Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery & Laser Surgery

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Category: Skin Conditions

What Is Skin Blading?

Skin Rejuvenation in Upland, CA

When we’re young, our skin rapidly produces new, healthy cells to replace the old ones. However, as we age, this process of cellular turnover begins to slow down. This can leave us with a dull complexion as dead cells build up on the surface of the skin because they haven’t yet been replaced by new ones. Dry patches of skin may accumulate, and damage to the skin, such as sun spots or acne scarring, can become more visible over time.

Skin blading safely and painlessly removes dead, dry skin from the face to reveal the new, supple cells underneath. This procedure allows you to finally eliminate recalcitrant skin problems and achieve a smooth, youthful complexion. This also stimulates the cellular turnover process, allowing for you to maintain more radiant skin over time.

Skin Blading Can Improve the Following:Radiant Skin Upland, CA

  • Dry skin
  • Rough patches
  • Acne scars
  • Fine lines
  • Enlarged pores
  • Unwanted facial hair

Treatment

Skin blading is carried out through manual exfoliation using a sterile surgical blade. The skin is pulled tight, and our esthetician will carefully glide the blade against the skin in a motion similar to shaving. Patients can generally return to their regular activities immediately after treatment.

Here at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we offer skin blading with a facial to hydrate and soothe dry, rough skin. We can also combine skin blading with a chemical peel to further improve wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.

If you would like more youthful, radiant skin, call us at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you look and feel more beautiful in your own skin!

BOTOX® for Underarm Sweating

Treatment for Excessive Armpit Sweating

Anxiety about underam sweatingExcessive sweating, also known as “hyperhidrosis,” affects a large number of people of all ages. Although this condition can occur in many areas, the most embarrassing region is typically the armpits. When this occurs, not only does it affect our physical appearance, but it also inhibits our ability to be confident in social settings.

In the past, wearing multiple shirts or using prescription deodorants seemed to be the only effective way to diminish the appearance of “sweat rings” or “pit stains” on clothing. However, these only mask the problem and don’t provide a long-term solution.

Of all the cosmetic treatments available, BOTOX® is perhaps the most versatile. Primarily used to smooth and improve fine lines and wrinkles on the face, this injectable has become increasingly desired by men and women to treat excessive sweating under their arms. In 2004, the FDA approved BOTOX® for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (severe underarm sweating).

How does BOTOX® stop sweating?

BOTOX® is a derivative of botulinum toxin A, which can be used to block the nerve communications that stimulate the sweat glands. Each injection is administered using a very fine needle, and patients can expect their results to last between four and six months. Since the effects of BOTOX® are considered temporary, subsequent injections are needed in order to maintain results.

Am I a candidate for BOTOX®?

Good candidates for BOTOX® are in good overall health and have had a prior medical examination to determine that they are not allergic to its ingredients. Although BOTOX® is very effective in treating excessive sweating under the arms, it is important that patients have realistic expectations about the outcome of treatment.

For all of your BOTOX® needs, we encourage you to call Skin Physicians & Surgeons in Upland at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form today. Dr. Sandra Lee looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve results about which you can feel confident!

 

Gorgeous Skin at Any Age

Part 1: 20s and 30s

A woman with beautiful skin submerged in water to her shoulders with a green nature backgroundThe term ‘aging’ tends to conjure up images of wrinkled skin with uneven pigmentation, but this doesn’t always have to be so. Starting at the end of puberty, the cell turnover process slows down, which means that dead skin cells remain on top of the skin, and new, healthy cells take longer to reach the surface and replace them. Taking proper care of your skin can help maintain a youthful complexion, and it is essential to begin a healthy skincare regimen early on so that your skin will look younger for longer.

Here are some essential skincare tips to follow in your 20s and 30s to help achieve and maintain gorgeous skin.

In Your 20s: Prevent and Protect

Apply Sunscreen Daily

Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day is the best way to protect the skin and prevent dark spots, visible blood vessels, wrinkles, and other signs of aging from developing. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause premature skin aging and skin cancers as well as suppress the immune system.

Our broad-spectrum SkinPS antioxidant facial sunscreens are great for preventing future sun damage while also reversing existing damage starting in your 20s, and it is important to continue using sunscreen to protect your skin no matter what your age.

Start Using Retinoids

Retinoids are vitamin A products that unclog pores, boost collagen production, and accelerate the cell turnover process. These products even out discoloration and improve fine lines and wrinkles to produce brighter and smoother skin. Retinoids are proven to prevent acne, which also prevents acne scarring that can appear as colored spots or indentations in the skin long after a blemish has healed. In addition, clinical studies show that retinoid products prevent wrinkles and even treat precancers and help prevent future skin cancers. People in their 20s should begin incorporating a retinoid in their skin care regimen and continue using it to maintain their skin’s health.

