Are you ready to have healthy, beautiful skin? You may think it’s beyond your grasp, but at Skin Cancer Specialists, P. C. & Aesthetic Center, we have treatments to help you discover a more beautiful you. For damage caused by the sun, aging, or scars, we offer the Fraxel® resurfacing laser, to improve the tone, texture, and radiance of your skin.

• What is Fraxel laser resurfacing? One of the most effective ways to achieve healthy, beautiful skin, Fraxel laser treatment targets aging and sun-damaged skin by using microscopic laser columns to penetrate the skin. Treating a fraction of tissue at a time, these laser columns expedite the body’s remodeling of collagen without affecting the tissue surrounding the damaged areas. Creating thermal damage on the areas it’s treating, Fraxel laser resurfacing stimulates collagen, causing growth of new, healthy skin cells, and accelerating healing. The results are dramatic, and it’s safe for use on all skin types.
• What conditions does the Fraxel® resurfacing laser treat? Fraxel treats a variety of skin surface irregularities and can be used on the face, neck, décolletage, and the back of the hands. In just two to four treatments, it works to correct wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, melasma, acne scars and enlarged pores. The treatment is customized for you, to address your skin concerns.
• What should you expect from Fraxel laser resurfacing? For most patients, there’s a sensation of heat during the treatment, and some redness afterward. It’s similar to a sunburn but usually diminishes in a few hours. To minimize discomfort, the doctor will apply topical anesthesia before the procedure and use cold air on the treatment area during the procedure.
• What happens after the procedure is over? There’s a period of downtime that ranges from three to five days. After this, skin texture will have improved, scars will have faded, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will be dramatically improved.
• What should you expect while you’re healing? You may have some temporary swelling or puffiness, which can be alleviated using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like Motrin or Aleve. You may also notice tiny white bumps on your skin, and you may experience peeling. Do not pick at your skin, attempt to extract the little white bumps, or peel off flakey skin. This is all a normal part of the healing process. Some things that are not normal include blisters, cuts, bruises, crusting or scabs, raw skin, ulcerations, active bleeding, increased discomfort or pain, or pigment changes that are lighter or darker than your complexion. If you experience any of these, contact our office as soon as possible.
• How should you care for your skin after Fraxel?
  • Immediately after treatment: You may wash your face with a mild cleanser, and use a bland moisturizer or a thin layer of petrolatum ointment to cover any area with oozing, in order to keep it moist. You can also use ice packs to help alleviate the heat sensation.
  • For the next few days: Continue this cleansing and moisturizing, but when the sloughing starts, let your skin heal. Don’t rub or scrub your skin, or use exfoliants. Keep your treated body parts away from clothing, so they won’t become irritated.
  • During the first week of healing: Don’t smoke, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, perspiring, swimming, or exposing skin to heat or sun. Use only non-irritating, non-clogging skin care products for the first week or so, and you should not use any abrasive scrubs or toners, or products that contain glycolic acid or Retin A. You can resume your normal skincare and makeup routine after the sloughing is complete, as long as the products don’t irritate your skin. Be careful to wear sunscreen daily for at least three months after your last treatment.
• How many treatments will you need, and how will they be scheduled? Typically, effective treatment requires two to four sessions, which are spaced five weeks apart. The results are immediate and improve progressively, with optimal results seen in about two to three months.

Are you ready for beautiful, new, glowing skin? At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center, we offer innovative and effective methods of skin management, including Fraxel laser resurfacing, to help you rejuvenate your skin and look your best. Originally conceived as a practice devoted to treating people with skin cancer, we have expanded our services to also become a premier dermatology practice with an aesthetic center that is staffed by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call 770.422.5557 or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

How much do you know about skin cancer? More than three million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year: over half of all new cancers are skin cancers. Learning how to protect your skin and knowing how to identify the signs of skin cancer is important. Having regular skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist just may save your life.

