Patient Education

would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Asclera®

Asclera® is a prescription medication administered intravenously during sclerotherapy to treat uncomplicated spider veins, known as telangiectasias, and small varicose veins, known as reticular veins. Asclera is normally used during sclerotherapy in the lower extremities.

Known as a sclerosing agent, Asclera is designed to purposefully damage the inner lining, or endothelium, of the affected blood vessels. Once injected, over time Asclera causes platelets to attach to the vessel walls, resulting in clotting and causing blood to divert to a healthier vein. The damaged vein will eventually dissolve and be replaced with new tissue. While Asclera has been found to be very effective in the treatment of smaller damaged veins, it has not been studied for use in larger varicose veins. ...

Arm Liposuction

Arm liposuction is a less invasive alternative to an arm lift (brachioplasty); it is performed to remove the loose, hanging skin that often develops on the underside of the upper arm as a result of aging, weight loss or weight gain. Arm liposuction slims the contour of the arm, and is ideal for patients with stubborn areas of localized fat that do not respond to diet and exercise, and who are no more than 10 to 15 pounds overweight. There are four basic types of liposuction: traditional, tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted. ...

Age Spots

Age spots, also known as brown spots, liver spots and solar lentigines, are a common sign of aging. Flat, oval areas of pigmentation, age spots tend to appear on parts of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, shoulders and feet, that are exposed to the sun. Most common in people older than 40, they can be freckle-sized or more than a half-inch in length, and range in color from light brown to black. When age spots are grouped together, they appear even larger. ...

Hair Loss

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition which may be a consequence of natural aging, a side effect of medication, or a manifestation of a health disorder. It can result in total baldness, thinning of the hair, or patchy bald spots and may be confined to the scalp or affect other areas of the body. Hair loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. Some of the causes of hair loss include: ...

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma a common type of skin cancer that occurs in the basal cell layer of the skin. It is the most common type of skin cancer in people with fair skin, and it usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body but is still a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. ...

Biopsy of Skin Lesions

A skin lesion biopsy is a diagnostic test that involves removing a tissue sample and examining it under a microscope. This test is used to identify suspicious lesions and to differentiate normal cells from abnormal ones.

Reasons for Skin Lesion Biopsies

Skin lesion biopsies are performed when simple visual examination by the physician is insufficient to make a clearcut diagnosis. Such biopsies are done in order to make a definitive diagnosis of: ...

BOTOX® Cosmetic FAQs

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. BOTOX Cosmetic injections treat moderate-to-severe facial lines and wrinkles that are formed by continual muscle contraction. Treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic is the most popular physician-performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. ...

Body Waxing

Body waxing is a convenient and effective method to remove unwanted facial or body hair. While not a permanent fix, waxing lasts much longer than shaving or using depilatories, since during this process hair is removed from the root. Waxing is frequently used as a successful means of removing unwanted hair from the eyebrows, upper lip, chin, underarms, legs, back, and bikini area. The treated area usually remains smooth and hairless for 4 to 6 weeks. ...

Eye Brow and Eye Lash Tint

Undefined eyebrows and eyelashes can fail to accentuate the natural beauty of the eyes. Many women with light colored eye brows and eye lashes may wish to add a darker accent to their faces to highlight their eyes and other features. Tinting can add depth to the entire structure of the face for those with pale or light colored skin and very blonde or light brows and lashes. By matching the tint to the individual's natural look, brow and lash tinting can create a new look to the face without looking artificial. ...

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Ranging from mild to strong, there are three types of chemical peels: alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol. The strength of each peel is tailored to the patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures, such as facelifts, for additional improvement to skin. Chemical peels may be covered by insurance if they are performed for medical rather than cosmetic reasons. ...

CoolSculpting® Treatment: How It Works

CoolSculpting® treatment gently removes fat from areas (the abdomen, flanks and back) that often don't respond to diet and exercise. It works by cooling fat cells, which triggers a process of natural fat-cell removal that gradually reduces the thickness of layers of fat. ...

CoolSculpting® Treatment: Am I a Candidate?

Almost anyone who is basically fit and wants to remove exercise-and-diet-resistant fat from the abdomen, flanks or back is a candidate for CoolSculpting® treatment. It's important, however, to have realistic expectations about just what it can do. Unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting treatment isn't designed to remove large volumes of fat; rather, it's a less-invasive alternative to liposuction for treating fat bulges of modest size. ...

CoolSculpting® Treatment: The Science and Technology Behind It

The principles behind the CoolSculpting® procedure are based on the findings of two scientists, Dieter Manstein and R. Rox Anderson, who determined that, in a process called "selective cryolipolysis," subcutaneous fat cells, when exposed to cold, break down and are eliminated by the body; skin and any other nearby cells are unaffected. ...

