Design Dermatology and Aesthetics

Skin Tags

What are they?

Skin tags are usually harmless and painless. Skin tags, also called acrochordons, soft fibromas, or fibroepithelial polyps, are small noncancerous, or benign, skin growths. They are often flesh-colored bumps of tissue connected to the skin’s surface by a narrow stalk. The color, texture, size, and width of the base can vary. As we age, and if we are prone to skin tags, they become more common as we advance in years. It is not known what causes skin tags, but the good news is they are not cancerous and do not pose other health concerns. The main symptom is a growth on the skin, often on the neck, upper chest, underarms, and eyelids. They may become irritated from rubbing against clothing. Most of these don’t require treatment. If a skin tag is irritated or its appearance is bothersome, a doctor can remove it.

What causes them?

Most of these don’t cause symptoms unless they are repeatedly irritated by rubbing against jewelry, clothing, or other items. The tags are harmless, but they won’t go away without treatment. A reason for treatment may include irritation or if you don’t like the way the skin tag looks. Friction can also play a role in the development of these. Frequently, they develop on the neck, underarms, and eyelids, as well as within body folds, such as under the breasts or in the groin area. In some cases, these seem to be associated with obesity, and genetic factors also appear to play a role. Unfortunately, there’s no way to minimize the risk of developing skin tags.

Common treatments

If you have skin tags that are irritated, or you just don’t like where they have developed, we are here to help. Skin tags can be removed in several ways, they can be cut off with scissors or excision, but minor bleeding could occur. Freezing or burning, the skin tag may require a short time to fall off, and these procedures have a risk of skin discoloration, darkening, or lightening, following the procedure. Sometimes, repeat treatments are necessary if the tag doesn’t fall off or it grows back, or if new tags grow in other areas. If you are concerned about your skin tags ask your dermatologist about how to treat your skin. Our goal is that you look your best, so make an appointment today if you have skin tags and want to remove them. Reveal your best skin yet—schedule your personalized consultation at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics today.

Schedule your appointment now.

Botox

About Botox

What is it?

Botox is an extremely popular wrinkle treatment that’s ideal for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that form over time from repeated movements, such as smiling or frowning). Derived from Botulinum toxin, Botox is injected through a very fine needle into a muscle underlying a bothersome wrinkle. This process blocks the nerve impulses that move the muscle, causing it to relax. The result is a smoother wrinkle and a softer-looking appearance. Since only the targeted muscle is affected, surrounding muscles continue to move freely, allowing your facial expressions to be easily shown and avoiding the dreaded “frozen face” look when performed by an experienced dermatologist. Botox is ideal for the upper half of the face, including the areas around the eyes, the upper nose, forehead, cheeks, and jaw.

What to expect

A single Botox injection session often lasts under an hour and is virtually painless. You may feel a tingling sensation during the process, but there is no downtime; you can go about your daily routine afterward. Side effects are typically mild and typically include tenderness at the injection site, muscle stiffness or weakness, bruising, itchiness, and swelling.

After the procedure

Within a week after your Botox injections, you should start to notice results, although this can vary from patient to patient. Over the following 3-4 months, the targeted wrinkles gradually vanish, and touch-up injections are suggested every 6 months in order to maintain the rejuvenating effects of the treatment.

Our approach & expertise

We recognize that troublesome facial creases, lines, and wrinkles can impact your appearance and self-esteem, which is why our experienced community skin experts provide one of the safest, most popular wrinkle treatments in the world: Botox. Botox treatment at our center is unique. Practitioner experience and skill are critical in getting safe, effective results. Our experts are trained to administer the precise dosage at the precise location, ensuring a safe procedure and natural-looking results that meet your aesthetic goals.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today for more about Botox and how it can revitalize your appearance.

Cosmetic Injections

Cosmetic injections, sometimes called cosmetic fillers, are dermatological treatments for aging skin.

Cosmetic injections are used by dermatologists to help patients achieve a more youthful appearance. As skin ages, it begins to show signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging.

Cosmetic injections plump up the skin so wrinkles disappear and sagging diminishes or becomes less noticeable. These injections do not lead to permanent results, but repeat treatments are safe. This way, anyone can achieve the more youthful appearance that they desire.

