Injectables for Facial Balance and Your Ideal Profile

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The good news is that it can be prevented and if you get it, it can almost always be cured when found early and treated immediately upon detection. The goal in May is to raise awareness and encourage prevention. Visit: www.healthfinder.gov for complete info on skin cancer.

Well, this blog will continue telling you about facial balance and ways to achieve your “Ideal Facial Profile.  

Balance is the key to an attractive profile. Proportion is key; there should be balance between the forehead, the midface and the chin. When features are out of balance, and one overpowers the rest, the profile can look askew. A weak chin or backward sloped forehead makes the nose appear too dominant and creates a lack of balance and harmony.

INJECTABLE FILLERS and FACIAL BALANCE…surgery used to be the only way to achieve desirable facial balance or your “Ideal Profile.” Today, advanced, sophisticated injectable fillers make designing and achieving your desired outcomes absolutely possible without surgery. Injectables are today’s most popular cosmetic surgery alternative. For example, each year over 1 million people choose Injectables that restore youthfulness to their nose. Today’s Injectables can correct unsightly nasal bulges, humps, bumps, droopy nasal tips, nose bridge irregularities and more.

Since the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face, the size and shape can either enhance or distort your appearance. Nose reshaping, that is well done, will not change the way you look, but it will restore youthfulness by enhancing your own facial features.

The past decade has produced advanced, highly sophisticated Injectables that we employ to achieve wonderful, longer lasting results.

RESTYLANE, RADIESSE and JUVEDERM are top hyaluronic acid fillers that we use to reshape noses and achieve other age reversing cosmetic procedures. NASOLABIAL FOLDS are also injected when doing the nose, to restore volume and eliminate those unsightly folds. Results from Injectables are seen instantly with today’s advanced formulas.

BOTOX® for BROWLIFTS without surgery. Botox has been in use for Brow and Forehead lifts for several years now. Botox is used to lift and shape the brow area by correcting mild ptosis (droopy eyelid) while reducing forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines, sad lines etc. This offers a rejuvenated, refreshed appearance, again, without surgery.

SOMETIMES SURGERY IS THE RIGHT OPTION…As amazing as today’s injectables have proven to be, they are not always right for everyone. In order to avoid age reversing cosmetic surgery, you must start doing small anti aging procedures during the early years (20’s to 30’s) for many options. Then, maintaining them is critical to always look several years younger. For those who were not able to start treatments early, we offer wonderful age defying options for every concern. Check my website for more info on this: www.DAVinciplastic.com.

OK, we’re halfway through May already and graduations, career events, family reunions, vacations etc. are close. It’s time for Skin Peels, Injectable FaceLifts, and other “quick fixes” so you can look and feel your very best.

Let’s Talk Soon!

Steven Davison M.D.

DAVinciplastic Surgery…I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.

 

 

Balanced Face Profile…Small Changes that make a Dramatic Difference

My last blog overviewed the three views of the face: front, side/profile and the ¾’s. Each view dictates a different shape and different curvature of the facial features. This blog outlines how to get a perfectly balanced profile using small changes that make a dramatic difference. For those people who are unhappy with their profile, know that it changes as we age, but that it can be corrected and/or enhanced. For many patients, correction is of great value to them for various reasons.

The eyes nose and chin are three distinct facial components, but they all work together to present a youthful and attractive appearance, whether one area is detracting from your overall appearance, or the aging process has begun to affect your face as a whole. There are a variety of surgical and nonsurgical options we offer to create or restore harmony and beauty.

Profile changes that occur:

EYES … Drooping upper lids, under eye bags, crow’s feet and a sunken hollow appearance are the first signs of aging and profile change.

NOSE…Gravity takes its toll to add years to your visage as a “subtle lengthening” can cause a profound aging effect. Rhinoplasty and Injectables can reverse this and take years off the nose.

