Dallas Associated Dermatologists

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.

Chemical Peel

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

Cosmetic 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 with your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

What are Cosmetic Peels Used For?

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

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of cosmetic 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, cosmetic peels are used for:

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

Types of Cosmetic 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 cosmetic 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 cosmetic 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 cosmetic 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 for Cosmetic Peels?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for cosmetic 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

Cosmetic peels are done in your dermatologist’s 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. Your dermatologist will provide after-care instructions with details.

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 Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

CoolSculpting

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CoolSculpting targets stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diets and exercise.

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, branded treatment for removing fat and sculpting the body.

The treatment uses a technology called cryolipolysis. Cryolipolysis is simply a term that means that fat cells are frozen and destroyed.

In studies, CoolSculpting has been shown to be able to remove between 18% and 25% of fat cells in targeted areas. For people who have tried and failed to get rid of stubborn fat deposits, CoolSculpting may be a good option to consider.

Dallas Associated Dermatologists offers CoolSculpting treatment in our office.

What is CoolSculpting Used For?

CoolSculpting is used to target fat cells and eliminate them from the body. This is very different from what happens with fat cells when a person diets and exercises.

Through diet and exercise, a person may be able to shrink fat cells so they no longer cause an unsightly appearance on the exterior of the body. But with CoolSculpting technology, fat cells are actually destroyed. The dead fat cells are then expelled from the body through waste.

CoolSculpting is:

  • Non-surgical
  • Non-invasive
  • Painless
  • FDA-approved

Types of CoolSculpting

There are two types of CoolSculpting:

  • Original CoolSculpting
  • CoolSculpting Elite

Original CoolSculpting is effective at removing between 18% and 20% of fat deposits in a single visit.

CoolSculpting Elite is a 2nd generation tool that may remove fat cells more efficiently, up to between 20% and 25%.

Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists may use either tool, depending upon your specific needs.

Both CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite are effective, non-invasive, pain-free, and can be completed during one office visit. Note that more than one visit may be needed if multiple areas of the body are to be treated.

Am I a Candidate For CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is not for the obese. If you are severely overweight, you should work with your physician to bring your weight down to a healthy level.

At that point, if you still have stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise, CoolSculpting may be the answer.

CoolSculpting is for people who are near or at their ideal weight. It is also only FDA-approved for certain treatment areas including:

  • Under the chin
  • Under the jawline
  • Thigh
  • Abdomen
  • Flank
  • Back fat
  • Bra bulge/fat
  • Under the buttocks
  • Upper arm

Note that CoolSculpting is not intended as a treatment for weight loss. It is a treatment for stubborn fat deposits that remain despite having an overall healthy body weight.

If you feel that you may be a good candidate for CoolSculpting, you owe it to yourself to talk to one of our professional clinicians at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

Want a consultation? You have nothing to lose except those stubborn fat deposits.

Moles

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A mole is a growth on the skin. Most moles are benign, but they can turn cancerous.

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 at Dallas Associated Dermatologists. 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. 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.

Shingles

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Shingles is a painful and sometimes debilitating skin condition that causes a rash, redness, fatigue, and burning pain.

Shingles is the result of a viral infection by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox, the virus is likely still in your nervous system, where it can remain dormant for decades.

When the virus resurges, it presents as shingles. According to the CDC, one-third of people in the U.S. will suffer from shingles at some point in their lives. There is a shingles vaccine, but if you have already contracted shingles, the vaccine is of little use.

Shingles can be life-altering, leaving a person bed-bound or in excruciating pain. Shingles cannot be reversed or cured, but the symptoms can be treated to provide relief.

Are you suffering from shingles? At Dallas Associated Dermatologists, we can help.

What are the Symptoms of Shingles?

  • Pain and burning, usually on one side of the body
  • A red rash with fluid-filled blisters
  • Itching
  • Rash on face and ears, or wrapping around the spine to the torso
  • Fever and chills
  • Headaches and muscle weakness
  • Fatigue

In rare instances, severe complications such as intense eye pain, loss of hearing in one ear, dizziness, or bacterial infection may also occur.

Types of Shingles

There’s only one type of shingles, but it can appear primarily on certain parts of the body, such as:

  • Shingles on the face
  • Shingles of the eyes
  • Shingles of the mouth

If you get shingles on your face, the rash will usually be on only one side. Should the rash be close to your ear, the result may be a loss of hearing or balance.

If shingles occur in your mouth, you may have a hard time tasting your food.

Shingles of the eye typically present as a rash on your eyelids. Should this happen, blurry vision and even nerve damage or long-term vision loss are possible.

It’s essential to get immediate care from your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists to protect yourself against long-term ramifications.

What Causes Shingles?

In medical terms, shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox. While doctors don’t know why some people get shingles and others don’t, you can get shingles if you have had chickenpox either as a child or adult.

