Dallas Associates of Uptown

Mole Removal

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Mole removal is the process of removing benign or malignant moles for aesthetic or medical purposes.

Our dermatologists can remove dangerous or unsightly moles almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless.

Moles are detected during routine skin screenings done by our dermatologists, or you may know about a mole you’ve had your entire life. Moles may appear as you age, or a lifelong mole may change in shape, appearance, or size.

To be on the safe side, any mole that you have should be examined by your Dallas Associated Dermatologists dermatologist.

What is Mole Removal Used For?

There are many situations in which a person should seek help from a dermatologist for mole removal.

Moles can be indicative of a serious skin condition, such as melanoma. Left untreated, a malignant mole can grow into a life-threatening condition that may be irreversible.

There’s no reason to let things progress that far. With proper screening, a malignant mole can be detected and removed, and proper cancer treatment can take place.

Mole removal is also used to remove unsightly benign moles. Certain moles can be disfiguring, or they can appear in unflattering areas on the body.

You don’t have to be in a life-threatening situation to have mole removal at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

Types of Mole Removal

Once you and your dermatologist have agreed that mole removal is the best next step, your dermatologist will decide which type of mole removal procedure to use.

The type of mole removal will depend upon your individual circumstances, the size and nature of the mole, and the reason for the mole removal.

  • Cryotherapy. Sometimes called cryosurgery or simply “freezing,” cryotherapy is a type of mole removal where the mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which the mole releases from the skin and is discarded.
  • Shaving. Shallow moles may be removed with surgical shaving, where a scalpel is used to shave away the mole cells.
  • Excision. Surgical excision is used when a mole is deep and requires to be cut out. This procedure may also require stitches and can leave a small scar.

Am I a Candidate For Mole Removal?

Most patients can have their mole/s removed. There are few reasons why a mole cannot be removed. The main question is what kind of mole removal procedure is best for your unique circumstances.

Certain types of mole removal procedures may leave a small scar. If you are considering having a mole removed purely for esthetic reasons, you need to decide if it’s worth risking a scar in place of the mole, even if it’s a small scar.

All moles on the body should be carefully monitored. Our dermatologists at Dallas Associated Dermatologists are adept at identifying and diagnosing dangerous moles.

Laser Therapy

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Laser therapy works by increasing cellular energy and encouraging healthy regeneration.

Lasers have been used in dermatology for at least 40 years. Recent advances have not only increased the efficacy of laser therapy but broadened its scope of usefulness. Laser therapy is used for everything from hair removal to the destruction of cancerous skin growths.

The benefits of laser therapy include the fact that it is non-invasive and virtually painless. Although sometimes minimal side effects can occur, like temporary pain or discomfort or blistering, most would agree that laser therapy is certainly worth considering.

Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists can let you know if laser therapy might be right for your condition.

What is Laser Therapy Used For?

We offer a wide variety of laser types and treatments and many conditions respond very well to laser therapy, such as:

  • Overgrowth of hair
  • Acne scars
  • Hyperpigmentation (age spots)
  • Skin lesions, warts or scars
  • Wrinkles or fine lines
  • Sagging skin/jowls
  • Spider veins, broken capillaries or vascular lesions
  • Rosacea
  • Birthmarks

There are even more skin conditions that may warrant consideration of laser therapy. Talk to your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists to see if laser therapy may be right for you.

Am I a Candidate For Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is effective for many conditions, including those brought about by lifestyles and habits.

If you regularly sunbathe or have a history of drinking or smoking, you may need treatment for sun damage, wrinkles, and broken capillaries. Laser therapy is not preventative, so if you indulge in the same kind of behaviors, the initial problem will return.

The best candidates for laser therapy are those who are willing to do more to protect their skin. That way, the results will be lasting.

There are others who might not respond well to laser therapy. This includes those who:

  • Are currently taking certain acne medications
  • Are vulnerable to excess scarring
  • Are pregnant
  • Are taking blood-thinning medication or aspirin daily
  • Have certain skin resurfacing disorders
  • Are prone to sunburns or who currently have a tan or sunburn
  • Have active acne breakouts
  • Are dark-skinned

Your dermatologist will advise you as to whether or not you are a good candidate for laser therapy. Often, the reason someone isn’t a good candidate has to do with the potential for visible scarring after treatment. But all in all, a healthy individual with relatively good skin and no underlying conditions can expect to be a good candidate for this treatment.

