A: The major cause of skin aging is the sun, but the tendency to wrinkle is also inherited. To prevent wrinkles, always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, a hat with a brim and other protective clothing.
A: "Age" or "liver spots" are flat, brown spots that have nothing to do with the liver -- they are caused by the sun and usually appear on the face, hands, back and feet. They are generally harmless.
A: Spider veins are unattractive blood vessels, usually on the face or legs, that have a red or bluish color. They can be treated successfully with laser treatments.
A: For best results, laser treatment of port-wine stain birthmarks should begin as early as possible, even in infancy. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and the majority of patients will notice a tremendous improvement.
A: Everyone has moles, and they are usually harmless. If the appearance of a mole worries you, or changes suddenly in any way, you should consult a dermatologist.
A: Laser peels, collagen and botox treatments, fat transfers and alpha-hydroxy acid treatments can all be done in our offices by doctors who are trained in cosmetic treatments.
A: Acne is not hereditary, however there are many new treatments for curing and preventing acne and it is well worth a visit to have your child examined.
A: As skin ages, it becomes thinner due to sun damage. Medications and other health conditions can also lead to bruising. Visit your dermatologist to have these bruises and any other changes in your skin checked on a yearly basis
A: Healthy skin is a reflection of good health. In addition to maintaining a good diet with exercise, you should also keep your skin well hydrated by drinking 8 glasses of water a day - no matter what your age. Avoiding sun damage in your youth will pay off in your middle and later years. However, if you were a sun worshiper as a teen and young adult, chemical peels, laser treatments and other cosmetic dermatologic treatments can improve the appearance of your skin. Wearing a sun block at all times with an SPF of 15 or greater will also help to keep your skin looking younger. Different treatments are advisable for different people at different stages of life, so speak with your dermatologist about this.
A: There are three common types of skin cancer. They are: basal cell cancer; squamous cell cancer, and malignant melanoma.
Basal cell cancer occurs most commonly in patients with chronic sun exposure. Basal cell cancers account for 80% of all skin cancers. They are most often located on the head and neck area, but can occur anywhere on the body. If treated properly, basal cell cancers have a better than 95% cure rate. Squamous cell cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer, accounting for 16% of all skin cancers. They are also common in patients with chronic sun exposure, however, they may metastasize and are potentially lethal, if untreated. Malignant melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but the most deadly. At present, about one in 74 Americans will develop melanoma. It is the sixth most common cancer in men and seventh most common in women, overall. It is the most common cancer in women 25-29 years of age.A: Generally speaking, once a year, patients with moles should be examined by a certified dermatologist, for a full skin exam. However, certain patients, with atypical moles, may have an increased risk for developing skin cancer. These patients should be examined more frequently.
A: Risk factors that increase a person's likelihood of developing skin cancer include a personal history of chronic sun exposure and previous blistering sunburns, personal and/or family history of skin cancer, light skin color with blonde, or red hair, and light eye color, as well as multiple abnormally shaped or pigmented moles. If a patient has any of these risk factors, they should be examined by a certified dermatologist approximately every 3-6 months, or sooner, if they notice any new changes in an existing mole.
A: Mohs Surgery is an office-based surgical procedure to remove all the skin cancer and it roots with increased accuracy and precision. After the visible cancer is removed, the specimen is processed and examined with the aid of a microscope to check for evidence of any remaining cancer cells.
This procedure accomplishes two goals
(a): it provides the highest cure rate (up to 98%) with the lowest chance of regrowth and
(b) minimizes the size of the defect, thereby maximizing the final cosmetic result.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is performed in a trained dermatologists's office, under local anesthesia.
A: Mohs Surgery is the treatment of choice for basal cell, and squamous cell cancers on the head and neck. However, this technique may also be the most effective treatment for skin cancers located elsewhere on the body if the tumors are large, poorly defined, or have failed other treatments.