• What are the different types of skin cancer?
  • Actinic keratosis (AK) is actually pre-cancer. If you notice dry, scaly patches or spots on your skin, see your doctor to determine if that’s what it is. AKs are the result of sun exposure and are most often seen on people with fair skin. They’re easily treated, and it’s important to have them treated because they can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It’s not typically life-threatening and can be treated and cured with early detection. SCC looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then reopens. It tends to form on skin with frequent sun exposure, so it’s often found on the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent SCC from growing deep in the skin or spreading to other parts of the body.
  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, also easily treated if detected early. 80 percent of all skin cancers is BCC, and though it frequently develops in fair-skinned people, it can also occur in people with darker skin. Developing after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning, BCCs Look like flesh-colored, pearly bumps or pinkish patches on the skin. They can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs, but are most common on the head, neck, and arms. It’s important to have basal cell carcinoma diagnosed and treated early so that it doesn’t have the chance to invade the surrounding tissue.
  • Melanoma is the least common but deadliest form of skin cancer. It frequently forms in a mole or appears as a dark spot on the skin. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital because melanoma has the potential to aggressively progress and spread to other parts of the body. Knowing the ABCDEs of melanoma will help you spot it in time: A for asymmetry, with one half unlike the other half, B for an irregular border, C for color that varies from one area to another, D for a diameter usually greater than the size of a pencil eraser, and E for evolving, as the mole changes.
• How can you reduce your risk of skin cancer? The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun. Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when you’re in the sun, and try not to be in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense. Liberally apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin, reapplying every one to two hours during direct sun exposure.
• How is skin cancer treated? All forms are skin cancer are treatable, using treatment options like surgery on a microscopic level, low energy radiation therapy, blue light therapy, or a skin biopsy. Your doctor can work with you, to create a treatment plan using one or more options to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Whether you need a skin cancer screening or treatment, you can trust Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center to take care of you.  Our practice was originally entirely devoted to treating people with skin cancer, and though we have grown to be a full-service dermatology practice, we’re still committed to caring for those with skin cancer, providing compassionate treatment that maximizes effectiveness and respects aesthetic implications. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call one of our offices or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

Do you have brown spots on your skin? This problem is common, can affect any skin tone, and is known by dermatologists as hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is typically harmless but can have a negative impact on a person’s self-image and confidence. Why does hyperpigmentation happen, and how can you find the treatment option that’s right for you?

First, let’s talk about three causes of hyperpigmentation.

• Sun damage is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation in light-skinned people. Overexposure to the sun can cause dark spots, especially on fair skin, and can worsen melasma.
• Melasma often happens during pregnancy. It’s a patchy discoloration, brown in color, which happens on the sun-exposed areas of the face. Also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” it can appear in anyone, is more common in dark skin, and often happens in women who are pregnant or taking estrogen supplements or birth control pills.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs because of injury or inflammation to the skin. Conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis can cause increased pigment production that results in dark spots. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in people with darker skin tones.

Fortunately, no matter what has caused your hyperpigmentation, there are treatment options to correct it. At Skin Cancer Specialists, P. C. & Aesthetic Center, we treat brown spots using several different types of treatment:

• Resurfacing laser treatments: Using microscopic pinpoint beams of laser energy into the skin, we’re able to target brown spots while leaving the skin between the treated areas intact. With minimal discomfort and only a few days of downtime, this treatment yields dramatic results, triggering your body’s own natural healing processes to improve the tone and texture of your skin.
• Chemical peels: A cosmetic procedure that exfoliates the top layer of skin in order to improve tone and texture and reduce skin irregularities, a chemical peel can be used on the face, neck, and hands. At Skin Cancer Specialists, we use Vitalize and Rejuvenize peels, which are appropriate for all skin types, including dark skin.
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photorejuvenation: A skin treatment that uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to treat sun damage, IPL Photorejuvenation can also renew the skin’s color, improve its elasticity, and refresh its appearance. It reduces the signs of aging and can be used to treat a number of skin conditions, including sunspots, vascular lesions, and pigmented lesions. At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center, the platform we use for IPL Photoregeneration is the Lumenis M22 IPL/YAG, a breakthrough solution for skin conditions such as rosacea, birthmarks, freckles, and spider veins. Efficient and safe, it uses the principle of selective photothermolysis, in which the wavelengths of light heat and destroy the targeted tissue without damaging the tissue around it.

