Coast Dermatology Medical Associates

Vein Treatments

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About Vein Treatments

What are they?

We understand that prominent veins on your face, hands, or legs can affect you, both physically and psychologically. That’s why we offer various vein treatment options to eliminate unwanted veins and rejuvenate your appearance with clearer, healthier-looking skin. Varicose veins and spider veins are unsightly veins that develop due to trauma, heredity, overexposure to the sun, obesity, changes in hormone activity, problems with circulation, and more. On the legs, they can be unsightly and painful, while on the face they can cause you to be self-conscious about your appearance. Vein treatment involves therapies that eliminate veins by destroying them and then flushing them from your body.

What to expect

Our vein specialists utilize the following vein treatment options: sclerotherapy – the use of a solution that destroys veins before your body naturally flushes them from your system; IPL (Intense Pulsed Laser) therapy – gently dissolves troublesome veins with broadband light; PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser) therapy – safely erases unsightly veins with a dyed laser; and laser therapy – various types of minimally-invasive lasers that dissolve the targeted veins. Whichever therapy is used to eliminate facial or leg veins, you should expect to have clearer, smoother, less painful, and healthier-looking skin, but the overall number of treatments required depends on the extent of your vein issue and the therapy chosen.

After the procedure

Side effects vary from treatment to treatment, but some patients may experience mild and temporary side effects that include swelling, redness, itching, and tenderness. Most side effects subside within 10-14 days after treatment.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our dermatologists have the skill and experience necessary to perform a vein treatment that meets your aesthetic goals. What separates us from other practices is that we focus on you as a person, so we will tailor treatment to suit your unique case. Our compassionate practitioners will address your concerns and answer any questions to ensure your ease of mind.

Chemical Peel

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About Chemical Peel

What is it?

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a solution is applied to the top layer of your skin to remove dead, flaky skin cells. This allows the fresh, new layer of skin underneath to develop and grow, leaving you with a radiant and brightened complexion. There are three types of peels, each characterized by how deep they penetrate, which depends on the type and strength of the solution. These include superficial peels, which penetrate only as far as the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), medium peels, which treat the top layer of the dermis (not to be confused with the epidermis), and deep peels, which treat the bottom layer of the dermis. Chemical peels offer numerous benefits, some of which include the following: erasure of fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of age/sun spots, smoothing of rough skin texture, faded shallow scars (including those from acne), improved skin tone, and balanced pigmentation.

What to expect

Chemical peels are safe for a variety of skin colors, although the lighter the skin, the more effective the treatment will be. To get the results you want, talk to the specialists at our dermatology center, as we’ll help you decide which type of peel is best and tailor the treatment to fit your specific needs.

After the procedure

Downtime and side effects will vary depending on the type of peel you undergo. For example, a superficial peel has no downtime, with only redness and minimal peeling for side effects. A medium peel typically requires 2-3 days of recovery, and common side effects include swelling, redness, and peeling for 4-7 days after the procedure. Finally, a deep peel can entail 1-2 weeks of downtime, more pronounced redness, and swelling for 7-10 days–perhaps longer. Regardless of which type of peel you undergo, you can expect smoother, fresher-looking, and radiant skin once the results are finalized.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that a dull complexion and rough facial skin texture can negatively affect your appearance and make you self-conscious, which is why our skin specialists provide chemical peel treatments to help improve your complexion and refresh your appearance. Our compassionate practitioners are skilled and experienced at performing chemical peels to get the results you want, and we are also here to address your concerns and questions throughout the entire process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to start your path towards a rejuvenated appearance.

Microneedling

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About 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

Depending on your aesthetic goals and the extent of your skin condition, you may need 3-5 microneedling treatment sessions to get optimal results. Side effects are minimal and include redness, swelling, bruising, and/or tenderness for 5-7 days.

Providers

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.

Microdermabrasion

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About Microdermabrasion

What is it?

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive treatment that gently removes the thicker, damaged top layer of skin. Once the dead skin cells are removed, they are then vacuumed so that new skin cells can grow. This treatment also stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen, leaving your skin smoother and tighter. Microdermabrasion is great for a variety of skin-dulling issues, including sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, enlarged pores, light scarring, skin discoloration, stretch marks, clogged pores, and poor skin texture.

What to expect

Microdermabrasion sessions are quick and convenient, usually lasting about 30 minutes, giving it the nickname the “lunchtime facial.” Since this is a minimally-invasive procedure, there’s no surgery involved and it’s virtually painless, allowing you to get right back to your daily schedule. Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin colors and types, and it often delivers dramatic changes after a single session. By exfoliating your skin and allowing a new layer of skin to emerge, your skin will look radiant and refreshed.

