Hyperpigmentation, Age Spots, & Melasma

Has your skin experienced damage this summer? You may have noticed as your tan deepens, so did your age spots and melasma. Contact Compassion Dermatology to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX if you would like to reduce their appearance.

Use Sunscreens

Use sunscreen every day to prevent further pigmentation. Apply a retinol product to work while you sleep. Retinol stimulates the skin cells to turn over, beginning the process of removing the pigmented cells. As new skin cells are replaced, they should be normally pigmented cells.

Your options for hyperpigmentation treatment vary, ranging from chemical peels to laser treatments. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will determine the most effective treatment based on the cause.

Melasma

Melasma, is often called the “Mask of Pregnancy”, when in fact birth control pills can also cause it. It is a hormone-caused hyperpigmentation that usually causes large patches of brown to gray-brown on the face. It is common on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. However, it can also can appear on other areas of the body that get lots of sun.

Melasma is treated differently than sun damage, so it is important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

For melasma, prevention with sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat when outdoors can stop further damage. It will typically fade after you give birth, or if birth control pills are stopped.  If the melasma does not fade, or a woman wants to continue taking birth control pills, melasma treatments are available. Your individual treatment plan will depend on a number of factors, such as the skin type, and depth of the melasma, for example. Your  dermatologist in Southlake, TX will design a treatment plan individualized for you.

Age Spots

Brown spots, such as age spots or freckles, are small, flat areas. Your Compassion dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide treatment for lightening or removing them. The pigment is located at the base of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. Therefore, any treatments meant to lighten age spots must penetrate this layer of skin.

Age spots are also often called sun spots. Age spot treatments by your dermatologist in Southlake, TX may include:

1. Medications such as prescription bleaching creams containing hydroquinone. These may be used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and/or a mild steroid to gradually fade the spots over time. It is recommended you use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 if you use medication treatments. Potential side effects include temporary itching, redness or burning.
2. Laser and intense pulse light therapy destroy melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells without damage to the skin’s surface. Two to three sessions may be required. After treatment, the age spots will gradually fade over the next several weeks or months. Sun protection is also necessary after these treatments.
3. Freezing (cryotherapy) uses a cotton swab to apply a freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. Freezing is typically used on a solitary age spot or a small area with age spots. The treatment may cause temporary irritation and has a slight risk of scarring or discoloration.
4. Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion is the removal of superficial layers of skin with a rapidly revolving tool. As new layers of skin grow, the discoloration is reduced or removed. More than one treatment may be required. Side effects include temporary redness and scab formation.

Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive approach for mild skin blemishes and provides a smoother appearance. Several treatments by your dermatologist in Southlake, TX are typically required over a period of months.

5. A chemical peel uses the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin. As the skin peels, new skin forms. Multiple treatments may be required. Sun protection is required following this treatment. Temporary redness may occur, and there is a slight risk of permanent changes in skin color.

Home Treatments

There are a number of fade creams and lotions for lightening age spots available over the counter. These may or may not help reduce the appearance of age spots.  How dark they are and how often you apply the cream can affect the results. Use will be required over a number of weeks or months before any potential results can be seen. It is important to note that these products may cause skin irritation. Scarring may occur, especially without medical supervision. A Compassion Dermatology, dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide the professional diagnosis, prescribing an individualized treatment plan based  on your skin type, type of age spot and medical supervision providing the best outcome. Over the counter products are not as effective as prescription strength products obtained from your dermatologist.

Skin Biopsy

Sometimes age spots may appear similar to other conditions. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX may perform other tests, such as a skin biopsy, to distinguish an age spot from other conditions, such as a melanoma. In a skin biopsy, your doctor will take a small amount of the skin for microscopic examination. A biopsy is typically done in your doctor’s office, using a local anesthetic.

Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with our dermatologist in Southlake, TX for all your skin concerns. We offer professional service is a compassionate, healing atmosphere ensuring your health and well being.

Treating Hair Loss

It is normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs every day, but if you have thinning hair, or you see bald patches, you may be experiencing hair loss. While hair loss has no effect on your physical health, it can be devastating to your self-image and emotional well being. In the United States, billions of dollars are spent each year on hair loss treatments. Your dermatologist is an expert in a broad range of conditions, and specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect hair, skin and nails. Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX for your hair loss concerns.