Design Dermatology & Aesthetics offers several cosmetic injection treatments, including Botox, Juvéderm, Restylane, and Dysport.

What are Cosmetic Injections Used For?

The primary purpose of these is to enhance the appearance of older skin. For this reason, cosmetic injections are most often done on the face; however, they can also be done on other areas of the body, including the hands. In fact, Botox is a cosmetic injection that is also used to combat excessively sweaty palms.

Most often, though, they are used to:

  • Soften facial creases
  • Erase fine lines and wrinkles
  • Plump up thinning skin
  • Improve the appearance of facial scars
  • Plump lips
  • Enhance facial contours

Types of Injections

Cosmetic injections are frequently referred to by their brand name. For instance, many of the types of cosmetic injections listed here are actually brand names that contain very similar ingredients. They include:

  • Jeuveau
  • Juvederm
  • Botox
  • Sculptra
  • Radiesse
  • Kybella
  • Restylane
  • Dysport
  • RHA
  • Versa

These injections are FDA-approved and considered safe for most individuals; however, certain side effects may occur with some cosmetic injection formulations.

If you have side effects with one type of injection, it doesn’t mean you and your dermatologist can’t use another type of cosmetic injection. Talk to your dermatologist at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics to determine if one type of filler may be more suitable for your needs than another.

Am I a Candidate?

If you suffer from unwanted wrinkles, thin skin, or sagging skin, cosmetic injections could be a great treatment option for you. Anyone who wishes to appear more youthful is a good candidate!

Do you feel healthy and vital on the inside, but your outward appearance makes you look older than your actual years? Or perhaps you have a professional job that puts you in the public eye and you want to appear more youthful and full of vitality? These injections can help.

We offer technology to help you easily achieve a more youthful appearance through these injections. It may take more than one visit in order for you to achieve your desired results.

Schedule your appointment now.

Body Contouring

Body contouring procedures are non-invasive cosmetic treatments that target stubborn fat cells, tone, define muscle, and tighten the face and body. Learn more.

Achieve your goals with the latest technology in body contouring.  We offer customized treatment plans that target your areas of concern, whether you are looking to reduce fat, tone, gain muscle or maintain.

Types of Body Contouring Treatments:

Non-surgical body contouring can help you look and feel your best!  Contact your dermatologist to learn more about any of the following treatments:

Kybella®

Kybella is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.”

It is the first and only FDA-approved injectable therapy for improving the look and profile of moderate to severe submental fat. The active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that assists in breaking down and absorbing dietary fat. 

Kybella destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction of fullness under the chin. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer accumulate fat.

Am I a Good Candidate for Body Contouring Procedures? 

You are a good candidate for body contouring treatments if you have areas that are carrying excess fat, or cellulite, or are looking to increase muscle tone. 

Talk to one of our professional clinicians at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics. Contact us today to learn more.

Schedule your appointment now.

Skin Cancer

Early detection of skin cancer plays a critical role in recovery and survival rates.

Skin cancer is defined as the growth of abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin. A diagnosis means that a person has out-of-control, malignant skin cell growth.

This condition can ultimately be fatal when left untreated or undiagnosed. Also, this can grow unchecked and infiltrate other parts of the body.

A comprehensive skin exam with your dermatologist is the first line of defense against skin cancer.

What are the Symptoms?

The most common type of cancer, skin cancer, can range from very mild types to those that are life-threatening. Because of this, it’s vital to catch it as early as possible.

To do so, you need to know the common symptoms. In most cases, these include:

  • Bleeding sore that heals but then returns
  • Pearly or waxy bump on skin
  • Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
  • Mole that changes color or size
  • Lesions with irregular borders

Since these symptoms can be associated with various types of skin cancers, it is crucial that you not delay in seeking the advice of Design Dermatology and Aesthetics to get a proper diagnosis.

Types of Skin Cancer

If you are unfamiliar with this, you should realize there are multiple types, some of which are mild while others are quite serious.

The most common types of skin cancer are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas such as the neck or face. Signs of this cancer include flat lesions that are flesh-colored or have a scar-like appearance, as well as a sore that won’t heal or heals and then returns.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears on the ears or hands. Characterized by a flat lesion with a scaly and crusty surface, people with darker skin can develop this cancer on areas not often exposed to the sun.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, can affect men and women, and be present on any skin tone.

