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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
JULY 2023
Why Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Right ALL OR NOTHING
When did you last go all in on a project or goal? If it has been a while, there’s a great opportunity coming up. July 26 is All or Nothing Day — or, as I like to call it: the one day of the year I don’t slack off . I’m kidding! I aim to put my heart and soul into everything I do, whether it’s my work, hobbies, or health. It has always served me well. One of my first experiences going all in was as a young teen who needed to make some money. My family had six kids, and we didn’t get an allowance. I made business cards advertising my services as a handyman and passed them around to the neighbors. One woman asked me if I could put a new roof on her garage. I said, “Sure.” As a 13-year-old, I had no idea what I was doing. But in the pre-internet days, I went down to the library and read a magazine article about how to install a shingled roof. It didn’t seem that hard, and I completed the job. “Wow,” my customer enthused when I finished. “You must have been doing this for a while!” My first real job was working at the department of public works. After a few years, I thought I deserved a raise and asked for one. My boss told me the head town administrator was the only person who could grant that request. I’d never met him before, but I scheduled an appointment.
prepared, and I laid out my reasons. I also explained that it would only cost the town $40 over a two- week pay period, and it was a reasonable request. The administrator peppered me with all sorts of questions. “Why do you deserve a raise? Doesn’t everyone else deserve one, too?” he asked. I stuck to my guns and argued my case. But while he was putting on a tough guy act, I could see him holding back a smile. He eventually “caved” and told me he could stretch the budget enough to accommodate my request. The decision to go for it paid off. I’ve had slip-ups like anyone else though. Interestingly enough, my biggest failure to commit was at the start of my college education. That changed after a humorous but fateful encounter at a fraternity party. I still remember my shoes sticking to the basement floor from layers of spilled beer as I crossed the room to reach a bar stool. The guy sitting next to me was drunk out of his mind, but he struck up a conversation. He asked me about my major, and I told him I was an engineering student. “Have you always wanted to be an engineer?” he asked. “Not really,” I responded, “I originally wanted to go to medical school.” “You should!” he insisted. But I explained I wasn’t cut out for it; I’d gotten a B in my high school biology class. This wasted stranger turned to me and said, “You’re an idiot. They don’t care about your
high school grades.” Then he became annoyed and slurred, “You don’t deserve to go to medical school!”
He was right; I was being an idiot. And I didn’t deserve to live out my dreams if I was going to give them up so easily. But this guy changed my thinking and made me realize I’d only get what I wanted if I went for it. I frequently think it would be great to track down that drunk fraternity brother to thank him. Following this crazy encounter, I switched directions and committed myself to getting into medical school. During medical school, it required some doing to try to get into a great ophthalmology residency — I studied for hours to impress an ophthalmology professor at my medical school. He really appreciated my drive and eventually wrote a critically important letter of recommendation that helped me to get in to my residency program in New York City.
Let All or Nothing Day be a wake-up call. Now is the time to try that new hobby you’ve been
thinking about or commit to improving your health. Don’t put your toe in the water with one painting class or one healthy meal — go after it with all your heart. When you’re willing to commit, incredible things can happen.
He made me wait for a while, then asked me to justify why I deserved 50 cents more per hour. I was
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DON’T GET BURNED! Protect Your Skin With These Simple Tips
Summer is in full swing, which means the sun’s rays are shining bright for most of the country. In fact, the average UV index, or the intensity of ultraviolet light, across the U.S. is 7 or above on a scale of 13. To put that into perspective, a UV index of 3 is strong enough to damage the skin.
easily penetrate them and water like an ocean, lake, or pool. That’s why sunscreen is essential whenever you’re outside, even for just 20 minutes on a cloudy day.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunblock that is at least 30 SPF and protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Reapply every two hours, and if you’re swimming or playing in the water, reapply every hour! CHOOSE YOUR OUTSIDE TIME WISELY. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so your skin is much more susceptible to damage during this period. If you can, save outdoor tasks (like yardwork) for early morning or late afternoon. If you are planning to spend some time outside within this time frame, it’s best to do so in the shade. You can also use the shadow rule: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are strong enough to damage your skin, so it’s time to find shade. PICK THE RIGHT OUTFITS. If possible, choose darker-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants made with tightly woven fabrics like canvas or synthetic materials such as nylon. Then, protect your face, neck, and ears with a wide-brimmed hat and cover your eyes with 99% to 100% UV-absorbent sunglasses. These types of clothing and accessories block more of the sun’s rays from ever reaching your skin and minimize your risk of a severe sunburn.
However, just because the UV index is high doesn’t mean you have to hide inside — you just need to practice a bit of safety when you’re outdoors! To protect you and your family during the hottest
months of the year, here are three ways to keep your skin sunburn-free.
USE SUNSCREEN WHENEVER YOU’RE OUTSIDE — EVEN WHEN IT’S CLOUDY. Many think sunscreen is only necessary at the beach or near a pool. However, the sun’s harmful rays will always reach your skin, no matter what you’re doing outside. Also, remember that while clouds may look like they’re blocking the sun, UV rays
TRUST IN THE PROCESS
How Dr. Scott Gained Susan’s Confidence
Any doctor must work hard to gain Susan’s trust. “I ask a lot of questions because I like to know the details,” she says. So, she was immediately impressed when Dr. Scott took the time to review the procedure with her before removing a small cyst in her eye. “I asked how he could see in such a tiny space,” Susan remembers. “He pointed to his microscope glasses and said, ‘Because when I look through these, I can see the Grand Canyon from here!’ That’s when I felt like I could trust him.” The surgery went well, so Susan returned in early 2023 for an upper blepharoplasty on both eyelids. “I had to keep raising my eyebrows to speak to someone,” she says. “Otherwise, I couldn’t see the way I wanted to see. Dr. Scott told me he could help with that, and I knew he could.”
