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

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Combat Aging Eyes: A Closer Look at Your Options

Woman looking in the mirror considering how to make her eyes look more youthful

There are ways to address the signs of aging that restore youthful brightness to the eyes.

3 Minute Read:

Your eyes can say a lot about your health, your emotions, and, most importantly, your age. Aging around the eyes can take many forms.

If you have been struggling to find something that works in your fight against aging eyes, you may want to consider some advanced cosmetic techniques for rejuvenating the skin. 

What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic? 

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator that is used to correct signs of aging around the eyes, such as: 

  • Crows feet
  • Frown lines 
  • Forehead lines 

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most popular non-surgical alternative to more invasive cosmetic surgery. BOTOX® Cosmetic works by restricting the movement of facial muscles that cause wrinkles. 

BOTOX® Cosmetic is highly effective for decreasing the signs of aging around the eyes; however, the results are not permanent. Many patients will need to have follow-up treatments to maintain results. 

Also, for the results to look natural, BOTOX® Cosmetic needs to be used strategically. If overused, the face can begin to look tight or take on a permanently “surprised” look. 

If you would like to improve the appearance of your eyes, BOTOX® Cosmetic can offer excellent results without surgery and with little to no downtime. 

While BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most well-known neuromodulator, similar injectables such as Dysport® and XEOMIN® are available. These injectables work in the same way as BOTOX® Cosmetic but do not offer the same variety of uses as they are only approved for the minimization of frown lines. 

What Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

Eyelid surgery is a more aggressive and permanent technique that can restore the youthful appearance of the eyelids. 

Eyelid surgery is focused on the eye area directly, so it is not effective for reducing aging signs on the forehead or other parts of the face. 

Eyelid surgery can be used to:

  • Correct overly hooded eyes 
  • Remove excess skin 
  • Reduce the appearance of bags
  • Improve impaired vision

While eyelid surgery provides long-lasting results that dwarf BOTOX® Cosmetic in comparison, it is an invasive surgery and does require a period of downtime.

Which Is the Best Option for You? 

The cosmetic procedure that will work best for you will depend on the reasons behind your wrinkles, the severity of your condition, and your willingness to undergo surgery. 

For those that do not feel ready for surgery but would like to see improvement, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be the best option. You may not be able to achieve dramatic correction of severe age signs, but you may still be able to achieve good results. 

On the other hand, some patients who would like to achieve the most dramatic improvement may want to consider blepharoplasty. 

What Type of Wrinkles Do You Have?

There are two different types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. 

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions (such as blinking, squinting, and smiling). Initially, these wrinkles are only noticeable when the muscles are in use; however, they can worsen to become permanent fixtures on your face. Dynamic lines, such as crow’s feet and frown lines, are best treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic because it is the muscle movement that is the problem.

Contrary to dynamic wrinkles, static lines are the wrinkles and fine lines that form due age, sun damage, and the overall weakening of the tissues. These lines develop around the eyes regardless of muscle movement. Therefore, blocking the muscle contraction will do nothing to prevent these lines. For these patients, eyelid surgery is most commonly the appropriate course of treatment.

A consultation is the best way to know which option may be best suited for you. During your consultation, your surgeon can advise you on how you can best achieve your goals as well as suggest alternative treatments. 

Want to Learn More?

If you would like to brighten your eyes and want to learn more about your options, please contact Dr. Lee at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.

You can also stay up-to-date with Dr. Sandra Lee by following Dr. Pimple Popper on Twitter or Instagram.

Causes and Treatments of Skin Cancer: Are You at Risk?

3 Min Read

 

Skin cancer is easily treatable when diagnosed early.Skin cancer affects one out of every five Americans.

While skin cancer is easily treatable when it is diagnosed early, it can spread and become more serious—or even fatal—if the signs are disregarded.

What Are the Types of Skin Cancer?

Not all skin cancer is the same. There are three main divisions of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

  1. Basal cell carcinoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of the basal cells (cells from the lower part of the epidermis that produce new skin cells). These are most often found on the face, neck, ears, shoulders, and back.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of the squamous cells (cells from the outermost part of the epidermis that play a role in osmosis, diffusion, and filtration). These cancers are commonly found on the face, neck, ears, and scalp.
  3. Melanoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth of the melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment). This is the most severe form of skin cancer and can spread quickly if not treated.

What Are the Causes of Skin Cancer?

While the development of skin cancer can be influenced by genetics, moles, and lifestyle choices, it is most commonly attributed to being exposed to UV radiation. 

Ultraviolet rays due to sun exposure or tanning beds damage your DNA and alter the way that your cells reproduce, grow, and divide. Skin cancer can develop when the growth of these cells is not kept in check.

How Can I Identify Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is commonly identified and diagnosed by changes in your skin or moles. 

For basal cell carcinoma, watch out for:

  • Open sores that do not heal
  • Shiny bumps or nodules
  • Slightly raised, pink growths
  • Reddish patches

For squamous cell carcinoma, watch out for:

  • Crusty skin sores
  • Thick, rough, or scaly patches
  • Open wounds or warts that do not heal

For melanoma, watch out for moles or skin patches that follow the ABCDEs:

  • Asymmetry (half of the mole does not match the other)
  • Border (uneven or ragged borders)
  • Color (more than one shade)
  • Diameter (larger than six millimeters)
  • Evolving (moles that grow or change in appearance)

How Can I Treat Skin Cancer?

There are several tissue removal options that can treat skin cancer—including melanoma. These techniques remove the visible tumor as well as a margin (a buffer rim of tissue around the cancerous cells).

Unfortunately, these excision techniques result in scarring, which may be visible if the cancer is located in an exposed area like the face, neck, hands, or arms. 

While there is no way to eliminate scarring, some techniques can reduce the amount of scarring. One of these techniques is Mohs surgery. 

Mohs surgery is a conservative but highly effective skin cancer treatment that removes cancerous tissue layer by layer (as opposed to the “chunk” of tissue that is removed with many other techniques).

By removing the tissue in layers, there is no unnecessary damage to the surrounding tissues, and this allows for better aesthetics and a more comfortable recovery. 

Once the skin cancer has been removed, the surrounding edges can be pulled together and sutured or covered with a skin graft.

How Can I Learn More About Mohs Surgery?

If you would like to learn more about Mohs surgery, contact Skin Physicians & Surgeons, Inc. and set up a consultation by calling (909) 981-8929.

You can also stay up-to-date with Dr. Sandra Lee by following Dr. Pimple Popper on Twitter or Instagram.

Busy Tonight With Dr. Pimple Popper

2 min read

Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) on the E! Busy Tonight set with Susan Kelechi Watson and Busy Philipps.Board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, has become an international social media and television sensation with an incredibly large following behind her pimple popping videos and skincare techniques.

She appeared on E! Busy Tonight, a show hosted by Busy Philipps, and is also the star of the hit TLC program called Dr. Pimple Popper that aired its second season this year.

Dr. Lee has 5 million YouTube subscribers, 3.3 million Instagram followers, and 2.6 million Facebook followers.

Her underlying goal of providing entertaining videos to her followers is to educate and improve their daily skincare habits.

Talking Pimples With Philipps

Dr. Lee shared her expertise with Busy Philipps on the E! Network late-night show “Busy Tonight” in January.

Philipps starred on hit TV shows such as “Freaks and Geeks,” “Dawson’s Creek,” and “Cougartown.”

In the appearance, Dr. Lee showed Philipps the proper way to pop a pimple, which included wearing gloves and applying even pressure on all sides.

“You have to know when to pop and when to stop.”

– Dr. Sandra Lee

Dr. Lee also talked about her quick rise to fame by simply posting a video of her popping a blackhead on her Instagram.

Through education and empowerment, Dr. Lee hopes to inspire others on how to take care of their skin and achieve a healthy and youthful complexion.

Put Your Best Face Forward

The internet’s favorite dermatologist and Youtube sensation, tells all in her book Put Your Best Face Forward: The Ultimate Guide to Skincare from Acne to Anti-Aging.

Dr. Lee offers essential information on skincare, including acne treatments, anti-aging advice, step-by-step tutorials, quizzes, prevention, and tips.

You can purchase your book from the following available formats listed here:

Want to Learn More?

Dr. Sandra Lee is a board-certified dermatologist in Southern California.

For more information on how Dr. Lee can help you with your skin concerns, please contact our office by calling (909) 981-8929 or by filling out our online contact form.

Dr. Pimple Popper Teaches Us How to Pop

When Dr. Pimple Popper stopped by the Dr. Oz show back in January, she shared the most important dos and don’ts when it comes to popping pimples.

Even though Dr. Sandra Lee stresses the importance of NOT popping your pimples, she understands that sometimes the nagging desire to get it out of there is simply too strong. 

 

When you do find that popping is your only option, it is essential to follow the right protocol.

Understanding Pimples

Pimples are a frustration that everyone experiences whether you are a teenage boy or a woman in her fifties.

Acne is caused by chronic inflammation of the hair follicles. When dirt and bacteria get in, acne develops, and you are left dealing with the hardship of trying not to pick at your skin.

Pimples are the body’s way of trying to rid itself of the pus and bacteria that is trapped beneath the skin. Sometimes, it is not a bad idea to help the body along. 

 

Acne has many causes, and, unfortunately, not all of them are in your control. Three of the most common reasons to develop acne are hormone fluctuation, genetics, and diet.

While you can monitor your diet, there’s not much you can do about hormones and genetics. 

Cleansers and acne treatments are one way to attempt prevention, but they are not always effective in stopping every blemish from forming.

A pop might be the only answer when a pimple still develops after taking all the preventative steps.

Pimple Popping the Right Way

The most important thing to remember when popping a pimple is patience and preparation.

You cannot simply pop a pimple when you are sitting at your desk or stopped at a street light. If you try to pop a pimple too early—before the whitehead forms—you can cause further bleeding, infection, and scarring.

Once the whitehead forms, the pimple is close to the surface and much easier to get rid of. 

Here are Dr. Lee’s official pimple-popping steps:

  1. To start, you should always wear gloves when popping a pimple. If this isn’t possible, you must instead wash your hands. You risk agitating the pimple even more by introducing bacteria from your hands.
  2. Clean the skin surrounding the pimple. Sterilizing the area will help ensure that no additional bacteria gets into the open pores. Often, popping your pimples is easier and safer if it is done right after a shower when the pores are open, and the skin is the softest. 
  3. Pressure must be applied evenly around the pimple. This is true whether you are using Dr. Pimple Popper’s Comedone Extractor or your fingers.
  4. Clean up after the pop. Once the pus (or blackhead) is out, clean the area with alcohol or an acne spot treatment, such as the BP Spot Treatment. It is always wise to put a band-aid over the spot so you can mentally and physically leave it alone.

Ready for More?

If you cannot get enough of Dr. Pimple Popper, check out her book Put Your Best Face Forward, available online and at most major retailers, and watch new episodes of Dr. Pimple Popper every Thursday at 9:00 pm on TLC.

You can catch up on all episodes now on Hulu!

 

Dr. Sandra Lee is a board-certified dermatologist. For more information regarding how Dr. Lee can help you, please contact our office by calling 909.981.8929 or by filling out our online contact form

Skincare, Books, Games, and Season 3: What’s New from Dr. Pimple Popper?

When Dr. Sandra Lee, more commonly known as Dr. Pimple Popper, visited the Today Show on January 8, 2019, she brought with her some tips and skincare myths as well as a brand-new game that allows everyone the ability to pop a pimple.

 

Dr. Pimple Popper has been making headlines since releasing her first blackhead extraction video in 2014. Since then, her YouTube and Instagram videos have been viewed over three billion times, and she has collected millions of social media followers.

Education Is Her Main Focus

Although many people tune into Dr. Pimple Popper’s videos for their oddly satisfying charm, there is no denying that education is the main focus. Dr. Lee began releasing extraction videos to give the public an in-depth look at the correct way to take care of your skin and the growths and blackheads that everyone experiences. Through her videos and media appearances, Dr. Lee has been able to showcase proper techniques, normalize skin concerns that previously caused shame, and debunk some of the most common acne myths.

During her appearance on the Today Show, Dr. Lee continued this tradition by educating the public as well as bringing a little fun to the table. Through a round of Pimple Pete, Dr. Lee’s game that gives everyone the chance to extract a gnarly pimple (under the pressure of potentially getting squirted), Dr. Lee continued to shed light on dermatological issues that are faced by many. Dr. Lee explained that common myths about acne, such as chocolate and greasy foods causing breakouts, are false—unless you decide to smear the grease directly onto your pores—and the more dangerous foods are those that contain hormones, such as milk and other dairy. She also gave tips on the correct time to pop a pimple or extract a blackhead, which is after a shower when the skin is clean and the pores are open. She also stressed the importance of never sleeping in your makeup.

Dr. Lee’s videos, shows, and games may be entertaining, but most importantly, they are informational tutorials that allow you to take proper care of your skin.

Stay Informed and Treat Your Skin Right

In December, Dr. Lee released her book Put Your Best Face Forward: The Ultimate Guide to Skincare from Acne to Anti-Aging, an entertaining and enlightening look at proper skincare for all ages. Dr. Lee wrote this book to appeal to both her “popaholic” fans and those who are interested in learning more about achieving a healthy and youthful complexion.

To help with that, Dr. Lee offers a line of skincare products, SLMD Skincare, which provides products ranging from acne spot treatments to anti-aging creams and serums.

Round Three is Coming!

Attention Popaholics: Don’t miss Season 3 of Dr. Pimple Popper, Thursdays at 9pm on TLC, where Dr. Lee will face some of her most extensive and unusual pops yet!

Want to “pop” till you drop? All episodes of Dr. Pimple Popper are now streaming on Hulu!

 

Dr. Sandra Lee is a board-certified dermatologist in Southern California. For more information on how Dr. Lee can help you with your skin concerns, please contact our office by calling 909.981.8929 or by filling out our online contact form.

Dr. Pimple Popper Season 2 on TLC

Dr. Sandra Lee continues to make headlines with her hit television program, “Dr. Pimple Popper”, promoting patient education about skincare and other health needs. As a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Lee has established herself as an international household name and reliable medical resource across media platforms. Rated the #1 show in its time slot among all demographics during its first season, season two of Dr. Lee’s “Dr. Pimple Popper” premiered Thursday, January 3rd at 9:00 PM with ratings beating out the NBA!

Dr. Pimple Popper Season Two

New Season and New Cases

The first season of “Dr. Pimple Popper” and The 12 Pops of Christmas special were bursting with unusual cases, and season two brings even more to the table. Viewers, also known as “popaholics”, will enjoy new and exciting pops, more challenging skin conditions, and a behind-the-curtain view of Dr. Pimple Popper’s meticulous techniques and modern treatments. Fans can expect to see more lipomas, cysts, pustules, and growths galore! Before season two aired, Dr. Lee hinted at more heartwarming moments in the new episodes of “Dr. Pimple Popper” as she and her team of specialists help patients on the show improve their quality of life.

From Social Media to TLC

Dr. Lee began her entertainment career as a YouTube and Instagram show-stopper in 2014, quickly branching out into other forms of media to give people around the world an inside look at dermatology. She also created her own line of specially formulated skin care products, SLMD Skincare, to provide patients with accessible, personalized solutions for their concerns. In December 2018, she released her book Put Your Best Face Forward, which contains valuable skincare tips and serves as a professional guide for devising the most appropriate at-home routine to achieve a healthy complexion.

 

To find out how Dr. Sandra Lee can help you achieve healthier, smoother skin, please fill out our online contact form or call 909.981.8929.

Dr. Pimple Popper Publishes New Book: Put Your Best Face Forward

Sandra_Lee_Book_Cover

Board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sandra Lee, aka “Dr. Pimple Popper,” has become an international social media and television sensation with a following of over 6.8 million subscribers since 2014. Her pimple, blackhead, cyst, and lipoma extraction videos on Instagram and YouTube have captivated over 2 billion views, and her fan base of “Popaholics” continues to grow daily. After years of cultivating her unique brand and showing viewers how to care for their skin, Dr. Lee developed her own line of skincare products SLMD Skincare. Dr. Lee is also the star of the hit TLC program “Dr. Pimple Popper.” She has dedicated her flourishing medical career to delivering fantastic results and educating her patients and fans around the world about healthy ways to look and feel their best.

Sharing Skincare Essentials

In December 2018, Dr. Lee published Put Your Best Face Forward, which provides an enlightening look at proper skincare for readers of all ages. This book allows her to share her passion for skincare; giving patients a detailed guide to developing a skincare routine that works for them. Put Your Best Face Forward offers practical and professional information about how to keep your skin looking its best, regardless of your skin type, including tutorials, quizzes, and prevention tips tailored to each reader’s personalized skincare needs.

Put Your Best Face Forward Is Available Today!

Patients, Popaholics, and anyone interested in dermatology can get their hands on Put Your Best Face Forward through the following stores in the formats listed below:

Dr. Pimple Popper Shares Her “Popping” Techniques With Elle Magazine

Over the years, millions of us have squirmed in our seats while we’ve watched Dr. Sandra Lee, more commonly known as Dr. Pimple Popper, squeeze out cysts, lipomas, and blackheads the size of coins from hundreds of patients all over the world. And through all of her success, including over three million YouTube subscribers, a show on TLC, and her very own skincare line (SLMD Skincare), she has never lost her desire to educate us on the right and wrong ways to pop a pimple. Keeping to her roots, Dr. Pimple Popper recently spoke with Elle Magazine to remind us all of how we should actually go about our own pimple popping.

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Why Can’t We Stop Watching or Popping Pimples

Popping a pimple something that we’ve all done, many of us on more than one occasion, and some of us even multiple times in a single day. Pimples and blackheads come out of nowhere and create unwanted stress in our days. Often impossible to hide, pimples cause blotchy redness, swollen bumps, and whiteheads, and although we’ve all been taught that we shouldn’t touch (let alone squeeze) them, sometimes it’s just too difficult to avoid. Dr. Lee understands this feeling, as she explained to Elle Magazine, the feeling that sometimes you have no choice but to squeeze.

Although the majority of people never experience pimples and blackheads of the size or severity of Dr. Pimple Popper’s patients, everyone can feel some unity in their shared fondness for pimple popping, which to some extent, is why so many people cannot stop watching her videos. And while we all think we have our own techniques for dealing with these unwanted guests, Dr. Pimple Popper is quick to point out that there is more to popping a pimple than we think.

How to Pop

Through all of her videos and articles, Dr. Lee is always willing to give her audience the correct dos and don’ts of pimple popping, and to many viewers’ dismay, one of the critical elements of popping a pimple is knowing when it is time (and when it is too early). When it comes to your blemishes, waiting until a pimple is close to the surface and already showing a whitehead is the easiest and safest way to deal with it. By being patient, you can rest assured that you will be able to get all of the contents out and won’t be doing extra damage (which could result in scarring, inflammation, or the worsening of the pimple). And once you decide to pop, you need to make sure that you are doing it right. This means cleaning the area (and your hands), applying pressure to the surrounding skin (not squeezing the whitehead itself), and covering the spot afterward to ensure that no bacteria or dirt gets in. Following these steps will provide you with a safer popping routine.

Dr. Sandra Lee is a board-certified Southern-California based dermatologist. To set up a consultation, contact Skin Physicians & Surgeons by calling (909) 981-8929 or by filling out their online contact form.

The Vbeam Perfecta® Laser Technology

Facial redness and tonal concerns are at the top of many patient’s skin insecurities. Dilated blood vessels and diffuse redness are common problems; unfortunately, these problems are not always easy to cover with makeup. If you are suffering from these conditions, the Vbeam Perfecta® laser is just what you’ve been looking for. The Vbeam Perfecta® laser is a pulsed-dye laser that provides brighter, more evenly toned skin.

Beautiful young woman with clean perfect skin

How Does the Vbeam Perfecta® Laser Work?

The Vbeam Perfecta® laser sends intense pulses and micro-pulses of light into the skin. This pulsed laser energy passes through both the dermis and epidermis of the skin so that it is absorbed by the oxyhemoglobin in the blood vessels. This absorption destroys the blood vessels, which allows them to be reabsorbed by the body, resulting in a brighter complexion and more evenly toned skin. The whole procedure takes between 15 and 20 minutes to perform and is relatively painless (many patients liken the feeling of this procedure to a mild sunburn), and it is extremely safe. Because this pulsed-dye laser is non-ablative and the light is not absorbed by the surrounding tissues, these surrounding tissues remain unharmed, which leads to additional safety and comfort. Additionally, this laser’s Dynamic Cooling Device™ allows for cool bursts of cryogen to help ease any discomfort and redness. The Vbeam Perfecta® comes with minimal side effects and no downtime. You can apply makeup the very next day and enjoy your refreshed, even skin soon after the procedure.

What Can It Correct?

The Vbeam Perfecta® laser improves patient’s complexions by addressing diffuse redness, dilated blood vessels on the face, broken capillaries, facial scars, dilated facial veins, and complications from rosacea.

Am I a Candidate?

Most patients who suffer from redness and similar problems on the skin may be candidates for the Vbeam Perfecta® laser. Traditionally, patients require multiple treatment sessions with the Vbeam Perfecta®; however, the number of sessions needed will depend on the skin concern. These sessions can be repeated every six to eight weeks. The Vbeam Perfecta® laser is traditionally used on patients with pale to medium skin color; it is often not the first choice for patients with dark skin because of how the pulses respond to the melanin in the skin.

To see if you are a candidate for the Vbeam Perfecta® laser, contact Dr. Lee today by calling (909) 981-8929 to set up a consultation.

Long and Luscious Lashes With LATISSE®

As they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul, but many people who feel unsatisfied with the length or thickness of their eyelashes may think otherwise.

While there is no one particular reason for short, stubby, and thin lashes, those who wish to enhance their appearance and beautify their eyes may do so with LATISSE® treatment. LATISSE® can provide patients with naturally full and thick eyelashes without the need for multiple layers of mascara or extensions.

Beautiful macro shot of female eye with extreme long eyelashes and black liner makeup

Benefits of LATISSE®

LATISSE® is an FDA-approved prescription eyelash treatment designed to help patients who struggle with lash volume and thickness. Eyelashes commonly lack a luscious appearance due to being short, sparse, or lightly colored. Applying LATISSE® will not only benefit patients with fuller, darker, and more feminine looking eyelashes, it will also help cut back on the cost of eyelash extensions and the need for extensive makeup since it is a long-lasting solution.  

LATISSE® works by bolstering the hair on your eyelashes during its growth phase. It can also prolong the duration of growth so that your lashes grow thicker and longer than before. In just six short weeks of daily treatment, your upper lashes will become noticeably longer. After 16 weeks, you will begin to see permanent results with the continued use of LATISSE® treatment.

Concerns

As with all cosmetic products, some common side effects may include redness, itching, swelling, skin darkening, blurred vision, and dryness. If these or any other side effects continue to occur, you should seek medical attention immediately. Patients who have eye problems or have undergone eye surgery should also consult with their doctor before using this product. Only apply LATISSE® on the base of your upper lashes. If you wish to stop using LATISSE®, you may do so at any time; however, choosing to stop treatment will result in your lashes slowly reverting to their natural state.

If you would like to know if you are an ideal candidate for LATISSE®, please contact our office at 909-981-8929.

What’s New

In The Media and Other News

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