Abby Haskell, LA

Actinic Keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a scaly or crusty lesion on the skin that develops slowly and indicates the presence of sun damage. It is most commonly found on parts of the body frequently exposed to the sun including the bald scalp, face, ears, lips, backs of the hands or forearms, neck, and shoulders.

Actinic keratosis improves just two days after a freezing removal treatment.

Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous and can develop into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, some 40 to 60 percent of squamous cell skin cancers begin as untreated actinic keratoses.

Because of this, your doctor should be diligent in diagnosing, treating and monitoring actinic keratosis.

If you’ve struggled with moderate to severe acne, including cystic or nodular acne, you know that many common acne treatments aren’t effective for everyone. Fortunately, the physicians at U.S. Dermatology Partners commonly prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin) for the treatment of those patients with acne that is unresponsive to other therapeutic options.

Acne is a dermatological condition caused by inflammation and mild infection in clogged pores. If not properly treated, acne can cause emotional distress, low self-esteem, and depression. In severe cases, it can even lead to permanent scarring.

While not a serious physical health threat, acne is an embarrassing skin problem that can be life-altering for many patients. Though it is most common among teenagers, acne can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and can be mild, moderate or severe.

Melasma is a fairly common skin condition that creates the appearance of brown to gray-brown patches of skin, usually on the face. It can also occur on the neck and forearms and is the result of the body producing too much melanin, that natural substance that colors our hair, skin, and eyes.

If you’re dealing with dark spots or patches on your skin from the chronic condition melasma, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team can help you to improve the appearance of these spots and minimize the risk for future flare-ups of the condition. Read the page below to learn more or reach out to the U.S. Dermatology Partners location nearest you for more information.

The sun can age and burn your skin, and it can also cause damage on the cellular level, leading to skin cancer. The good news is, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team can help you formulate a plan to prevent sun damage and repair the effects of the sun’s UV rays so that you can go out and enjoy a sunny day. Learn more on this page or contact U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule an appointment with us.

Individuals who are prone to sunburn are thought to be genetically predisposed to skin cancer. Risk is also increased when exposure to UV rays is excessive. Sunscreen helps prevent the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, including skin aging and skin cancer like melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Sunscreens are rated and labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF) that measures the fraction of sunburn-producing UV rays that reach the skin. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

Sunscreen is a topical product that is used to reflect or absorb some of the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Body Contouring is a non-surgical way of reducing fat. Today there are many different technologies on the market that use technologies like ultra-low temperatures to freeze fat (see CoolSculpting, TruSculpt iD, CoolTone, or SculpSure for more details) or ultrasonic waves and radio frequencies to melt fat.

Body contouring can be done on many areas of the body, including the abdomen, waist, and arms and legs.

Broad Band Light Photofacial is the newest technology in IPL treatments (also called BBL for short). This revolutionary innovation uses advanced dual-lamp technology to correct homely skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and sun damage. The BBL Photofacial technology penetrates the top of the skin down through the layers deep beneath the surface, which cannot be reached by a topical product alone.

When it comes to dermatological treatments that will help people reclaim a youthful glow, create an even skin tone, and minimize the appearance of scars, chemical peels offer a conservative solution that addresses all of these concerns. Chemical peels are versatile treatments that help to improve the health and appearance of the skin, and just about every patient could benefit from the procedure. If you’re interested in learning more, continue reading below or get in touch with a U.S. Dermatology Partners location near you to schedule your visit.

Dermaplaning is a safe and effective physical exfoliation procedure that triggers cell regeneration and allows products to better penetrate the skin. Dermaplaning is considered excellent for ridding the face of excess fine hairs which can often accumulate dirt and oil.

Dermaplaning is a form of physical skin exfoliation that helps the skin appear younger, healthier and more vibrant.

Many times, a bulging varicose vein in your leg is caused by other, non-visible veins. Before treating the varicose vein, the major vein causing the issue should first be closed.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) uses a laser to close major abnormal veins that can cause varicose veins, leg ulcers, and other problems. The procedure is virtually pain-free and is performed in an office under the guidance of ultrasound.

Facials are a multi-step skin treatment that cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin. They are designed to help your skin look younger and create a well-hydrated complexion.

Deep cleansing facials can be as relaxing as they are effective.

Fraxel laser skin resurfacing is a fractional laser technology designed to help restore your skin to its original texture. The laser treatment encourages the creation of new skin, which gives you fresher, younger looking skin and improved tone and texture. It also helps erase brown spots, acne scars and surgical scars, and can minimize fine line lines and wrinkles.

Fraxel skin resurfacing leaves the skin clear and beautiful.

A HydraFacial is a treatment, similar to microdermabrasion, that’s designed to refresh and rejuvenate your skin without downtime or irritation after the procedure. HydraFacials provide instant results and leave your skin looking healthier and younger. The three-step process begins by cleansing skin, then exfoliating, before finishing with a targeted “booster” serum designed to address your specific skin conditions and concerns while hydrating the skin.