Laser therapy is FDA-approved and has been shown to be highly effective over the decades. Why not see for yourself what laser therapy can do for your skin?

Cosmetic Injections

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Cosmetic injections, sometimes called cosmetic fillers, are dermatological treatments for aging skin.

Cosmetic injections are used by dermatologists to help patients achieve a more youthful appearance. As skin ages, it begins to show signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging.

Cosmetic injections plump up the skin so wrinkles disappear and sagging diminishes or becomes less noticeable. These injections do not lead to permanent results but repeat treatments are safe. This way, anyone can achieve the more youthful appearance that they desire.

Dallas Associated Dermatologists offers several cosmetic injection treatments, including Botox®, Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Dysport®.

What are Cosmetic Injections Used For?

The primary purpose of cosmetic injections is to enhance the appearance of older skin. For this reason, cosmetic injections are most often done on the face; however, they can also be done on other areas of the body, including the hands. In fact, Botox is a cosmetic injection that is also used to combat excessively sweaty palms.

Most often, though, cosmetic injections are used to:

  • Soften facial creases
  • Erase fine lines and wrinkles
  • Plump up thinning skin
  • Improve the appearance of facial scars
  • Plump lips
  • Enhance facial contours

Types of Cosmetic Injections

Cosmetic injections are frequently referred to by their brand name. For instance, many of the types of cosmetic injections listed here are actually brand names that contain very similar ingredients. They include:

  • Botox
  • Juvederm
  • Restylane
  • Dysport

Cosmetic injections are FDA-approved and considered safe for most individuals; however, certain side effects may occur with some cosmetic injection formulations.

If you have side effects with one type of cosmetic injection, it doesn’t mean you and your dermatologist can’t use another type of cosmetic injection. Talk to your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists to determine if one type of filler may be more suitable for your needs than another.

Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Injections?

If you suffer from unwanted wrinkles, thin skin, or sagging skin, cosmetic injections could be a great treatment option for you. Anyone who wishes to appear more youthful is a good candidate!

Do you feel healthy and vital on the inside, but your outward appearance makes you look older than your actual years? Or perhaps you have a professional job that puts you in the public eye and you want to appear more youthful and full of vitality? Cosmetic injections can help.

We offer technology to help you easily achieve a more youthful appearance through cosmetic injections. It may take more than one visit in order for you to achieve your desired results.

Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists can help guide you through the process.

Skin Cancer

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Early detection of skin cancer plays a critical role in recovery and survival rates.

Skin cancer is defined as the growth of abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin. A diagnosis of skin cancer means that a person has out-of-control, malignant skin cell growth.

This condition can ultimately be fatal when left untreated or undiagnosed. Skin cancer can grow unchecked and infiltrate other parts of the body.

A comprehensive skin exam with your dermatologist is the first line of defense against skin cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

The most common type of cancer, skin cancer, can range from very mild types to those that are life-threatening. Because of this, it’s vital to catch it as early as possible.

To do so, you need to know the common symptoms. In most cases, these include:

  • Bleeding sore that heals but then returns
  • Pearly or waxy bump on skin
  • Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
  • Mole that changes color or size
  • Lesions with irregular borders

Since these symptoms can be associated with various types of skin cancers, it is crucial that you not delay in seeking the advice of your Dallas Associated Dermatologists dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis.

Types of Skin Cancer

If you are unfamiliar with skin cancer, you should realize there are multiple types of skin cancer, some of which are mild while others are quite serious.

The most common types of skin cancer are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas such as the neck or face. Signs of this cancer include flat lesions that are flesh-colored or have a scar-like appearance, as well as a sore that won’t heal or heals and then returns.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears on the ears or hands. Characterized by a flat lesion with a scaly and crusty surface, people with darker skin can develop this cancer on areas not often exposed to the sun.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, can affect men and women, and be present on any skin tone.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is very complex and can be caused by many different factors. No matter the type, skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, leading to them growing out of control — creating a cancer cell mass.