What Causes It?

Skin cancer is very complex and can be caused by many different factors. No matter the type, skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, leading to them growing out of control — creating a cancer cell mass.

The main reasons why this occurs are:

  • Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds
  • Exposure to toxic substances or radiation
  • Having a compromised immune system

Other risk factors include having a large number of moles on your body, having a predisposition to sunburns, or having a family history of skin cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment results can vary. At Design Dermatology & Aesthetics we will advise you as to the appropriate course of treatment based on your individual circumstances and the type of cancer that you have.

Due to the seriousness, don’t take chances by delaying your diagnosis and treatment. With this condition, early detection plays a critical role in recovery and survival. Your journey to healthier, radiant skin starts here—visit Design Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Schedule your appointment now.

 

Mole Removal

Dangerous or unsightly moles can be removed from almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. 

What is a Mole?

A mole is a growth on the skin. Most moles are benign, but they can turn cancerous. This is where mole removal can be properly utilized to prevent further complications.

People can be born with moles, or they can develop moles over the course of their lives. It’s important to be aware of what moles you have and where they are located.

Although you don’t generally need to worry about moles, any changes in the mole’s appearance should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist. In particular, look for changes in color and/or size.

Sometimes moles can occur in areas of the body that negatively impact appearance or self-esteem, such as on the face.

Moles are detected during routine skin screenings done by our dermatologists, or you may know about a mole you’ve had your entire life. Moles may appear as you age, or a lifelong mole may change in shape, appearance, or size.

Mole removal is available, even when the mole poses no health risk.

Have a suspicious-looking mole? Our skilled dermatologists can screen the mole and your skin for malignancy concerns and discuss removal options.

What Causes Moles?

Skin moles arise when skin cells grow in clusters. These cells, known as melanocytes, are found throughout your skin and produce melanin, the pigment that colors your skin.

Various complications can result for some people who have moles, such as:

  • Having very large moles
  • Having too many moles
  • Having moles of irregular shapes or textures

When any of these complications occur, you run the risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Should you have a mole that is giving you problems or has changed its size, shape, and texture recently, don’t ignore it.

Design Dermatology and Aesthetics can provide a thorough examination of your skin and moles.

What is It?

Mole removal is the process of removing benign or malignant moles for aesthetic or medical purposes.

Our dermatologists can remove dangerous or unsightly moles almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. This process in a dermatologist’s office has been done for a number of decades and is FDA-approved.

Why Should you Remove Moles?

There are many situations in which a person should seek help from a dermatologist for mole removal.

Moles can be indicative of a serious skin condition, such as melanoma. Left untreated, a malignant mole can grow into a life-threatening condition that may be irreversible.

This treatment is also used to remove unsightly benign moles. Certain moles can be disfiguring, or they can appear in unflattering areas on the body.

Types of Mole Removal

Once you and your dermatologist have agreed that mole removal is the best next step, your dermatologist will decide which type of mole removal procedure to use.

The type will depend upon your individual circumstances, the size and nature of the mole, and the reason for the mole removal.

  • Cryotherapy. Sometimes called cryosurgery or simply “freezing” cryotherapy is a type of mole removal where the mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which the mole released from the skin and is discarded.
  • Laser therapy. A specialized laser can be used to remove benign moles. The intense, focused light beam neutralizes the cells within the mole, causing them to die and fall away. Multiple laser therapy visits may be needed for complete mole removal.
  • Shaving. Shallow moles may be removed with surgical shaving, where a scalpel is used to shave away the mole cells.
  • Excision. Surgical excision is used when a mole is deep and requires to be cut out. This procedure may also require stitches and can leave a small scar.

Am I a Candidate?

Most patients can have their mole/s removed. There are few reasons why a mole cannot be removed. The main question is what kind of mole removal procedure is best for your unique circumstances.

Certain types of mole removal procedures may leave a small scar. If you are considering having a mole removed purely for aesthetic reasons, you need to decide if it’s worth risking a scar in place of the mole, even if it’s a small scar.

All moles on the body should be carefully monitored. Schedule an appointment with us today! Glow with confidence—discover tailored skin solutions at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Schedule your appointment now.

Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a broad term used to describe a range of skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of eczema you are experiencing, you can rely on our professional team of clinicians to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but eczema is not contagious. Although there is no known cure for eczema, you will find effective treatments and symptom relief at our practice.

What are the Symptoms?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

  • Skin patches that are rough and leathery
  • Red and raised bumps on the skin known as hives
  • Scaly skin patches
  • Skin that is swollen and sore
  • Skin color changes

Types of Eczema

There are many different types, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

  • Atopic Dermatitis: The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
  • Contact Dermatitis: Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
  • Dyshidrotic: More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
  • Hand Eczema: Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
  • Neurodermatitis: Very similar to atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
  • Nummular: Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy, and is often triggered by insect bites.
  • Stasis Dermatitis: Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes It?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, eczema often occurs.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

  • Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
  • Allergies such as hay fever
  • Asthma
  • Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
  • Synthetic or wool fabrics
  • Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
  • Pet dander
  • Chemicals and solvents

Treatment Options

At our contemporary dermatology practice in Miami, Design Dermatology & Aesthetics offers a variety of effective treatments. Schedule your appointment today for personalized information and care. Ready for real results? Let Design Dermatology & Aesthetics design the perfect treatment plan for you.

Schedule your appointment now.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is a special technique that is used by dermatologists to treat certain types of skin cancer.

In Mohs Micrographic surgery, cancerous skin cells are removed one cell layer at a time. After each layer is removed, its examined on the spot under a microscope. Once no more cancerous skin cells are in the removed layer, the surgery is completed.

This technique ensures that benign cells aren’t needlessly removed, while also ensuring that all the malignant cells are excised.

If your dermatologist has recommended Mohs surgery to treat your skin cancer, you should know that this technique was invented all the way back in the 1930s and named after the doctor, Frederick Mohs.

It proved to be so effective that dermatologists still rely on this technique to this day, as a first recourse to remove cancerous skin cells. Mohs surgery often helps patients to avoid more extensive surgery for the treatment of melanoma.

With a modern dermatology clinic a short drive away in Phoenix, our esteemed team of clinicians can help provide guidance about skin cancer and the potential need for and performance of Mohs surgery.

What is it Used For?

Mohs surgery isn’t for all types of skin cancer. But it offers very positive outcome rates for certain situations, including:

  • Your skin cancer has returned after previous treatment
  • You have a higher vulnerability of having your skin cancer return
  • Your skin cancer is located in a highly visible area of your body
  • Your skin cancer is in an area of the body where healthy tissue is greatly needed
  • Your skin cancer is aggressive or particularly large in size
  • Your skin cancer has poorly defined edges

Types of Mohs Surgery

There is only one type of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and it’s used to treat melanoma, which is skin cancer. The idea behind this surgery is to keep as much healthy tissue as possible.

Needless tissue removal can cause unnecessary and unsightly scarring in visible areas such as the face and neck. With Mohs surgery, only cancerous cells are removed.

Am I a Candidate?

We recommend Mohs surgery for patients who are not good candidates for more invasive surgery. Since Mohs surgery only necessitates local anesthesia in our office, there is no need to under. This is optimal for those with heart conditions or other underlying issues.

Whether or not you are a candidate for Mohs Micrographic surgery also depends upon the nature of your skin cancer and its history. If you have a history of recurring skin cancer in one spot, for example, Mohs surgery may be a great option.

A diagnosis of skin cancer doesn’t have to mean that a large area of skin tissue will be removed from your body. With Mohs surgery, your dermatologist removes only cancerous cells, leaving healthy tissue behind.

In Jacksonville, Design Dermatology and Aesthetics is your destination for comprehensive Mohs surgery services performing the procedure and delivering comprehensive information. Schedule your appointment today.

Schedule your appointment now.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

Chemical peels can make a dramatic improvement in the way you look. For relatively little effort, you could take years off of your appearance.

You can discuss the cosmetic treatments we offer and learn if they are right for you.

What are Chemical Peels Used For?

Chemical peels are used to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin.

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of chemical peels. When a layer of skin is removed, the skin rejuvenates itself and builds a fresh new layer of skin cells. This results in a more youthful appearance that is devoid of the skin imperfections that were targeted.

