Dr. Levens' Parkland Life Magazine Articles

Cosmetic Surgery & Proper Skin Care:  A Powerful Combination
By David J. Levens, MD, PA, FACS       

Why are most cosmetic surgeons such strong proponents of good skin care? 

Three reasons.

First, facial skin which has been properly cleansed, toned, moisturized and protected throughout a patient’s lifetime tends to respond much better to both invasive and non-invasive cosmetic surgery treatments than neglected skin does.  Like their patients, surgeons want to achieve the best possible results.  Indeed, most surgeons require pre-op corrective skin care treatments to prepare the skin for such procedures as facelift, eyelid/brow surgery, laser skin resurfacing and the like.  Such treatments might include deep cleansing facials, light peels, dermabrasion, hydrating facials and other techniques.
           
Second, corrective skin care can resolve many skin problems more effectively and less expensively than surgery.  Surgery is definitely the right option when a patient has drooping, excess skin.  But sometimes, the issue is skin quality, not skin excess—oversized pores, rough texture, discoloration, surface wrinkles, aging and sun damage to name a few. 
           
In such cases, the same kinds of treatment prescribed for pre-op patients may make all the difference...without surgery.  However, it is important to remember that corrective skin care is a process, not an event.  Just as one trip to the gym doesn’t change a person’s physique, one corrective skin treatment won’t resolve years of damage.  Repeated treatments are usually needed to re-educate skin cells.  Even peels don’t achieve instant results by themselves.  Peels can remove the outer layer of facial skin but if the cells beneath haven’t been “retrained” through repeated corrective treatments, the skin will grow back with many of its original problems.
           
How long does it take for corrective skin care without surgery to produce definite, visible improvement in facial skin?  Of course, the answer depends upon the quality of the patient’s skin and the nature of the problem—acne scars, large pores, texture issues, etc.  Sometimes, obvious improvement is seen after a relatively short series of treatments.  Often, it takes regular visits for many months.  As our aesthetician Dierdre Fields says, “There are no quick fixes.”  But most skin problems—like most figure problems--didn’t develop overnight.  It took time to create the problem; it takes time to correct it. 
           
Many patients who invest time and money in corrective skin care view it the same way they view joining a gym or hiring a trainer: an investment that achieves desired results in the long run.  Others put such treatments in the same category as monthly manicures, pedicures or haircuts: something you do for yourself because it improves your overall appearance.
           
The third reason cosmetic surgeons are such fans of quality skin care is that such treatments are so important post-surgery to help the skin heal as quickly as possible, to help avoid complications, and to help the skin bounce back in the healthiest way from the trauma of an invasive procedure.  Post-op treatments typically include lymphatic drainage and soothing, hydrating facials. 
           
A final comment on skin care:  The best advice is to stay out of the sun.  Sun damage is one of the most common—and avoidable—problems we see.  If you must be in the sun, use a very strong sun block.  Reapply frequently and limit your exposure.  If a nice tan is your goal, the safest bet is to use one of the many excellent self-tanning lotions on the market today.  These products are safe, readily available and produce very natural-looking results.  Your skin will thank you.

Interested in seeing past articles? See our archived Parkland Life Articles page.

David Levens, MD, PA, FACS has been practicing cosmetic surgery in Coral Springs since 1989.  In addition to his private practice at 1725 University Drive, Dr. Levens has served as Vice Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at the Coral Springs Medical Center. He is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  Dr. Levens has been cited repeatedly in Miami Metro Magazine’s annual lists of “Best Doctors in South Florida”.  He earned his medical degree at Columbia University, New York, and served residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery at Montefiore Hospital & Medical Center, New York.  He lives in Coral Springs with his wife, Linda, and their two children, Danielle and Ben. He can be reached at 954-752-1020 or www.DrLevens.com