Cosmetic Dermatology

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.

Our approach & expertise

About Ultherapy

What is it?

Ultherapy is an FDA-approved skin tightening treatment that uses ultrasound energy to rejuvenate, tone, and refresh the skin. This ultrasound energy strengthens your skin’s framework and stimulates new collagen, providing you with a refreshed and brightened appearance. And since ultrasound technology gives a precise visualization of the targeted area, treatment is precise and efficient.

What to expect

Ultherapy tightens skin on your face, brow, neck, and even chest (breast) for a lifted rejuvenated appearance. Our expert practitioners are skilled and experienced at performing this non-invasive therapy for loose, sagging skin. A single treatment session typically takes about a half hour, while a combination treatment (e.g., face and neck) could take 90 minutes. One session is often enough, but depending on the laxity of your skin as well as your specific aesthetic goals, you may need several sessions.

After the procedure

The results from Ultherapy are gradual and natural-looking. Though there is a possibility of side effects, they are often mild and temporary, ranging from swelling and redness to tenderness or tingling for 5-7 days. Furthermore, results can vary from patient to patient, but most individuals notice an improvement within 1-3 months after treatment, with full effects being noticeable after 5-6 months. We recommend treatment sessions every 12-18 months to keep your skin looking healthy and refreshed!

Our approach & expertise

We know that saggy skin on your face or neck can have a negative impact on your appearance and self-esteem, so our skin experts are here to provide treatment options. Our compassionate staff will tailor a treatment plan unique to your particular condition, address any concerns you may have, and answer all of your questions throughout the treatment process. At West Dermatology, we’re dedicated to providing expert care for all your dermatological concerns.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Laser Hair Removal

What is it?

We know that you may have excess hair growth that you’re self-conscious about. If you’re interested in clearing your skin of unwanted patches of hair, we have a range of treatment options that give you softer, smoother skin that mere shaving does not provide, including laser hair removal. This procedure is effective for all parts of your body, particularly the legs, arms, hands, underarms, face (eyebrows, lips, chin), ears, neck, chest, stomach, bikini area, and back.

What to expect?

Laser hair removal entails the use of a laser to target the pigment at the root of a hair follicle during the growth cycle of an individual hair. The pigment absorbs the laser energy, which prevents the follicle from growing, and eventually removes hair permanently. It is an ideal treatment to remove hair because the concentrated energy of the laser penetrates the skin and can remove a large swath of hair with a single pulse without causing damage to the surrounding area. The end result is silky smooth skin and renewed self-confidence.

After the procedure

The number of sessions you undergo depends on your aesthetic goals as well as how much hair you want to be removed. In any case, results from laser hair removal are noticeable after just 1-2 sessions, and although there is the potential for side effects (such as swollen or inflamed skin), these usually clear up within 2-3 days after the procedure. In 3-4 weeks, you should have clear, smooth, silky skin.

Our approach & expertise

About IPL Photofacial

What is it?

• Hands
• Arms
• Neck
• Chest

• Reduces pigmented spots
• Minimizes facial wrinkles and fine lines
• Shrinks pores
• Eliminates spider veins
• Improves skin redness and flushing
• Stimulates collagen production
• Smooths skin texture

The overall result of an IPL treatment is firmer, brighter, more resilient skin.

What to expect

An IPL photofacial requires almost no downtime and results can be seen within a few days post-treatment. While there are minimal side effects with an IPL treatment, some patients may experience swelling, redness, tenderness, and discomfort, but this should resolve in 1-2 days. Dark spots may crust up with a coffee grounds appearance. However, these will gently exfoliate from the skin surface over 4-7 days.

After the procedure

Immediately after an IPL photofacial, you can expect some skin redness, though this usually subsides within the first week. Patients can expect to see full results a month after their last IPL treatment.

Our approach & expertise

About Dermal Fillers

What are they?

Dermal fillers are substances injected just below the skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. A natural substance like hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers because it easily synthesizes with your skin and body. Hyaluronic acid binds to the body’s natural moisture reserves for a natural-looking improvement to your appearance.

What to expect

Our practice is happy to provide both the Juvéderm and Restylane line of dermal fillers. The Juvéderm line includes Juvéderm XC (to reduce lines around your nose and mouth), Vollure XC (to minimize deep nasolabial lines), Volbella XC (to improve fine lip lines), and Voluma XC (to enhance and volumize cheeks). Meanwhile, Restylane is used to soften nasolabial folds and lip lines, while Restylane Defyne treats sturdy support deep facial lines and Restylane Refyne treats of moderate facial lines and creases. Regardless of the dermal filler used, the treatment is quick, pain-free, and results in no downtime.

After the procedure

Depending on your specific treatment area, dermal fillers can provide you with the following benefits: diminished frown lines between the eyes, reduced smile lines around the nose and mouth, enhanced shallow lines around the lips, plump lips, volumized cheeks, and a reduction of wrinkles and facial creases. Overall, your skin becomes firmer and more resilient because the fillers help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, important elements in your skin that help you look youthful.

Our approach & expertise

About Laser Skin Resurfacing

What is it?

Laser skin resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation procedure that gently removes the top layers of your skin, allowing for the newer, fresher layers underneath to rise to the surface. This stimulates the production of new collagen, which leads to reduced superficial blemishes, diminished wrinkles (such as deep frown lines or laugh lines), smoother skin texture, improved pigmentation, and the reduction of scars from acne or chicken pox.

