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.

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.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 4th, 2013 at 1:34 am and is filed under Acne, Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures, Cosmetic Surgery, Fillers, Laser Treatment, Skin Cancer, Skin Conditions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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. 

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.

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.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 27th, 2013 at 9:44 pm and is filed under Cosmetic Procedures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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.

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.

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!

This entry was posted on Friday, September 20th, 2013 at 8:26 pm and is filed under Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures, Cosmetic Surgery, Fillers, Laser Treatment, Skin Care, Skin Conditions, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 15th, 2013 at 10:50 am and is filed under Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures, Skin Care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 17th, 2012 at 9:53 am and is filed under Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures, Cosmetic Surgery, Fillers, Laser Treatment, Office Life, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 at 1:03 pm and is filed under Acne, Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures, Office Life, Skin Care, Skin Conditions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Check out my most recent episodes on The Doctor’s Show. Learn more about removing a “fanny pack” with Tickle Lipo, treating age spots, treating an aggressive form of acne and The Scar Treatment Trifecta.

Removing the “fanny pack” with Tickle Lipo

Age Spot Treatments

Treating Aggressive Acne

The Scar Treatment Trifecta

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 30th, 2012 at 9:36 am and is filed under Acne, Cosmetic Procedures, Cosmetic Surgery, Skin Care, Video. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

You may have heard that prevention is the best medicine, when it comes to your skin that couldn’t be more true. ABC News has recently reported that more and more young women are seeking non-surgical treatment to delay the signs of aging.  This is a growing trend that we have seen in our own office. More and more women in their late 20’s and early 30’s are seeking Botox and laser treatments to help prevent signs of aging. Once environmental damage (i.e. chronic sun exposure, smoking, ect…) has been done we are limited on ways to help correct it. However, if you employ preventative measures at an early age you will not have problem later down the line. If someone comes in for treatment in their 60’s to try to get rid of the deep wrinkled on the glabella (in-between the eyebrows) or forehead Botox will probably not work for them however, if you start using Botox in y our 20’s-30’s the deep wrinkles will never develop. More importantly young women should avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds. Chronic UV exposure not only increases your risk of skin cancer but it also breaks down collagen causing fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 19th, 2012 at 2:11 pm and is filed under Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

There’s a new player in the Botox game… Xeomin!

The list of competitors to the game leader, Botox, is growing, but are any of the new products actually better? Or are all the new choices just making it more confusing? Botox, Dysport and Xeomin have a lot in common, but they also have some important differences. Unlike its predecessors, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated. This may be an advantage when it comes to distribution. What’s more, Xeomin is “naked.” There are no additives — just botulinum toxin type A. This may lessen a patient’s likelihood of developing antibodies to Xeomin. When your body senses a foreign invader, it responds by creating antibodies and launching an attack. If this were to occur with a neurotoxin such as botulinum toxin type A, it may not have its desired effects. Xeomin is said to be more like Botox than Dysport. It takes about one week for the full effects of Xeomin injections to be realized, and once this occurs the results last from three to six months.

The Xeomin bottom line?

It works-and it’s probably and option that’s here to stay. Still wondering which of these injectable wrinkle relaxing treatments is better? Our view is that, like Coke vs Pepsi, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Perhaps you’d like to do your own “taste test” and try a Xeomin vs. Botox/Dysport experiment at our Xeomin Launch Party March 16th.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 8:39 pm and is filed under Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures, Office Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

By: Erin Jensen PA-C

Think Botox injections are only for women? Think again. ABC news is reporting that Botox injections for men are as popular as ever and we agree! We have many Botox patient who are male. The most common complaint I hear from men is that they feel like they look more tired then they actually are. Botox works well for both men and women. Men tend to have stronger muscles in their face and they may require more Botox than women to achieve the same results. As you can see in the pictures below Botox does not feminize his face; the treatment helps soften his wrinkles and allows him to look less angry.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 at 4:02 pm and is filed under Botox/Dysport, Cosmetic Procedures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.