CHIN…The chin begins to look different as skin sags, fat accumulates and bone is lost with age, as these changes cause significant lower face aging. Injectables can restore volume, contour and youthfulness to this area.

YOUTHFUL EYES ARE CREATED WITH: Injectables and Botox for people who do not need surgery and who are looking to refine or extend the results of a previous procedure. They are very effective for correcting wrinkles and depressions around the eyes. Ideal patients:

–     Are in their 20s or 30s and have good skin elasticity Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane are good choices since they are hyaluronic acid that attract water to plump up the area.

–     Crow’s Feet and BrowLifts candidates benefit greatly from these fillers. Botox is also great for eliminating Crow’s Feet and achieving an injectable BrowLift. Botox cannot replace surgery, if needed, but the benefits of Botox cannot be minimized.

–     BROW SHAPING the eyebrows themselves can have an impact on the appearance of the eyes an adjacent facial areas. Eyebrows are essential to being youthful looking, rested and bringing balance to facial contours.

BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY for YOUTHFUL EYES when cosmetic options aren’t enough. The brow, upper eyelid and lower eyelid all age in unison. The outer corners of the eyes drop down, the upper lids become deflated and droop, and bags form under the lower lids. Eyelid surgery can correct these fat, excess skin and muscle changes. Youthful eyes can be yours again either with injectables of Blepharoplasty.

VOLUMA is the treatment of choice to restore hollow cheeks without surgery.  See my website for complete info on Juvederm Voluma: www.DAVinciplastic.com.

More on facial balance and your perfect profile in my next blog.

Are you ready for Beach Time?  Need “quick Fixes” for graduations, weddings, corporate events, family reunions etc…Let’s talk now.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Certified Expert Injector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youthful Looking, Aesthetically Pleasing…Ideal Profile

There are actually three views of the face: the front, side or profile, and the three-fourths view. Each view dictates a different shape and different curvature of the facial features. Regardless of a person’s favorite view of his or her face, everyone wants an attractive, profile…and one that’s a close to their ideal as possible. In brief: people want a “perfect” facial profile.

Here’s what an ideal facial profile looks like:

• Profile that’s straight and in tune with the rest of the face
• Youthful looking, aesthetically pleasing profile
• Masculine or Feminine ageless look
• Forehead that isn’t entirely round or flat (upper face)
• Straight nose with some concavity to it (mid face)
• Full lip projection (lower face)
• Well defined chin, neck, jaw line (lower face)

For those people who are unhappy with their profile, know that it can be corrected and/or enhanced. For many patients, correction is of great value to them for various reasons.

Understand first the facial thirds and your aging profile, then you can determine how to correct or enhance what you’ve got to work with.

Our “profile” changes as we age. This occurs from the top of the face down. Here’s what you are likely to experience:

• Flattening of the forehead
• Drooping eyebrows
• Under eye bags and hollows
• Loss of cheek volume & definition
• Lines & folds around the mouth
• Chin & neck sagging
• Jowls & neckband formation
• Hollowing of the temples
• Drooping nasal tip
• Nasal bumps & humps become pronounced

Since the facial anatomy is divided into “thirds”…the upper, midface and lower face, the goal is always to achieve balanced proportions with one another.

TODAY’S OPTIONS…include “quick fixes” that are here to stay. For those who start young enough doing the small things such as Injectable Dermal Fillers, Skin Resurfacing, Botox and others, surgery may be delayed or avoided completely. The Boomers are on it and are having all the Age Defying, Age Reversing procedures offered today…because they want to look as good as they feel. The Millennials are right behind them and consider cosmetic, anti aging treatments to be a regular part of the normal health care regimen.

For every problem listed in the bullet points (above) we have a treatment option that is age reversing and can give people the facial balance and attractiveness of their dreams.

BALANCE is the KEY! Balance among the three facial areas is the key to an attractive face with a harmonious look and good alignment.

LIPS are IN TODAY! Much focus is placed on lips today. They should be perfectly proportioned and this can be accomplished with Juvederm or another HA filler to restore volume and lip color.