Our Topical Tretinoin (Obagi) products are prescription forms of vitamin A that have superior anti-aging properties compared to over-the-counter retinol products and are the gold standard in topical treatment for radiant, youthful skin.

In Your 30s: Treat and Moisturize

Treat With Antioxidants

Products that contain antioxidants, such as vitamins and polyphenols, help improve the color and texture of the skin by lightening hyperpigmentation and increasing collagen beneath the skin’s surface. They also protect your skin from future free radical damage.

Check out our highly beneficial C Emollient Gel and CEGA Eye Cream to stimulate the production of your skin’s collagen and reveal a brighter, more even skin tone and texture.

Moisturize

Moisturizing to hydrate your skin is almost as important as wearing sunscreen when it comes to preventing wrinkles. Moisturizers fight dryness, balance skin tone, and improve texture, and hydrated skin is able to retain its elasticity and ward off wrinkles and fine lines more easily.    

Our SkinPS Calming Cream provides enhanced moisturization with a lightweight, soothing feel to repair and soften the skin.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog on how to have gorgeous skin in your 40s and beyond.

For more information on the products we offer to keep your skin healthy and vibrant, please visit our online skin care product store. You may also call us at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to learn about the ideal products or treatments for your individual skin type and condition.

A Glass of Wine a Day to Keep the Doctor Away?

Grapes and a glass and bottle of red wine on a white backgroundThe aging process and environmental factors can cause the skin to lose its radiance, and wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots develop. Unfortunately, our skin doesn’t age like a fine wine, but studies show that drinking wine in moderation may help improve skin appearance and provide other health benefits.

 

Skin Health

Research has suggested that certain compounds, such as resveratrol and procyanidin, found in red wine may slow the aging of the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. One study evaluated the effects of a dietary supplement containing resveratrol and procyanidin and found that the participants’ skin moisturization and elasticity had improved, while the appearance of roughness, wrinkles, and age spots had diminished.

Heart Health

Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to have many Two glasses splashing red wine into a heart shape on a white backgroundbenefits for the heart and circulatory system, including:

  • Lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol

  • Raising “good” HDL cholesterol

  • Reducing the formation of blood clots

  • Preventing artery damage

*Although red wine is believed to have these health benefits, drinking more than one glass (women) or two (men) per day has been shown to have detrimental health effects. Consult with your general physician before consuming alcohol on a regular basis.  

How the Doctors at Skin Physicians & Surgeons Can Help

Here at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we offer nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, such as fractional CO2 laser treatment and chemical peels, to effectively improve wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and other signs of skin aging and damage. We also carry carefully chosen cosmeceuticals that treat a variety of skin problems for all skin types.

To schedule your consultation with Skin Physicians & Surgeons, please call (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve beautiful, healthy skin.

Banish Dry Skin With These Skin Care Tips

It’s that time of year when the weather starts cooling down and our skin starts drying out. Following these skin care tips can get your dry, flakey skin fast relief. 
 

1. Avoid Long Hot Showers– Hot water removes natural oils from your skin. Try to limit your showers to 5-10 minutes. Spending more time in the shower leaves your skin less hydrated than before you started. Choose a short warm shower for dry skin.

2. Apply your moisturizer right after the bath– To lock in the moisture from your shower apply your moisturizer when your skin is still slightly damp.

3. Soothe Chapped Lips: Choose a lip balm with 1% hydrocortisone for maximum relief like our Lipacort Lip Balm.

4. Use a Humidifier– Keeping the air moist in your home with a humidifier will also keep you skin moisturized.

5. Choose Ointments and Creams– When choosing a moisturizer for dry skin it is best to choose a cream or an ointment as opposed to a lotion. Creams are oil based where lotions are water based. For event better moisturizing choose ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor. While ointments are not practical all the time choose them when you have some down time like watching TV or sleeping. Apply a layer of the ointment and cover the area with cotton gloves or socks for event better penetration.

6. Reapply, Reapply, Reapply!– Applying moisturizers once a day is not enough for dry skin. Apply you moisturizers multiple times a day for better results.

7. Make an appointment with your Dermatologist– Is your dry skin painful, itchy or not responding to moisturizers alone? You may have eczema. Eczema often times requires a prescription strength cortisone ointment. Your Dermatologist or Derm PA will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment.

8. Visit the Hardware Store– You might be thinking how does this fits in with skin care? Well, we had a patient tell us about a hand cream he found at Home Depot and once we tried it we’ve been sold ever since: O’Keefe’s Working Hands.

Watch Dr. Sandra Lee’s video on Skin Care Tips Here

What Is a Physician Assistant?