The Causes

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, but there are a number of potential causes. It occurs in varying degrees from minor thinning to complete baldness. Some of the more common causes of hair loss include:

• Hair loss related to pulling on the hair due to hair pieces, ponytails or tight braids, for example.
• Women can experience hair loss after giving birth, due to falling estrogen levels. As your body readjusts, excessive shedding will stop.
• Extreme stress can cause hair loss for several months after the event.
• Androgenetic Alopecia can occur in both males and females due to hormonal and hereditary factors.
• Health related hair loss can be due to illness, such as lupus, diabetes, thyroid disease, anemia and other diseases. In addition, major surgery and a high fever can result in hair loss. Blood work may be required to determine if your hair loss is health related.
• Hair loss is common with menopause. It is often temporary, but after the age of 40 a woman’s hair will not be as thick as it was when she was younger.
• Diet and nutrition can cause hair loss. When dieting, hair loss may occur after losing as little as 15 pounds. The condition typically resolves itself without any treatment.
• Excessive ingestion of vitamin A can cause hair loss. Once the excess is stopped, hair will regrow.
• A lack of adequate protein can cause hair loss. Eating more protein will stop the loss of hair in this situation.
• A lack of iron can cause hair loss.
• Poor nutrition due to bulimia and anorexia can cause hair loss.
• Medical treatments, including some medications can cause hair loss. Medications that may cause hair loss include blood thinners, anti-hypertensives for high blood pressure, birth control pills, medications for arthritis, gout and heart conditions to name a few. When scheduling a consultation with our  dermatologist in Southlake, TX, please bring all your medications, including over-the-counter meds and “natural” products.  Some chemotherapy treatments and radiation treatments for cancer often cause hair loss. For most patients, the hair will grow back.
• Shampooing your hair too frequently, hair dyes and brushing the hair excessively with 100 strokes or more a day can cause hair loss. The use of a blow dryer can cause hair to become brittle, breaking easily and causing hair to appear thinner.

Sudden hair loss is typically caused by illness, diet, medications and childbirth. Gradual hair loss that is more noticeable with the passing of the years may indicate hereditary hair loss.

When hair loss occurs, it is important to have the cause diagnosed in the event it is illness related. A dermatologist in Southlake, TX will examine your hair and scalp, and provide a diagnosis. A number of the forms of alopecia are temporary, and can be treated. Other types can lead to permanent baldness, but the loss can be slowed when treatment is administered early. Early treatments can result in a better prognosis.

When you visit a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, your doctor will ask questions related to your medical history, family history of alopecia, recent illnesses, medications you may be taking, and the hair products to use, and care you provide your hair. In addition, the doctor will also ask if hair loss is limited to the scalp or is generalized. In addition to a skilled evaluation, the tests your doctor orders may include microscopic examination of the hair, scalp biopsy, and blood tests.

The Treatment of Hair Loss

The treatment your dermatologist in Southlake, TX prescribes will be related to the underlying cause of your hair loss. Examples of potential treatments your doctor may order, include light therapy, corticosteroid injections, topical creams or even hair transplants, scalp flaps, scalp reduction, scalp expansion and more. Remember, an early diagnosis may cause a more successful outcome. Due to this, if your hair loss lasts longer than 2 or 3 months, schedule an appoint with our dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

The potential causes of hair loss are numerous. Once the cause of your hair loss is identified, your dermatologist in Southlake, TX can tell you what to expect. Some hair loss does not require treatment and will re-grow without any treatment. Treatment for hair loss can make you feel better, and improve your appearance. If hair loss concerns you, contact Compassion Dermatology to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Botox Injections and Cosmetic Fillers

What is Botox?

