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

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:
1.  The frequent use of tanning booths, which, like the sun, expose the skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
2.  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.
3.  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 the characteristics of the 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 of 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
1.  Asymmetry: one side not looking like the other
2.  Border irregularity: rough, jagged or bumpy edges
3.  Color: mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red, or white
4.  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

Welcome to January 2013!    Welcome back to DAVinci…where my staff and I invite you to learn about and experience the life changing, age reversing products and procedures enjoyed by many men and women from every walk and every age and stage in life.    Many thanks to all of you!

2013 will usher in more about…life changing antioxidants, wrinkle erasers, volume replacers, filler trends, most dramatic lifters, age reversal without surgery, laser treatments, stem cell facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction and liposculpting, 3D Imaging, hydration and aging, sources of antioxidants, the beauty of fat,  new mommy makeovers, seniors that grow young together, career sensitive procedures, anti aging roadmap, causes of facial aging, the amazing power of surgery, male makeovers, daddy do.overs…repeats of the 2012 populars…and on it goes!

Recovering from 2012 holidays involves getting back on track with the right high anti oxidants for both your body and your face.

WHY ANTIOXIDANTS?  …antioxidants fight free radicals in the body….free radicals are to the body….what rust is to your prized antique car!

• Increased intake of raw fruits and vegetables to 3-4 portions per day made a visible improvement in appearance, overall attractiveness and health (Univ. of St. Andrews School of Medicine, Scotland)
• Food nutrients become building blocks of new skin cells and new collagen (both essential components of healthy skin)
• Skin has the ability to heal (like every body organ does)…diet factors heavily into this ability  (Jeannette Graf M.D. Manhattan, New York)
• Genetics and external/environmental factors influence the behavior of cells…but the ability to form properly and maintain a healthy moisture barrier depends upon internal factors
• Lines, wrinkles and slack skin is part of the aging process…but proper nutrition is proven to stave off signs of aging longer
• The key is a diet rich in alkalinity…all things green….while minimizing aciditiy …nothing cream or beige is bad!
• Adequte hydration cannot be overemphasized…lemon/lime add flavor and alkalyze the water
• Consume high quality protein such as wild caught salmon, spirulina etc….
• Keep wrinkles at bay by eliminating/minimizing acidic foods, refined sugars, colas, alcohol and caffeine.  E.G….avoid coffee that is several hours old…it’s raging with “free radicals”
• Refined sugar and processed foods both attach to protein (including collagen) in the body and break it down….causing wrinkles…..2011 Dutch study showed a correlation between higher glucose (sugar) levels in the body and higher perceived age!
• Tufts University/U.S Dept of Agriculture study showed that a diet rich in plant nutrients like carotenoids, flavonoids and lycopene may provide the whole body with protection against aging UV damage.   Choose bright colored vegies….eat 60-80% raw every day for maximum nutrients…and don’t overcook the rest.
• WATER… drink 1/2 of your body weight each day in that many ounces…to stay well hydrated.  (e.g….130 lbs requires 65 ounces of pure water every day….minimum!)  KNOW THIS:  there is no substitute for pure water….not iced tea, or coffee, or juice or any other beverage period!   The body is made up of over 90% water….it’s essential!

ANTIOXIDANTS   Good fruits and vegetables, and other high quality food sources (Organic is best) are loaded with antioxidants.  Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body and can prevent skin damage and fight the signs of aging. More on this later.

Holidays are over…time to get back on track and focus on Health, wellness and youthful beauty!  Stop procrastinating…and let’s talk about the age reversing options you’ve been thinking about.

Happy New Year!

Steven Davison M.D.

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

Some skin care myths You need to know about…We carry only the best skin care products in our spa…and our lifelong clientelle have learned certain truths about healthy skin, and they use products that really work.

Myth #1. After washing it, your skin should feel tight. That means it’s clean. Answer: tight skin after cleansing has been stripped of all hydration causing dead skin cells to build up on the surface.  Avoid stripping cleansers (e.g. bar soap).

Myth #2.  Greasy foods and chocolate are offenders and cause breakouts.  Answer: This may inspire you to eat healthier, green foods, but there is no science to support this myth.

Myth #3.  Smoking is bad for your lungs…but has no negative effects on your skin.  Answer:  WRONG!  Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin and it depletes the skin of essential oxygen and nutrients that promote health.  The damage shows up clearly as: facial lines, wrinkles, folds (e.g. smoker’s lips) and discoloration…not to mention lung diseases.

