FAQ

frequently asked questions

I would like to get a good tan before swimsuit weather arrives. Are tanning salon's safe?

No, getting a tan at a tanning salon is not safe. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), more than 1,500 Americans PER YEAR end up in hospital emergency rooms each year with burns suffered at commercial tanning salons. The effects of long term exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in tanning booths can be extremely harmful, and may cause wrinkles, skin cancer, eye damage and immune system suppression.

Melanoma, which now effects 1 in 64 people in the United States, is the deadliest type of skin cancer. This form of skin cancer once affected primarily older people, but now it is seen in people in their 20’s and 30’s.

It is always advisable to avoid tanning, to limit your sun exposure and to use a dermatologist-approved sun screen. And if you must have a tan, use self-tanning products. But remember, sunscreen is still necessary to protect your skin even when using self-tanning products.

What causes stretch marks? Is there any way to get rid of stretch marks on hips and thighs?

Stretch marks appear when the skin is stretched and thinned, often following excessive weight gain, pregnancy or weight lifting. These creams are a temporary solution; to date, there is no permanent solution for eliminating stretch marks.

How can I tell the difference between adult acne and Rosacea?

Rosacea, most commonly seen in both men and women between the ages of 30 – 50, afflicts about 13 million Americans. It is often mistaken for adult acne. The condition generally begins with redness in the center of the face that gradually spreads to the cheeks and chin, with the appearance of tiny pimples on our around the reddened area.

The pimples associated with Rosacea are often accompanied by thin, red lines caused by enlarged blood vessels on the surface of the skin. It is not uncommon for the face to flush after eating spicy foods, or drinking coffee, tea or alcohol. Acne, on the other hand, tends to primarily appear along the oil glands and hair follicles.

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are many topical and oral medications available to reduce the redness. Laser treatment is also available to treat the effects of prolonged rosacea.

Are Chemical Peels only for the face?

Chemical Peels are used on various parts of the body, including the hands, thighs and backs.

Are hair removal treatments permanent?

Hair removal treatments may offer hair reduction, depending upon your body’s response to the treatments and the type of laser treatment selected. Following hair removal treatment, it is typical for some hair follicles to regrow hair lighter and thinner, while others may not regrow hair at all. You may schedule an appointment with our skin care specialists to determine which treatment is right for you.

Can spider veins be removed from the face and legs without using needles/injections?

The tiny veins on your face and nose can be treated with laser rather than injection; however, initial treatment of spider veins on the legs is performed most successfully by injection. Once the large veins are treated, the laser can be used to remove the smaller remaining veins.

Folliculitis Barbae, the bumps and ingrown hairs on the face that often become infected and spotted, can cause great discomfort. Is there a treatment?

Chemical peels and laser hair treatments can help this condition. The laser removes the hairs by destroying the hair follicle. This reduces the the number and occurrence of ingrown hairs. In addition, there are several topical applications to ease the condition. Contact our skin care specialists to learn more about these treatments.

Are these treatments only for women?

Treatments are available for both men and women.

After my pregnancy I noticed faint purplish veins on my thighs. What are they? Can I prevent them from getting worse?

The tiny red or purplish veins near the surface of the skin are called Spider Veins. These groups of tiny vessels fill with blood when the valves in deeper vessels do not open and close properly. In addition to pregnancy, standing for long periods of time can also cause spider veins. While spider veins cannot be prevented, several treatment options can reduce their appearance, including compression stockings, laser treatment, sclerotherapy and surgery.

What does eczema look like? Does it look the same in children and adults?

Eczema can vary widely in appearance, but it does effect children and adults the same. The skin may appear red and crusty or thickened and dry. The appearance of Eczema often depends on the underlying cause as well as the length of time it has been present. Other conditions may look similar to eczema, such as bacterial skin infections or fungal infections. Any rash that does not resolve within a few days should be examined by a physician.

What are the warning signs of dangerous skin conditions in children?

Any rash that accompanies an illness should be examined by a physician. Further, any rash that steadily worsens or spreads should also receive medical attention.