Take a look at the first edition of our new newsletter, The Monthly Renewal!
The
Monthly
Renewal
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • www.eyeplasticmd.com
OCTOBER 2020
How Failing My Driver’s Test Led Me to My Career AN ENTHUSIASTIC PURSUIT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
When I was in medical school, I failed the distance vision test when I tried to renew my driver’s license. This meant it wasn’t legal for me to drive, so I needed to get glasses. The ophthalmologist who worked with me, Dr. David MacMillan, was amazing. On the very first day he fit me with contacts I was shocked to discover how much distance vision I had slowly lost over time. I had simply adjusted to not seeing people clearly up ahead; I accepted it as normal to see only their outline or to identify someone by the way they walked. I then recalled each of the times I chose to sit in the front row of my classes while assuming everyone who sat in the back must be goofing off because there was no way they could see clearly from that far away. The day I got those contact lenses, I suddenly realized that what I previously thought to be normal, was not. When this ophthalmologist’s exam revealed all that I had been missing, I lit up. I couldn’t believe the difference, the improvement, and I kept thinking how wonderful it must be to work in that medical field, how great it must be to help a patient in that same way.
From there, I applied for and got accepted to a residency program in New York City’s Manhattan Eye,
Ear, and Throat Hospita l . I did a three-year study in ophthalmology and, in my final year, one of my fellow residents and I were selected as the Chief Residents. During that same time, I was blessed by being exposed to a multitude of eyelid plastic surgeons (oculoplastic surgeons) and even worked with Dr. Byron Smith. He’s known among oculoplastic surgeons as “the father of oculoplastic surgery.” It was always fascinating to get his take on certain patients or issues when other surgeons would ask him for his opinion or advice. It was a wonderful time, and while I was already excited about ophthalmology, I became even more enthusiastic about this sub-specialty. Because of this added interest, I then continued my training with a two-year fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida and trained exclusively in eyelid plastic and reconstructive surgery. During that time, I also oversaw the teaching of ophthalmology residents. Each week I gave a lecture on a different subject within oculoplastics. Apparently, I was so thrilled by what I was sharing in my talks, at the end of those two years the residents gave me a humorous plaque that said I suffered from the “Syndrome of Inappropriate Enthusiasm.”
“At the end of those two years, they gave me a humorous plaque that said I suffered from the ‘Syndrome of Inappropriate Enthusiasm.’ ”
The enthusiasm those fellow residents pinpointed and that I’ve felt for my chosen field has carried through these years and has never wavered in the least. Even with over 20 years in this field, I feel as though I’m just getting started. I’m still just as excited now as I was the first time I heard Dr. Byron Smith speak about oculoplastic medicine and the first day I opened my own practice in this wonderful field of surgery.
Up to that point in medical school, I felt as though we had barely any training when it came to the eyes. There might have been one day with eight hours of lecture that focused on that part of the anatomy, but that didn’t seem like it was enough. So, when I failed that vision test, I decided I would do some studying on my own. The prospect of making an impressive change in someone’s life — by restoring or improving their vision — got me excited about the field of ophthalmology.
—Dr. Kevin Scott
1
(703) 620-4300
THE BEST FALL SPICES TO BOOST YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
It’s the season of fall spices. Pumpkin spice — which is actually a mix of many different seasonal spices — is a favorite, but it’s not the only one we should try this year. Seasonal spices are a fun way to literally spice up your meals, and many of them also have surprising health benefits!
SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART: CINNAMON
How to add more turmeric to your diet: Homemade curries are a great way to get a good dose of turmeric. You can also add turmeric to roasted vegetables or taco seasoning.
Cinnamon can actually help lower your blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for folks with Type 2 diabetes. The Johns Hopkins Medicine website also reports that cinnamon has heart-healthy benefits. For example, studies show that cinnamon can reduce high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus decreasing the risk of developing heart disease. How to add more cinnamon to your diet: Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal or plain yogurt for a warming boost of flavor. You’ll also find cinnamon in pumpkin spice, a seasonal favorite.
SOMETHING FOR YOUR STOMACH: GINGER
If you’ve ever drunk ginger ale on a plane to calm your upset stomach, then you’ve already experienced the healing properties of ginger. Ginger can be used to treat nausea, including nausea due to motion sickness and pregnancy. Studies show that ginger can also offer relief to cancer patients suffering from nausea caused by chemotherapy.
SOMETHING FOR YOUR BRAIN: TURMERIC
How to add more ginger to your diet: There are many baked goods that call for ginger. Your morning coffee or tea could also benefit from a hint of ginger.
Recent research has found that turmeric can reduce inflammation. A compound in turmeric called curcumin has been shown to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may also help reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to depression and Alzheimer’s.
These are just a few spices that are also superfoods! Do some research to discover the secret benefits of your favorite spices.
