives were definitely achieved.”

NEW! Levens Skin Care Clinic now offering Microdermabrasion

	The Levens Skin Care Clinic is now offering the latest technology in skin resurfacing—DiamondTome Wand Microdermabrasion. The new process is crystal-free (no flying particles to endanger the eyes) and utilizes a revolutionary diamondtipped wand to remove dead skin and eliminate superficial blemishes resulting from aging,

acne, injury or sun exposure. The result is smoother, younger looking skin. Both Clinic Director Deidre Fields, a licensed aesthetician, and Medical Assistant Anna DeGeorge, are certified in microdermabrasion.
“This new technique improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, scars, and acne blemishes,” says Deidre. “It’s non-invasive, virtually pain-free, and does not require healing time like chemical or laser resurfacing. Anesthesia is not used. You can go back to work after a treatment.”

The treatment is safe for all skin types, including oily, acneprone skin that is not improved by other acne remedies.

DiamondTome Wand Microdermabrasion treatments will be done in the Clinic’s renovated quarters which now include a separate room for cosmetic or camouflage make-up application, featuring Jane Iredale mineral make-up. The Clinic also offers corrective treatments for a variety of skin conditions, as well as facials and peels. Also available are permanent make-up and eyebrow reshaping services from licensed aesthetician Graciela Smyth.

Call 954-752-1020 for appointments or a full menu of
Clinic services.

Swimsuit season is just around the corner. . .

This time of year, one of the questions I hear most often is: If I have my cosmetic surgery done this spring, will I be healed and looking good by summer?

In the great majority of cases, my answer is “yes”. Very significant improvement is seen within a few weeks, when swelling and bruising have diminished.

	Dr. Levens

Typically, the improvement continues to occur over the following 6-12 months as swelling completely dissipates and the body adjusts to its new shape.

Scarring is not a big concern in the case of most facial procedures, breast implants or liposuction, because incisions are small and every effort is made to place them in inconspicuous locations. For tummy tucks, breast reductions/lifts, and body contouring following massive weight loss however, incisions are longer and visible scarring cannot be avoided. There are several excellent scar reduction products which speed scar reduction. But in most cases, such scars can take up to a year or more to fade. The good news is that they can be easily camouflaged by clothing. For example, tummy tuck incisions are intentionally placed below the patient’s bikini line.

I’ll provide much more detail about these and other procedures at our April 19 seminar. In the meantime, you are welcome to come in for a free consultation.

Just call 954-752-1020.

—David J. Levens, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S.
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

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

CASE STUDY#2: Breast Augmentation (Name changed for privacy purposes.)

At 29, Terry Walsh was really tired of having an A-minus cup size.“Actually, I’d been thinking about breast implants for 6 years and had talked with a number of surgeons,” she says.

“I didn’t want large, showy breasts, just a more womanly figure. I liked that Dr. Levens didn’t push the surgery as though it was something I desperately needed to look normal. His attitude, plus my family’s support, helped me decide the time was right.”

The Surgery

Dr. Levens placed the incision at the border of Terry’s areola. He then lifted the breast tissue and chest muscle and placed the implant under the muscle. After positioning
the implant, he closed the incisions with very tiny sutures beneath the skin to minimize the visibility of the scar.

Note: Depending on the patient’s preference and chest anatomy, the incisions can be placed at the areola or beneath the breast. The implant can be placed beneath the breast tissue or beneath the muscle. In either case, the breast tissue is located in front of the implant where it can be readily examined.

The Results

“My recovery was painless, which was amazing since I’ve heard stories from many friends about terrible recoveries. I was self-sufficient the first night.

“I am now a 34-C and feel terrific,” Terry says. “Most people didn’t realize I’d had surgery because I had always worn a water bra and I don’t wear clothing that really shows off my breasts. But they are beautiful and I’m so much more comfortable with my body image. I did this for me, so that’s what counts!”

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