Coast Dermatology Medical Associates

Dermaplaning

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About Dermaplaning

What is it?

To improve dull, lifeless skin that makes you look older than you are, you have many options. For an easy, non-invasive way to smooth skin, many women and men turn to simple exfoliation. This helps reduce dead skin cells, excess oils, and other debris to leave your skin fresher and softer.
However, there’s mere exfoliation and then there’s dermaplaning exfoliation. Dermaplaning takes the freshening aspects of exfoliation and amplifies them to skin-rejuvenating levels that are simply stunning.
Dermaplaning is a quick, noninvasive procedure that scrapes away dead skin cells, excess oil, and other debris. This helps maintain or restore the rate of cellular turnover that’s crucial to keeping your face fresh and youthful-looking. The result is skin that’s smoother and softer immediately.

Why dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is designed to address a variety of skin-related issues, including:
• Dull, lifeless skin
• Rough, dry skin
• Unwanted fine facial hair

Impact of dermaplaning

In effect, by scraping away dull surface skin, the procedure kicks the body’s self-healing properties into high gear. In turn, your body produces new skin cells that are healthier and plumper, which firms and tightens your skin while also brightening it.
This painless procedure also removes the fine peach fuzz, or vellus hair, from the face. This is a crucial bonus because this excess hair, despite being so fine, can trap dead cells, oil, dirt, and other debris, all of which contribute to dull, lifeless skin as well as other skin issues like acne. Because your skin is free of this debris, makeup can go on more easily and won’t cake as quickly. Cleansers that you use at home clean your face better because they penetrate more readily.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our providers are highly trained in the execution of scraping away dull surface skin, the procedure kicks the body’s self-healing properties into high gear. The goal is to make sure that you are looking your best, and our team will talk you through all the benefits of dermaplaning. Ask us more about this procedure and if it’s right for your skin. After all, Healthy Skin Is Our Passion.™

Brachytherapy

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About Brachytherapy

What is it?

Brachytherapy provides a faster skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

Brachytherapy benefits

  • Short, non‐invasive procedure with no hospital stay
  • Minimal side effects
  • Exceptional cosmetic outcomes in a relatively short timeframe
  • Ideal alternative for patients not interested in surgery or on a blood thinning medication (i.e. baby aspirin)

A different way to treat skin cancer

How Does HDR Brachytherapy Work?

With eBx™, a miniature x-ray source is temporarily placed on the skin using a surface applicator. This allows the radiation to be delivered directly to the skin lesion with impeccable accuracy. The treatment is non-invasive and painless, providing an ideal alternative for those not interested in surgery.

Treatment Process

The radiation treatment process will begin with a consultation where the Radiation Oncologist will evaluate your condition and determine if Brachytherapy is the right skin cancer treatment for you.
During treatment, your Radiation Oncologist and Radiation Therapist will place a miniature x-ray source temporarily on the skin using a surface applicator. This allows the radiation to be delivered directly to the skin lesion with impeccable accuracy.
It is a short procedure with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes in a short timeframe.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What are they?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) range from viral infections to bacterial infections. They’re most often caused by sexual intercourse, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Common STDs include bacterial STDs (such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea), viral STDs (including hepatitis, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV, and HIV), and parasitic STDs (such as trichomoniasis).

What causes them?

Although the most common way to get an STD is via some of form of sexual intercourse, some forms, such as trichomoniasis, can be contracted through skin contact with damp, moist objects like towels, clothing, and seats. In general, typical risk factors for STDs include the following: multiple sexual partners, intercourse with someone who’s had multiple partners, intercourse without a condom, and the sharing drug of needles.

Common treatments

Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases depends on the specific type of STD you have. In general, typical treatment plans are as follows: 1) Antibiotics, such as penicillin, for bacterial STDs, 2) Cryotherapy, topical medications, or even surgery for genital warts, and 3) Antiviral medications for viral STDs. Keep in mind that for viral STDs, there is no cure; any treatment you take is to manage the symptoms and keep the virus contained.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We appreciate the delicate subject of sexually transmitted diseases. We realize both the physical and emotional toll they can take, and as your community skin experts, we’re sensitive to these conditions and have the expertise to help you overcome any that you may have. The knowledgeable practitioners at our dermatology center have the skill and experience to help you overcome or manage your condition. We’ll talk to you about your case and gauge your overall health before developing a treatment that fits your needs.
It’s this personalized attention and focuses on you as a person that sets us apart. We understand the delicate nature of STDs and are available to address concerns and to provide compassion throughout the process. Healthy skin is our passion, and so is your health. Contact us today if you have symptoms of an STD to learn more about your treatment options.