Rather than using abrasive exfoliants, as is the case with microdermabrasion, the entire HydraFacial process relies on the unique tool that simultaneously draws dead skin cells, oils, toxins, and other buildup out of the skin while applying nutrient-rich and soothing products like hyaluronic acids, antioxidants, peptides, and other restorative products. This increases the efficacy of skincare products by introducing them to skin without dead skin cells or clogged pores presenting obstacles that prevent these treatments from being completely effective. In addition to the basic HydraFacial process, your dermatologist can also customize your treatment plan to include added procedures like light or oxygen therapy, dermal fillers, neurotoxin injections, and other cosmetic solutions.

HydraFacials offer numerous benefits, including:

• Loosening and removing dead skin cells
• Clearing pores
• Delivering a brighter skin tone
• Offering a low-intensity, gentle exfoliation solution
• Promoting skin’s collagen and elastin production
• Generating healthy cell turnover
• Reducing the number of flare-ups and breakouts related to common skin conditions
• Maintaining a more youthful appearance through increased fullness and elasticity
• Diminishing the size of enlarged pores
• Lightening dark spots on the skin
• Creating a personalized facial treatment that is tailored to the individual’s skin care needs

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses laser technology to remove unwanted hair. U.S. Dermatology offers high-quality laser hair removal treatment all throughout the USA, click here to see which locations are near you.

Laser rosacea therapy is a way to treat a rosacea complexion. One of the most common and effective treatments is the pulsed dye laser (PDL), which targets visible blood vessels and can reduce redness and flushing by destroying the lining of the inflamed blood vessels.

Rosacea on facial skin is treatable with laser rosacea therapy.

Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment used to reduce facial wrinkles and skin conditions including acne, scars, warts, enlarged glands on the nose and more.

The process vaporizes the upper layers of skin, which creates a wound that encourages the body to produce new collagen. The collagen and elastic fibers tighten as they heal, and the tightened skin eliminates wrinkles as it pulls together.

Laser skin resurfacing reduces facial wrinkles and treats skin conditions.

Laser treatments work by using specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue, which can positively affect pigment, blood vessels, hair follicles and moisture in the skin. The result is improved skin tone and texture, as well as the tightening of loose skin.

Lasers can also be tuned to very specific frequencies to perform different tasks and can even be used in surgery to allow doctors to work on a very precise area with less pain, swelling and scarring than traditional surgery.

Cosmetically, lasers can be used for skin resurfacing and to treat such things as acne, wrinkles, rosacea and more.

Laser vein reduction uses light focused on a specific area to break up broken blood vessels. This allows them to be absorbed back into the body.  It is most often used for eliminating spider veins.

Vein laser treatment breaks up broken blood vessels.

Latisse is a product designed to help grow eyelashes and has been on the market since earning FDA approval in December 2008. It is designed to help grow longer, lusher eyelashes and is available only by prescription.

Latisse eyelash enhancement helps eyelashes to grow longer and lusher.

We all want our skin to be smooth, flawless, and firm, but aging, sun exposure, acne, chronic skin conditions, and other issues can lead to rough, uneven skin tone and texture. Many people think that invasive cosmetic procedures or surgeries are the only options to improve the skin, but microneedling offers a minimally invasive solution to promote collagen production and healthy skin growth for a smoother and more youthful appearance. At U.S. Dermatology Partners, our dermatologists offer microneedling to help individuals look and feel their best without the need for more invasive procedures. When you’re ready to get started, contact the U.S. Dermatology Partners location near you to schedule your cosmetic dermatology consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP, is a non-surgical method of skin rejuvenation that uses your own blood to improve the appearance of facial tissue.

Recent research has shown that PRP is also effective at treating alopecia.

ProFractional therapy uses a laser to create small, microspherical holes in the surface of your skin to “aerate” or thicken your tissue and stimulate natural collagen growth. It is similar to the Fraxel treatment and is used for treating lines and wrinkles, loose skin, scars and depleted collagen.

ProFractional therapy uses a laser to create small, microspherical holes in the surface of your skin to “aerate” or thicken your tissue and stimulate natural collagen growth.

Skin lightening is a process used for people who want to lighten certain areas of skin that are affected by such things as melasma, age spots or even freckles.

Skin lightening can help provide a smooth, even skin tone.

Tattoo removal is a way to remove unwanted tattoos using lasers to break down the ink particles in the design. The broken-down ink is then flushed out by the immune system, and it mimics the natural fading that would have happened over time or with exposure to the sun. Since no tattoo removal is guaranteed, it is important to speak with a professional to get an honest evaluation of what your final results will look like.

Tattoo removal will take more than one visit, depending on the size and color of your tattoo. It may take as few as two visits, or it may take 10 or more.

Laser tattoo removal makes the tattoo invisible.