At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center, we offer innovative and effective treatments, to treat brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and many other skin issues. Originally conceived as a practice solely devoted to treating people with skin cancer, we have expanded our services to also become a premier dermatology practice with an aesthetic center that is staffed by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry.

We perform procedures onsite in our affiliate surgery center, Skin Cancer Specialists Surgery Center, LLC. Because of our commitment to safe and effective patient care, we’ve earned the Joint Commission’s (JCAHO) prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Health Care. Call one of our offices or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

Are you struggling with stubborn body fat that won’t go away no matter how much you diet and exercise? It’s easy to become discouraged when it seems that even when you give it your all, you just can’t budge the fat. Fortunately, we can help, with CoolSculpting to melt it away.

The only FDA-approved non-surgical fat-reduction treatment to use controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat, CoolSculpting destroys pockets of fat that are resistant to change, without liposuction or other surgical procedures. CoolSculpting uses freezing energy to destroy targeted fat cells, which are then flushed out of the body. Want to know more? Here are some answers to questions we frequently hear about CoolSculpting.

• Does CoolSculpting really work? Yes! Studies have shown that CoolSculpting can reduce fat cells by up to 21 percent in the targeted area.
• What happens during the procedure? A gel pad and applicator are applied to the target area, and the applicator is used to deliver controlled cooling to the fat cells in the area while leaving the skin intact.
• Are there different types of CoolSculpting? There are different types of applicators, which allow CoolSculpting treatments to be customized to meet your needs. At Skin Cancer Specialists, we also offer DualSculpting, which allows us to use two CoolSculpting machines at the same time, to work on multiple problem areas, cutting the treatment time in half.
• How much downtime is needed for this procedure? There’s virtually no downtime, and most patients return to their normal activities immediately following the CoolSculpting procedure. There are, however, side effects which include some swelling and tenderness at the site. This typically resolves within a few weeks.
• How many treatments will it take? For most people, there are significant results after just one treatment. Some people opt to have a second treatment twelve weeks after their first session. Each person’s body is different, so your clinician will help you to determine the right treatment plan for you.
• How soon should I expect to see results? Some people notice results as early as three weeks after their treatment, but most people see dramatic results between one and three months following their treatment.
• Are the results permanent? CoolSculpting destroys fat cells, which are then flushed out of the body. Those fat cells are eliminated and will not come back. However, if you want to maintain the results, it’s important to stick to a healthy lifestyle and manage your weight. If you gain weight, the number of fat cells won’t increase, but the fat cells that remain in your body will grow larger.
• Is CoolSculpting safe? There have been more than seven million CoolSculpting treatments worldwide, and it’s known to be a safe and effective way to reduce fat. Additionally, CoolSculpting systems have built-in safety features, with sensors that signal the system to shut down if the skin is getting too cold.
• Am I a good candidate for CoolSculpting? The CoolSculpting procedure is for people who have stubborn fat in targeted areas and is not a weight-loss solution for people who have a lot of weight to lose. If you’ve considered liposuction but are looking for a non-surgical alternative, CoolSculpting may be right for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about CoolSculpting, the experts at Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center are happy to answer your questions. Originally conceived as a practice devoted solely to treating people with skin cancer, we have expanded our services to also become a premier dermatology practice with an aesthetic center that is staffed by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call one of our offices or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

Have you heard of Mohs micrographic surgery? If your doctor has detected skin cancer, Mohs might be the treatment recommended. A state-of-the-art treatment, Mohs surgery allows for the precise removal of skin cancer, with the highest cure rate and minimal scarring. Because we know that the idea of any kind of surgery can be nerve-racking, we’d like to walk you through this outpatient procedure, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

There are many advantages to Mohs micrographic surgery. First, as previously mentioned, it offers the highest cure rate possible. Because it’s performed with microscopic accuracy, the amount of healthy, tissue removed is minimized. Mohs surgery has the lowest functional and cosmetic morbidity of any procedure, which means that you’re less likely to lose function or experience scarring than with other surgeries to remove skin cancer. What’s more, it’s a one-day outpatient surgery, using only local anesthesia. Mohs is generally reserved for cancers that are large, have recurred after conventional treatment, or are in certain locations on the body, like the central face. It’s most often used for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or lentigo maligna, an early form of melanoma. In some cases, though, it can also be used to successfully treat less common forms of skin cancer.

