Design Dermatology and Aesthetics

Aging/Age Spots

About Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

What is it?

We realize that our culture tends to associate suntanned skin with a lifestyle that is healthy and active. Unfortunately, this is a myth that should be retired; sun and age damage go hand in hand and can affect you both physically and psychologically. A “healthy tan” is not good for your skin; any sun exposure, no matter how small, causes irreversible damage. The subsequent damage is not just skin deep, as it alters the DNA of your skin cells. That’s why as much as 90 percent of the signs of aging / sun damaged skin are related to sun exposure.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light that damages the skin and contributes to premature skin aging, dark spots, and other problematic conditions.

What causes Aging / Sun Damaged Skin?

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of aging, sun-damaged skin. Sun and age damage are linked because they exacerbate one another. Together, they reduce your skin’s elasticity by breaking down collagen while decreasing your skin’s shape and fullness. Telltale signs of sun and age damage include wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, lines around your mouth and eyes, sagging skin, age spots, and freckles and/or moles.

Common treatments?

At Design Dermatology & Aesthetics, we have a variety of options to address sun and age damage, and we have the knowledge and experience to tailor it to your unique case. However, there are many steps you yourself can take to prevent and even repair your skin. These steps include wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days!), covering up exposed skin when outside, avoiding intense sun between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm, the avoidance of indoor tanning beds, and the use of moisturizing creams and lotions at night.

Our approach & expertise

At Design Dermatology & Aesthetics, we focus on you as a person. Our compassionate, knowledgeable team works with you to address your signs of sun and age damage, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and be an integral part of your support system. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice sun and age damage so that we can help you repair and restore your skin.

Schedule your appointment now.

Red Spot Treatment

Treating red spots depends on their cause, which could include acne scars, irritation, rosacea, broken capillaries, or skin conditions like eczema. Here’s a comprehensive overview of treatment options for different types:

1. Topical Treatments for Red Spots

For Acne-Related Red Spots

  • Salicylic Acid:
    • Exfoliates the skin and reduces inflammation.
    • Best for post-acne marks and mild redness.
  • Azelaic Acid:
    • Reduces redness and inflammation from acne or rosacea.
  • Retinoids (Adapalene, Tretinoin):
    • Improves cell turnover and reduces discoloration over time.
  • Niacinamide:
    • Calms redness and supports skin barrier repair.

For Irritation or General Redness

  • Hydrocortisone Cream:
    • Temporary relief for irritation or redness due to contact dermatitis.
  • Calming Creams:
    • Products with aloe vera, chamomile, or centella asiatica soothe irritation.

For Rosacea or Persistent Redness

  • Metronidazole:
    • A prescription gel effective for rosacea-related redness.
  • Brimonidine (Mirvaso):
    • Temporarily reduces redness by constricting blood vessels.

2. Laser and Light-Based Therapies

Effective for Persistent Redness

  • Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL):
    • Targets broken capillaries and diffuse redness, often from rosacea or scars.
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL):
    • Improves skin tone by addressing redness and pigmentation.
  • KTP Laser:
    • Treats small, concentrated red spots like spider veins.

3. Exfoliation Treatments

Chemical Peels

  • Light Peels:
    • Glycolic acid or lactic acid peels help fade red marks from acne.
  • Medium Peels:
    • Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels for deeper, stubborn red spots.

Microdermabrasion or Dermabrasion

  • Exfoliates and resurfaces the skin to improve discoloration and texture.

Microneedling

  • Stimulates collagen production to improve redness caused by scars or discoloration.

If you have these on your skin, we have treatments that can help! Contact our office today!

Schedule your appointment now.

Hand Rejuvenation

Cosmetic hand rejuvenation focuses on restoring the youthful appearance of hands by addressing common issues like thinning skin, volume loss, wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage. Here’s an overview of treatment options:

Addressing Volume Loss

Dermal Fillers

  • Fillers used: Hyaluronic acid (e.g., Restylane, Juvederm) or longer-lasting options like Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite).
  • How it works: Adds volume to plump the skin and hide visible veins and tendons.
  • Results: Immediate with effects lasting 6–18 months, depending on the filler.