Botox is the trade name of the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It is used in small, controlled and diluted amounts as a safe, yet effective neurotoxin treatment in reducing wrinkles. Compassion Dermatology provides Botox treatments for qualifying candidates who want to improve their appearance. Botox can also be used as a preventative, preventing wrinkles from forming in areas prone to their forming. If you are considering Botox treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

How Botox Works

Botox targets specific nerve endings, preventing muscle contraction resulting in  softening the appearance of wrinkles, and allowing them to continue to fade over time. Its effects last approximately three to six months. However, some studies seem to indicate that Botox injections done over a long period of time, can result in a reduced frequency required.  Botox is an FDA approved treatment for wrinkles.

After Treatment

Temporary redness, swelling and/or pain at the injection site may occur, typically lasting no longer than a few hours. While not common, bruising may also occur in or around the treated area. Results should be visible from within a few days to a few weeks of treatment.

Will My Insurance Cover injections?

The use of a Botox treatment for wrinkles is a cosmetic procedure and therefore not covered by medical insurance plans.

How Botox May Help You

While Botox has a number of medical uses, it is best known for its use in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The severity of lines on the forehead, creases around the eyes, mouth and between the brows, can be temporarily reduced with Botox treatment. Botox can also provide a slight lifting of the brow and reduce lines around the neck, providing you with a more youthful appearance. Best of all, it is a non-surgical alternative requiring mere minutes for treatment. With Botox treatment, you will not need to take days or weeks off from work as is typical with a surgical procedure. You can receive the treatment and return to work afterwards.

Considerations

Ensure you tell your doctor all medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. For example, bruising is more likely to occur at the injection site if you are taking aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications thin the blood and increase bleeding, and therefore bruising. Supplements should also be reported to your dermatologist in Southlake, TX during the initial consultation. Supplements include those considered natural,   and they can also thin the blood.

Are You a Candidate for Botox injections?

Not everyone is a great candidate for the Botox procedure. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant, or may become pregnant, and those with neurological conditions should not receive Botox injections. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX is the best source for determining the treatment options best for you.

In addition, Botox is not always the right treatment for every patient and wrinkle. For example, wrinkles caused by sun damage are not as responsive to Botox. There are a variety of treatments for different types of wrinkles, so schedule a full consultation before deciding whether Botox it is right for you. Compassion Dermatology has the expertise to ensure you are presented with the  best options for you. Call today for a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

For additional information about receiving Botox Injections, contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Cosmetic Fillers

Cosmetic fillers are injections of material underneath the skin to make it appear fuller. By filling out the area injected, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced for a younger looking you.

While fillers have been around for decades, advances in the technology have assured newer materials are lasting longer, and some are even considered semi-permanent.  Youthful skin is supple and smooth due to collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. The three create an elastic framework that maintains smooth skin. Over time, the elasticity of skin is lost, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin. Cosmetic fillers assist in filling the thinning framework lying beneath the skin. The skin becomes firmer, smoother and more youthful in appearance. Compassion Dermatology can assist you in achieving younger looking skin. Call today to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Collagen is the best known of cosmetic fillers. In addition, it is available in both natural and synthetic products, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Bovine Collagen Fillers

Bovine collagen was approved in the 1980’s as a wrinkle treatment, and is still widely used. It provides an effective and  more budget friendly alternative to other fillers. Testing for an allergy to the product is administered prior to treatment. Bovine collagen filler typically requires injections two to four times each year to maintain the results.

Human Collagen Fillers

Human collagen has been available since 2002. Skin testing is not typically required, as it causes fewer allergic reactions than bovine collagen. Injections are typically required every three to six months. To receive additional information, contact our dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the skin, and as your skin ages less is produced. It is available in both a natural product and synthetic products. Results can last nine months or longer. Allergic reactions rarely occur.

Fat Injection Fillers

Fat injections use donor sites from the thighs, belly, or buttocks and inject it under the skin of the face, reducing wrinkles. By using your own tissue, allergic reactions do not occur. Results vary and the results can last a long time. Give us a call to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Poly-L lactic Acid Fillers

When injected under the skin, poly-L lactic (PLLA) fillers stimulates your skin cells to produce new collagen. It has been used as a suture material for years, and is nontoxic.

PLLA is used to treat wrinkles, and is considered semi-permanent.
Compassion Dermatology offers a number of treatments for a more youthful you. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.