What to expect

Our dermatology experts have the experience and training to perform laser skin resurfacing that matches your aesthetic goals and rejuvenates your overall appearance. Our practitioners carefully and skillfully pass the laser over the targeted areas of your skin in a precise, uniform pattern to deliver customized results that leave you looking refreshed and glowing. Laser skin resurfacing can be done with one of a variety of lasers, all of which are safe and effective for use on many areas of your body, including the eyelids, forehead, nose, mouth, neck, décolleté , and hands.

After the procedure

After you undergo laser skin resurfacing, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to fully heal, but it is important that you follow an aftercare routine that includes applying healing ointment to expedite your healing. If you properly follow aftercare instructions, the procedure will allow for your body’s natural healing properties to flourish, making your appearance look healthy, natural, and rejuvenated.

Our approach & expertise

About Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

What is it?

Also known as liver spots or sunspots, brown age spots are not always uniform; they can be tan or black, can differ in size and shape, and usually appear on areas commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. Although normally a cosmetic issue, brown age spots can develop into a medical issue if the spots rapidly enlarge, bleed, or change into unusual colors. If you notice these, please see your neighborhood board-certified dermatologist immediately.

What causes it?

Brown age spots are primarily caused by years of exposure to the UV rays of the sun (or to those of indoor tanning), which is why you may associate them with aging; however, brown spots can develop in younger people, as well. To be more specific, the spots result when the UV rays cause the buildup or clumping together of melanin in a localized area. Although brown spots can develop on any skin color, if you have light skin, you’re more susceptible. This is also the case if you have a history of sunburns or have spent a lot of time in the sun during your life.

Common treatments?

We understand that aging and years of fun in the sun can bring about changes in your skin, particularly brown age spots (or sunspots), which can have an effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin experts, we’re here to offer encouragement, answer questions, and provide solutions regarding this issue. Our skin experts offer a variety of treatments for liver spots, but they are based on your overall health and aesthetic goals. Options include prescription oral medications, prescription-strength creams, laser treatment, IPL therapy, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, and chemical peels.

Our approach & expertise

Our skilled dermatologists have the knowledge and experience to provide treatment options tailored to suit your needs and meet your goals. We’ll be with you throughout the process, providing compassionate advice and support. Your healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice brown age spots so that we can help you look your best. Trust West Dermatology for expert care tailored to all your skin health needs.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Vascular Birthmarks

What are they?

Birthmarks are common. Research shows that about 10% of babies are born with a type of birthmark known as hemangioma (he-man-gio-ma). Vascular malformations are benign (non-cancerous) lesions, are present at birth and grow with the child. They do not have a rapid growth cycle and then suddenly stop growing, they continue to slowly grow throughout life. Birthmarks vary in size and can range in color from brown to blue to shades of red or pink. Although in some children a birthmark is a minor flaw that they can live with, some children with a birthmark will require treatment.

What causes them?

Currently, there are no known causes or risk factors for developing vascular birthmarks. Some initial research shows a potential genetic link, but this is inconclusive at this time. Scientists believe that abnormalities in blood vessel development during fetal growth may play a role. Environmental factors during pregnancy have also been considered, but no definitive connections have been established. Continued research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms behind vascular birthmarks and to identify any potential hereditary or environmental contributors.

Common treatments

Not every person or birthmark is the same. When you come to see one of our highly trained doctors you will get a personalized treatment catered to your specific needs. We will determine which method is the best to remove birthmarks and how we can minimize scarring. We may use a laser, IPL, or standard removal to remove your birthmark. When you come in for a consultation, we will assess you and provide our treatment recommendation. Your skin is in good hands with the expert team at West Dermatology.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Tattoo Removal

What is it?

Tattoo removal is the erasure of unwanted skin art, almost exclusively through the use of a laser. It is a safe, effective, and minimally-invasive method of eradicating skin ink. In general, lasers remove unwanted ink by emitting pulses of energy into the skin. The pulses penetrate the top layers of the skin for absorption by the ink. The pigment breaks down into tiny particles that your body absorbs and then safely removes, all without harming adjacent, un-inked skin. Because some colors are more difficult to remove than others, we use a variety of the latest, most state-of-the-art lasers for tattoo removal. These include lasers with gemstones such as ruby or with fractional CO₂ technology.

What to expect

One obvious benefit of this treatment is the reappearance of clear, unmarked skin. For some individuals, tattoo removal helps erase unwanted reminders of the past, similar to closing a chapter on part of your life. Tattoo removal is virtually painless, and results in little risk of scarring and downtime. The number of treatments required depends on your tattoo size, the colors used in the tattoo, and the tattoo’s complexity. For example, darker ink colors like black and dark red are easier to remove, while lighter colors like green or light blue may require additional laser sessions. The ink type and depth, as well as your skin tone, are also factors to consider. On average, most individuals need 5-10 treatments to thoroughly erase their tattoo, with these treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.

After the procedure

Side effects of laser tattoo removal are generally mild and temporary and could include swelling, redness, and a sunburn-like sensation. A “white frosting” may appear over the treated area, as well. Most of these should subside within a few hours after your procedure, although it could take up to 3-5 days for some individuals.

Our approach & expertise

We know skin art can be an unwanted reminder of the past or an obstacle to professional progress. For this reason, our trained experts offer various tattoo removal options to erase your art and restore clear, unmarked skin. What makes us unique our focus on you as a person. Our practitioners tailor tattoo removal to fit your unique needs and will provide compassionate support throughout the process. West Dermatology offers comprehensive support and expert care for all things skin-related.

Schedule your appointment today.