The main reasons why this occurs are:

  • Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds
  • Exposure to toxic substances or radiation
  • Having a compromised immune system

Other risk factors include having a large number of moles on your body, having a predisposition to sunburns, or having a family history of skin cancer.

Treatment for Skin Cancer

Treatment results can vary. Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists will advise you as to the appropriate course of treatment based on your individual circumstances and the type of skin cancer that you have.

Due to the seriousness of skin cancer, don’t take chances by delaying your diagnosis and treatment. With skin cancer, early detection plays a critical role in recovery and survival.

Never try to diagnose an unusual-looking mole by yourself at home, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist if you have concerns.

Eczema

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Eczema is a broad term used to describe a range of skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes of eczema may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of eczema you are experiencing, you can rely on our professional team of clinicians to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but eczema is not contagious. There is no known cure for eczema, however, there are effective treatments and relief for symptoms available.

What are the Symptoms of Eczema?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

  • Skin patches that are rough and leathery
  • Red and raised bumps on the skin known as hives
  • Scaly skin patches
  • Skin that is swollen and sore
  • Skin color changes.

Types of Eczema

There are many different types of eczema, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

  • Atopic Dermatitis. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
  • Contact Dermatitis. Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
  • Dyshidrotic Eczema. More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
  • Hand Eczema. Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
  • Neurodermatitis. Very similar to atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
  • Nummular Eczema. Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy, and is often triggered by insect bites.
  • Stasis Dermatitis. Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes Eczema?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, eczema often occurs.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

  • Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
  • Allergies such as hay fever
  • Asthma
  • Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
  • Synthetic or wool fabrics
  • Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
  • Pet dander
  • Chemicals and solvents

Treatment for Eczema

If you suffer from eczema and want to get more information about various treatments and other aspects of your condition, talk to your dermatologist today.

Mohs Surgery

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Mohs surgery is a special technique that is used by dermatologists to treat certain types of skin cancer.

In Mohs surgery, cancerous skin cells are removed one cell layer at a time. After each layer is removed, it’s examined on the spot under a microscope. Once no more cancerous skin cells are in the removed layer, the surgery is completed.

This technique ensures that benign cells aren’t needlessly removed, while also ensuring that all the malignant cells are excised.

If your dermatologist has recommended Mohs surgery to treat your skin cancer, you should know that this technique was invented all the way back in the 1930s and named after the doctor, Frederick Mohs.

It proved to be so effective that dermatologists still rely on this technique to this day, as a first recourse to remove cancerous skin cells. Mohs surgery often helps patients to avoid more extensive surgery for the treatment of melanoma.

What is Mohs Surgery Used For?

Mohs surgery isn’t for all types of skin cancer. But it offers very positive outcome rates for certain situations, including:

  • Your skin cancer has returned after previous treatment
  • You have a higher vulnerability of having your skin cancer return
  • Your skin cancer is located in a highly visible area of your body
  • Your skin cancer is in an area of the body where healthy tissue is greatly needed
  • Your skin cancer is aggressive or particularly large in size
  • Your skin cancer has poorly defined edges

Types of Mohs Surgery

There is only one type of Mohs Surgery, and it’s used to treat melanoma, which is skin cancer. The idea behind this surgery is to keep as much healthy tissue as possible.

Needless tissue removal can cause unnecessary and unsightly scarring in visible areas such as the face and neck. With Mohs surgery, only cancerous cells are removed.

Am I a Candidate For Mohs Surgery?

We recommend Mohs surgery for patients who are not good candidates for more invasive surgery. Since Mohs surgery only necessitates local anesthesia in our office, there’s no need to go under anesthesia. This is optimal for those with heart conditions or other underlying issues.

Whether or not you are a candidate for Mohs surgery also depends upon the nature of your skin cancer and its history. If you have a history of recurring skin cancer in one spot, for example, Mohs surgery may be a great option.