Treating Wrinkles and Crepey Skin

Laser Skin Resurfacing

  • Types: Fractional CO2 or Erbium laser.
  • Benefits: Stimulates collagen production to improve skin texture and firmness.
  • Downtime: Varies from a few days to a week.

Microneedling

  • How it works: Creates micro-injuries to trigger collagen and elastin production.
  • Enhancement: Often combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for better results.

Reducing Age Spots and Pigmentation for Hand Rejuvenation

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

  • How it works: Targets pigmented areas using light energy.
  • Results: Fades age spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone over several sessions.

Cryotherapy

  • Use: Freezing small age spots with liquid nitrogen to remove them.
  • Ideal for: Isolated spots.

Topical Treatments

  • Ingredients: Retinoids, hydroquinone, or vitamin C.
  • Effectiveness: Gradual improvement with consistent use.

Schedule your appointment now.

Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that form due to excessive collagen production during the wound-healing process. Treatment options focus on reducing the scar’s size, improving its appearance, and relieving associated symptoms like itching or discomfort. Here’s a breakdown of commonly used treatments:

1. Non-invasive Treatments

Silicone Sheets or Gels

  • How it works: Silicone helps hydrate the skin and regulate collagen production.
  • Usage: Apply to the scar daily for several hours over several weeks to months.

Pressure Therapy

  • How it works: Pressure garments or bandages can flatten the scar.
  • Usage: Often used for burns or larger scars, requiring consistent wear.

Topical Treatments

  • Ingredients: Vitamin E, onion extract (e.g., Mederma), or hydrocortisone creams.
  • Effectiveness: May help with scar texture and itching but have limited impact on raised scars.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures for Hypertrophic Scars

Corticosteroid Injections

  • How it works: Reduces inflammation and collagen production.
  • Frequency: Injections every 4-6 weeks until the scar flattens.
  • Results: Effective for reducing scar height and improving symptoms.

Laser Therapy

  • Types: Fractional CO2, pulsed dye laser (PDL).
  • Purpose: Smoothen the scar, reduce redness, and flatten the tissue.
  • Sessions: Multiple treatments may be required.

Cryotherapy

  • How it works: Freezing the scar tissue can shrink and soften it.
  • Ideal for: Small scars; sometimes combined with corticosteroids.

3. Surgical Options

Scar Revision Surgery

  • What it does: Removes the scar tissue and re-sutures the skin.
  • Consideration: Risk of new scar formation; often combined with other treatments like silicone or pressure therapy post-surgery.

4. Advanced Therapies

Microneedling

  • How it works: Creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen remodeling.
  • Combination: Often paired with serums or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Radiotherapy

  • Use: Low-dose radiation is sometimes used post-surgery to prevent recurrence of hypertrophic scars.
  • Caution: Reserved for severe cases due to potential side effects.

At Design Dermatology, your skin is our expertise. Book an appointment now!

Schedule your appointment now.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in skin cell DNA, which then spreads to surrounding cells. SCC occurs in the squamous layer found at the top of the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis). Symptoms of SCC typically include a scaly, firm reddish nodule on the skin or a flat, crusty skin lesion. It usually develops where the skin is frequently exposed to the sun, particularly the face, ears, hands, neck, and scalp.

What causes it?

If you have fair skin and/or spend a lot of time in the sun, the risk of developing SCC greatly increases, although there are other common risk factors as well. Some of these additional risk factors include living in sunny climates or high-altitude locales, having a family history of skin cancer, and having a history of frequent sunburns. Though less common than basal cell carcinoma and rarely life-threatening, SCC should not be dismissed. We urge you to contact your neighborhood skin healthcare provider if and when you notice unusual skin lesions, discolorations, bumps, and other abnormalities.

Common treatments

We know how apprehensive squamous cell carcinoma can make you. As your community skin cancer experts, we realize it can even be traumatic emotionally and physically, which is why we’re here with comprehensive advice and solutions to overcome this condition. Our skin cancer experts have the knowledge and experience to address squamous cell carcinoma. We urge you to undergo regular skin cancer screenings, especially if the above risk factors apply to you. If it is determined that you have squamous cell carcinoma, we offer an assortment of treatment options, including topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), excision surgery, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and cryotherapy.

Our approach & expertise

What distinguishes our skincare from others is our attention to you as a person. Our expert practitioners are here to alleviate your concerns and provide compassionate support. With your input, we will find the solution that best addresses your condition. Trust your skin to the experts at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics—book your appointment now.

Schedule your appointment now.

Microneedling

What is it?

A concept that’s been around for nearly 50 years, microneedling is a dermatology treatment that uses ultrafine needles to promote the body’s natural collagen production, resulting in tighter, smoother skin. The process works by creating minuscule wounds in your skin, which causes the body’s self-healing mechanism to engage. The end result is skin that looks healthier and more attractive. The microneedling device also gently targets radiofrequency energy into your skin, which helps to repair and hydrate the tissue.

What to expect

The controlled wounds caused by microneedling are not noticeable, even when viewed close-up. However, you may look flushed for a short time. One session lasts 20-30 minutes, and since it’s non-surgical and virtually painless, there’s no downtime associated with the procedure. Microneedling is ideal for even the most delicate areas of the face, including the cheeks, upper and lower eyelids, the sides of your nose, and the upper lip. Because it stimulates both the growth of collagen and the production of hyaluronic acid, this treatment is effective for a variety of issues, including rough and/or lax skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and even scars. The procedure is safe and effective for all skin types and colors, and it results in a rejuvenated, radiant appearance. The improvements look natural and regular touch-ups can prolong the effects.

Common treatments

We offer Radio Frequency Microneedling and SkinPen Microneedling treatments:

SkinPen is an FDA-cleared, professional-grade microneedling device, that is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. It’s a popular choice for addressing various skin concerns.

Our approach & expertise

We know that you may be seeking an effective, minimally-invasive way to reduce the effects of aging, and microneedling is just one of the many treatment options to improve your skin and rejuvenate your appearance. Our specialists are skilled at performing gentle, minimally-invasive microneedling procedures, but what sets us apart from others is our compassion and focus on you as a person. Our practitioners will tailor treatments to suit your unique needs while also addressing any concerns you may have.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us for more about microneedling and how it can restore a youthful, radiant appearance.

Laser Hair Removal

About Laser Hair Removal

What is it?

We know that you may have excess hair growth that you’re self-conscious about. If you’re interested in clearing your skin of unwanted patches of hair, we have a range of treatment options that give you softer, smoother skin that mere shaving does not provide, including laser hair removal. This procedure is effective for all parts of your body, particularly the legs, arms, hands, underarms, face (eyebrows, lips, chin), ears, neck, chest, stomach, bikini area, and back.

What to expect?

Laser hair removal entails the use of a laser to target the pigment at the root of a hair follicle during the growth cycle of an individual hair. The pigment absorbs the laser energy, which prevents the follicle from growing, and eventually removes hair permanently. It is an ideal treatment to remove hair because the concentrated energy of the laser penetrates the skin and can remove a large swath of hair with a single pulse without causing damage to the surrounding area. The end result is silky smooth skin and renewed self-confidence.

After the procedure

The number of laser hair removal sessions you undergo depends on your aesthetic goals as well as how much hair you want to be removed. In any case, results from laser hair removal are noticeable after just 1-2 sessions, and although there is the potential for side effects (such as swollen or inflamed skin), these usually clear up within 2-3 days after the procedure. In 3-4 weeks, you should have clear, smooth, silky skin.

Our practices are unique because we focus on you as a person. Our neighborhood practitioners are here to answer questions and address post-treatment concerns. You can lean on us for compassionate support and advice.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us for more information about how this treatment could be the ideal solution for removing unwanted excess hair.