CoolSculpting® Treatment: What to Expect

Unlike other fat-removal methods, CoolSculpting® treatment takes very little time; you can easily fit an appointment into a lunch break. Each treatment lasts one hour, and has no downtime. After a CoolSculpting treatment, you should be able to get right back to your busy day. ...

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone is a chemical produced by the body to counter inflammation. Cortisone produced by the body is short-acting, and has only a temporary impact on inflammation, so is not very effective in helping to heal acne cysts or nodules. Cortisone injections, however, use highly concentrated cortisone, so are more effective in immediately reducing redness and inflammation, and providing long-lasting results. Although cortisone is a steroid, it is not an anabolic steroid, which is commonly used to increase strength and muscle size, and known to have harmful side effects. ...

Eyebrow Restoration

Eyebrow restoration uses a surgical procedure to permanently restore and customize the appearance of the eyebrows. Some individuals may suffer from the loss of hair in all or part of their eyebrows. Hair loss in this area may alter a patient's appearance and affect their self-esteem. Individuals may experience thinning or the loss of eyebrow hair due to many reasons that may include: ...

Fat Transplantation for the Face

Also called "fat grafting" and "autologous fat transfer," fat transplantation involves removing a portion of a person's excess body fat and placing it into another area of his or her body that needs more volume. When used for the face, it can restore lost volume in the lips, temples, cheeks and chin. Fat transplantation is effective in treating sunken areas, lines, wrinkles, creases, acne scars and other issues caused by the decrease in volume that results from aging, sun damage and other conditions. ...

Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss (alopecia) affects many men. It can be the result of aging, genetic predisposition, medication, or an underlying medical condition. Men can lose their hair in patterned areas or patches, or their hair can thin all over. Depending on what causes it, the condition can be temporary or permanent. ...

Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss in women is not discussed nearly as frequently as hair loss in men, yet it is a very common occurrence, affecting as many as 30 million women in the United States. Hair loss can occur as a result of aging, heredity, medications or an underlying medical condition, and can affect women of all ages. It may result in a higher than normal hairline, pattern baldness, patchy spots or thinned hair toward the back of the head. Most women are troubled by this undesired change in appearance and may experience frustration, embarrassment or more severe psychological distress due to this condition. ...

Hypertrophic Scars

Scars are a natural part of the healing process for all humans. Acne scars can vary in appearance and texture depending on the type and severity of the original acne lesions. Each type of acne scar may require a different type of treatment in order to repair the damaged areas of the skin and produce a smooth, clear appearance. Although not harmful, most people are bothered by the unattractive appearance of these scars and seek treatment to remove or significantly reduce their appearance. ...

Intense-Pulsed-Light Skin Rejuvenation

Intense-Pulsed-Light (IPL) skin rejuvenation uses high-energy pulses of light to improve the skin's appearance. Also referred to as IPL photorejuvenation, photofacial therapy and pulsed-light therapy, IPL skin rejuvenation is a nonabrasive and noninvasive treatment option for removing red and brown pigment from the skin. IPL is used to treat age spots, birthmarks, freckles caused by the sun, symptoms of rosacea, spider veins, and scarring from acne; it is also an effective tool for hair removal. IPL penetrates below the surface of the skin, leaving the top layer of skin intact, which means that there is no post-treatment recovery period. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and the blood in the visible vessels, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels. ...

JUVÉDERM® XC Injectable Gel

JUVÉDERM® XC injectable gel is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal filler that, according to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., is designed to "temporarily treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds" in people older than 21. Unlike the original JUVÉDERM injectable gel, JUVÉDERM XC is infused with lidocaine to make its injection more comfortable. ...

JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC Injectable Gel

JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC injectable gel is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal filler that, according to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., is designed to be used on "areas of facial tissue where moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds occur to temporarily add volume to the skin, especially around the nose and mouth" in people older than 21. Unlike the older JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus injectable gel, JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC is infused with lidocaine to make its injection more comfortable. ...

Keloids

A keloid is an overgrown area of scar tissue that forms at the site of a previous injury such as an incision, wound, vaccination, acne or piercing. An irregularly shaped pink or red scar that is raised above the rest of the skin, a keloid may grow into areas that were not affected by the initial injury. A keloid is generally painless, but may feel itchy or be sensitive to the touch. ...

LATISSE® Treatment for Eyelashes

LATISSE® eyelash enhancer is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved cosmetic treatment for increasing the length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes. Available only through prescription, it is applied once a day to the base of the upper eyelashes. Results may be apparent within four weeks; full results take sixteen weeks. ...

Laser Treatment of Spider Veins

Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small, thin blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They appear most commonly on the face and legs, and may look like a series of lines, tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins are caused by a variety of factors, including heredity, pregnancy and weight gain. Some people experience painful symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and cramping from spider veins, while others are simply bothered by their appearance. ...

Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that, either surgically or with injections, increases lip size. Either the upper or lower lip, or both, can be augmented. Whether the results are temporary or permanent depends on the type of augmentation performed. There are several different techniques for augmenting lips. Most involve injecting a facial filler, although fat transfers (also called fat grafting) and implants are also options. ...

Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to remove localized areas of body fat. The cannula is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. Treated areas look slimmer and more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for losing weight, and is not effective in eliminating cellulite, or tightening loose and sagging skin. ...

Lumenis® M22%u2122 ResurFX%u2122 Laser Treatment

The Lumenis® M22%u2122 ResurFX%u2122 nonablative laser treats skin damage and tightens skin. Unlike ablative lasers, which remove the top layer of skin and part of the sublayer, nonablative lasers keep the outer layer of skin intact, which promotes faster healing. ResurFX laser treatment uses CoolScan%u2122 technology, which ensures that laser-energy delivery is precise and consistent. The ResurFX laser is a good option for patients who prefer a noninvasive treatment that has little downtime and creates minimal discomfort. ...

Obagi® Blue Peel® Chemical Peel

The Obagi® Blue Peel® chemical peel helps to reverse the effects of aging, sun damage and other skin conditions. It improves skin's appearance by removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new ones. The Obagi Blue Peel chemical peel can be used by nearly anyone, regardless of skin color and type. A superficial-to-medium-depth peel, it is usually used on the face, but can be used on the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs. The Obagi Blue Peel chemical peel is used to treat: ...

RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler

RADIESSE® volumizing filler is a synthetic injectable filler that has been U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for reducing moderate-to-severe wrinkles, folds and creases around the nose and mouth by augmenting the skin's natural collagen supply. It is a safe, effective and long-lasting alternative to injectable collagen and other dermal fillers for smoothing wrinkles and adding facial volume and contour. ...

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects up to 10 percent of the population, although many people are unaware that they have it. It usually affects the face, causing redness and the formation of small, pus-filled bumps similar to acne, and, like other skin conditions, can cause emotional distress for the sufferer. Rosacea typically affects fair-skinned women between 30 and 60 years of age. It can first appear during menopause, and is more prevalent in people with a family history of the condition. Although rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, there are several treatments available to relieve its symptoms and prevent flareups. ...

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States, is the result of the abnormal growth of skin cells. Cancer can affect skin anywhere on the body, but most frequently appears on skin that is exposed to the sun. There are more than a million new cases of skin cancer in the United States each year. Although most cases of skin cancer can be successfully treated, it is still important to keep skin safe and healthy and try to prevent this disease. ...

Skin Tags

A skin tag (acrochordon) is a small, soft piece of flesh-colored or dark tissue that is attached to the surface of the skin by a connecting "stalk." Most skin tags develop over time, although some people are born with them. Skin tags typically affect people who are overweight, have diabetes, or are older than 40. ...

Skin Cancer FAQs

Skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States, is the result of an abnormal growth of skin cells. Cancer can affect skin anywhere on the body, but most frequently appears on skin that is exposed to the sun. There are more than a million new cases of skin cancer in the United States each year. ...

Treatment for Facial Discoloration

Facial discoloration is caused when the cells that make melanin, which are responsible for the skin's pigmentation, become damaged or unhealthy. Skin that has too much melanin is referred to as being hyperpigmented; skin that has too little melanin is referred to as being hypopigmented. ...

Trichloroacetic Acid Peel

A trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is a medium-depth peel that can effectively treat fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigment problems. Typically performed on the face, neck, chest and hands, a TCA peel can be customized, with the depth of the peel adjusted as needed, for each patient. A TCA peel can be used on any skin type, and is considered ideal for those with darker skin. A TCA peel usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes to perform, and is considered safe for most people. ...

ZELTIQ® CoolSculpting® Treatment

ZELTIQ® CoolSculpting® treatment is designed to gently remove fat from areas of the body that often do not respond to diet and exercise. It is most effective at removing fat from the abdomen, flanks ("love handle" areas) and back.

ZELTIQ CoolSculpting technology cools fat cells, which triggers a process of natural fat-cell removal, gradually reducing the thickness of the layer of fat in the treatment area. According to its manufacturer, ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc., CoolSculpting technology results in a "reduction in fat bulges that is visible in most patients in 2 to 4 months." ...

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Wrinkles and fine lines, an inevitable part of aging, can make a person look old, sad, angry or tired. To look younger and/or more refreshed, many people who have wrinkles and fine lines seek treatment. Fortunately, there are countless options, including creams, dermal fillers, peels, laser treatments and surgery, for improving the look of the skin. ...