Allergies

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About Allergies

What are they?

Allergies occur when the body overreacts to a foreign invader, or allergens, such as pet hair, pollen, pollutants, and more. Often, allergic reactions occur on the skin, but allergies are not just a cosmetic issue: they can be uncomfortable and even painful for certain individuals. Symptoms of allergies can vary, but some of the most common symptoms include the following: fatigue, sneezing or other sinus issues, headaches, itchy (or burning) eyes, shortness of breath, and coughing and/or wheezing. Skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and hives can also result due to allergies.

What causes them?

There are various causes for allergies. Some of the most common include pets or pet hair, pollutants and chemicals, pollen and other natural irritants, cigarette smoke, certain foods and drinks, powders, and fabrics and fibers. If you have allergies but aren’t aware of your risk factors, contact our dermatologists today, who will help you identify, manage, and treat your allergic symptoms.

Common treatments?

The best method for dealing with allergies is to avoid them in the first place, which means avoiding your risk factors – that’s why it’s important that you know them. Even then, allergies can cause problems. If you have allergy symptoms despite your best efforts to avoid them, various treatments can be effective. These treatments include topical medications, such as hydrocortisone cream, oral medications (such as antibiotics), antihistamines, and moisturizing creams and/or lotions. Depending on the severity of your allergies and their causes, these treatments can help you overcome your symptoms outright or at least make them manageable.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how uncomfortable allergies can make you feel, especially when they manifest themselves on your skin as itchiness and/or inflammation. As your community skin specialists, we have the expertise to help you find relief. Allergies are unique to everyone, including you. Because of this, we customize your treatment to suit your lifestyle and health. This attention to you as an individual is what makes us different. Our neighborly staff is here to address concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the process.
Healthy skin is our passion. If you notice allergy symptoms, contact us so that we can help you overcome your systems.

Vbeam

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About Vbeam

What is it?

A pulsed dye laser, the Vbeam is designed to shoot an intense beam of light into your skin to get the effects you want. Although intense, the light beam is optimized at a frequency gentle enough to leave untargeted areas unharmed. What’s unique about the Vbeam laser is that the light isn’t absorbed by your skin, but by your blood vessels. Not only is this more efficient, but it’s also safer, as side effects are greatly minimized. Vbeam addresses several different conditions that otherwise would require more than one type of procedure. These conditions include fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea, troublesome veins, scars, cherry red birthmarks, and warts.

What to expect

The number of Vbeam treatment sessions needed will depend on both your aesthetic goals and the nature of the skin condition to be treated. For example, you could have as few as 2-3 treatments (for rosacea) or as many as 5-10 (for red birthmarks). Because Vbeam is non-ablative, your skin is not burned, cut, blistered, or harmed in any way. This means it is safe enough for your face, legs, and elsewhere on the body. Furthermore, Vbeam is a great treatment for individuals of all ages and can be combined with other procedures, including Botox and dermal fillers like Juvéderm, for better results.

After the procedure

The side effects of Vbeam depend on the severity of the condition being treated and your overall treatment goals. Generally, side effects are mild and temporary and could include swelling, redness, and bruising, all of which usually subside within a week.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the impact that a variety of facial skin conditions can have, not only on your appearance but also on your self-esteem. That’s why we offer the versatile Vbeam laser, a single solution for several different skin conditions. Our knowledgeable laser and skin experts have the training and skill to tailor Vbeam laser treatment to your unique needs, and we’re always here to answer questions, address concerns, and provide compassionate support.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

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About Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

What is it?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally-invasive skin cancer removal treatment for individuals with precancerous skin lesions (such as actinic keratoses) or non-melanoma skin cancers (like basal cell carcinoma). PDT eliminates cancer cells through the utilization of both drug and light therapy. First, a topical solution is applied for absorption by the cancerous cells. Later, the affected area is targeted with a very specific wavelength of light that uses an active form of oxygen to destroy the cancerous cells.