Schedule your appointment now.

Dermal Fillers

What are they?

Dermal fillers are substances injected just below the skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. A natural substance like hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers because it easily synthesizes with your skin and body. Hyaluronic acid binds to the body’s natural moisture reserves for a natural-looking improvement to your appearance.

What to expect

Our practice is happy to provide both the Juvederm and Restylane line of dermal fillers. The Juvederm line includes Juvederm XC (to reduce lines around your nose and mouth), Vollure XC (to minimize deep nasolabial lines), Volbella XC (to improve fine lip lines), and Voluma XC (to enhance and volumize cheeks). Meanwhile, Restylane is used to soften nasolabial folds and lip lines, while Restylane Defyne treats sturdy support deep facial lines and Restylane Refyne treats of moderate facial lines and creases. Regardless of the dermal filler used, the treatment is quick, pain-free, and results in no downtime.

After the procedure

Depending on your specific treatment area, dermal fillers can provide you with the following benefits: diminished frown lines between the eyes, reduced smile lines around the nose and mouth, enhanced shallow lines around the lips, plump lips, volumized cheeks, and a reduction of wrinkles and facial creases. Overall, your skin becomes firmer and more resilient because the fillers help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, important elements in your skin that help you look youthful.

Our approach & expertise

We realize that the effects of aging can impact your appearance and cause a loss of self-confidence, especially if you look older than you feel. We’re here to provide support and to offer a variety of treatment options to reduce the effects of aging and help rejuvenate your appearance. What distinguishes us from others is our focus on you as a person in customizing your unique treatment plan. Our caring neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and offer compassionate support, and our practitioners have the experience and skill to rejuvenate your appearance the way you want.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to find out more about how we can tailor dermal fillers to meet your aesthetic goals.

Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

What is it?

Also known as liver spots or sunspots, brown age spots are not always uniform; they can be tan or black, can differ in size and shape, and usually appear on areas commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. Although normally a cosmetic issue, brown age spots can develop into a medical issue if the spots rapidly enlarge, bleed, or change into unusual colors. If you notice these, please feel free to schedule an appointment at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics.

What causes it?

Brown age spots are primarily caused by years of exposure to the UV rays of the sun (or to those of indoor tanning), which is why you may associate them with aging; however, brown spots can develop in younger people, as well. To be more specific, the spots result when the UV rays cause the buildup or clumping together of melanin in a localized area. Although brown spots can develop on any skin color, if you have light skin, you’re more susceptible. This is also the case if you have a history of sunburns or have spent a lot of time in the sun during your life.

Common treatments?

We understand that aging and years of fun in the sun can bring about changes in your skin, particularly brown age spots (or sunspots), which can have an effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin experts, we’re here to offer encouragement, answer questions, and provide solutions regarding this issue. Our skin experts offer a variety of treatments for liver spots, but they are based on your overall health and aesthetic goals. Options include prescription oral medications, prescription-strength creams, laser treatment, IPL therapy, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, and chemical peels.

Our approach & expertise

Our skilled dermatologists have the knowledge and experience to provide treatment options tailored to suit your needs and meet your goals. We’ll be with you throughout the process, providing compassionate advice and support. Your healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice brown age spots so that we can help you look your best.

Schedule your appointment now.

Skin Cancer Removal

What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the skin cancer removal options? What’s the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect you 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, 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 typically 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.

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a non-invasive, painless treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. SRT delivers precise, low-dose radiation to the skin’s surface, effectively targeting cancerous cells while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. It’s an ideal alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery or prefer a non-surgical approach with minimal downtime and no scarring. Treatments are quick, typically lasting just a few minutes, and are performed over several sessions for optimal results. SRT offers a safe, effective, and cosmetically sensitive solution for treating skin cancer.

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!

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. Reveal your best skin yet—schedule your personalized consultation at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics today.

Schedule your appointment now.