WRINKLES & LINES ARE OUT! We eliminate lines, wrinkles and folds with Botox (around the eyes/forehead), Juvederm/Voluma in the cheek area (midface), Restylane and others in the lower face. See my website for more on injectables: www.DAVinciplastic.com.

SPRING IS HERE and Moms, Sisters and Daughters are showing up in our office for similar treatments…since they’ve discovered that families do age the same!

ARE YOU BEACH BODY READY? Body Sculpting could be your answer. Let’s Talk now.

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

 

More 2014 Hot Designer Cosmetic Treatments…Truly Age Defying!

A couple blogs ago I talked about 2014 social trends in cosmetic treatments. Please see my January blogs to catch up on those.  This blog covers actual “hot” treatments, both surgical and non surgical as well as new product.  With each passing year, we become more artistic, skilled and experienced.  Today’s plastic surgeons enjoy the benefits of being able to achieve more advanced age defying procedures/treatments that get you truly natural results.

HOT ANTI AGING BEAUTY TRENDS for 2014

1.  Juvederm® Voluma is making it’s “beauty debut” in 2014.  Approved late in 2013 by the FDA, this designer filler will target the cheeks or mid face region to add volume and restore fullness lost due to normal aging.  It will greatly enhance facial symmetry.

We expect more “designer” fillers to enter the US in 2014.  Will keep you up on those!

2.  Fat injections has been rising in popularity the past decade.  I really like and recommend it to my patients because it is natural (your own body fat) and it enables great results.  Fat Grafting or Fat INjections is used primarily to treat facial aging but certainly has proven safe and effective for the hands, and other areas on the body as well.

An increased interest in treatments using your own body fat has surged due to the healing and regenerative potential of “growth factors” etc found in body fat.  More on that as research progresses.  Exciting!

3.  Beautiful Lips…or the new “It” spot in beauty treatment options. Gone is the “trout pout” but here to stay is a well plumped pucker…especially for Valentine’s Day.  Overfilling the lips has been a problem, especially when performed by non expert injectors.

Today’s Fine Art of Lip Enhancement is here to stay.  With advancements in lip augmentation using techniques that work right, honed skills and experience (Expert Injectors), the Fine Art of Lip Enhancement achieves subtle, soft and kissable lips!

4.  Rhinoplasty continues to soar in popularity.  Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is the most common surgery for both men and women under age 35.  It is the most in demand for men, period.  It is so popular that surgeons have coined it “rhino popularity” and it’s here to stay.

Rhinoplasty is a very difficult, intricate surgery.  No two noses are alike and each person has their own reason for wanting a nose job.  Injury, disease or just not liking the nose you were born with sends people in surges to plastic surgeons across the US.  See my website for detailed info on Rhinoplasty: www.DAVinciplastic.com.

I’m a member of the AAFPRS- American Association of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This organization maintains stringent standards for members in order to protect you our patients.  I’m proud to part of this elite organization that promotes only the safest, most advanced yet proven medical options available today.  We’re here to employ our skill, artistry and expertise.  Truly, you want to trust your face only to a Facial Plastic Surgeon.

AMERICA’S TOP 5 FITTEST CITIES and Washington, D.C. ranks #2!  Ranking is based upon fitness levels such as an area’s health behaviors, health care acces and community resources that support physical activity.  (American College of Sports Medicine)  Yes we are proud to be part of this community!

Next time I plan to expound upon these new trends.  My goal is to inform, educate and motivate you to be as healthy and youthful as you feel.  We can help you be your very best!

Steven Davison M.D.

Triple Board Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Men and Laser Hair Removal…Celebs and Cosmetic Treatments

Hollywood Celebs, both young and older, recommend today’s amazing age defying cosmetic treatments so you can look/feel your best before you start to lose your looks!   Jane Fonda is just one of a host of celebs refusing to let go of her youthful appearance.

