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

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Monthly Archives: July 2015

Holy Moley! (Mole Removal)

Also known as “nevi,” moles are groups of darkened (pigmented) cells that can appear on various areas of the body. Moles come in many sizes and can be smooth, raised, or wrinkled. The average person has about 100 of these spots on their body! (Holy moley!)

Suspicious Moles

Unfortunately, a lot of these “beauty marks” aren’t very appealing, and some can even pose a health risk. Although most moles are initially benign, they can potentially become cancerous. Therefore, it is important to perform a self-exam once a month and have a full body skin exam every two to three years (or yearly if you have a family or personal history of skin cancer). These exams check for suspicious moles to help identify potential skin cancers so they can be addressed as soon as possible.

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Be on the lookout for the following (ABCDE) mole characteristics that may be warning signs of skin cancer: 

    • A: Asymmetry
    • B: Borders that are uneven or notched
    • C: Color variations (more than one color, or red, white, or blue)
    • D: Diameter larger than a pencil tip eraser (¼ inch or 6mm)
    • E: Evolving in any way (size, shape, color, elevation, itching, bleeding, etc.)

 

Famous Moles

Some celebrities have had their famous moles removed to ensure their safety. Ewan McGregor had several moles removed, and one of them proved to be cancerous. Enrique Iglesias had his trademark mole removed after his doctor told him it could become cancerous. Although Iglesias was nervous about having his mole removed, the quick procedure was done in five minutes.

A Simple Removal Process

We commonly perform mole removal procedures in our medical office. Mole removal is a very safe, simple, and painless process when performed by a professional. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and the mole is removed flush with the skin. If necessary, an excision technique and sutures may be used. We then have the mole examined to determine whether or not it is cancerous.

If you’re concerned about a mole for cosmetic reasons or suspicious characteristics, call us at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form for more information. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee looks forward to helping you achieve peace of mind and a more attractive appearance.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy may sound like a term coined for a superhero power, but it is a simple cosmetic treatment that permanently eliminates abnormal and diseased tissue. By utilizing non-toxic liquid nitrogen that is about -200º C, this non-invasive treatment instantly freezes the cells inside of the affected tissue.

How Is Cryotherapy Treatment Performed?

Once the targeted area is cleaned, cryotherapy is performed with a handheld device that delivers short pulses of liquid nitrogen directly to the skin. After the skin is properly treated, ointment is applied, and a bandage covers the treated area. Over the next few days, the area may blister and scab as it heals.

What Skin Conditions Are Treatable With Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy effectively treats a wide range of common skin imperfections, including:

Wartswarts on hand

Warts are small, rough growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although most warts are not painful, their appearance on the face, hands, or feet can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small flaps of overdeveloped tissue that are typically found on the neck, chest, or armpits. Skin tags often cause irritation when they come in contact with clothing.

Solar Lentigines and Actinic Keratosis

These skin lesions are gray or brown spots that usually appear on the face, hands, and arms. These spots can either develop as a result of the aging process or as a result of prolonged sun exposure (hyperpigmentation). In some instances, they may also be precursors to skin cancer.

Skin Cancer

Cryotherapy can also treat some skin cancers, but only if the lesions affect the epidermis (top layer) of the skin. A consultation with Dr. Sandra Lee will determine if cryotherapy can be an effective treatment for your skin cancer lesion.

To find out if you are a good candidate for cryotherapy, feel free to contact our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee today. Dr. Lee has years of experience with the most technologically advanced laser and light-based procedures to help you achieve an appearance about which you can feel confident. Call (909) 981-8929 today, or fill out our online contact form for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

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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