In honor of National PA week I thought I’d take a moment to explain exactly what a PA is and does.

A physician assistant is a licensed and highly skilled health care professional, trained to provide patient evaluation, education, and health care services. A PA works with a physician to provide medical care and guidance to patients. A PA must attend a specialized medical training program associated with a medical school, which includes classroom studies and clinical experience. I personally have a bachelors degree in biology and also received my masters degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Southern California. I have been formally trained in dermatology by Dr. Rebish and Dr. Lee. Each PA must be supervised by a physician, and the supervising physician must always be available to the PA should the need arise.

A PA performs many diagnostic, preventative, and health maintenance services. As a physician assistant in dermatology, here are some services I provide:

  • Perform full body exams for skin cancer screening
  • Diagnose skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, rashes, etc.
  • Instruct and counsel patients on their medical conditions
  • Perform laser treatments, such as laser hair removal, VBeam laser for blood vessel removal, and sun spot removal with the MiXto laser
  • Perform minor surgical procedures
  • Write prescriptions
  • Act as first or second assistant during surgery
  • Perform cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, Dysport, Radiesse, Juvederm, and Restylane injections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Physician Assistants:

1. Are you a doctor? No, I am what is referred to as a mid-level practitioner, similar to a nurse practitioner. I am able to see patients, write prescriptions, and order tests.

2. Will you become a doctor? No, I have completed my formal training and passed national certification boards for physician assistants. I am not an intern or studying to be a doctor.

4. Are you a nurse or medical assistant? No, I have a bachelors degree in biology and have completed post-graduate training in a physician assistant program. I am board certified as a physician assistant.

5. What is the difference between a physician and a physician assistant?
The main difference between a physician and physician assistant is the amount of time spent in training. Physicians spend more time in school and also have to go through internships and residencies. Physicians can practice independently while PAs work with physicians and are ultimately under the physician’s supervision.

6. Do I have to see the PA? No. It is completely your choice on which provider you would like to see. 

7. What does PA-C mean? It means physician assistant-certified. It means the person has graduated from an accredited program and has passed testing by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

8. Can you prescribe medications? Yes. I am able to recommend medications and write prescriptions.

9. How long have PAs been around? Since the 1960s physician assistants have helped expand the delivery of quality medical care.

erin small head shot

I absolutely love my job and could not imagine doing anything else.

I love being to work as a team with the physicians and other PA in our office to provide the best possible care for all of our patients.

Erin Jensen PA-C

 

If you are interested in any procedure or would like more information, feel free to schedule a consultation with our physicians or physician assistant by calling (909) 981-8929 or filling out our online contact form.

Join Us at The Envy Party!

On Thursday, October 10th, 2013, Skin Physicians & Surgeons will be hosting our annual patient appreciation event: The Envy Party! It will be held from 4pm until 7pm at our office, located at 859 E. Foothill Boulevard in Upland. Come join us for an evening of food, entertainment, treats, and discounts as we show our gratitude to our patients and the community.

Gift basket with green polka dot ribbon filled with skincare products With all of the awesome gifts and offers, you won’t want to miss out on this spectacular event! In addition to a free skincare goody bag, our guests will be able to partake in the variety of FREE services provided by our outdoor vendors. From relaxing massages to sunkissed spray tans and beautiful eyelash extensions, our guests will leave looking and feeling amazing. Come enjoy frozen drinks from the Margarita Man and delicious In-N-Out food as you listen to our DJ’s amazing beats, and don’t forget to take a picture in our photo booth! We will also be having a raffle, which includes prizes like Botox® Cosmetic and injectable filler treatments, skincare and makeup products, a Latisse Eyelash Lengthening kit, a Vitalize Peel, discounts on liposuction and other procedures, gift baskets, and much more! And the festivities don’t end there…

If you’re tired of looking tired and want to reverse the signs of aging, October 10th is the time to learn about treatment options and take advantage of all our amazing offers. Our doctors, physician assistant, and esthetician will be performing cosmetic demonstrations and explaining more about the details of each product. The rooms inside our office building will be featuring information on different treatments so our guests can gain all of the knowledge necessary to decide the right option for their needs. We are having more specials than ever before at this year’s event, with discounts up to double what we offered in previous years. To LIKE us on Facebook and check out all of our beauty specials, click here.

Two happy middle-aged women in front of a white "Skin Physicians & Surgeons" backdrop

Don’t make your friends envy you, bring them along! It’s definitely true that more is merrier because our patients who bring a non-patient friend receive a $50 gift card just for RSVPing and signing in with them. Patients can bring up to 2 friends and earn up to $100 in gift cards! You and your friends are sure to have a fabulous time at The Envy Party as we celebrate YOU, our amazing patients.