Shingles is more common in older adults due to compromised immune systems. Other causes include:

  • Emotional stress
  • Aging
  • Undergoing cancer treatments
  • Recovering from major surgery

Due to the serious issues that can arise with a shingles outbreak, see your dermatologist right away to decide on the best method of treatment.

Treatment for Shingles

If you believe you are suffering from shingles, call to make an appointment with your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. The earlier you get treatment, the less severe your shingles symptoms may be.

Lentigo (Age Spots)

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About Lentigo (Age Spots)

What is it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body. It can be found on any part of your body and is most often caused by sun damage or exposure to radiation. There are numerous types of lentigo, but the most common type is called lentigo simplex.
Lentigo maligna is a type of growth that develops in areas of long-term sun exposure, such as your face, arms, or legs. Lentigo starts as a brown flat spot with an irregular shape that slowly gets bigger. Eventually, the spot may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin and then invades the underlying skin layer. See your doctor if you notice:
  • A new skin growth
  • A change in an existing mole
  • Any skin changes that seem unusual

What causes it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body.
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down the connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers — that lies in the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). Without the supportive connective tissue, the skin loses its elastic quality. This condition, known as solar elastosis (e-las-TOE-sis), is characterized by yellowed, thickened skin with deep wrinkles that don’t disappear with stretching.

Common treatments

Lentigo doesn’t usually cause pain or itchiness. The spots are also non-cancerous, but they can resemble other types of spots that can be cancerous. It’s a good idea to get them checked out by a dermatologist. Common treatments are listed below and offered at most of our clinics, just ask.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel is used to removed damaged skin cells on your hands, face, or neck. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to your lentigo. The chemicals exfoliate your skin spot to uncover healthy skin underneath.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a method of freezing your skin spot with liquid nitrogen. It’s used for abnormal skin spots that are non-cancerous or precancerous. The treatment takes up to 10 days to heal from and usually doesn’t leave a scar.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy involves using beams of light to remove your lentigo skin spot. Laster therapy allows for a more precise removal than with traditional surgery. Many people who undergo laser surgery also have quicker recovery times.

Actinic Keratoses

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Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by one or more rough, scaly patches as a result of cumulative sun exposure.

Actinic keratosis can occur on any part of the body, but it most often occurs in out-of-the-way areas where a person has omitted using sunblock. This includes the ears, lips, back of the neck or hands, or even the scalp.

Actinic keratosis is sometimes called solar keratosis because it is caused by sun exposure. Those over the age of 40 are more apt to develop this condition since it occurs from the cumulative effects of UV light exposure.

Screening and treatment for actinic keratosis is available at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

What are the Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Though actinic keratosis can differ from one person to another, the signs and symptoms remain the same across the board. Typically, the most common signs and symptoms include a patch of skin that is dry, rough, or scaly. Most often, this patch of skin is less than one inch in diameter.

Other symptoms include color variations such as brown, red, or pink, itching or burning, crusting or bleeding, a slightly-raised bump on the top layer of skin, and new patches on such sun-exposed areas as hands, neck, head, and forearms.

Types of Actinic Keratosis

There are five different types of actinic keratosis:

  • Hypertrophic
  • Atrophic
  • Bowenoid
  • Acantholytic
  • Pigmented

Of these five, the hypertrophic and atrophic types are the most common.

Also, studies have shown that for those individuals who suffer from hypertrophic actinic keratosis, there is a greater chance it may evolve into a form of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

When an actinic keratosis forms, it is most often due to a person being exposed to intense UV rays on a frequent basis.

While most cases result from overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, many people with this condition have also exposed their skin to the intensity of tanning beds.

While anyone can potentially get an actinic keratosis, some have certain risk factors that put them at even greater risk.

These factors include:

  • Having red or blond hair and either blue or light-colored eyes
  • Prior history of bad sunburns
  • Tendency to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
  • Aged 40 or older
  • Working primarily outdoors
  • Possessing a weakened immune system
  • Living in a sunny climate

Treatment for Actinic Keratosis

While a simple examination of your skin may allow a doctor to diagnose actinic keratosis, a skin biopsy may be performed as an added precaution.

Since it is always possible that an actinic keratosis may be a precursor to skin cancer, don’t take any chances with your health. Talk to your dermatologist right away for a screening.

Conditions

  • Shingles
  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Moles
  • Skin Cancer
  • Varicose Veins
  • Acne
  • Actinic Keratoses

“As usual, it was great! Dr. Crawford more or less is why I’m able to type this. He has found numerous melanomas, squamous and basal carcinomas over the past 15 years. Today was a cyst. Something new for me but was a success.”

