Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to remove unwanted lines and wrinkles on my face?
The most important thing to do is moisturize and wear sunscreen on a daily basis. Past the basics, there are many things that can be done cosmetically. Of the topicals, retin-a, vitamin C, and glycolic acids work well. These are either prescribed or sold by dermatologists.
What is hyperpigmentation and how is it treated?
Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin. On the face the cause can be either from scars, such as acne, melasma, or direct result from sun exposure. Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent often used to treat hyperpigmentation. In combination with retin-A, dark areas can be removed. Although sunscreen is an important thing to remember to keep our faces looking healthy.
What is the best preventative for sun damage and wrinkles?
The best prevention for sun damage and wrinkles is NO SUN. But of course we all realize that is not possible. Therefore the use of daily sunscreen is important. Also, using moisturizers on a daily basis can help replenish the water our skin naturally loses.
What is Restalyne? How often would I need it?
Restalyne is a chemical filler. It is used to replace volume that we have lost from the body’s natural aging process. It is FDA approved for the deep wrinkles between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds). The FDA approved its use to last 9 months, although results may vary by individual.
I’ve heard that Botox can make your face frozen. Is this true?
Botox is a product used to soften fine lines and wrinkles. It works by enabling the muscle from working. Normally, trained professionals put the right amount of product, such that the patients look more relaxed but not frozen.
Is laser hair removal permanent? Does it hurt? Does it work on all types of hair?
Laser hair removal can be used as a permanent for of hair removal on the right individuals. More than one treatment is required to remove all of the actively growing hair. Discomfort is minimum. The ideal patient has darker hair with lighter skin. Although, laser hair removal can be successful on darker individuals, care must be taken to adjust the energy of the machine. This is why it is important that it be done under the supervision of medical doctors. Gray hair (unless recently turned gray) and re hair is not removed by laser hair removal.
My doctor told me I have a keloid. What is it and how is it treated?
A keloid is scar tissue. It can form after injury to the skin, such as ear piercing and surgery. Keloids can be treated with topical agents if caught early. Keloids that are very thick may need to be injected with steroid to improve its cosmetic appearance.
I have moderate to severe acne. What are my treatment options, and is it always necessary to go on Accutane?
Acne can have many causes. The dermatologists will first talk with the patient to understand the aggravating factors for each individual. In broad terms, most acne can be controlled topically. Agents such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, antibiotics, and retnoids are great first option choices. When additional treatment is needed, oral antibiotics are used. Accutane, which can be a more permanent solution to certain types of acne, is usually not first line therapy. Patients must fail other treatments before accutane is considered.
What are skin tags? Are they covered under insurance?
Skin tags are growths from the skin that occur on the neck, underarm, and groin area. They are not dangerous, and therefore, are not covered by insurance.
I have severe underarm sweating. Is this a problem best treated by a dermatologist, and what are my options?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person sweats excessively in the areas of forehead, underarms, hands and feet. The condition has been socially embarrassing to patients and treatment options are available. There are over the counter topical agents to decrease sweat, when these agents fail prescription options are discussed. One such agent is Botox, which when injected into the area can stop sweating for approximately six months.
My Retin-A is making me red, dry and flaking. Help!
Retin-A can be irritating. Getting red, dry, and flaky are side effects of Retin-A, not an allergic reaction. I always have my patients start out slowly and wean up to every night. Moisturizers can be used to calm down the effects of Retin-A. Patients should discuss which moisturizer is best for them with their dermatologist.
If Radiesse is a filler that lasts up to 18 months and Juvederm/Restylane are fillers that last up to 6 months, why shouldn’t I just go with Radiesse since it lasts longer?
There are many fillers on the market today. Some fillers are for fine lines, while others are for deeper wrinkles. The amount of correction an individual needs will help decide which filler is best for them. Although Radiesse lasts up to 18 months it may not be the best filler for you.
What is the difference between a melanoma and a squamous/basal cell carcinoma? Which is “worse”?
There are basically three forms of skin cancer. The first and most common is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). BCC’s are a direct effect of sun exposure and thus occur in areas of sun damage. They are curable by surgical excision, and they only invade locally. Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) are also a skin cancer that occurs as a direct effect of the sun’s damaging rays. SCC, however, can metastasize to the liver, lymph nodes, and lungs. Melanomas are a form of skin cancer that are not necessarily caused from sun exposure, although there is a variant that is (lentigo maligna melanoma). Melanomas have a genetic predisposition, therefore family history is important. Melanomas can occur in non sun exposed areas, and thus full body skin exams are important.
What is MOHS?
MOHS is a form of skin cancer surgery that uses a conservative approach to excision. The MOHS surgeon has the ability to test the skin for the cancer at the time of the surgery, thereby clearing the cancer with the least amount of skin removed.
Do you offer a payment plan on cosmetic procedures not covered under insurance?
Cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance plans. Many offices will offer interest-free payment plans as a convenience to the patient.
What kinds of creams, lotions and cleansers can I use if I have hypersensitive skin?
There are many forms of sensitive skin. Some people have rosacea and other eczema. Overall, all patients with sensitive skin need to stay away from products with fragrances and dyes. Products I recommend are products such as Dove, Aveeno, Cetaphil, Eucerin and Vanicream.
How do I know if I need to visit a dermatologist versus an allergist?
Dermatology encompasses all the skin overall. So if someone is suffering from a condition that is affecting their skin, a dermatologist consult is warranted.
What can I do to get rid of the crepiness under the eyes?
Everyone complains of under eye wrinkles, including myself. These fine lines can be stubborn. There are a few very nice eye creams that I recommend that are safe as well as effective for under the eye.
Why do females on Accutane have to take pregnancy tests?
Accutane is a derivative of Vitamin A at a very high dose. This medication can be teratogenic, meaning harmful to a fetus. Therefore, a pregnancy test is required before beginning Accuatane and at each follow up visit. Two forms of birth control are also required in order to start Accutane for the reasons stated above.
How do antibiotics help to control acne?
One cause of acne can be a bacteria, P. acnes. Antibiotics can have a direct effect on pustular acne by destroying these bacteria. Antibiotics can also have an anti-inflammatory effect against papules seen as acne.
What is the difference between a beauty spa and a medical spa like your office?
Our medical spa is backed by the authority and quality of physicians
in a spa atmosphere. We have two board certified dermatologists on staff
during our business hours, and cosmetic procedures such as Restylane,
Botox, or Radiesse are performed by the physicians only. We have the
added benefit of our seasoned medical aesthetician with over 23 years
of experience.