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

Women in politics are constantly in the spotlight and can’t hide their appearance and cannot avoid being frequently analyzed from every angle.  Hillary Clinton is just one example of many women in politics, or the entertainment field who are under fire over their appearance and the stigma behind the idea of these women seeking anti aging cosmetic surgery/treatments for a “refreshed” looking face.  Betty Ford is one of the bold ladies  who had cosmetic surgery decades ago and discussed it for the benefit of all women.  She chose a fresh new face to go with her beautiful life!  Hillary Clinton did likewise and others have followed. Hollywood celebs such as Nicole Kidman and Jane Fonda also blazed the trail for women and they helped remove the “taboo” against age defying cosmetic procedures.

One of the arguments has been that surgery isn’t just about improving your looks,  it is also about improving your self esteem and self confidence. Removing grumpy, fatigued, stressed, sad/angry facial aging can be positively life changing.

It is today’s trend and even renowned portrait artists have found that this generation will be young not just once…but at least twice!  Jonathon Yeo has done portraits of Tiger Woods, Paris Hilton, Sarah Palin, Nicole Kidman and others, and understands that portrait painting today is much about telling the story of a contemporary generation.   Yeo learned that this quickly growing phenomenon of “looking younger” is here to stay. To equip himself for the task, he has observed several facelift surgeries to understand the muscles being pulled in different directions.  This helped him with facial interpretation.

Our advanced techniques and instruments allow us to perform facelifts today’s that are incredibly natural looking and age defying. We don’t change you. Your traits are your traits.  We simply remove some years of facial aging to restore a refreshed, more youthful look.  See all options on my website: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

Breast Reduction Surgery improves the quality of life according to a recent survey/study. The research shows that breast reduction produces both measurable physical and psychological health benefits.  The results:

• Gains for psychological well being includes psychosocial, sexual and physical
• Physical relief includes relieved pain in the breast, neck, back and shoulders
• Breast reductions also led to significant improvement in sleep and ability to exercise
• Surgical Benefits were seen within 6 weeks post surgery
• Decreased medical costs from chronic medical complaints were also dramatic
• Overall improved quality of life validates insurance coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery  (check with your provider)   (Study – Ohio State University, Columbus.)

A Word about Tattoos and Laser tattoo removal.  Got a tattoo you want to lose? Think about this before deciding to get a laser tattoo removal.  Recent case studies  show that laser removal of tattoos may mask melanoma due to the pigmented skin lesions.  (More on that as info becomes available.)

August is the hottest part of summer.  Remember the “fun in the sun” rules: 1) sun screen,  2) lots of pure drinking water (stay well hydrated), 3) fresh fruits for anti oxidants, 4) hats, 5) sun glasses, 6) umbrellas, 7) avoid glare from the water and 8) don’t stay out too long.  OK…have fun!

School is started, time for Mommy Makeovers to be your best self again and Daddy DoOvers to keep that competitive career edge.  Restore a healthy, more youthful appearance either subtly or dramatically…your choice!

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.