 Men and Women experience “change of life” sooner or later.  For women this means estrogen levels decline during menopause causing the skin to sag resulting in fine lines and wrinkles to appear. As collagen and elastin production slows down, these wrinkles become more defined, especially in the forehead due to muscles in motion.  Laser treatments, Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and other super youth boosters correct various concerns.  www.davinciplastic.com. Also, instead of cell turnover occurring every 26 to 28 days, over 50 women replenish cells on average of every 50 days.  This change alone contributes to duller more sallow looking skin while volume is lost due to decreasing collagen and elastin production. For these and other reasons women (Baby Boomers + Gen X) are lining up for cosmetic procedures as part of their total healthcare program. Women frequently get anti aging cosmetic treatments for:

• Facial lines and wrinkles
• Volume loss resulting sunken areas
• Uneven pigmentation
• Spots – red and brown
• And many more…

Plastic Surgery to Boost Your Confidence and get the body of your dreams!  That is totally possible today but it should be your decision and your alone based upon good counsel, education and a strong desire to achieve your desired outcomes.  We’re here to help you get and put your best face forward before Christmas!  Give your self a special gift! MEN WANT LASER HAIR REMOVAL   Laser hair removal is one of today’s most requested options for men.  They get hair removed from:

• Chest,  Back,  Shoulders,  Ears,  Back of Neck,  Hands, Arms
• Legs,  Buttocks,  Feet,  Under chin,  Cheeks, Sideburns
• GIVE YOUR MAN the GIFt of LASER HAIR REMOVAL

 HOW HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS The laser emits a gentle beam of energy that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicles.  This laser energy disables the hair follicle without touching the tissue (skin) surrounding it.  The laser also has a cooling device that cools the skin as well to prevent discomfort.  Since hair grows in phases, it may take a few treatments to disable all follicles during the growth cycle. Most people achieve permanent results in fewer than six treatments.  SUGAR and HOW IT AFFECTS OUR SKIN I know, I know.  How can we get through the Holiday’s without sampling the cookies, cakes, pies and scrumptious deserts!  Well, we can’t but you need to know the following: American Heart Association says Americans  average up to55 teaspoons of sugar consumption daily – 2 to 4 X’s what we should.

• Sugar destroys collagen and elastin through“advanced glycation end products (AGE’s)
• AGE’s result in skin sagging/wrinkles and either
•  “stable or unstable” collagen production
• AGE’s deactivate our natural “antioxidants” increasing risk of sun damage and body toxins

WATCH FOR and MINIMIZE HIDDEN SUGARS:  high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, barley malt etc.  Also, take 1 mg of B1 and B6 daily during party season.  Talk to us about age/damage reversing Retinol products.  REMEMBER our BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS REWARDS program…for HEALTHY SKIN! www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com. treat Yourself and give it as a gift.  

Happy Thanksgiving….remember to count your blessings!

Best to You and Yours,     

Steven Davison M.D.  

SLEEPING BEAUTY a Twilight Sleep for Painless Botox®, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra and much more!

SLEEPING BEAUTY 

You go to sleep relaxed and comfortable and wake up Beautiful!     

Many of my patients love the many age-defying procedures I can offer them today, and even though Nora and I are specially trained and certified expert injectors, there is still some discomfort with an injection, period!  My patients hate the discomfort that goes along with many of the treatments I offer, such as Juvederm, Botox, Sculptra and Radiesse injectables. There is a remedy for this too…read on.

SLEEPING BEAUTY offers TOTAL COMFORT, TOTAL RELAXATION

I began offering “sleeping beauty” twilight sleep option to my patients a few years ago.  It means you are totally relaxed and comfortable during your entire procedure.

TWILIGHT SLEEP is safe, simple, painless and relaxing!