To be eligible for these great deals and gifts, an RSVP is a MUST. Please visit envyparty2013.eventbrite.com/ or call our office at (909) 981-8929 to let us know you’re coming. Even if you can’t make it to the event on October 10th, feel free to stop by our office during the week of October 7th through 11th to take advantage of all these fantastic discounts. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Happy Hour Lecture Series

Introducing our New Happy Hour Lecture Series!

Learn more about different skin conditions and treatments while enjoying happy hour refreshments and special gifts for all attendants

Join us for our first Happy Hour Lecture:

Have you thought about treatment with Botox or Dermal Fillers and just don’t know where to start? Come learn more about the basics of these cosmetic treatments at our Botox and Filler 101 course. This beginner’s guide offers straight talk on the lighter side of cosmetic treatments. Learn about Botox, Dermal Filler and wrinkle erasers to find out which may be right for you and what you should know about them.

Thursday, August 16th 2012

 Presentation by Erin Jensen PA-C

Register for event here: http://botoxandfiller101.eventbrite.com/ or call (909) 981-8929

Happy Hour refreshments will be served.

Attendants will receive discounts on future treatments with Erin Jensen PA-C

Future Happy Hour Lectures

September 20th, 6pm- ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACNE

October 18th, 6pm- SAFE SKIN CARE IN PREGNANCY*

*pregnancy friendly mocktails for all moms-to-be!

There is a Fungus Among Us: Tinea Versicolor

We all have yeast growing on our skin. When the yeast grows out of control a person can get a skin condition called Tinea Versicolor.  A yeast is a type of fungus so someone may be told they have a fungal infection of the skin. Tinea versicolor is not contagious since we all already have this yeast living on us. Tinea Versicolor is a very common skin condition, especially in tropical areas. Most people will notice that they have pink, white, or brown scaly patches on their chest and back. During the summer time the spots become more noticeable because the yeast does not allow the skin to tan. The rash can go away on its own when the weather becomes cooler and less humid.

Often we can just look at the rash and tell that it is tinea versicolor. We may also take a small scraping of skin and look at it under the microscope in order to see the yeast. Treatment options depends on several things. These include where the tinea versicolor appears on the body, how much of the skin is affected, how thick the spots have grown, and climate. Options include Anti-Fungal Creams, Anti-Funtal Cleansers, or Anti-Fungal Pills. While the fungus is easy to kill, the patient may have white spots that take a few months to return to normal color while their tan fades. If you are prone to getting tinea versicolor there are a few things you can do to prevent the breakout. You can wash your skin with a shampoo that contains selenium sulfide, like Selsum Blue. You also want to try to keep the area as dry as possible. Yeast thrives on warm and moist skin.

Here is Dr. Sandra Lee talking more about Tinea Versicolor on Studio11LA

Syringomas: Harmless Sweat Duct Tumors

Last week this 22 year old girl visited our office for a rash she has had on her neck and chest for over 15 years. The rash did not bother her and had not changed from the time it first occurred. An area of the rash was biopsied and the biopsy results confirmed her condition to be syringomas.

Syringomas on the lower eye lid

Syringomas are harmless sweat duct tumors. They are skin colored or yellowish firm rounded bumps typically found clustered on eyelids but they may also arise elsewhere on the face, in the armpits, abdomen, upper chest and vulva. They can start to appear in adolescence and are more common in women than men. While Syringomas are not dangerous they usually do not go away on their own.

Although there is no perfect technology to remove the growths, there are treatment options that can make some improvement to the lesions. Laser treatment is an option, however pinpoint electrocautery may offer the best combination of results and healing. Prior to treatment the area is numbed with either topical lidocaine or an injection of lidocaine. Electrocautery involves the passage of an electrical current from a small metal tip to the syringoma effectively burning the lesion. After the treatment the areas become a little swollen and the syringoma may develop a scab for 5-7 days. Most patients have minimal social downtime and excellent healing. The lesions usually either clear up or shrink in size. If the syringomas are resistant to laser or electrocautery treatment your provider may consider excising them aka cutting them out. They may choose to cut out a large area that contains many syringomas or will use a small scalpel to cut and take out the syringoma one by one.

Our patient in the photo above had a condition called Generalized Eruptive Syringoma, a rare clinical presentation where many syringomas appear abruptly. It presents as groupings of small flesh-colored papules very suddenly and generally occurs in the peripubertal period.

What’s New

In The Media and Other News

Watch Dr. Sandra Lee Make Varicose Veins Disappear on The Doctors!
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Dr. Sandra Lee Discusses What To Do About Warts on Fox Studio 11 LA
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Get Rid of Sweaty Palms - Dr. Sandra Lee on Fox Studio 11
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