Category: Board Certification

When you choose to undergo cosmetic surgery, board certification in plastic surgery is the most important credential your surgeon can have. This blog helps potential patients understand what it actually means to be a board-certified plastic surgeon and why it is so important.

5 Min Read:

When you’re ready to enhance your appearance with plastic surgery, the first step is to do your homework. You need to spend significant time and effort to find a plastic surgeon with experience in the type of surgery you want and one with qualifications you can trust. Researching surgeons in your area can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to look for. 

There are several criteria you should consider when narrowing down your list of potential plastic surgeons–with education and training at the top of the list. You want a surgeon with outstanding credentials, and deciphering what that means can often be confusing. Board certification in plastic surgery is the most important credential your surgeon can have, so we’re diving in to help you understand what it actually means to be a board-certified plastic surgeon and why it is so important.

The Difference Between Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery

While the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. 

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery, while often performed for aesthetic reasons, is a surgical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of face and body defects that occur due to congenital disorders, trauma, or disease. Plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are the same and are designed to restore form and function to your body. Some plastic surgery procedures include breast reconstruction, scar revision, and congenital defect repairs. Some plastic surgeons may also choose to complete additional training specifically for cosmetic procedures, but it is not required for board certification. 

Cosmetic Surgery

The first thing to understand is that cosmetic and aesthetic surgery are the same. Cosmetic and aesthetic surgery can improve your features’ symmetry and balance, as they focus solely on enhancing your appearance. They are also considered elective procedures because they address parts of your body that already function correctly. 

What Does “Board Certification in Plastic Surgery” Mean?

When choosing a plastic surgeon, the most important thing to look for is if they are board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the only organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which is considered the “gold standard” in certification. ABMS assists the boards of 24 recognized medical specialties in developing and implementing standards to evaluate and certify physicians in those specialties.

Earning board certification is entirely voluntary, and not all doctors elect to pursue it. However, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon means selecting a physician who has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements for licensure, as well as in their education, training, and commitment to continuing education in plastic surgery. 

How Does a Surgeon Earn Board Certification in Plastic Surgery?

To become board certified in plastic surgery, a physician must meet the following criteria:

• Graduate from an accredited medical school.
• Complete at least six years of surgical training after medical school, with at least three of those years in a plastic surgery residency program.
• Pass rigorous written and oral exams.
• Perform surgery in appropriately accredited surgical facilities. 
• Commit to completing continuing education and periodic recertification requirements. 
• Abide by a stringent code of ethics. 

An Explanation of Plastic Surgery Societies

There are a lot of similar acronyms describing the various plastic surgery societies, so we’ve compiled a list to help you keep them straight.

American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

As referenced above, the ABPS is the only board that can grant legitimate board certification. To see if the plastic surgeon you’re interested in is board certified, you can verify their standing on the ABPS website. 

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 

This association provides continuing medical education and advocates for patient safety with federal and state agencies. Surgeons who belong to the ASPS must be board certified by ABPS, so choosing a member of ASPS ensures that your surgeon has undergone the education and training required for board certification. 

American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) 

Another association whose members are plastic surgeons who focus on cosmetic procedures, ASAPS, also requires its members to be board certified. Additionally, ASAPS allows qualified plastic surgeons from outside the United States and Canada to become members of the international association.

Is a Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon the Same as a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

NO. There is no such thing as a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Some doctors may advertise that they’re board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). However, that doesn’t mean they’ve been trained in plastic surgery. The requirements to become board certified by ABCS are much less stringent, so much so that in 2018, the Medical Board of California voted unanimously to prohibit diplomates of ABCS from advertising themselves as board certified. 

Remember that any physician can legally perform cosmetic surgery, whether or not they have board certification and the associated specialized training and education.

Learn More About Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C.