 Performed in our accredited Operating Room, Twilight sleep, or light sedation, involves an IV in the back of the hand, which puts you into a relaxed state, without the risks associated with general anesthesia.  This allows for a faster recovery since you breathe on your own during the procedure, and you can wake up quickly without that “hung over” feeling. When you wake up, like Sleeping Beauty in the Fairy Tale story…you really do feel rejuvenated and beautiful!

SLEEPING BEAUTY is THE SEDATION OF CHOICE TODAY!

Now that it’s been used for a few years and is tried and proven safe and effective,  Sleeping Beauty sedation is the sedation of choice today and is used not only for injections, but for other simple cosmetic procedures as well.  Be sure to request it for your next treatment.

ANTI AGING… A PRIMARY CONCERN of GENERATION Y 

It’s true, women in the United States aged 25-34 are now beginning to pay more attention to the signs of aging.  They are also actively looking for treatments and products to effectively address their concerns.  Results tell us that 39% of these women understand the importance of starting anti aging treatments early and they are doing so.  They are concerned with skin health such as spots and blotches, oily skin, dry skin and ways to correct these issues.  They also don’t like the early signs of lines and wrinkles and seek ways to prevent them.  Overall,  Gen Y women want to combat aging and are willing to start sooner rather than later.  They are seekers…we have remedies!  Generation Y men are close behind and feel cosmetic procedures are part of their normal health routine and job security.

FILLERS and INJECTABLES AMONG THE TOP ANTI AGING TREATMENTS TODAY

They offer quick results with minimal downtime.  Here’s how we use them:

• Hyaluronic acid fillers and collagen stimulators for…cheeks, temples and jawline
• Hyaluronic acid and fat injections to correct nasolabial folds
• Hyaluronic acid to plump the lips and restore their youthful shape and beauty
• Neurotoxins (Botox etc) to tone down muscle activity that creates lines/wrinkles
• Injectable fillers as wrinkle plumpers for a “liquid facelift” and natural looking results
• Collagen stimulators (Radiesse and Sculptra) to restore long lasting volume and fullness  (often done in combo in fillers)
• Understanding the complex facial anatomy is key to knowing what to use, how much to use and where to use it.  At DAVinci we are highly skilled and specially trained as expert injectors.   The results are beautiful!

At DAVinci, our main concern is what concerns you!  Come in and let’s chat so we can help you look and feel your very best!  You will be ready for the Holidays if you start now.

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.  

Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

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

PRIMER ON INJECTABLES

A SERIOUS LEVEL OF SKILL IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM INJECTABLE TREATMENTS and to GET BEAUTIFUL, DESIRABLE RESULTS. These are experts and are qualified to give injectable treatments:  Board Certified Plastic Surgeons; Facial Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists or Oculoplastic Surgeons, specially trained RN’s, CRN’s or PA’s who work directly under a surgeons supervision.  The KEY WORDs to look for in their advertising is:  Specially Trained Expert Injector.   These people have specialized training, are certified in injectables of every kind and have a vast knowledge base of their best uses, the risks involved, their history and much more.

PEOPLE NOT QUALIFIED TO PERFORM INJECTABLE TREATMENTS: include aestheticians, hair stylists, cosmetologists, dentists or medical professionals who have not been specifically trained to use today’s injectables. They are not Expert Injectors.

TRUST YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE:  The only place you should get injectable treatments performed is in your doctor’s/surgeon’s office or Medi-Spa within that office under the physician’s direct supervision.  DO NOT GET INJECTABLES AT YOUR LOCAL SPA or SALON!  They are not qualified nor medically equipped for routine injections or for emergencies in cases of injury or health complications.  They are not required to follow medically defined sterility and health standards and they are not supervised by an on site doctor who is responsible, trained and experienced.  HTTP://www.davinciplastic.com.

INJECTABLES DO PREVENT LINES and WRINKLES and LIFT SAGGING SKIN…Today’s injectables are truly amazing and they do achieve results either instantly or gradually and subtly.