Psoriasis

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About Psoriasis

What is it?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which your skin produces skin cells much faster than normal. This causes them to build up into thick, flaky, itchy, inflamed patches. There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and several other types that are rare. Common areas of the body where psoriasis develops include the scalp, torso, arms, thighs, armpits, groin, fingernails, and toenails. There’s also very painful psoriatic arthritis, in which both the skin and the nearby joints are stiff and inflamed. While psoriasis most commonly appears in people between the ages of 15 to 35, approximately 10% of people who develop psoriasis will be under the age of 10 when symptoms appear and 4% will have their first sign of psoriasis occur over the age of 60.

External Symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis, especially early on, can be similar to other conditions like eczema or skin allergies. However, as time goes on, the physical symptoms of psoriasis can worsen including itchy, flaking skin that bleeds or cracks and thick, discolored, and/or ridged nails.

Internal Symptoms

Some of the most damaging symptoms of psoriasis occur internally with the emotional distress one faces with psoriasis, as well as psoriatic arthritis which occurs in 30% of people who are affected by the disease. Psoriatic arthritis is painful and affects the joints most commonly in the fingers and toes, feet, and lower back. Also, there is a higher rate of heart disease, stroke, and other internal diseases associated with psoriasis.

What causes it?

Genetics and the immune system function play major roles in the appearance of psoriasis. Instead of the immune system protecting the body from viruses, foreign proteins, and bacteria, the immune system in someone with psoriasis “misfires” and attacks healthy cells. This causes inflammation in the skin leading to more rapid growth of skin cells. The increased growth of skin cells requires more blood circulation to feed the process which results in a multitude of psoriatic symptoms.
The genetic predisposition to psoriasis involves the abnormal function of the inflammatory cells called T-lymphocytes, or “T-cells”. While many people live with these abnormal T-cells without having symptoms of psoriasis, there are many situations that can trigger these cells to create the red, scaly patches of psoriasis.
Common triggers include…

Strep infections

For children ages 10 or younger, the most common trigger for psoriasis is strep infection, the most common of which is strep throat.

Emotional distress

Emotional distress is a common trigger of psoriasis in adults.

The abuse of substances like alcohol and tobacco

Skin irritation

Skin irritations such as scrapes or irritations from getting a tattoo applied are other triggers for psoriasis.

Medications

Certain medications including lithium, antimalarials, Inderal, quinidine, and indomethacin have been associated with triggering psoriasis.

Common treatments

Though psoriasis is not contagious, it is unpredictable. You may heal without warning only to have it return just as quickly or years later. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for psoriasis, but our dermatologists have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you manage your symptoms. Our psoriasis treatment options include topical medications, Vitamin D (steroids or retinol creams/gels), oral treatments, biologic treatments (retinoid pills, chemotherapy medicine), light therapy, and UV-B light (controlled doses of sunlight).

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that an aggressive and troublesome skin condition like psoriasis can affect you both physically and psychologically. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and answers to questions you may have about this problematic skin issue. Contact us today if you notice symptoms of psoriasis so that we can help you deal with this unpredictable condition. We provide treatment options that can be tailored to suit your needs and goals, and we’ll be by your side each step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing advice and after-care support.

Botox

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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.

Providers

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.

Acne

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Acne is a common, benign skin condition characterized by localized breakouts in the form of postures, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Although acne is most common in teens, adults may also experience episodes of acne breakouts.

The worst part about acne is its appearance. Since acne most frequently occurs on the face, breakouts can cause extreme embarrassment and lead to a lack of self-confidence.

Acne is highly treatable by your dermatologist.

What are the Symptoms of Acne?

Since there are many types of acne, symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity.

Generally, the most common symptoms of acne include:

  • Whiteheads. These are pores that are both closed and plugged.
  • Blackheads. These happen in pores that are plugged, yet still open.
  • Papules. These are small bumps that are red and tender to the touch.
  • Pimples. Commonly known as pustules. These are papules, but they have pus at their tips.
  • Nodules. These are painful lumps under the skin that are solid and typically large.
  • Cystic lesions. These are defined as pus-filled lumps under the skin that are quite painful.

Types of Acne

The two most common forms of acne are:

  • Noninflammatory
  • Inflammatory

Within these categories are subcategories. For example, noninflammatory acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, both of which rarely cause swelling and usually respond to over-the-counter medications.

As for inflammatory acne, this includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. This type of acne is more difficult to treat since it involves infections that are deeper underneath the skin.

What Causes Acne?

When acne appears, it is due to four main factors that may work in combination with one another. These include:

  • Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil
  • Excess production of oil
  • Inflammation
  • Bacteria

Along with these factors, other things can trigger an acne attack or worsen existing acne. Among these are:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Diet

When hormonal changes occur during puberty or midlife, androgen production increases and can trigger or worsen acne. Also, medications containing testosterone or corticosteroids can make acne worse.

Treatment for Acne

You may have spent a lot of time trying various treatments to get rid of your acne. But the best treatment for all types of acne is dermatologic treatment.

If you have seen no improvements or your acne has worsened, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.