When searching for a plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic procedure, take your time to find the best in the field. At DAVinci Plastic Surgery, our doctors fit the bill and then some. Dr. Davison is a triple board-certified surgeon, and Dr. Pinell is a double board-certified surgeon, so you can be sure you’re receiving the highest standard of experience, knowledge, and patient care. To schedule a consultation, call today at 202-966-9590 or fill out the online contact form.

In the hands of a triple board certified surgeon like myself, you know you’re giving yourself the best chance possible for wonderful cosmetic surgery results. Learn more about my triple board certification and credentials here. As much as I can do a fantastic surgery for you, what happens after the surgery room is up to you and your body.

In addition to following our post operative care instructions, you can give yourself the best chance possible for healing properly by allowing for enough recovery time and taking these measures:

• Rest and relax (binge watch a new show on Netflix)
• Don’t lift anything beyond prescribed weight limits
• Take time off from work
• Enlist someone to help you with physical tasks and emotional support
• Eat well, including healthy fats from avocados and salmon
• Drink a lot of water

So what does allowing for enough recovery time look like? Here is a break down by the most popular surgeries, so that you can start planning for the ideal time in your schedule. First we will start with the face and then the next blog will cover the recovery for the most popular body procedures.

Rhinoplasty
Remaining upright, on pain meds, and out of sight for at least a week will be your post surgery recovery for Rhinoplasty. Except for the necessary post op visits to remove your packing and splint, you’ll want to take it real easy. There will be significant bruising and swelling around the eyes and midface for at least a week. While you’ll likely feel able move around by the end of the week, you’ll probably want to plan to stay out of work, order take out and delivery groceries for 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising will settle down by a month, but depending on the degree of nose alteration, it could be up to a year until things look and feel like the new normal.

Facelift
Your first 1 to 2 nights should be spent with someone to help you. While you should definitely be resting, you can get up to walk around to help with blood circulation for healing. The swelling and stitches along your hairline will require you to take 2 to 3 weeks off of work. After that you can cover most of it with styling your hair and makeup while you continue to recover for the rest of the month. You will probably look a little swollen or tight for a few months, but the final results of healing should be complete within a year.

Jaw and Neck Liposuction
For a facial procedure, this has a relatively quick recovery time. It’s normal to have bruising and need to wear a compression chin strap for a week. Bruising often travels down the lower neck and even into the upper chest. Sutures are removed within 3 to 5 days and the scar under the chin isn’t ever visible in a normal profile view. Any muscle weakness affecting the lips should subside in 2 weeks. You should be happy with the swelling usually resolved by 3 months.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Triple Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

For most people, summer starts shortly after Memorial Day and the beach trips, boating and vacations are highlights of this season. For a number of people, the lull in their industry allows for some time off, and with it, they choose to use their vacation time to get surgery. With some exceptions, such as with my practice, summer can be a dangerous time to get surgery.

Why? There is a very normal turnover in the health care providers of hospitals that have a large component of teaching and training medical students. In May and June, the experienced doctors in training, who’ve typically spent 3 to 6 years in residency, will graduate and move on to other hospitals. During the summer months, they’re replaced with new, inexperienced doctors fresh out of medical school.

This “July Effect” as its known in the medical community, accounts for an increased hospital death and complication rate of up to 34 percent in just the month of July. While its so important for the doctors of the future to gain skills and experience, be aware that you might be a part of their learning journey if you’re choosing a summer surgery at one of these teaching facilities.

You can rest easy if you’re getting your elective surgery at a hospital or surgery center that doesn’t use residents. You will be in my care, with my full attention when you choose any surgical procedure at Davinci Plastic. This means you’ll be in the hands of a Triple Board Certified surgeon with the highest level of training, experience and results.

Have you been wanting to get a body or facial improving procedure that requires a downtime not normally allowed for in the midst of a busy season of life or work? This is a great time to take care of the procedure you’ve wanted, then rest, recover and relax. You won’t have to worry about the “July Effect” in the sense of your healthcare, but your personal care in how you take care of yourself after surgery during the hot summer months like July, will be crucial to a healthy recovery with the best results possible.