BOTOX®  is the well known “denerving agent” used to smooth out existing lines and to prevent future ones.  FDA approved in 2002, Botox works by relaxing/paralyzing the muscles in motion that create smile lines, forehead lines, parentheses between the eyes and Botox, (Botulinum Toxin Type A) has been used therapeutically since the early 1950’s for treating spasms, uncontrollable blinking and  much more and today successfully treats chronic Migraine Headaches, excessive sweating etc. and is a leader in cosmetic anti aging treatments.

HYALURONIC ACIDS:  HA is a naturally occurring body substance that declines with aging.  Similar to a sponge, HA attracts and binds to water to keep the skin hydrated and well contoured.  Hyaluronic acid fills in the spaces between collagen and elastin fibers.  Replacing it with injectable treatments means putting back into your body a substance natural to and recognized by the body…it’s accepted, works well and restores youthfulness!  Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane are top choices to replace depleted Hyaluronic Acid.

COLLAGEN BOOSTERS:  These provide long lasting results while stimulating your own collagen production.  Sculptra offers results often lasting up to 24 months and is excellent for filling in hollow cheeks, under eye hollows, nasolabial folds, thin lips and is used in combination with Restylane e.g. to create smoothness around the eye and tear troughs. RADIESSE also is very popular as a collagen booster and provides long lasting results while your own collagen is renewed.

FAT GRAFTING/FAT INJECTIONS using your own body…when injected into targeted areas, plumps up, restores contour, fills in hollows and rejuvenates an aging face, hollow hands and more.  It’s natural, with no risk of rejection or reaction.  Results are subtle and continue over time.

BOTTOM LINE ON INJECTABLES:  We help you decide your best choices to achieve more volume, lifting, to banish lines and wrinkles and to restore a more youthful look!

READY TO GET STARTED…WE CAN HELP YOU PUT YOUR BEST SELF FORWARD!

BEST TO YOU AND YOURS,

Steven Davison, M.D.

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

Anti Aging Mini Treatments Are Here To Stay!

The Mini treatments idea was born about 20 years ago based upon the needs of younger patients (40ish) who wanted the benefits of cosmetic procedures, who didn’t need full blown treatments such as facelifts, and whose schedule demanded less downtime etc. These are younger Boomers, Generation X and now also includes the Millennials. What we learned back then was:  1) that aging occurs in stages,   2) that younger people usually need less invasive treatments, and that  3) “mini” options could work very well as long as they started early enough (at the first signs of aging) and maintained the results.  Http://www.davinciplastic.com.

Modified versions of traditional procedures being done today are much more refined, than those offered 20 years ago, by virtue of more advanced precision instruments that enable us in achieving totally natural looking results with increased longevitiy.  Yes, smaller surgeries are right for many people, usually those in their 40’s and early 50’s who are seeing visible age related changes.

Here’s the Bottom Line for today’s Mini Treatments chosen by our patients: 1)  look younger faster,  2) less downtime/ shorter recovery,  3) quicker results, 4) smaller incisions, 5) permanent results when possible.

There are many, many people who qualify for and benefit from these  mini procedures.  What surgeons expect from their patients is this:  realistic expectations.

For the next few blogs I want to cover “mini” procedures:  who they’re for and the many benefits.  This will include the Face, nose, eyes, and neck procedures.  So, look for these blogs.  I also want to do a “primer” on injectables to get you up to speed on what’s really involved there today.

MINI PROCEDURES ARE MAINSTREAM TODAY and are as much in demand as Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and our other great fillers.  Let’s start with the face:

Mini Facelifts “refresh” the face by addressing the most common signs of aging like sagging skin in the lower 1/3rd of the face and possibly the upper neck during one procedure. The Benefits include shorter recovery time, shorter incisions/nearly invisible scars and permanent yet subtle improvement.  Limitations include:  inability to effectively correct excessively slack skin and large areas of wrinkles. Longer incisions are required to deal with excessive skin laxity.  True Mini Facelifts correct the underlying structure and loose skin.  Beware of “fake” mini lifts that are superficial only; that claim to be done in under an hour and without anesthesia.  This is not a true facelift and will not achieve desirable results especially in older patients who may need more work than the mini can offer.