After the procedure

Results are natural-looking and long-lasting, but it usually takes 5-8 sessions to see optimal results. Side effects include swelling, redness, tenderness, and/or bruising for 5-7 days. Special skin moisturizers can speed up healing, and our dermatology experts recommend frequent sunscreen applications in the days following the procedure.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that dull or unhealthy skin can negatively impact your appearance and self-esteem. Our skin experts provide treatment options to help rejuvenate your appearance and improve the various issues affecting your skin. Our experienced specialists are skilled at performing gentle, minimally-invasive microdermabrasion treatments, and we will customize your treatment and address your concerns and questions during your session.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about microdermabrasion and how it can provide you with a radiant appearance.

Bullous Pemphigoid

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About Bullous Pemphigoid

What is it?

Bullous pemphigoid is a rare skin autoimmune condition that affects fewer than 20,000 Americans, usually over the age of 60. It is characterized by mild-to-severe inflammation and/or large, fluid-filled blisters that develop on or around areas that you frequently flex or fold, including the armpits, lower abdomen, and groin. However, it’s not uncommon for blisters to develop in your mouth or on your arms, legs, and chest. Symptoms vary from person to person; you may have experience intense itching while others may have hive-like rashes or fluid-filled blisters.

What causes it?

While it’s not altogether clear what causes your immune system to attack the skin in such a way, medications like sulfasalazine and penicillin have been found to trigger the body’s autoimmune response. It’s also believed that UV light for the treatment of other skin conditions could be responsible for the condition

Common treatments?

Although there is no known cure for bullous pemphigoid, our skin experts have the experience and training to help manage this condition. Some of our treatment options include corticosteroids, immune system-suppressing medicines, and various anti-inflammatory treatments.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that an unusual skin condition like bullous pemphigoid can impact you both physically and psychologically. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement, strength, and answers to all your questions about this particular skin problem. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis and prognosis to treatment and management of this skin issue.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us today if you notice symptoms of bullous pemphigoid so that we can help you manage this unpredictable and often painful condition. Our compassionate neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns so that you can lean on us as a crucial part of your support in dealing with this disorder.

Lumps, Bumps and Moles

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About Lumps, Bumps, and Moles

What are they?

“Lumps, bumps, and moles” is a general term that typically refers to warts, skin tags, vascular birthmarks, cysts, fat deposits, and more. Normally, these skin growths and irregularities are benign; however, they can have a negative bearing on your self-esteem because they often form on parts of your body that are easily visible, such as the face or neck. Other areas of the body that frequently develop lumps, bumps, and moles include the torso, back, arms, legs, and groin.

What causes them?

Since lumps, bumps, and moles can develop due to a multitude of reasons, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who can properly identify and treat your particular condition.

Common treatments

Our skin experts have the training, knowledge, and experience to help you manage a variety of lumps, bumps, moles, warts, cysts, vascular birthmarks, and other skin irregularities. Treatment options include pulsed dye laser (PDL), Cutera Excel V laser, steroids, surgical excision, and prescription oral or topical medications. In some cases, such as with moles, only simple observation is necessary. However, since benign skin growths and irregularities vary from person to person, a consultation with your favorite skin specialist is the only to way to know which treatment is best for you.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that abnormal lumps or bumps in your skin may seem like nothing more than just a sign of aging, but they may actually be damaging the health and appearance of your skin. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and advice about a variety of lumps, bumps, and moles. Our compassionate staff of experts is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns, so don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can manage these unwanted skin irregularities.

Scleroderma

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About Scleroderma

What is it?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the skin, characterized by fibrosis of the skin. In other words, the disease causes hardening, thickening, and scarring of the skin’s connective tissues. Although it’s often localized to specific parts of the body, it can also be widespread, causing systemic issues that affect internal tissues and organs, including the esophagus, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, heart, and GI tract. Even if scleroderma is restricted to a smaller area of your body and/or doesn’t impact you internally, it can still be troublesome, as the skin on your face, fingers, neck, and feet become swollen, tender, inflamed, and/or hardened as well as experience a decreased range of motion.

What causes it?

Unfortunately, there are no clear causes of this condition, although there is evidence that genetics and the environment contribute substantially to its development.

Common treatments

Due to the complicated nature of scleroderma as well as the uncertainty of what causes it, treatment is customized on a case-by-case basis and may involve various options, as a single medication or treatment may not be completely effective. For example, you may have a mild, localized case that does not require treatment. On the other hand, someone else may have a severe, relentless case that involves multiple options, each addressing a single of the various symptoms that manifest. For the experts at our dermatology center, the ultimate goal is the management of the conditions.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that a complicated, often systemic skin condition like scleroderma can have an adverse impact on you, both physically and emotionally. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement, support, and answers to your questions about this challenging condition. Our trained, knowledgeable dermatologic experts have the experience to help you manage scleroderma with treatment options tailored to suit your needs and goals. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate advice and support.
Contact an office today if you notice scleroderma symptoms so that we can help you find a customized solution.

