While volunteering as an ER doctor  at NYU Winthrop’s COVID unit, Dr. Thomas Davenport, Chief of Plastic Surgery, Director of Microsurgery, and Director of Surgical Wound Care at NYU Winthrop Hospital and Partner at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, noticed that many of his colleagues were suffering from a variety of skin irritations, rashes, and breakouts as a result of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) for long hours every day.

“What I saw was truly inspiring as medical teams worked long hours in difficult conditions while maintaining the highest level of both professionalism and compassion,” says Dr. Davenport. “One of the most difficult aspects of caring for these patients was the many hours of wearing PPE, specifically the face masks, which would often result in very noticeable and painful pressure injuries across the nose and face with some so severe as to have the possibility of scarring. I found myself as a plastic surgeon fielding the same questions over and over about the care and treatment of facial injury issues. While there were so many people who were supporting our caregiver teams in so many ways, I knew our group at Deep Blue Med Spa, an extension of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, could be a part of that greater effort by addressing this problem.”

Despite many dermatology and aesthetic offices being closed, Deep Blue Med Spa is offering complimentary virtual consultations to any essential workers that are experiencing skin issues as a result of wearing PPE. These essential workers include everyone from airline and healthcare workers to grocery store workers and more.

“With the combined effort of our skincare PAs and cosmetic surgeons, we devised an optimal plan for PPE-related injuries and sent it out through our hospitals and social media,” explains Dr. Davenport. “We are also offering free consultations for the care of these injuries. Now as the COVID-19 epidemic continues, we are further developing our treatment plan and program for treating PPE facial injuries.”

“Patients that generally have good skin are experiencing increased oil production and acne,” adds Melissa Colletti-White, a board certified Plastic Surgical PA at Deep Blue Med Spa. To help, she specifically created an instructional skincare video for frontline workers dealing with skincare issues as a result of PPE. Watch the video above for more expert tips.

Adriana Coico, a physician assistant at Long Island Community Hospital and at Northwell GoHealth, recently completed a virtual consultation with Deep Blue Med Spa and enjoyed the convenient and easy experience. She has also seen major improvements in her skin as a result of her consult, including the improvement of blemishes and acne scars.

“It was quick, and easy, and done from the comfort of my own home,” she shares. “I didn't have to worry about waiting for the office to open for in-person appointments and this allowed for my treatment process to begin immediately. I have seen major improvement since my virtual visit. I had a follow-up virtual appointment and was placed on a course of antibiotics to get rid of my residual blemishes under the guidance of a certified physician assistant at Deep Blue Med Spa. Having the support I had during this process was key for complete eradication. I am so thankful to be able to have PPE, but wearing the same mask, goggles/face shield for 12+ hours caused skin issues I never thought I would encounter nor was comfortable treating on my own.”

If you’re an essential worker and would like to sign up for a complimentary virtual consultation, click here. ProBLUEMD line of skincare products are also being offered at a discount to essential workers through the consultations.

For more information, visit deepbluemedspa.com and follow them on Instagram: @deepbluemedspa

[Images courtesy of Deep Blue Med Spa]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk