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

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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

Meet our New Physician Assistant Ashlene Korcek!

We are very excited to introduce our newest addition to the Skin Physician and Surgeon Family: Ashlene Korcek.
 
Ashlene grew up near Portland Oregon with her mom, dad, and younger sister, where she learned to love spending time outdoors, especially when it came to snow skiing. She has had a passion for medicine for as long as she can remember, which lead her to obtain her Bachelors Degree in Health Science at Walla Walla University in Washington State. Ashlene then moved to California to study at Loma Linda University where she graduated with her Masters in Physician Assistant. While in  PA school, she fell in love with the field of dermatology and the variety it has to offer.
 
During her time away from the office, she still enjoys getting outside and hiking, biking, or rock climbing with her husband, Lucas.
 
Welcome to the family Ashlene!
 
CIMG2558 Tahoe

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.

The Eclipse Micropen: The latest tool for fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and reducing scaring

We are so excited to start offering the Eclipse Micropen for treatment of scaring, fine lines and wrinkles, and much more.  We have been seeing great results and cannot wait for more patients to use it! You can take advantage of our  week of beauty specials to get a FREE MicroPen treatment when you buy 2. 

image-micropen

How does it work?

The MicroPen device works with the body’s natural immune response in a treatment called “percutaneous collagen induction therapy” (PCIT). The instrument’s tiny needles penetrate the epidermis and dermis (2 outer layers of skin) in a very controlled, precise manner. These micro-injuries to the skin stimulate the body to produce new collagen and elastin – the support system of healthy skin. As the treated area heals, smoother, more even, healthier-looking skin appears.

We sometimes use Eclipse MicroPen to create micro-channels for applying topical treatments, such as lightening agents. This allows more effective absorption deeper into the skin.

What does the MicroPen help?

  • Fine lines and moderate wrinkles
  • Scars from acne, surgery or injury
  • Uneven skin tone or texture
  • Stretch marks
  • Premature aging from sun exposure
  • Enlarged pores

What can I expect?

A sterile needle-tip containing 12 tiny micro-needles is attached to the Eclipse MicroPen. We apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid gel to your skin and select the appropriate treatment depth based on your unique needs. Next, in a single motion, the pen is gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered. Treatment time depends on the size of the treatment area and usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

MicroPen before and afters stretchmark

Is there downtime after MicroPen treatments?

There is no downtime to recover from the procedure, but the treatment will result in redness that resembles a raspberry or scrape. The redness may take anywhere from 24 hours to 4 days to go away. If you receive treatment in an area that you cannot easily conceal, you may want to allow time for the treatment site to heal.

When can I expect to see results?

Visible improvements to the treated area begin to appear over 2 to 3 weeks. Continued improvement may continue for up to 6 months following treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

For optimal results, we usually perform 3 to 4 treatments at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. More severe or advanced conditions, such as scars or deeper wrinkles, can require up to 8 sessions spaced anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks apart.

 

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!

Frownies: The At-Home Botox Alternative?

How Botox works is that it temporally prevents a muscle from moving. If you cannot move a particular muscle you cannot make the expression that causes a certain wrinkle. It usually takes four to seven days for Botox to start working and the effects tend to last from three to four months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax. As we get older and lose elasticity in the skin, a permanent crease can form leaving a wrinkle that is noticeable even without muscle contraction. Botox does not get rid of these wrinkles, but may help soften them.

When I spotted Frownies on Pinterest I had to check them out. . They are essentially thick pieces of paper with an old school stamp-like adhesive. You wet them, and then stick them on your face in areas you have a wrinkle caused by movement. In the picture, you can see the woman has them in between her eyebrows and on her forehead – typical places you get wrinkles due to making normal facial expressions. Frownies are not moisturizers and they don’t help to fill in wrinkles, nor do they stimulate collagen. They simply prevent you from making the expressions that cause certain wrinkles – exactly like Botox. The advantage to Botox is that it lasts 24 hours a day where you may only wear frownies for about 8 hours a day.

Frownies may mildly improve these expression lines but results would only be temporary and lines would return as soon as you start moving that muscle again.

 

Office Outing: Angels Baseball Game

This weekend our office attended an Angels game. It doesn’t get much better than a warm summer’s night baseball game. We had a great time enjoying lots of peanuts, popcorn and hot dogs. There may have been a few Dodger fans in the group but we let them slide as long at they did not wear any blue. Did you enjoy America’s pastime this summer?

Meet Alexa…

Meet Alexa
Six year old Alexa was suddenly afflicted with a life-threatening condition called dermatomyositis, which causes distinctive skin rashes and acute muscle weakness. She got so weak that she was unable to walk. There is no cure for this disease, but presently it is under control with medications. This brave little girl is our guest of honor at our annual patient appreciation event, The Envy Party, September 27th 2012. We hope you have a chance to meet her that night.

Purchase a $20 ticket for an opportunity to spin our prize wheel and a chance to win $1000 towards a procedure here at Skin Physicians and Surgeons. 100% of proceeds will go to support Alexa’s medical costs. You can purchase an opportunity to spin the prize wheel at The Envy Party or just stop by our office any time to spin the wheel before the event.

Register for The Envy Party here: http://skinpsenvyparty.eventbrite.com/

Eligible procedures include: Treatment with Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Belotero. Sclerotherapy, MixTo CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Tickle Lipo, Laser Hair Removal, VBeam laser treatment, Medical dermatology: Mole removal, skin cancer treatment, acne treatment. Not eligible on esthetician services or cosmeceuticals (including but not limited to Latisse, Triluma, Retin-A, ect…)

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

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