straightforward. I never felt pressured to do anything, and I never felt like I was missing any information. They were always really helpful and very communicative during the whole process.” Natalie continued, “Dr. Scott walked me through everything too. I felt like I could ask him anything and never felt uncomfortable with the surgery at any point. It was clear he’d done it many times before and is obviously so well- liked by his staff — the whole process was really an amazing experience.” It’s been a few months since her surgery and Natalie is thrilled with the results. “Within the first week, I looked like my old self and people can’t really tell I had anything done. They look at me and tell me I look a little different but can’t put a finger on why. I was in no pain too, just a little itchy. I would definitely recommend Eye Plastic Associates and Dr. Scott above all. They did amazing work, and I’m so happy with everything they’ve done for me.” Our team at Eye Plastic Associates are happy to hear such wonderful stories, and we’re humbled by Natalie’s kind words. We’re thrilled to have helped her regain the look she wanted and full use of her eyes. THE BENEFITS AND SIMPLE PROCESS OF UPPER LID SURGERY Patient Story of the Month: Natalie Fox
For Natalie Fox, clear vision is an essential part of life — not just for her career in the Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Dentistry and as a mother, but also as an artist. Natalie attended Savannah College of Art and Design and is a designer and oil painter. Her eyes are very important, and even the slightest obstruction can impact her life. The issue Natalie faced was that her eyelids caused her to look far older and much more tired than she actually was. What’s more is that her drooping eyelids restricted her peripheral vision. “I had crummy vision anyway,” Natalie adds. “And not being able to see out of my peripherals as well was frustrating. Things started to get pretty bad in my early 30s, so I went to my eye doctor, Richard Davidson, who’s amazing. He recommended that I go and talk with Dr. Scott and gave me his information.” Once Natalie got approved for surgery, the next steps followed quickly. Even though the prospect of surgery is always a little nerve-wracking, Dr. Scott and his expert and experienced team made sure that Natalie felt as comfortable and well-informed as possible. “Dr. Scott’s staff are amazing. They’re so sweet and so good. They explained everything and were
2 www.eyeplasticmd.com
EYELID REJUVENATION FOR A YOUNGER AND HEALTHIER LOOK
CAN YOU GO THROUGH EYELID REJUVENATION NON-SURGICALLY?
When you look in the mirror and your mom or dad is looking back at you, it’s a good indication that it might be time to consider eyelid rejuvenation. Time, gravity, and everything you’ve been stressed about for years ends up piling onto your eyelids, and it can look as though you’ve aged 5–6 years in only one.
involves removing
excess skin (it may also involve removing muscle and fat), from around the eye for a younger
Yes, there are a few mild options available to you. Botox is one option that, when applied between the brows and out laterally, provides a small lift to the eyelids. Adding filler in the lateral brow can also give a modest lift too. Other treatments include heat treatment, which, when applied to the forehead and eyelids, can also give a modest lift. However, to achieve long-term results, a surgical type of treatment would be recommended.
and healthier look. Dr. Scott uses a CO2 laser to remove excess skin across the upper lids and fat from the lower eyelids for the blepharoplasty treatments. The blepharoplasty treatment, when coupled with a fractional laser resurfacing, which tightens and smooths the skin, a patient will lose 8–10 years in terms of their appearance. If you are interested in learning more about laser blepharoplasty, be sure to call our office at (703) 620-4300.
WHO IS IT PERFECT FOR?
Eyelid rejuvenation is perfect for those who have significant signs of aging around their eyes. There are some individuals in their 20s (and some all the way up to their 90s) who have enough hooding and want to restore their vision. Age is not a factor; it’s whether or not a person’s upper lids feel heavy and/or their lower lids look puffy and tired.
WHAT TREATMENTS DOWE PROVIDE?
In cases such as these, laser eyelid blepharoplasty is very helpful. Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery (or eyelid lift) and typically
Inspiration
Classic Pumpkin Soup Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
Pumpkins aren’t just for pie — they make delicious soup, too! This fall, try your hand at this healthy soup recipe and warm up with a bowl.
INGREDIENTS
“Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets.” — Nido Qubein
• • • •
1 tbsp olive oil 2 shallots, diced
• • • • • •
1 cup canned light coconut milk
2 tbsp honey 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg
3 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/4 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) 2 cups vegetable broth
•
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté olive oil, shallots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée. Pour the blended soup back into the pan. 4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired, then serve!
3 (703) 620-4300
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Inside This Issue 3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • www.eyeplasticmd.com
1
How Failing My Driver’s Test Led Me to My Career
2 2 3 3 4
3 Healthy Spices to Try This Fall
A Painter Needs Unobscured Vision
Impacting Your Life: Eyelid Rejuvenation
Classic Pumpkin Soup
Tips for Buying New Outdoor Gear!
Fall and Winter Sports Are on the Horizon TIPS FOR BUYING NEW OUTDOOR GEAR!
longer need, use Facebook Marketplace where you can sell or trade it. After all, your gear might be perfect for someone else and still give you some money to get a great upgrade for yourself. As you sort through your gear, see if any equipment is damaged and requires repair or replacement. Test flashlights and headlamps to make sure they work and inspect gear that’s been stored and forgotten, like backpacks and tents, that you might not notice the wear and tear on while out in the wild. You don’t want any equipment to malfunction when you’re in the middle of an excursion.
When was the last time you bought new ski pants or hiking boots? Now that you’re thinking about it, you might be realizing it’s been many years since you updated your most used athletic gear, which might explain why you’ve been colder than usual on the ski hill or why your feet ache after a short hike. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider investing in new gear. It can be very expensive, but you’re in luck — the holidays are just around the corner, which means so are the sales! Before you drop cash on new gear, sort through your current inventory and decide what to keep, sell, and toss. This might be hard and you may be tempted to skip it, but making these decisions can help you save money. If you have equipment or athletic wear that’s still in good condition but you no
Now that you know what gear you want to replace, it is time for the fun part.
Decide what outdoor activities you want to do in the upcoming months and in the next year. Adjust your inventory to your new needs and research which brands have the best ratings and reviews. Then, find which retailers tend to have the best prices. Shopping smart takes a little bit of preparation, but it can save you hundreds of dollars and lots of stress during those busy holiday weeks. So, dig through your closet or garage, take note of your current gear, and prepare to find some awesome deals for the whole family on new gear for the coming year.
4
www.eyeplasticmd.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software