Here’s what you’ll need to know, in order to prepare for your procedure.

• You’ll have a consultation over the phone with a nurse preceding the procedure. Make a list of questions in advance, so that you can be sure you’ve gotten the answers you need before you arrive on the day of surgery.
• Get some rest and eat breakfast. The night before your surgery, make sure to get a full night’s sleep. Your doctor will probably also recommend that you eat a light breakfast before coming to the office.
• Understand that the process takes time. The lab work between each layer is labor-intensive and can take an hour or two, so it’s recommended that you bring a book or something else to occupy your time while you wait for results. Plan to spend a minimum of three hours at the clinic, with the knowledge that you might finish earlier than expected.
• Ask your doctor about your medications. If you have been prescribed aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin by your physician, do not discontinue it, unless you are specifically told to do so. If you have not been prescribed aspirin or other blood thinners by your physician, avoid aspirin for at least seven days prior to surgery and two to three days after surgery. All patients should try to avoid other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen, Naprosyn/Aleve/naproxen and similar medications and vitamin E as these medications also increase the tendency of bleeding. Plain Tylenol may be taken if pain medicine is needed.
• Come to the appointment clean, comfortable, and with company. Bathe or shower with antibacterial soap the morning of your procedure, don’t wear makeup if the surgery is on your face, and dress in comfortable clothes for your appointment. Even though we only use a local anesthetic, we recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you home after you’re done.

During the procedure, a local anesthetic will be injected around the skin cancer. The visible portion of the skin cancer will then be removed, after which the doctor will remove a thin layer of tissue around the edges and at the base of the cancer. The tissue will be dyed so that the physician will be able to distinguish between the top, bottom, left, and right, and a drawing is made so that any areas of persistent tumor may be pinpointed.

At this point, the tissue will be sectioned into very thin slices, and the edges and underside will be examined with a microscope. If the tissue still contains cancer, the physician will use the map to outline the areas of involvement. Additional tissue will then be removed only from the specific areas of involvement. This allows your doctor to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, minimizing scarring. The specimen will be processed in the laboratory, and the cycle of examining tissue and removing only unhealthy tissue will be repeated as many times as necessary to remove all cancer cells. When all of the cancer is gone, the surgical flap is stitched closed, using a skin flap, skin graft, or an elliptical closure for the best outcome in terms of aesthetics and function.

During recovery from Mohs, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Right after the surgery, the treated area will probably feel tight and sore, and it may become swollen and bruised. An ice pack may help with the discomfort, but make sure you follow the instructions you’re given about caring for the wound. The incision line should start to look better over the first three to six months, but it’s very important that you stay out of the sun, in order to avoid permanent scarring and reduce your risk of recurring cancer.

Whether you need a skin cancer screening or a treatment like Mohs micrographic surgery, you can trust Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center to take care of you.  Our practice was originally entirely devoted to treating people with skin cancer, and though we have grown to become a premier dermatology practice including an aesthetic center, we’re still committed to caring for those with skin cancer, providing compassionate treatment that maximizes effectiveness and respects aesthetic implications. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry.

We perform procedures onsite in our affiliate surgery center, Skin Cancer Specialists Surgery Center, LLC. Because of our commitment to safe and effective patient care, we’ve earned the Joint Commission’s (JCAHO) prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Health Care. Call one of our offices or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

For those in pursuit of youthful skin, creams, serums, and other topical treatments are often not enough to achieve the desired improvement. Laser skin resurfacing provides a more effective option, reducing wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other blemishes, as well as tightening skin and evening tone. Could skin resurfacing be the right treatment for you? Here are a few things you need to know so that you can make an informed decision.