Here are some ideas for staying safe during your rest time after summer surgery:

1. Keep out of the sun. The surgery site will be very delicate. While it’s pink and healing, it will be more susceptible to sunburn even the first several months. The scars can also darken when exposed to the sun too soon. So cover up if you have to go outside and keep any exposure brief.
2. Stay Cool. This is another reason to stay out of the sun. Any bandages or compression garments will make you feel even warmer than normal. Any sweating will not only be uncomfortable, but increase risk for infection. After surgery, in the sweltering summer months, air conditioning is your friend.
3. Hydrate, but not in the pool. While drinking water is important all the time, it’s especially helpful after surgery. It helps the body heal and flush toxins. Being dehydrated contributes to many discomforts after surgery, including nausea. But don’t resort to hydrating and cooling off in the pool, ocean or lake. Standing bodies of water can harbor bacteria, so going swimming can increase your risk for infection.

Summer time can provide a great break in between busy seasons of life. Taking the most precautions and putting yourself in the best hands possible will give you the best results. To talk about the results you’re looking for, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

One of the many considerations of breast cancer that requires a mastectomy is Breast Reconstruction surgery. This can be a time of overwhelming choices and so my goal with each Breast Reconstruction patient is to provide compassionate care and the best natural looking results possible. This is a specialty I give the utmost attention to and have developed knowledge and skills that have provided beautiful results that have been very healing and satisfying to many clients.

Why Reconstruction?

While considering being in surgery again most certainly is not appealing after going through cancer treatments, I have found that it does help empower women to regain their feelings of femininity and sense of normalcy. Most times I’m helping to rebuild a breast mound after lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery, however I can also correct previous breast surgeries and nipple replacement.

Deciding on the Surgeon

Through my many years of experience and artistry, as well as using the most sophisticated and cutting edge techniques, I can help to create natural looking breasts to enhance body shape. Breast reconstruction surgery requires a thorough understanding of the intricacies of the human anatomy, as this is not the same process as the standard Breast Augmentation. I have extensive experience and years of specialized training in Breast Reconstruction surgeries to provide my patients with the most beautiful, natural looking results possible.

Making Decisions

Working alongside your oncologist, we will patiently and thoroughly discuss your options regarding Breast Reconstruction surgery. We will cover many topics, such as the possibility of performing Breast Reconstruction at the same time as the cancer removal under the same anesthetic, or if we should wait until after other treatments.

You also have options as to what you’d like to replace the breast tissue with, including your own living tissue from an area with some extra to spare, such as your inner thigh, or implants made of silicone or saline. All of these can be used to create beautiful, natural looking breasts. The best choice differs for each individual based on many factors so we will discuss this extensively. Some of these factors are (but not limited to):

• cancer type
• stage of breast cancer
• your personal preferences
• overall health

If you’re considering Breast Reconstruction after cancer, and you’re looking for compassionate and expert care for the best results possible, please visit our website to schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Sincerely,

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

When you’re going for any injectable treatment, the skill of the injector makes a tremendous difference in the results. When it comes to your face, this is definitely not something you want to be bargain hunting or wheeling and dealing. A bad injector can make you look older or even distort your natural appearance.

Here are some clues you’re going to get a bad injection, and what to look for instead:

Options

There are a good variety of injectables and some are a better fit for different facial structures, skin age and rejuvenation goals. If the office doesn’t represent this beauty of choice and tries to fit everyone in the box of a one size fits all injection, then you know something is wrong. Each person’s unique needs should be addressed regarding the placement of injections and what kind of injectables are used.

Cleanliness

Infections happen easily and so it is important to be very picky about the cleanliness of the facility. Don’t just breeze in the office and get your injection. Look at it with a critical eye and especially important to assess the cleanliness of the injection room. A sterile needle and fresh vial of injectable should be shown to the patient before treatment.