Nail Disorders

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About Nail Disorders

What are they?

Most nail disorders are characterized as fungal infections, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, and both toenails and fingernails are vulnerable. About 1 in 10 Americans are affected, and you’re at a higher risk of developing these infections the older you are. Symptoms can vary, but typically include nail pain or soreness, thickened nails, a distorted appearance, nail darkening, yellowish streaks, separation of nails from the nail bed, brittleness, or even foul smells.

What causes them?

Several different fungi can lead to a nail disorder, as the pathogens enter the skin through very tiny openings between the nail and nail bed. If the surrounding area is warm, moist, and unventilated, the fungi propagate quickly. Other contributing factors for nail disorders include family history, walking barefoot in public areas, or profuse sweating. Even poor health can contribute to the development of these conditions, as diabetes and poor circulation are known triggers.

Common treatments

If you suspect you have a nail disorder or infection, be sure to see a professional dermatologist, as he or she can perform a nail scrape for quick results. A dermatologist can also help differentiate between nail disorders and other conditions with similar symptoms (like yellow nail syndrome). There are multiple treatments for nail disorders, including over-the-counter (OTC) oral anti-fungal medications and topical OTC anti-fungal medications are also available. An effective solution offered by our dermatologists is laser nail treatment, which treats the infection or disorder completely and almost painlessly. In other, more extreme cases, complete removal of the nail may be necessary.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize that nail disorders can be unpleasant and sometimes even painful, which is why we’re here to ease your concerns about how to address this particular issue. Our trained, experienced dermatologic specialists offer treatment options that can be customized the way you want, and you will always have a say in any treatment you receive. We’ll be by your side throughout your journey, from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare, to ensure that you’re receiving the best dermatology care possible.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact an office today if you notice symptoms of a nail disorder that you believe needs attention, and we’ll help you manage it in a way that suits you best.

Melasma

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About Melasma

What is it?

Melasma is the development of gray or brown patches on the skin, usually in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. Although this includes your arms and neck, it is more common on the face, especially the cheeks, chin, forehead, bridge of the nose, and under the eyes. Melasma usually develops symmetrically, meaning that the blotches of discoloration are even on either side of the face. As the condition commonly develops during pregnancy, it’s often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Additionally, it’s estimated that as much as 90 percent of all melasma cases occur in women.

What causes it?

Researchers and dermatologists have varying ideas about the causes of melasma, but there is no clear consensus. However, there are risk factors that could make you more susceptible to these conditions, some of which include the following: sun (UV) exposure, genetics, hormones (e.g., such as during pregnancy), stress, irregular thyroid function, and certain cosmetics and skin care products. Ethnicity is thought to play a major role, as well. If you’re lighter-skinned, you’re less susceptible than individuals with darker skin. If you’re of the following ethnicities, you may be more susceptible to melasma: African/African-American, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, Latin American, or Hispanic.

Common treatments

We have effective treatments tailored to your needs and goals, and you’ll always be a part of the decision-making process. We’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support. When it comes to melasma treatment, there are a variety of effective methods utilized by our expert dermatologists. Some of these treatments include topical creams or ointments, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that patches of skin discoloration, especially a condition called melasma, can be troublesome to both your appearance and self-esteem. As your knowledgeable community skin specialists, we’re here to help you manage this condition. If you suffer from melasma, you can turn to us for support in managing this issue, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support.

Athlete’s Foot

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About Athlete’s Foot

What is it?

Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is an inflammatory skin condition caused by a fungal infection. It affects both the sole of the foot and the skin between your toes and is not restricted to athletes, as anyone can contract it. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include skin that’s burning, red and inflamed, scaly and raw, itchy and dry, and blistered and cracked. However, it’s possible to have athlete’s foot and have no symptoms at all.

What causes it?

There is no single cause for athlete’s foot, and a variety of risk factors can contribute to the condition, as the fungus thrives in warm, moist, and unventilated areas like damp, sweaty shoes and socks. It can spread directly from contact with someone who has the condition and from contaminated socks and/or clothing. Also, walking barefoot in communal areas where others with athlete’s foot have been is another common way to contract the infection. These areas include gyms, swimming pools, locker rooms, public showers, and nail salons.

Common treatments?

If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, you should see your favorite neighborhood dermatologist for an evaluation. Several treatment options are available to you, such as foot-drying powders, antiperspirants, topical antifungal medications (e.g., ones with miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate), and oral antifungal medications with terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the painful itching that athlete’s foot causes can be unpleasant. As your neighborhood skin experts, we’re here to ease your concerns by providing answers to your questions s about how to address this skin condition. Our experienced dermatologic specialists offer solutions customized to suit your needs and goals. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you deal with this issue.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have symptoms of athlete’s foot and we’ll develop a treatment plant that suits your unique needs.