A diagnosis of skin cancer doesn’t have to mean that a large area of skin tissue will be removed from your body. With Mohs surgery, your dermatologist removes only cancerous cells, leaving healthy tissue behind.

Skin Cancer Removal

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About Skin Cancer Removal

What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the options? What’s the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five-year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment.

What to expect

When it comes to skin cancer, treatment protocols typically involve one or a combination of the following treatments:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment typically used for early-stage skin cancer that has not spread. This treatment is effective for actinic keratosis, warts, and superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. During cryotherapy, the cancerous area is targeted with extremely cold liquid gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide between -346° F and -320° F) that instantly freezes the cancerous tissue before destroying it. You will receive your cryotherapy treatment in the office, often as part of a regular exam. Typically, cryotherapy only takes a few moments to perform and you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment is complete.

Electrodessication and curettage (EC&D)

This simple 2-step surgical procedure is especially effective for individuals with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. By removing the cancerous tissue via curettage (scraping), then closing the wound by electrodesiccation (superheating process), our surgeons can safely and effectively eradicate cancerous cells from your body. EC&D is performed in the office under local anesthesia and typically takes 30 minutes or less with no downtime following the procedure. In most cases, this treatment doesn’t even require sutures! EC&D is recommended for areas of the body that are not regularly visible, such as the back or torso. It’s also an excellent option for superficial, less serious skin cancers that have yet to spread beyond ¼ to ½ inch (6-10mm) in diameter.

Excisional surgery

Excisional surgery is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes cancerous lesions from your body before they have a chance to spread. Our dermatologists recommend this procedure for small to medium-sized moles/lesions in areas of the body typically covered by clothing. Excisional surgery is a quick in-office procedure that is usually performed with local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the removed tissue will be sent to our pathology lab to determine if it was cancerous and to see if it all the cancerous cells were removed. Excisional surgery option is a good choice if a skin lesion is affecting your appearance. A consultation with your neighborhood skin cancer specialists at our center can determine if this treatment is right for you.

Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a time-tested procedure that remains one of the most effective skin cancer removal methods available. The procedure is meticulous and tumor removal is precise, accurate, and immediate. With Mohs surgery, uncertainty is not an issue; the procedure has a proven high success rate, features long-lasting results, and entails a shorter recovery time for patients. With Mohs, once all remnants of cancer have been removed, the procedure is over and patients are cancer-free. If you have a troublesome skin tumor or lesion, discuss it with your trusted community dermatologist to know if Mohs surgery is a viable option for you.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy provides a fast skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

After the procedure

Recovery from skin cancer removal depends on the type of treatment performed. To learn more about skin cancer recovery, please contact one of our dermatology specialists today!

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Skin cancer is our specialty. We have a variety of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists who have a wide array of treatment options at their disposal. During a skin cancer consultation at our center, our dermatologists will assess your unique case and customize a treatment program suited to your particular needs.

Chemical Peel

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Cosmetic peels are a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

Cosmetic peels can make a dramatic improvement in the way you look. For relatively little effort, you could take years off of your appearance.

You can discuss the cosmetic treatments we offer and learn if they are right for you with your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

What are Cosmetic Peels Used For?

Cosmetic peels are used to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin.

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of cosmetic peels. When a layer of skin is removed, the skin rejuvenates itself and builds a fresh new layer of skin cells. This results in a more youthful appearance that is devoid of the skin imperfections that were targeted.

Among other uses, cosmetic peels are used for:

  • Acne
  • Wrinkles
  • Discoloration
  • Dryness
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Scars

Types of Cosmetic Peels

Cosmetic peels fall under three categories; light, medium, and deep. The variations designate how deeply the ingredients in the peel formulation penetrate the skin.

  • Light cosmetic peel. Light cosmetic peels remove only the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This type of cosmetic peel treats dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend repeat treatments no more than once every two to five weeks.
  • Medium cosmetic peel. Medium cosmetic peels penetrate to the depth of the upper layer of the dermis. Medium cosmetic peels are used to treat things like acne scars, average wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation brought about by sun damage or other reasons. More than one treatment may be needed to reach full effect.
  • Deep cosmetic peel. Even with a deep cosmetic peel, the formulation will only reach a safe depth of the skin. Deep cosmetic peels may be recommended to treat older, deeper wrinkles, certain benign skin growths, or scars. Typically, only one session of a deep cosmetic peel is needed to obtain results.

Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Peels?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for cosmetic peels, as long as there are no underlying skin conditions that could be negatively impacted by the process. For instance, open, blistering acne breakouts would not respond well to a cosmetic peel.

Others who may not be a good candidate include anyone who:

  • Has a history of overdevelopment of scar tissue
  • Is pregnant
  • Has chronic cold sore breakouts
  • Takes certain prescription medication

Cosmetic peels are done in your dermatologist’s office. They do require some healing time, so this is not a treatment that would be appropriate to have done during your work lunch hour.

After a cosmetic peel, the skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Your dermatologist will provide after-care instructions with details.

There is typically a recovery time of up to two weeks, depending upon what type of peel you received. If you are getting a cosmetic peel to improve your appearance for a certain event, such as a wedding, you should schedule your cosmetic peel well in advance so that your skin has enough time to heal properly.

Cosmetic peels are straightforward treatments and are available at Dallas Associated Dermatologists.

Moles

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A mole is a growth on the skin. Most moles are benign, but they can turn cancerous.

People can be born with moles, or they can develop moles over the course of their lives. It’s important to be aware of what moles you have and where they are located.

Although you don’t generally need to worry about moles, any changes in the mole’s appearance should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists. In particular, look for changes in color and/or size.

Sometimes moles can occur in areas of the body that negatively impact appearance or self-esteem, such as on the face. Mole removal is available, even when the mole poses no health risk.

Have a suspicious-looking mole? Our skilled dermatologists can screen the mole and your skin for malignancy concerns and discuss removal options.

Shingles

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Shingles is a painful and sometimes debilitating skin condition that causes a rash, redness, fatigue, and burning pain.

Shingles is the result of a viral infection by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox, the virus is likely still in your nervous system, where it can remain dormant for decades.

When the virus resurges, it presents as shingles. According to the CDC, one-third of people in the U.S. will suffer from shingles at some point in their lives. There is a shingles vaccine, but if you have already contracted shingles, the vaccine is of little use.

Shingles can be life-altering, leaving a person bed-bound or in excruciating pain. Shingles cannot be reversed or cured, but the symptoms can be treated to provide relief.

Are you suffering from shingles? At Dallas Associated Dermatologists, we can help.

What are the Symptoms of Shingles?

  • Pain and burning, usually on one side of the body
  • A red rash with fluid-filled blisters
  • Itching
  • Rash on face and ears, or wrapping around the spine to the torso
  • Fever and chills
  • Headaches and muscle weakness
  • Fatigue

In rare instances, severe complications such as intense eye pain, loss of hearing in one ear, dizziness, or bacterial infection may also occur.

Types of Shingles

There’s only one type of shingles, but it can appear primarily on certain parts of the body, such as:

  • Shingles on the face
  • Shingles of the eyes
  • Shingles of the mouth

If you get shingles on your face, the rash will usually be on only one side. Should the rash be close to your ear, the result may be a loss of hearing or balance.

If shingles occur in your mouth, you may have a hard time tasting your food.

Shingles of the eye typically present as a rash on your eyelids. Should this happen, blurry vision and even nerve damage or long-term vision loss are possible.

It’s essential to get immediate care from your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists to protect yourself against long-term ramifications.

What Causes Shingles?

In medical terms, shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox. While doctors don’t know why some people get shingles and others don’t, you can get shingles if you have had chickenpox either as a child or adult.

Shingles is more common in older adults due to compromised immune systems. Other causes include:

  • Emotional stress
  • Aging
  • Undergoing cancer treatments
  • Recovering from major surgery

Due to the serious issues that can arise with a shingles outbreak, see your dermatologist right away to decide on the best method of treatment.

Treatment for Shingles

If you believe you are suffering from shingles, call to make an appointment with your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. The earlier you get treatment, the less severe your shingles symptoms may be.