BOTTOM LINE:  the Mini Facelift is terrific for many people who opt for it soon enough and who choose a board certified plastic surgeon who is fully trained and experienced in performing facial surgeries.

MINI FACELIFT OVERVIEW:   1) WHO IT’S FOR…those in late 30’s, 40’s or early 50’s with fairly good skin laxity and the first signs of aging in the mid and lower face.  Younger patients have fewer signs.    2) ANESTHESIA:  Local or sedation   3)  LENGTH OF SURGERY:  2-4 hours,   4)  RECOVERY:  some swelling, bruising and general discomfort for a few days.  Resolves on it’s own with rest and oral pain medication.  5) RESULTS: usually last for 5 to 10 years with maintenance.

Hope your summer is going well.  Let’s talk about your concerns and help you get your best face forward!

Best to you and yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

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

MAY is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month….today is Melanoma Black Monday!

Hard to believe we’re into May already!  So, I must do my annual warning against skin cancer:  May has been designated by many organizations as National Skin Cancer Awareness Month…and that involves letting you know about skin cancers and ways you

Sun Protection

can avoid them.  We do this year after year because:  Melanoma and Non Melanoma  is the most common form of skin cancer in the United States.  For my faithful blog followers, please review this and pass it along to someone who needs this information.

SKIN CANCER FACTS AS THEY ARE:

1)  More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by sun exposure.  2)  Every hour 1 person dies from skin cancer   3)  Skin cancer accounts for more than 50% of all cancers combined   4) Per the American Cancer Association: more than 1 million cases will be diagnosed this year   5)  Skin cancer is most deadly among African Americans, Asians and Latinos   6)  One bad burn during childhood doubles the risk factor   7)  Men are diagnosed with skin cancer more often than women.

2 CATEGORIES:   Highly curable  (basal cell and squamous cell cancers) ……Deadly  (melanomas)

AVOID TANNING BEDS…the new trend among women between 18 to 29 years of age…involves an 8 times greater risk of developing skin cancer. and increased use of tanning beds increased the risk of getting skin cancers.

Skin cancer history is also linked to new skin cancers developing in other areas of the body according to a large study done by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston  (over 46,000 men and 100K+ women involved in the study) which ran from June 1984 to June 2008.  Nearly 70,000 new cases of skin cancers were diagnosed in these patients with a history of previous skin cancers with the women  being at higher risk than the men.  Bottom line is….both men and women get skin cancers…mostly from excess sun exposure and early diagnosis and treatment is critical to good outcomes.  SEE MY BLOGS FROM MAY 2012, 2011 for more info on skin cancer, risk factors, staying safe and more….

FIVE MORE SUN PROTECTIVE TIPS….  6)  Don’t use sunscreen that has “baked” in your hot car….it’s useless.   7) If you take medications or use OTC pain killers….talk with your Dr. since many of these cause “photosensitivity.”  8) UVA rays penetrate glass…so be aware when sitting by windows during the heat of summer   9)  Don’t count on makeup for protection….you must know what level of protection it offers…and if you need to also use sunscreen    10)  Beach umbrellas block sun from above…but not the glare from below or from the water….choose carefully when setting up for the day.

MOTHER’S DAY….give your Mom or Sweetheart a SPA DAY  or a GIFT COUPON for BOTOX, RADIESSE…JUVEDERM,  LIP AUGMENTATION….  or a procedure she’s been talking about!   Women love these kinds of gifts!   Give a “New Mommy” a SPA DAY….and info about Mommy Makeovers.

Have a great May!

Steven Davison M.D.

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

GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT OF BEAUTY…Botox, Juvederm, Lip Augmentation etc…