Eight weeks post-surgery, Susan says, “I didn’t know how much I couldn’t see! I had pictures taken after the procedure, and I looked horrified. I realized I was still trying to raise my eyebrows. I had to say, ‘You can’t do that anymore, Sue!’” Recovery went well, with Susan noting, “I felt no pain at all.” Friends and family immediately complimented the results. “My kids are like, ‘Mom, you look great!’” Still, that wasn’t her original goal. “People ask if I did this to look younger, and I say no, that’s just a bonus,” she explains. “Now I have peripheral vision and can see the ceiling without tilting my head back. Also, I had braces for the first time at age 55 because I didn’t like how my teeth looked. So, you should do whatever feels best for you.”
Susan doesn’t reserve all her praise for Dr. Scott and is quick to applaud the office staff. “The people at your front desk can make or break a doctor’s practice,” she says. “Everyone at Eye Plastic Associates is so kind and considerate, and I think that reflects the quality of Dr. Scott’s work. It’s important to me that everyone at the office know that they matter.” Asked what advice she would give anyone struggling with heavy eyelids, Susan says, “Stop thinking about getting it fixed and do something about it! Book a consultation, and if you really want the procedure, you’ll have it done after talking to Dr. Scott. He’ll reassure you, and when you have confidence in your doctor, you can’t go wrong.”
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We’ve all seen eyelids that get heavier with age, whether in our neighbors, loved ones, or mirrors. Herniated fat or excess skin around the eyes makes people look tired and older than their years. In some cases, it even restricts their vision. But many people struggle with deciding to take action. When is the right time to consider a blepharoplasty or other eyelid surgery? Dr. Scott reports that he has treated patients of all ages. Some people develop problems due to a genetic predisposition as early as their 20’s. He has also operated on patients over 100 years old. But generally speaking, people in their 40’s are on the younger end of the spectrum, with most patients between 50 and 80. Ultimately, age is not the most crucial factor for someone considering eyelid surgery. Instead, examine how you feel. The right time to have eyelid surgery is when the changes like puffiness, wrinkles, folds, or lower lid sagging begin to bother you. You might consistently think, “I look tired,” “I hardly recognize myself,” or “I look like my mom/dad.” Once your appearance reaches the point where you’re considering taking action, Dr. Scott recommends not waiting years to rejuvenate your eyelids. People who delay until the problem becomes extreme will most likely need more extensive surgery and might not reach the same end result. What Is the Best Age for Eyelid Surgery?
There are also medical factors to consider. For example, a person who develops atrial fibrillation and their doctors will not let them come off blood thinners would not be a good candidate for surgery. Another example would be someone with severe eye dryness as this becomes more common as you age. You shouldn’t rush a decision, but just know it’s possible to miss a surgery window. Some people worry that having surgery too soon will result in needing a repeat procedure later. This is possible since upper and lower eyelid surgeries generally last 10–15 years. No one can guarantee the problem won’t recur in the future, but there are things you can do to protect your investment. Stop smoking, avoid excessive alcohol, and reduce sun exposure for the longest-lasting results. Dr. Scott strongly urges against rubbing your eyes and recommends good nutrition and hydration. If you have questions about whether the time is right, schedule an appointment with an experienced eyelid surgeon. They’ll gladly help you understand your options to restore your appearance and sight.
GRILLED STEAK SALAD WITH PEACHES Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS
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1 lb skirt steak, fat trimmed 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp light brown sugar
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Black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, juiced 6 cups baby arugula
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us six referrals this month!
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
Kosher salt
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish, combine steak, vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature. 2. Remove steak from marinade, coat with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. 3. On a grill or pan set to high heat, cook steak until desired doneness. Rest 5–10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large serving bowl, add arugula, peaches, blue cheese or feta, and steak. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss.
Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward. –Victor Kiam
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
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How Commitment Drives Results
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Summer Fun Without the Burn!
A Patient’s Review: ‘You Can’t Go Wrong’
The Best Age for Eyelid Surgery
Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches
How a Byzantine Princess Introduced Forks to Europe
IN FORKS WE TRUST HOW EUROPE EVENTUALLY STOPPED EATING WITH THEIR HANDS
If you attend a dinner party, go on a date at a restaurant, or eat a plate of pasta, you’ll use a fork without thinking twice. This is proper etiquette — and the cleanest and most efficient way to eat a meal! Could you imagine trying to eat a plate of spaghetti and meatballs without one? Wealthy people in other parts of the world, such as the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East, have been using forks since the 17th century. However, before that, forks were considered to be sacrilegious and rude to use at the dinner table in Europe! In fact, in the 11th century, a Byzantine princess was ridiculed for bringing forks into her new husband’s home. Maria Argyropoulina, the Greek niece of Emperor Basil II of Byzantium, arrived in Venice, Italy, prepared to marry Giovanni, the son of Pietro Orseolo II, the Doge of Venice. She brought all of her belongings with her to move into her new house, including a case of golden forks. At the wedding, she pulled out one of her golden forks to partake in her wedding feast, and the reaction she got took her by surprise.
The clergy lambasted her, saying things like, “God in his wisdom has provided man with natural forks — his fingers. Therefore, it is an insult to him to substitute artificial metal forks for them when eating.” However, this didn’t urge the princess to eat with her hands, and she stuck with her forks. Shortly after the marriage, the Byzantine princess, unfortunately, contracted the plague and passed away. Many believed this was “karma” for refusing to eat with her hands and bringing a fork to her husband’s home. But thanks to Maria Argyropoulina, Europe was introduced to the fork and never had to worry about eating spaghetti and meatballs — or any other dish — with their hands again.
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