Quality of Care

You can trust your face to the quality of care that can only be provided by an injector with experience, certification, specialization, consultation and confidence.

• Experience: An injector should have a lot of experience with a variety of injectables and specialize in the art of injectables. This gives the injector a true “feel” for the unique needs of each patient.
• Certification: There’s actually an industry standard that is applied to the best practitioners, qualifying them as Expert Injectors. This extra certification and licensure ensures that the injector you choose has had the training and experience to give you the best chances for the results your desiring.
• Specialization: With injections being offered at home and almost every medi spa across the country, it’s important to recognize that doctors and nurse practitioners, such as our own PA Nora, with specialization this field have an intimate knowledge of facial structure and can provide the best results.
• Consultation: While injectables generally provide a “quick fix” for addressing aging concerns, the injector should take the time discuss your desires and long term goals. This might include a treatment plan to include other anti aging procedures.
• Confidence: The training, experience and specialization required for a job well done in this field provides a confidence that the practitioner has and one that you can have also. If your injector seems shaky or unsure in the least bit, walk away.

As an expert injector with experience of working on hundreds of faces with the highest levels of satisfaction, standards and level of artistry in facial rejuvenation, you can trust your face in Nora’s hands. To schedule an appointment for your injectables consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Many patients are coming into my office for liposuction…because they are not happy with how they look in their bikini or swimsuit!  Liposuction has proven to be a safe, effective method for getting rid of unwanted body fat…to sculpt the body.

Is liposuction right for you? Whether it’s genetics or aging, some of those stubborn fat pouches just won’t budge even with diet and rigorous exercise. If you are in healthy condition, liposuction can help sculpt and smooth them away. Liposuction is not a complete body transformation surgery, but it is safe and effective if you’re in the right hands.

What’s Involved?

After our consultation, surgery is scheduled and will be performed in our state of the art surgery outpatient center. General anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. I do this using an infusion of saline solution with lidocaine before your surgery.

Liposuction requires one or more incisions to accommodate the cannula, a small tube with a suction vacuum, used to loosen the fat and safely suction the excess fat and which sculpts the area.  For small areas, such as the face, a syringe can precisely harvest fat that is purified and used for grafting other areas.

Liposuction for the large and small areas… The advances in technology, specialized tools, and my expert techniques allow me to target large or very small localized areas with more precision and less trauma than with older techniques.  Liposuction can be used to remove fat from the:

• tummy
• breasts
• thighs
• buttocks
• back
• face
• neck

Liposuction along with other procedures… Liposuction is an ideal compliment to other body contouring procedures, such as a Butt Augmentation, Thigh Lift, and Tummy Tuck. Any of these could be part of a much desired Mommy Makeover to restore your body after all the changes that take place through childbearing.

Banish those stubborn bulges with liposuction…Call now for your appointment.
Steven Davison MD

More men are seeking enhancements than ever before.  
Their perspective on it has changed and they believe cosmetic surgery creates a competitive career edge… and is a confidence booster. Also, men today see plastic surgery and non invasive cosmetic treatments as part of their regular health care routine, like going to the gym or eating healthy.

Botox for Bro’s = Brotox
Botox for men has been coined  -“Brotox.” Brotox can reshape a tired or gruff appearance into a more friendly, rested look. Men also like this because there is no down time – so no productivity loss. Brotox is often done in our office during a lunch break or in between meetings. Also, Brotox allows for gradual minor – subtle changes. Men love being told that they look more rested, happier or healthier…and no one but you knows why!

Move Over– Mommy Makeovers — Here Comes Daddy Do Overs
The most recent years have seen big increase in “Mommy Makeovers” to help women get their pre- baby body back. It’s a well deserved group of rejuvenation procedures for women who have sacrificed physically and emotionally for their their family. Yes, The effects are different for men, but raising kids takes its toll on men’s bodies too. So …They want to look and feel younger and have many more years to enjoy their children and grandchildren. This is also why more men are choosing to get “Daddy Do Over” surgeries as part of their health routine.