• First, understand that there are different types of lasers, for different issues and skin types. It’s important to speak to your provider about your individual goals, your skin type and the skin problems you’re interested in addressing. He or she will be able to help you determine the type of laser resurfacing that’s right for you.
  • CO2 Lasers: These lasers are typically ablative, and used to treat deeper skin flaws like scars, warts, and wrinkles.
  • Erbium Lasers: Used to promote collagen remodeling, these can be ablative or non-ablative. They’re often used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and age spots.
  • Pulsed-Dye Lasers:Typically non-ablative, these lasers heat the skin, absorbing pigments to reduce redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, and rosacea.
  • Fractional Lasers: Breaking laser energy into thousands of tiny beams, these treat only a fraction of the skin, which means less downtime for the patient. They can be ablative or non-ablative and can be used for a number of age-related blemishes.
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): These are technically are not lasers, but can be used to treat similar concerns as lasers, such as sun damage, acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
• It matters when you have the resurfacing, and who you choose to perform the treatment. Laser-treated skin is extremely sensitive to sun exposure, so doctors recommend you have the procedure during fall or winter months so that you’ll spend most of your recovery time indoors. No matter when you have your procedure, you should always wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Apply it daily, and reapply it as needed, to keep your results at their peak appearance and protect against skin cancer and additional aging. When you’re choosing someone to perform the procedure, make sure to choose an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Doctors certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery have undergone a rigorous training fellowship, and have the necessary skill to safely provide treatments like laser skin resurfacing.
• Plan for multiple treatments and some downtime. Sometimes, a patient’s issues are resolved after only one treatment. For most patients choosing non-ablative lasers, though, the best results are achieved through a series of treatments. One benefit of non-ablative treatment is that there is virtually no downtime; with ablative procedures, the healing process can take two to three weeks. During this time, the skin will be raw, red, and scab over, and certain activities will need to be avoided to prevent infection.
• Many factors come into play when choosing laser skin resurfacing. Your doctor will be able to talk to you about medications you’re taking, conditions you may have, your skin tone, and other factors which can affect how your body responds to the treatment.

At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C, we offer innovative and effective methods of skin management, including Resurfx laser treatments – the ultimate experience in non-ablative, fractional laser technology. Originally conceived as a practice devoted to treating people with skin cancer, we have grown to become a premier dermatology practice with an aesthetic center that is staffed by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call 770.422.5557 or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

Warts are unsightly, irritating, and common, and can seem to come from nowhere. If you have ever had warts, you probably know a few things about them, like that they can be stubborn and hard to shake. But how much do you really know about warts? Read on, and we’ll answer some common questions about common warts.

• Are warts harmful? Not typically, but they are unsightly and can be uncomfortable. While they’re not dangerous, they are highly contagious, so if you have warts you’re likely to pass them along to others. What’s more, warts can spread easily on your body if you leave them untreated, so even though they’re benign, it’s best to eradicate them as quickly as possible.
• Do you get warts from handling frogs and toads? No, you usually get warts from other people. The underlying cause of warts is the human papillomavirus or HPV. There are at least one hundred different types of viruses in the HPV family, and they’re everywhere. Everyone comes into contact with these viruses, whether by shaking hands, typing on a keyboard, or turning a doorknob, and if there’s the tiniest scratch on the skin, the virus can break through and cause warts. Most people will have a wart at least once in their lives.
• Why do some people get more warts than other people? Doctors don’t really know, but they speculate that some people’s immune systems just have a harder time fighting off viruses. There could also be a genetic component, though we don’t know for sure. Children are more prone to warts than adults, because their immune systems are less developed, and it’s common to see warts on siblings in the same family.
• Is there anything that can be done to prevent warts? Try to avoid cuts and nicks on your skin. Don’t bite your nails or pick at hangnails, for instance, and be careful when you’re shaving. Wash your hands thoroughly, and if you go to the gym, use a clean towel to wipe down equipment before you use it. Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in the gym locker to protect your feet.
• Are over the counter treatments effective? They can be. Most doctors recommend trying one of these treatments first, whether it’s taping the wart, applying salicylic acid or clear nail polish, or using a propane freezing solution. Be aware, though, that these treatments can take a long time, and it’s important to stick to the treatment until the wart is gone.
• What can a doctor do to get rid of warts? There are medications to kill the virus causing your warts, and several different ways to remove the existing Cryotherapy is one method, in which your healthcare provider freezes the warts with liquid nitrogen. Electrosurgery is another option and involves burning off the wart. You can also have the wart surgically removed, through scraping or cutting with a scalpel, also called curettage. When dealing with large warts, doctors will often use electrosurgery and curettage in tandem.

