In the Bill Murray movie Ground Hog Day, weatherman Phil Conners lives the same day over and over again until he, “gets it right”. A hilarious and thought provoking film, Ground Hog Day brings into question our purpose, what is important to us and how we can get out of a rut. My trainer, Jay Hieron told me that as a picked on 90lb high school weakling, his wrestling coach told him, “Jay, you need to do 200 push ups and 200 sit ups every day.” For over 30 years now, Jay’s been doing them and has since became a National Champion College Wrester, MMA Fighter and Actor in many films including the John Wick series and the new movie Roadhouse. Although, I’m not quite up to the 200/200 combination, I was inspired to get out of my own rut and return to Fight Camp at AKA Thailand, a the Fitness Oasis in Phuket, Thailand to re-focus on my fitness, and how I can use the tools around me to improve the lives of my patients and my team at Las Vegas Dermatology®. Although I only spent 5 days at AKA, being back in Phuket and seeing the dedication of the trainers who have spent their lives competing in Muay Thai since early childhood and travelers from across the world at all levels of fitness spending weeks and even months at that camp training their bodies has been inspirational- their discipline reminds me of the dedication and sacrifice it took for me to become a Board Certified Dermatologist- with my 11 years of formal medical training after college.
Having spent 9 years in Michigan (including undergrad, medical school and a research year), I welcomed the opportunity to follow our 2023 Michigan Football team to a number of games this year including The Rose Bowl and National Championship Game, where the undefeated Wolverines hoisted the National Championship Trophy. Michigan’s workman like attitude of putting in the effort without being overly flashy or self-congratulatory was exemplified by their business like attitude and Trucker pre-game shirts with just a first name on them rather than fancy clothes and bling. The Michigan Team grinded daily and celebrated rarely to become champions and it was an inspirational thrill to be able to share the experience of an undefeated season with my Brother and friends.
Cosmetically, I received a Kybella treatment by Dr. Cotter before my AKA vacation to remove under-chin/upper neck fat- typically it takes 4à6 treatments for best results- numbness and bull frog like swelling is common for up to 2 weeks post injection. Additionally, I’m half way through my 4-4-4 series of skin improvement treatments by our fabulous Laser Aesthetician Melissa Ship- the 4 procedures performed 4 weeks apart 4 times includes the Hydrafacial, Sciton BBL, Sciton Moxi and Skin Pen Microneedling. We are now using, “Exosomes” (cell signaling proteins) from ExoCoBio the parent company of Benev, which are applied immediately post treatment and can be combined with ProGen PRP (using your own platelets) to speed wound healing and improve long term results. A proper post-microneedling/laser treatment regimen helps to speed wound healing and improve appearance, while a consistent daily skin care regimen is also essential (consistency matters).
This year, I will join the Editorial Board of Practical Dermatology, and I look forward to reviewing articles, writing editorials and using my position to grow my Dermatology knowledge base and to improve the lives of my patients. Although no one wants to have a disease, it’s a good time for those with skin disease in America, from new Eczema, Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and novel Acne therapies to advances in Rosacea and Skin Cancer treatments, our office remains dedicated to the patient. Dr. Sarah Bovenberg (our world class MOHS surgeon), Dr. Scott MacLeod, P.A.-C. Jessica Pepich & P.A.-C. Joe Gurule, along with my Derm Bro, Dr. David Cotter, and our Laser Aesthetician Melissa Shipp- we are ready to address all your skin disease needs, as each of us brings some unique expertise to our clinic. Las Vegas Dermatology® continues to run multiple clinical trials– everything from Atopic Eczema to Squamous Cell Skin Cancer, and Psoriasis- Jasmine Jaeger and Jasmine Basa are leading the research charge. If you or someone you know has eczema, hives, psoriasis or squamous cell skin cancer feel free to call the office to see if we have a clinical trial for your condition- many times medications are free and there may be financial compensation.
The Derm Bros® and team continue to treat Acne, Cysts, Rashes, Skin Cancers, wrinkles and more! We also have lots of fun tools to help you look and feel your best- from botulinum toxins, fillers, kybella, lasers, Sciton BBL, and hydrafacial to the newest skin care products like Alastin, Hydrinity and Upneeq. The Las Vegas Dermatology Foundation, a tax deductible 501c3 is taking donations and using your funds to educate those interested in Dermatology careers and will be offering treatments for those with skin disease- checks can be sent to the office or you can donate via Paypal. We are a group of dedicated individuals looking to fulfill our vision For a Healthier and More Beautiful Life. I hope you take the time to go on your own adventure and that it inspires you to be a better person. Las Vegas has it really good- there’s a lot to do, the city is growing, people are energetic, food amazing, F1 was here, and the Super Bowl is on its way.
It’s Ground Hog Day; get it right!
Dr. Vegas