More Popular Procedures for Men…

• Along with Brotox, Injectables like Juvederm are popular because they don’t require down time.
• They minimize deep forehead creases, crow’s feet or nasolabial folds.
• They can also fill in pock marks that give the skin a smoother appearance.

Blepharoplasty reduces hooded eyelids, bulging under eyelids that can age and impede vision. This rejuvenates the upper and lower eyelids to rejuvenate a tired or gruff appearance.

Male Breast Reduction corrects the gynecomastia (male breasts) to sculpt their upper body and help restore their feeling of masculinity.

Men want that masculine “V” shaped torso again, which can be restored with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) to remove fat and extra skin or Liposuction to remove fat.

Through roughhousing and sports, guys are more likely to have their nose broken, which affects the appearance, and ability to breathe. Rhinoplasty restores the appearance and breathing caused by blocked nasal passages.

Men still desire a strong chin as a sign of masculinity, which can be accomplished by a Chin Augmentation with implants or Injectable Fillers. Also a double chin can be removed with Liposuction or Kybella.

Men, let’s talk about what I can do to help you with confidence, performance and satisfaction with your appearance and physique.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Bikini season is in full swing. This time of year everyone is conscious of how they look in a swimsuit or more revealing summer wear. But since we’re already in the midst of the summer season, it’s not an ideal time to get surgery, such as liposuction, without having to miss out on the enjoyment of the outdoor fun. This is where a fat reducing solution like Cynosure SculpSure can help.

Trim Tummy and Summer Fun with Cynosure
Even with a healthy diet and regular work out sessions… some areas of fat just resist going away. This often “dampers”  your confidence to wear those lighter or tighter summer outfits. Fortunately, Cynosure SculpSure is a non surgical solution to reduce body fat in those stubborn areas – like the abdomen and love handles.

Cynosure SculpSure requires no downtime or recovery that will keep you from enjoying the fun outdoor summer activities. With SculpSure you can have a natural looking slimmer appearance without scars or any effect to the skin’s surface. You can also return to everyday activities immediately after a treatment, so you’ll never miss out on the fun while undergoing SculpSure treatments.

How does Cynosure Sculpsure work?
This innovative body contouring treatment is clinically proven to reduce stubborn fat in problem areas. It uses light based technology that targets and destroys these fat cells cumulatively over short 25 minute session. Each 25 minute session destroys up to 24% of treated fat cells. Results can be seen as early as 6 weeks with optimal results at 12 weeks.

Schedule a consultation today to see how SculpSure can keep you enjoying summer while looking trimmer and healthier. Visit: www. http://Davinci Plastic Surgery

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Many of you have tried on your bathing suit and beach wear…and are not happy with what you see in the mirror or how the clothing fits or doesn’t fit!  This is a common problem every Spring that brings clients into my office for help with getting back into shape.  The blog that follows goes into more depth of concerns and the most commonly chosen options to deal with those challenges.   Read on…then call for your consultation!

Celebrity Body Sculpting or Body Contouring has paved the way for the general population to see, adore and emulate. With increased celebrity presence in the public eye through social media, their influence is much more far reaching. Celebrities have set the “ideal” body types and facial features that are seen as desirable in our culture. So much so, that it isn’t rare to have patients request lips like Angelina Jolie, a nose like Kate Middleton, or arms like Michelle Obama.

Social Media Influence on Younger Millennials
With 2015 seeing the celebrity rise of the younger Kardashian sisters, Kylie and Kendall, their peers took notice of their cosmetic enhancements. With the Millennial generation practically living on Instagram and Facebook, when the celebrities they follow, such as the younger Kardashians, have cosmetic procedures, this greatly contributes their desire to get these procedures as well. Also, the aging prevention mindset is much more present with Millennials who are getting injections and other non surgical procedures in their 20s. This is reflected in the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) 2015 survey, in which 64% of their members experienced an increase of procedures performed on this under 30 age group.