At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C, we offer innovative and effective methods of skin management, including wart removal. Originally conceived as a practice devoted to treating people with skin cancer, we have grown to become a premier dermatology practice with an aesthetic center that is staffed by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call 770.422.5557 or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

Did you know that skin cancer makes up over half of all new cancers in the United States? There are more cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year than all other types of cancer combined. How do you really know about skin cancer? It’s important to be well-informed so that you can protect yourself.

Each year, there are more than three million cases of skin cancer, with basal cell carcinoma accounting for 80 percent of all cases of skin cancer. The next most frequent form is squamous cell carcinoma, representing about 16 percent of the total. Malignant melanoma makes up the remaining 4 percent. Each of these types of skin cancer is unique, and none of them transform into another type. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are not typically life-threatening, and with early detection, can be successfully treated. Melanoma, on the other hand, is extremely serious. It grows aggressively and can metastasize, which means it spreads to other parts of the body.

What causes skin cancer? Almost all cases of skin cancer are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, usually from sunlight but sometimes from manmade sources like tanning beds or sun lamps. If you’re fair-skinned, or you live in the southern United States, you’re at a higher risk for skin cancer. Advancing age is also a risk factor, though people can get skin cancer at any age.

There is good news, though. There’s plenty you can do to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, and if you pay attention, you can catch skin cancer early enough for effective treatment. Minimize your direct exposure to UV rays by wearing protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when you’re in the sun, and avoiding the outdoors when the sun’s intensity is at its peak, between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin each morning, and reapply it every hour or two when you’re in direct sunlight.

Be extremely cautious with your children’s sun protection, because most of the damage done by the sun happens before people turn 18. However, it’s also important to understand that it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. Even those who have had skin cancer in the past can reduce their future risk by taking protective measures. This is vital because studies show that those who have a personal history of skin cancer are at high risk for developing future skin cancer.

Detection is just as important as protection. Fortunately, it doesn’t take an x-ray or blood test to find skin cancer in the early stages. Pay attention to any changes in freckles, moles, or blemishes, and let your doctor know if anything seems suspicious. You should do a thorough self-exam once a month, and see a dermatologist for a skin screening examination at least once a year, especially if you have a history of significant sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer.

Whether you need a skin cancer screening or treatment, you can trust Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C to take care of you.  Our practice was originally entirely devoted to treating people with skin cancer, and though we have grown to become a premier dermatology practice with including an aesthetic center, we’re still committed to caring for those with skin cancer, providing compassionate treatment that maximizes effectiveness and respects aesthetic implications. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call 770.422.5557 or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

Injectable fillers have long been a staple among cosmetic procedures, seen plumping the lips and smoothing the faces of celebrities and ordinary people alike. A few years ago, the United States Food and Drug Administration released some exciting news: a filler has been approved for use in the backs of hands. What, exactly, is involved in these injections? These treatments, known as dermal fillers, are used to treat soft tissue, filling lines and restoring youthful fullness.

Dermal fillers use different ingredients, but most commonly, they employ hyaluronic acid gel to add structure underneath loose or sagging skin. A naturally-occurring substance in the body’s tissues, hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar that’s found in the skin and cartilage. It comes in different viscosities for varied uses, and in addition to providing immediate volume, it also encourages the body to produce elastin and collagen, which can mean better long-term results.