Myth #4.  Longterm, frequent use diminishes effectiveness of skin care products.  Answer:  The skin is in a constant state of renewal as old, dead skin cells are pushed to the surface and new cells are generated about every 30 to 40 days.  Good skin care products enhance this process to create healthy, beautiful skin.

Myth #5.  You don’t need sunscreen it your makeup has it.  Not all makeup is created equal…so don’t take a chance on your precious skin.  Use sunscreen for play in the sun times.

We carry Obagi skin care products because they work simply and effectively to give you the healthiest, most beautiful skin ever.  Obagi transforms skin…no matter your age, ethnicity, gender, or skin condition.  Call and ask Nora about it.

Here are a few basic skin care tips that can be “skin changing”….

1)  Get 8 hours of restful beauty sleep.  The body heals and renews only during sleep.

2)  Clean your face every night…do it early in the evening if you are too tired at bedtime, to cleanse away the day’s impurities, excess oil etc.

3)  Hydrate your body to hydrate your skin…and to energize both.  Try a glass or two in the evening for brighter skin in the morning.

4)  NIghttime skin care…is just as important as daytime.  Nighttime products are formulated to renew and repair the skin while you sleep.  Obagi NuDerm Systems offer everything you need to achieve round the clock, all weather, all skin types…healthy, beautiful skin.

5) Pregnancy….keep that healthy glow!  Whether you have children or this is your first pregnancy, pregnancy creates skin care challenges such as acne, pregnancy mask and stretch marks.  Our “mommies” safely address these concerns during and after pregnancy.

Nora can schedule your personal consultation to educate and get you going with a healthy skin care regimen.  See Obagi Systems at www.davinciplastic.com.

OK….summer is over. School and work makes for busy schedules.  DO NOT NEGLECT YOURSELF!  Take a few minutes each day for good nutrition, plenty of water, restful sleep at night, and the right skin care regimen…to look and feel your absolute best.

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci…we combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.“

Injectable fillers used to be just…wrinkle fillers.  Today’s Liquid Miracles…the injectable treatments I am able to use for my patients not only immediately erase lines and grooves  but also “lift” and “contour” aging facial features and flaws for men and women.

Temples, brows, upper eyelids, undereye areas, cheeks, mouth corners and jowls are all easily treated and magically lifted.

How Do They Work?  

Injectable fillers like Radiesse work immediately by replacing volume and stimulating your own collagen renewal while attracting water to the treated area. Juvederm is used in areas requiring less structural improvement…such as under the eyes and for marionette lines. Botox is used to inhibit muscle action allowing forehead furrows to relax and smooth out and also prevents future lines and wrinkles.

Old Injectables V New Injectables

When first introduced, injectables were primarily used to fill in wrinkles.  With product advancement and refined techniques, they are used more widely with effective natural outcomes.

Aging Face…it shows

As we age, the different facial compartments “shift” and fat pads migrate downward (e.g. the cheeks) often being reabsorbed into the tissues. Constant volume loss from lifestyle, aging, illness etc, causes facial contours to change and become visible as lines, wrinkles, grooves, sagging mouth and more.

Reconstructing the face with fillers allows for the architecture (framework) of the face to be lifted, restoring the natural…youthful contours of the face.

Using today’s fillers and getting the desired natural looking and long lasting results requires specialized training, experience and skill.  I am a trained/qualified/experienced “expert injector.”

Summer Events…weddings, family reunions, family trips, class reunion, job interviews… etc… often call for Quick Fixes  Don’t despair…you have safe, effective, quick options without downtime and with results that will amaze you and dazzle the special people in your life!  See http://www.DAVinciplastic.com for more info.

Age Defying Facial Rejuvenation…How we do it:

• Shape the cheeks…seamlessly shaping this area with Hyaluronic acid and long lasting fillers restores youthful contour & a refreshed, natural look 
• Lift the Mouth…get rid of that downturned smile and look young again
• Smooth out the jawline…to lift it before it goes too far south to redefine this part of the face
• Open up the eyes…revolumize this area to restore that fresh, full look
• Elevate the brows…restore volume to this sagging, sunken area
• Define the eyes…restructure the undereye area to compensate for bone loss, fat and thinning skin

About today’s “Injectors”…

It’s true that you can walk into many spas and get Botox for example…but are you willing to risk possible bad results by having an unqualified person work on your face?  Know this:  there are over 1 million doctors allowed to perform injectables and filler treatments…in the US alone.  ONLY 3% of these are qualified to do so.  Choose wisely!

Summer fun in the sun can wreak havoc with your skin and face…we have options to correct it.  In the meantime…remember the hats, sunglasses, Obagi sunscreen, lots of cool water and shade.