Other Generations Aren’t Immune
Boomers, GenXer’s and Millennials in their 30s certainly aren’t exempt from the influence of social media on their perception of an ideal body and face. They see the Body Sculpting procedures that celebrities have received and use this as a springboard to creating a younger looking, contoured version of themselves. Relative to their degree of aging, this would include both the non invasive procedures, injectables, as well as surgeries.

What Does Body Contouring Include?
These are some of the most common aspects of Body Sculpting, which can include one or over time, all, of these procedures:

• Injectables
• FaceLift
• Rhinoplasty
• Eyelid or Forehead Lift
• Breast Augmentation
• Arm Lift
• Tummy Tuck

It’s All About You
This array of Body Sculpting cosmetic procedures can help you get the body you desire when you may not have access to a personal chef, stylist, trainer and unlimited financial resources like the celebrities. I want my patients to be healthy and feel good in their own skin. Finding the right Body Contouring procedures for you can build confidence that can help in all areas of life, including the possibility of a job promotion and finding a love connection.

Let’s talk now and design your ideal Body Sculpting Plan so that you can have your best, healthiest body for the summer swimsuit season… and beyond. Visit www.davinciplastic.com to schedule a consultation.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I wrote some blogs on breast surgery a few weeks ago and then took a break to focus on summer sun precautions.   Now I want to finish the breast series with this blog on scarring and incisions.  Scarring is always a concern when choosing a cosmetic surgery. We want to be able to focus on the beautiful results of the surgery, not the incision scars it may leave behind. Fortunately, with a Breast Lift, there are a variety of incisions, some more inconspicuous than others. However, different techniques may be required based on how much sagging you want corrected. The incision I recommend will be based on your personal goals, existing breast tissue, and the amount of excess skin to be removed. Here is an explanation of each of the possibilities.

Minimal Sagging: Crescent Incision
This incision is very small and traces around the upper half edge of the areola. While this is minimal scarring sounds ideal, it can take away only a minimum amount of skin. This makes it only an option for patients who have very little sagging to correct. For this reason, it is the least frequent incision technique and is usually only done in combination with a breast augmentation.
Mild Sagging: Peri Areolar or “Donut” Incision
The Peri Areolar incision is a circular incision tracing around the outer edge of the areola. This technique can also be used to reduce the size of the areola if that is desired. Like the Crescent incision, this “Donut” incision is commonly performed along with a Breast Augmentation and can address mild sagging.

Moderate Sagging: Vertical or “Lollipop” Incision
Two incisions are required for this technique, as it can accomplish more extensive reshaping of sagging breasts. They form the pattern of a lollipop, hence the nickname. The first incision is around the outer edge of the areola and the second runs down vertically from the bottom center of the areola to the underlying crease where the breast meets the torso, called the inframammary fold. This is a very common incision technique since it allows for the removal of a moderate amount of excess skin and reshaping of the entire breast. Fortunately, these scars are easily hidden in bras and bikini tops.

Extensive Sagging: Inverted T or “Anchor” Incision
Dramatic results for reshaping the breasts are available with the Inverted T incision. Getting its nickname as the “Anchor” lift because of the incision pattern, this technique involves 3 scars. One is around the outer edge of the areola, then another is down vertically from the bottom outer edge of the areola to the breast crease, and the last one is hidden in the horizontal crease of the inframammary fold. This technique allows for the removal of a significant amount of excess skin and sagging tissue. It is also used when the Breast Lift is combined with a Breast Reduction. This gives beautiful correction for reshaping pendulous breasts, which is when the nipple is below the edge of the crease of the inframammary fold and it is pointing downward.