The dermal filler that’s now FDA approved for use in hand plumping is called Restylane Lyft, and it’s the first product of its kind ever approved by the FDA for use anywhere other than the face. It can be injected in a lump amount and then moved into position manually, or smaller injections can be used, in separate parts of the hand. The procedure should last no more than about 15 to 30 minutes, and you might experience some mild swelling or bruising at the injection site. You can expect to see results within two weeks of the procedure, and while they won’t last forever, you can reasonably expect to see them last for somewhere between six and twelve months.

At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C, we offer innovative and effective methods of skin management, including dermal fillers for hands and faces. We are pleased to offer fillers from the Juvederm Collection and Restylane Collection, as well as Sculptra and Radiesse.  Our practice was originally conceived as a clinic devoted to treating people with skin cancer, but we have grown to become a premier dermatology practice with an aesthetic center that is staffed by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call 770.422.5557 or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.

Do you suffer from eczema? If your skin tends to get red, inflamed, dry, and itchy, you very well might have eczema. While it’s generally diagnosed during childhood, many people don’t experience it for the first time until they’re adults. Eczema is more likely to cause trouble in winter when the air is drier and moving in and out of buildings drastically changes the temperature. How can you know if you have it? More importantly, how can you minimize or avoid flare-ups?

• First, let’s talk about the symptoms of eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, sensitive, itchy and inflamed, with a rash that often turns into blisters. This rash is typically seen in the creases of the arms and the backs of the knees. If you have eczema, you may experience severe itching, especially at night, thick, cracked skin, dry, scaly, red or brownish-gray patches, raw and sensitive skin, or small raised bumps with fluid that scab over if scratched.
• What causes eczema? Eczema is probably genetic and seems to have a connection to allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever. Even though it’s not caused by external factors, there are triggers that can cause flare-ups. These include food intolerance, irritants in body care products, allergens like dust mites, mold, or pets, nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, infections, and even stress. During the winter, the drier weather combined with indoor heating can impede the skin’s ability to remain moist, and that can lead to eczema flare-ups. Overheating caused by too many layers of clothing, too many bed coverings, or taking hot baths is also likely to trigger your eczema.
• How can you prevent eczema?
  • Try to avoid drastic changes in temperature. Maintaining an even skin temperature as much as possible can prevent flare-ups, so keep the rooms in your house at a comfortable but not too warm temperature. Use layers on your bed rather than one thick blanket, duvet, or comforter, and avoid hot baths. Instead, if you’re feeling itchy, opt for a warm bath with moisturizing products. Those with oatmeal are particularly recommended.
  • Be wary of fragrance and dye. Avoid these things in your personal care products, and try to keep them out of your laundry as well.
  • Stay hydrated. It’s always important to drink plenty of water, but for eczema sufferers in winter, it’s even more vital. Drinking at least eight cups each day will hydrate your body and help to moisturize your skin.
  • Focus on moisture. Some people find a humidifier to be helpful, and for people with eczema, moisturizer is a must. Use thick moisturizers during the winter, like petroleum jelly, and be sure to apply them more than once a day.
  • Be careful of what you wear. Layer your clothing, instead of wearing heavy garments. Wool, nylon, and some other fabrics can be irritants, so try to choose clothing made of cotton and other breathable materials.
• How is eczema treated? There are different treatment options, depending on the type and severity of eczema. Some people find vitamin D to be helpful, and eczema is often treated with topical medications, wet compresses, and soaks. Talk to your dermatologist, to determine the best treatment for you.

At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C, we offer innovative and effective methods of skin management, and we can help you find the right treatment for your eczema. Originally conceived as a practice devoted to treating people with skin cancer, we have grown to become a premier dermatology practice with an aesthetic center that is staffed by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians. Continually adapting our practice to reflect new and improved technique and procedures, we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Call 770.422.5557 or contact us through our website to learn about our personalized care and what we can do for you.