What to expect

As your community skin cancer experts, we are here to provide support and strength should you ever receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. You can be comfortable discussing everything you need to know about this disease with our neighborhood providers. We will be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis and from treatment to aftercare support. With photodynamic therapy, our specialists can eradicate specific types of skin cancer tumors, allowing you to live life to the fullest. This treatment is safe and effective at treating various types of cancer or precancerous cells, and since PDT is less invasive than other skin cancer treatments, you will be able to return to your normal life soon after the treatment is completed.

After the procedure

Photodynamic therapy precisely targets cancerous cells, allowing for quick recovery and little-to-no scarring after healing. Contact us today to learn if PDT is right for you.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

As your community skin cancer experts, we are here to provide support and strength should you ever receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. Our caring neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. You can lean on us as an integral pillar of support through this process, as even for completely cancer-free patients, apprehension and emotional scars can still persist.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact and office today to find out if photodynamic therapy is the right skin cancer treatment for you.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

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About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

What is it?

Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs micrographic surgery is an extremely effective treatment for a variety of skin cancers. Due to its accuracy, high success rate, and cosmetically appropriate outcomes, Mohs remains the gold standard for skin cancer removal. The surgical specialists at our center are highly trained to perform this precise surgery with skill and technique refined through years of experience and study.

What to expect

We are fortunate to have a large team of Mohs surgeons on our staff who have devoted all their attention to treating skin cancer patients. These specialists can remove all vestiges of the tumor so you can have your life back and live it to the fullest. With Mohs, elimination of a tumor is precise and success is immediate and long-lasting. Under the expert guidance of our surgeons, Mohs surgery can provide complete tumor removal, including cancerous cells that are unseen (and therefore left behind) during other skin cancer removal procedures. Once skin cancer has been eliminated from your tissues, treatment is complete and you’ll be 100% cancer-free, with no estimation or uncertainty.

After the procedure

The Mohs procedure has a proven high success rate (studies have shown 5-year cure rates of over 99% for new cancers) and grants patients quicker recovery times (2-4 weeks) than other skin cancer procedures.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that the physical and psychological impact of skin cancer can be traumatic and painful. As your community skin cancer experts, we’re here to provide you with encouragement, strength, and answers to any questions you may have about the condition. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment and finally aftercare and recovery. We’ll remain an integral part of your inner circle of support throughout the process, as even for completely cancer-free patients, apprehension and emotional scars can still persist.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us today to learn more about Mohs micrographic surgery and how it can successfully treat your skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Removal

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About Skin Cancer Removal

What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the options? What’s the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five-year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment.

What to expect

When it comes to skin cancer, treatment protocols typically involve one or a combination of the following treatments:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment typically used for early-stage skin cancer that has not spread. This treatment is effective for actinic keratosis, warts, and superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. During cryotherapy, the cancerous area is targeted with extremely cold liquid gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide between -346° F and -320° F) that instantly freezes the cancerous tissue before destroying it. You will receive your cryotherapy treatment in the office, often as part of a regular exam. Typically, cryotherapy only takes a few moments to perform and you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment is complete.

Electrodessication and curettage (EC&D)

This simple 2-step surgical procedure is especially effective for individuals with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. By removing the cancerous tissue via curettage (scraping), then closing the wound by electrodesiccation (superheating process), our surgeons can safely and effectively eradicate cancerous cells from your body. EC&D is performed in the office under local anesthesia and typically takes 30 minutes or less with no downtime following the procedure. In most cases, this treatment doesn’t even require sutures! EC&D is recommended for areas of the body that are not regularly visible, such as the back or torso. It’s also an excellent option for superficial, less serious skin cancers that have yet to spread beyond ¼ to ½ inch (6-10mm) in diameter.

Excisional surgery

Excisional surgery is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes cancerous lesions from your body before they have a chance to spread. Our dermatologists recommend this procedure for small to medium-sized moles/lesions in areas of the body typically covered by clothing. Excisional surgery is a quick in-office procedure that is usually performed with local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the removed tissue will be sent to our pathology lab to determine if it was cancerous and to see if it all the cancerous cells were removed. Excisional surgery option is a good choice if a skin lesion is affecting your appearance. A consultation with your neighborhood skin cancer specialists at our center can determine if this treatment is right for you.

Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a time-tested procedure that remains one of the most effective skin cancer removal methods available. The procedure is meticulous and tumor removal is precise, accurate, and immediate. With Mohs surgery, uncertainty is not an issue; the procedure has a proven high success rate, features long-lasting results, and entails a shorter recovery time for patients. With Mohs, once all remnants of cancer have been removed, the procedure is over and patients are cancer-free. If you have a troublesome skin tumor or lesion, discuss it with your trusted community dermatologist to know if Mohs surgery is a viable option for you.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy provides a fast skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

After the procedure

Recovery from skin cancer removal depends on the type of treatment performed. To learn more about skin cancer recovery, please contact one of our dermatology specialists today!

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Skin cancer is our specialty. We have a variety of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists who have a wide array of treatment options at their disposal. During a skin cancer consultation at our center, our dermatologists will assess your unique case and customize a treatment program suited to your particular needs.

HydraFacial

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About Hydrafacial

What is it?

Ideal for making your skin smoother and softer regardless of age, the HydraFacial removes impurities like dead skin cells with innovative 4-step technology: 1) Vortex cleansing, which deep-cleans pores, 2) HydroPeel exfoliation, which gently resurfaces the skin, 3) Vortex extraction, which painlessly removes blackheads and whiteheads, and 4) Vortex fusion, which hydrates skin and improves tone. The HydraFacial is designed to be safe and effective for all skin types and colors.

What to expect

The soothing effects of the HydraFacial last longer than those of a regular facial. Additionally, this treatment is painless, non-irritating, and requires no downtime. The 4-in-1 technology of HydraFacial is ideal for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, repairing sun damage, removing acne, cleaning oily skin, irrigating clogged pores, shrinking enlarged pores, balancing uneven skin tone, hydrating dry skin, and tightening lax skin.

After the procedure

When you receive a refreshing HydraFacial, you’ll see improvement as soon as you leave the office. The results of a single treatment can last a week, and when combined with an IPL or chemical peel, the effects can last even longer. To maintain consistent results, we recommend monthly treatments, which will help keep your skin looking fresh and beautiful.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

As dermatologists, we know that dull, dry facial skin can have an adverse effect on your appearance and self-esteem. That’s why we’re proud to offer HydraFacial facial rejuvenation therapy to safely and effectively refresh your skin and your appearance. Our knowledgeable practitioners have the skill and experience to perform a customized HydraFacial treatment to suit your needs, and our neighborly staff will address any questions or concerns you may have.
Healthy skin is our passion. To know more about HydraFacial and how it can benefit you, contact us today.

Facials

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About Facials

What are they?

A facial refers to any of a variety of skin treatments for the face that are designed to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. At our cosmetic dermatology center, we offer several types of facials. These include the following: HydraFacial (exfoliates, rejuvenates, hydrates, and improves acne), acne facials, SkinMedica facials, Euro facials, combination facials (with microdermabrasion), back facials for acne, and organic facials. Each type of facial has specific benefits, features, and applications.

What to expect

Depending on your aesthetic goals and the type of facial you want, treatment sessions can take as little as half an hour to perform. In addition to being generally good for your skin, a facial also delivers specific benefits. These can include the following: improved circulation, reduced waste, and toxins, a new production of collagen, newly regenerated skin cells, revolumized skin, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hydrated skin, reduced stress, smoother skin, and a balanced skin tone. In short, a facial refreshes your skin and restores a more youthful appearance. Your skin will look tighter and feel more elastic to the touch.

After the procedure

The experienced skin experts at West Dermatology are skilled at performing a variety of facials to improve your skin. To keep the effects of aging at bay, we recommend regular maintenance with follow-up facials.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We appreciate how important skin health is to your overall health, appearance, and self-confidence. That’s why our skin experts provide various options designed to keep your skin healthy, youthful, and bright. When you come into our office, our staff will discuss your goals and answer questions before crafting a facial treatment plan tailored specifically for you.
Healthy skin is our passion. For more information about facials and how they can improve your skin and rejuvenate your appearance, contact us today.