Dallas Associated Dermatologists

Mohs Surgery

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

In Mohs surgery, cancerous skin cells are removed one cell layer at a time. After each layer is removed, it’s 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.

What is Mohs Surgery 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 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 For Mohs Surgery?

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’s no need to “go under.” This is optimal for those with heart conditions or other underlying issues.

Whether or not you are a candidate for Mohs 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.

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.

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 this treatment and how it can benefit you, contact us today.

Cosmetic Peel

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A cosmetic peel is a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

A Cosmetic peel 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 treatment.

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

These treatments 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.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

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, this treatment 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, this may be a good option to consider.

Dallas Associated Dermatologists offers this treatment in our office.

What is CoolSculpting Used For?

This treatment 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 this treatment:

  • 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?

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, this treatment may be the answer.

This treatment 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 this treatment is not intended as an option 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 this, 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.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

Microneedling

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About Microneedling

If you are looking for an effective, minimally invasive way to address the signs of aging or improve the overall appearance of your skin, microneedling may be the right treatment for you. A concept that has been around for nearly 50 years, microneedling is a proven dermatology treatment that works with your body’s natural healing process to produce tighter, smoother, more radiant skin.

Microneedling uses ultrafine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-wounds in the skin. This triggers the body’s self-healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. The result is skin that looks healthier, firmer, and more youthful. Many microneedling devices also deliver radiofrequency energy into the skin to further support tissue repair and hydration.

You can discuss whether microneedling is right for you with your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

What is Microneedling Used For?

Because microneedling stimulates both collagen growth and hyaluronic acid production, it is effective for a variety of skin concerns, including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Rough or lax skin
  • Acne scars and other scarring
  • Uneven skin texture and tone

Microneedling is safe and effective for all skin types and colors, and results in improvements that look natural.

What to Expect

Each microneedling session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is non-surgical and virtually painless, with no downtime required. The controlled micro-wounds are not visible to the naked eye, though some patients may appear flushed for a short time following treatment.

Microneedling is suitable for even the most delicate areas of the face, including the cheeks, upper and lower eyelids, the sides of the nose, and the upper lip.

Depending on your aesthetic goals and the extent of your skin concerns, three to five treatment sessions may be recommended for optimal results. Side effects are minimal and may include redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness lasting five to seven days. Regular touch-up treatments can help prolong and maintain results.

Am I a Candidate for Microneedling?

Microneedling is a good option for many adults looking to reduce the visible effects of aging or improve skin texture and tone. Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists will evaluate your skin and tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs and goals.

Microneedling is available at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

Ultherapy

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About Ultherapy

Loose or sagging skin on the face, neck, or chest is a natural part of aging, but it does not have to be permanent. Ultherapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses ultrasound energy to rejuvenate, tone, and lift the skin — without surgery or downtime.

You can discuss whether Ultherapy is right for you with your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

What is Ultherapy Used For?

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to strengthen the skin’s underlying framework and stimulate the production of new collagen. Because ultrasound technology allows for precise visualization of the targeted area, treatment is both accurate and efficient.

Ultherapy is used to tighten and lift skin on the:

  • Face
  • Brow
  • Neck
  • Chest

The result is a refreshed, more youthful appearance that looks natural.

What to Expect

A single Ultherapy treatment session typically takes about 30 minutes. Combination treatments, such as the face and neck together, may take up to 90 minutes. One session is often sufficient, but depending on the degree of skin laxity and your individual aesthetic goals, additional sessions may be recommended.

Results from Ultherapy are gradual and natural-looking. Most patients notice an improvement within one to three months after treatment, with full effects becoming visible after five to six months. To maintain results, treatment sessions every 12 to 18 months are generally recommended.

Side effects are typically mild and temporary, and may include swelling, redness, tenderness, or tingling lasting five to seven days following treatment.

Am I a Candidate for Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a good option for adults who are experiencing loose or sagging skin and are looking for a non-surgical solution. Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists will evaluate your skin and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Ultherapy is available at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

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.

Our Approach to Moles

At Dallas Associated Dermatologists, we understand that moles are a common skin concern that can cause uncertainty about appearance and health. Our team provides thorough evaluations to distinguish between harmless moles and those that may require closer monitoring. Using advanced diagnostic tools and dermatologic expertise, we ensure each mole is carefully assessed for changes in size, shape, or color that could indicate potential risks. We prioritize patient education so you feel confident in understanding when a mole is normal and when professional attention is needed.

Expertise in Mole Care and Removal

Our board-certified dermatologists are highly skilled in both medical and cosmetic mole care. For patients who wish to have a mole removed for health or cosmetic reasons, we offer safe and effective treatment options that minimize scarring and maximize comfort. We specialize in surgical excision, shave removal, and advanced methods that provide excellent cosmetic outcomes. Whether you need routine mole checks or removal, we tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring both your health and your confidence are fully supported.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

Laser Hair Removal

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About Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair growth is a common concern for both women and men, and it can affect your confidence. If you are looking for a longer-lasting solution than shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is a safe and effective option that delivers smoother, softer skin.

You can discuss whether laser hair removal is right for you with your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

What is Laser Hair Removal Used For?

Laser hair removal is effective for virtually all areas of the body where unwanted hair is a concern, including the:

  • Legs, arms, and hands
  • Underarms
  • Face, including the eyebrows, lips, and chin
  • Ears and neck
  • Chest and stomach
  • Bikini area
  • Back

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal uses concentrated laser energy to target the pigment at the root of a hair follicle during its active growth cycle. The pigment absorbs the laser energy, which damages the follicle and prevents future hair growth. Because the laser can treat a large area with a single pulse without affecting the surrounding skin, it is both an efficient and precise treatment option.

The end result is smooth, silky skin and renewed confidence.

What to Expect

The number of sessions needed will depend on your individual goals and the amount of hair being treated. Most patients begin to notice results after just one to two sessions. Some patients may experience mild swelling or skin irritation following treatment, but this typically resolves within two to three days. Within three to four weeks, you can expect noticeably clearer, smoother skin.

Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and help you understand what to expect throughout the process.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a good option for many adults looking to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair. Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists can evaluate your skin and hair type and determine whether this treatment is the right fit for you.

Laser hair removal is available at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

Shingles

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What Are Shingles?

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

This skin condition 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. This condition 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?

  • 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.

Different Types of Shingles

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

  • The face
  • The eyes
  • The mouth

If you get them 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 it 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 Them?

In medical terms, it 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 an outbreak, see your dermatologist right away to decide on the best method of treatment.

Treatment Options

If you believe you are suffering from this skin condition, 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.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

Lentigo (Age Spots)

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About Lentigo (Age Spots)

What is it?

Most types of lentigo (age spots) 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.