In my expert hands, these incisions will be as minimal as possible, and over time, with your proper care these scars will fade. Regardless of which incision technique is required, your scars will be concealed and far from your mind when you see how lovely your lifted breasts look in your clothes and bathing suit. Contact me for a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Summer is on its way and people will get more exposure to the suns rays than any other time of year. We’ve all heard the word of caution about too much sun causing skin cancer, but specifically it’s the Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure that is overwhelmingly the most frequent cause of skin cancer.

Since May is Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month, and skin cancer affects more than 1 million people in the United States each year, I thought I’d dedicate some time to the topic.

Skin Cancer Causes

Other than frequent, unprotected sun exposure, some significant causes of skin cancer include:
– The frequent use of tanning booths, which, like the sun, expose the skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
– Immune system compromise, which impairs the body’s ability to fight disease. A suppressed immune system affects the ability of the body to regenerate and repair at the cellular level.

– Ways to improve the immune system are to stress less and laugh more, drink more water and less alcohol, eat antioxidant rich foods rather than empty calories and sugar, as well as take a probiotic to promote beneficial gut flora.
– Regular exposure to electromagnetic wave of high energy and very short wavelength, such as Xrays.

– And exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and those in tar, oils and soot.

People with Greater Risk
Besides outside environmental factors, certain people are predisposed to skin cancer. These are characteristics of people who are at greater risk:
Fair skin that burns easily from the sun exposure and freckles easily
Blond or redheads with blue or green eyes
Depleted skin pigmentation, such as from certain genetic disorders like albinism and xeroderma pigmentosum.
Previous cancer or close family members who have had skin cancer
Birthmark or a large mole, or numerous moles and unusual moles that developed later in life
Experienced a severe sunburn in childhood

“ABCD’s” of Cancer Detection
– Asymmetry: one side not looking like the other
– Border irregularity: rough, jagged or bumpy edges
– Color: mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red, or white
– Diameter: larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm across) or noticeable increase in size

Kinds of Skin Cancer
The skin is the largest organ in the body and skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. There are three major kinds of skin cancer:
– Melanoma,
– Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
– Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Melanoma is actually the most frequent cancer in people age 25 to 29 years. About a third of all melanoma are diagnosed before the age of 50, although most skin cancers are diagnosed between 50 and 75 years old. Squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas, which are the vast majority of skin cancers, are more common in older people. Unlike the Melanomas, the BCCs or SCC usually do not spread to other parts of the body.

Prevention
It is important to self check using the “ABCD’s” and to regularly be checked by a dermatologist. A doctor can send away a biopsy of a questionable mole or marking to tell if it’s cancerous. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. This is one of the main reasons why I recommend safeguarding yourself when you enjoy the beautiful weather with sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat.

Prevention and early detection are key with skin cancer. Enjoy the beautiful summer weather, but please do so safely. If you have any more questions, please consult your dermatologist.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I shortened my last blog so I could wrap up with the UVA/UVB info that is so often mis-understood.  It is important to understand the following things:

The Long (UVA) and Short (UVB) of It
While UVA rays are longer and less intense than UVB, we are exposed to more throughout our lifetimes because they are equally present during all daylight hours throughout the year.

UVA can also penetrate clouds and, unlike UVB, can go through glass. This is why it’s important to consider sun protection even when you’re not at the beach or pool.

It has been thought that while both play a major part in skin aging, UVB has been the main contributor to skin cancer. UVB is the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, affecting mostly the superficial layers of skin.

But even though UVB has a more concentrated negative effect, UVA causes cumulative damage over years and years, which may also initiate the development of skin cancer. Most skin cancers occur in the basal layer of the epidermis and studies have shown UVA damages cells in this layer, as well.

Bottom line is that while the sun provides wonderful health benefits, we still need to take precautions to only receive its benefits and not its damaging effects. In my next blog, I’ll continue the subject and talk about how to protect yourself, including helpful clothing, sunscreen and diet tips.
If you’d like more information on rejuvenating your skin, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon