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

All my Mommy patients love being mommies and adore their children.  However, not all of them are happy with their body post delivery or even several months after their baby is born.  Pregnancy is described as a beautiful, indescribable experience by most women I know.  During pregnancy the body goes through various and often subtle changes that become more dramatic, over the months, due to the relentless demands of motherhood.  It’s no secret that post pregnancy bodies resist the best of intentions, the best nutrition and even the most rigorous workouts thus leaving the new mommy with undesirable changes in multiple ares of the body. So, I design many, many Mommy Makeovers every year to help Mommies of all ages get back into shape, regain lost youthfulness and get healthy again!  Healthy bodies are better able to withstand the emotional and physical rigors of busy motherhood.

PREGNANCY CHANGES THAT WOMEN HATE!  Stretch marks, sagging skin, spider veins, unattractive changes in skin color and texture, deflated, sagging breasts, stretched and separated abs muscles, excess fat deposits, changes int eh thighs, pelvic and hip areas, vaginal laxity, declining sex life and a general, overall feeling of being older.  These are the most common complaints women present with and tell me we’ve got to fix them.  Some new mommies are able to bounce back easily to their pre pregnancy condition, while most bodies resist even the most rigorous programs designed to get back into shape.

MOMMY MAKEOVERS in D.C.   For over a decade I’ve been tailoring individualized makeovers for new and mature mommies from all over the D.C.area and way beyond.  My patients love their results so much, they send friends and other family members to me for the individualized care and treatments we offer at DAVinci.  After years of choosing the right combination of procedures at the right times, added to treatment advancements and refined techniques, the results just keep getting better.

MOMMY MAKEOVERS INVOLVE a combination of restorative and rejuvenating procedures for Moms.

TOP…MOST CHOSEN MOMMY MAKEOVER PROCEDURES OFFERED at DAVinci         1) TUMMY TUCKS put the abs back in shape by correcting skin laxity, stretch marks, removing excess fat and restoring balance.  Liposuction is very often included.  2) INTENSE PULSED LIGHT THERAPY  tightens facial skin and corrects pigmentation and texture problems.   3) BREAST SURGERIES… Premium Breast Augmentation (using Natrelle410 Premium Implants) to replace lost volume and restore a pleasing natural shape/contour, Breast Lift repositions breasts back to a higher position,  Nipple Reduction restores a pleasing nipple shape, size and position.    4) LIPOSUCTION  removes unwanted body fat and sculpts areas back to natural balance.  The removed body fat can be used in other areas as   5) FAT TRANSFER for amazing anti aging results.    6) V ZONE REJUVENATION is no longer taboo but is viewed as a normal part of healthy bodies.  Vaginal Rejuvenation, Designer Vaginal Procedures and other names simply involve restoring health to the vaginal area.  Labor and delivery loosens the vaginal area which is usually very elastic.  Aging also causes vaginal decline and other problems.  These usually affect both sexual partners.  Vaginal Rejuvenation includes repairing the entire V Zone to restore health and youthfulness…and pre pregnancy conditions.  Restores confidence and boosts Self Esteem.  Your love life gets revved up again too!  See https://www.davinciplastic.com  for complete procedure information.

RECENT SURVEYS TELL US STIGMA IS GONE & TALKING ABOUT SEXUAL/INTIMATE HEALTH ISSUES IS NOT TABOO!  IT IS HEALTHY!

YOUR CONSULTATION is CONFIDENTIAL  and we are sensitive to these sensitive issues and topics.  Your personal goals, desires, time frames, concerns, health issues etc. is all taken into consideration when creating a personalized Mommy Makeover Plan for you.  READY YET?   Lets talk.

REMEMBER THE RIGHT WAYS TO HAVE FUN IN THE SUN — hats, glasses, sunscreen, umbrellas, avoid glare from the water, lots of fresh drinking water,

fresh fruit for antioxidant benefits, and a reasonable time frame.  Between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, the sun rays are the hottest.  OK have fun and Be careful.

Best to You and Yours.

Steven Davison M.D.

DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.

Summer Sun & Your Skin

Summer Sun and Skin Tips

Let’s review a few basics for protecting your skin during these summer months when BarBQ’s, beach parties, backyard birthday parties, canoeing, kayaking, rafting and many more outside activities…mean more exposure to the sun.

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of pure water. every body requires water.  it is essential to life itself…there is no substitute for pure water.

Summer Sun Protection Review: 

• Use Sun Screen often and apply generously (ask Nora what to use)
• Shade does not guarantee protection from the Sun’s UVA/UVB rays…if you are near the ocean…the water reflects the rays even when you are under umbrellas and trees.
• Wear sunscreen even when in the shade
• Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
• Rinse off Saltwater…if you’re at the beach rinse off saltwater often since it is dehydrating (drying)
• Drink lots of pure water…cooler is better to help reduce body temperature during hot summer days/nights.  Alcohol is dehydrating.
• Sun Burns do occur and if so…try these tips from a renowned Hollywood Celebrity Aesthetician/SkinCare Professional:
• Rinse off with cool water to cool the skin
• Apply Anti-Oxidants to stop free radical damage   (Vit C&E)
• Gently Apply Aloe Gel or cold yogurt to help cool the skin
• Let Your Skin Breathe….avoid too frequent moisturizing with creams, lotions containing heavy oils.
• Don’t Do it again…avoid getting sunburned in the future!

Foods for Healthy Skin…this info comes compliments of the Mayo Clinic and their suggestions for healthier summer skin.  They include:

• Carrots, apricots…e.g. lots of yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
• Spinach, Kale…lots of dark green leafy vegetables and salads
• Tomatoes
• Blueberries (strong antioxidant properties)
• Beans, Peas, Lentils (fiber & protein)
• Salmon, Mackeral and other deep, cold water fish
• Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, pecans…avoid processed, salted and oily nuts.
• AVOID refined, processed carbohydrates and fatty fats….sugar, baked goods, bleached & bromated grains etc.

JELLYFISH STINGS…Try to avoid coming into contact with Jellyfish…but if you do get stung here’s what to do:  rinse with salt water immediately, remove tentacles with tweezers or wear protective gloves as soon as possible, rinse with white vinegar and apply vinegar compress.  Use aspirin or tylenol for pain if needed. Seek medical help.

The information I’ve given you today goes for men, women and children!  The sun touches everyone, and the foods recommended are good for the entire population.  So, please enjoy your family times…but do take time to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Enjoy Your Summer.

Steven Davison, M.D.

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