Enjoy your family times…make lots of wonderful memories.

Steven Davison M.D.

DAVinci…have a patient centric experience in an environment where we combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.

Aging & environmental factors slow down skin cell functions… Obagi transforms skin by restoring skin cell function. 

The Obagi system combines specially developed products with medical supervision and counseling to treat your skin from the inside out. Obagi products penetrate below the surface of your skin to stimulate cell renewal, improve circulation and help to restore your skin’s natural moisture.  It also works on the surface to smooth roughness and to correct damage that results in uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation. Obagi is what I recommend to my patients of all ages…in all of life’s stages.  Ask Nora in our SPA about the right Obagi system for you

CONSIDER THIS ABOUT OBAGI SKIN CARE SYSTEMS:

• Obagi Accelerates cell turnover in skin with moderate to severe sun damage.
• Obagi  achieves brighter Photolumines skin with mild to moderate sun damage
• Obagi Pro-C Serums provide daily anti-oxidant protection
• Obagi CLENZIderm MD provides effective acne therapy treatment
• Obagi has a system for every skin type…since one product does not work for every face!

 HOW OBAGI SYSTEMS WORK:  In damaged skin the stratum corneum is thick and dehydrated, skin cells are misshapen and disorganized, excess melanin causes freckles and age spots while collagen and elastin fibers become weaker and more damaged. Healthy skin cells function normally when there is continual renewal of old, dead cells which are simultaneously replaced by fresh healthy cells being pushed to the surface.  This makes the skin’s surface smoother and naturally hydrated – while age spots seem to disappear, melanin is more evenly distributed to prevent the appearance of new, fresh spots. The healthy skin is rich in collagen which promotes resilience and firmness.  All these functions work together to keep the skin acting younger and healthier.

THE FOUR PHASES OF OBAGI TRANSFORMATION:

There are four phases of skin transformation experienced by every person who uses Obagi – without exception.  They are:

Phase 1 – Out with the old – Obagi penetrates to the deepest dermal level to correct signs of  aging and acne flares.  Old, dead cells are pushed up and replaced with fresh new ones. Itching dryness and redness occur as the skin adapts to the prescription strength ingredients.  (Weeks 1-6)

Phase 2 – In with the new – Healthy new cells are producing, pigment/melanin become more evenly distributed, collagen is stimulated – smoother, softer, clearer skin appears. (Weeks 7-12)

Phase 3 – Healthy glow – Skin cells are in transformation process, collagen production continues, skin is clearer, firmer and tighter – with a healthy glow, natural hydration, even color and more resilience.   (Weeks 12-18)

Phase 4 – The new you!  – Your skin is transformed – it looks and acts younger and healthier. With continued use you can expect FABULOUS blemish free skin all the time!

SCREENING & PROTECTION INFORMATION  from Dr. Steven Davison

Here are a few more tips on Melanoma…since May is National Skin Cancer awareness month.  See my last blog for detailed information on the three types of skin cancer and most critically… melanoma skin cancer.

SCREENING:  Melanoma can be deadly but is treatable with immediate diagnosis and early treatment.  After Melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes, the 5 year survival rate possible with treatment, drops to 62% and 15% respectively.

You can self-screen to check for skin cancers or you can see a dermatologist or sign up for a “free” cancer screening.  They are offered frequently around the country.

SELF CHECK for MELANOMA:

Use these steps:

1) STAND UP & look into the mirror & examine your head, scalp, face, neck, chest, torso, (women under the breasts), hands, nails, elbows, arms and underarms.

2) SIT DOWN & check your legs, feet, soles, heels & toenails.  Use a HAND MIRROR to check genitals.

3) STAND UP & use a HAND MIRROR to inspect the back of neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks & legs.

REDUCE YOUR RISK:  We cannot completely avoid sun exposure, but there are ways to reduce the risk from exposure.

COVER UP…Wear cool, clothing that covers your body.  Dark colors block more UV rays than light colors.

WEAR A HAT…Wear a wide brim hat when out in the sun. It should cover your ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.  A baseball cap is better than nothing.

SUNGLASSES… invest in good glasses that block UV rays.  They should block 99 t0 100% of UVA & UVB rays.

SUNSCREEN…LOTS OF IT!  Get it, use it liberally and apply it often…at least every 2 hours when in the sun.

***Ask Nora about our sunscreen products.

If you have any questions or concerns, call me and we’ll address them right away.

Dr. Steven Davison

At DAVinci…I combine the supreme elements of art & surgical science.