Among other uses, peels are used for:

  • Acne
  • Wrinkles
  • Discoloration
  • Dryness
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Scars

Types of Chemical Peels

Cosmetic peels fall under three categories; light, medium, and deep. The variations designate how deeply the ingredients in the peel formulation penetrate the skin.

  • Light chemical peel. Light cosmetic peels remove only the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This type of cosmetic peel treats dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend repeat treatments no more than once every two to five weeks.
  • Medium chemical peel. Medium cosmetic peels penetrate to the depth of the upper layer of the dermis. Medium cosmetic peels are used to treat things like acne scars, average wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation brought about by sun damage or other reasons. More than one treatment may be needed to reach full effect.
  • Deep chemical peel. Even with a deep cosmetic peel, the formulation will only reach a safe depth of the skin. Deep cosmetic peels may be recommended to treat older, deeper wrinkles, certain benign skin growths, or scars. Typically, only one session of a deep cosmetic peel is needed to obtain results.

Am I a Candidate?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for chemical peels, as long as there are no underlying skin conditions that could be negatively impacted by the process. For instance, open, blistering acne breakouts would not respond well to a cosmetic peel.

Others who may not be a good candidate include anyone who:

  • Has a history of overdevelopment of scar tissue
  • Is pregnant
  • Has chronic cold sore breakouts
  • Takes certain prescription medication

Chemical peels are done in the comfort of our office. They do require some healing time, so this is not a treatment that would be appropriate to have done during your work lunch hour.

After a cosmetic peel, the skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. After-care instructions include cleansing the skin gently, skipping active ingredients, skipping sun exposure, and moisturizing often.

There is typically a recovery time of up to two weeks, depending upon what type of peel you received. If you are getting a cosmetic peel to improve your appearance for a certain event, such as a wedding, you should schedule your cosmetic peel well in advance so that your skin has enough time to heal properly.

Cosmetic peels are straightforward treatments and are available at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Schedule your appointment now.

Laser Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing works by increasing cellular energy and encouraging healthy regeneration.

Skin resurfacing has been used in dermatology for decades. Recent advances have not only increased the efficacy but broadened its scope of usefulness. This treatment is used for everything from hair removal to the destruction of cancerous skin growths.

The benefits include the fact that it is non-invasive and virtually painless. Although sometimes minimal side effects can occur, like temporary pain or discomfort or blistering, most would agree that laser therapy is certainly worth considering.

Your dermatologist at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics can let you know if laser therapy might be right for your condition.

What is Skin Resurfacing Used For?

We offer a wide variety of treatments, and many conditions respond very well to skin resurfacing, such as:

  • Overgrowth of hair
  • Acne scars
  • Hyperpigmentation (age spots)
  • Skin lesions, warts or scars
  • Wrinkles or fine lines
  • Sagging skin/jowls
  • Spider veins, broken capillaries or vascular lesions
  • Rosacea
  • Birthmarks

There are even more skin conditions that may warrant consideration of skin resurfacing. Talk to your dermatologist at Design Dermatology and Aesthetics to see if this is the right treatment for you.

Am I a Candidate?

This treatment is effective for many conditions, including those brought about by lifestyles and habits.

If you regularly sunbathe or have a history of drinking or smoking, you may need treatment for sun damage, wrinkles, and broken capillaries. Skin resurfacing is not preventative, so if you indulge in the same kind of behaviors, the initial problem will return.

The best candidates for skin resurfacing are those who are willing to do more to protect their skin. That way, the results will be lasting.

There are others who might not respond well to skin resurfacing. These include:

  • Are currently taking certain acne medications
  • Are vulnerable to excess scarring
  • Are pregnant
  • Are taking blood-thinning medication or aspirin daily
  • Have certain skin conditions
  • Are prone to sunburns or who currently have a tan or sunburn
  • Have active acne breakouts
  • Are dark-skinned

Your dermatologist will advise you as to whether or not you are a good candidate. Often, the reason someone isn’t a good candidate has to do with the potential for visible scarring after treatment. But all in all, a healthy individual with relatively good skin and no underlying conditions can expect to be a good candidate for this treatment.

Skin resurfacing has been shown to be highly effective over the decades. Why not see for yourself what it can do for your skin?

Schedule your appointment now.