Melissa’s passion for beauty and skincare led her to attend Artistic Beauty College, where she trained to become a licensed aesthetician. She furthered her training at the Clearskin Institute of Laser Aesthetics and became certified under the instruction of our board-certified dermatologists. Having worked 12 years for a leading makeup retailer before joining the Skin Spectrum team, she understands the importance of providing her patients with excellent service and the knowledge they need to make educated decisions about their skin. Her former training as a makeup artist gives her an appreciation for the difference beautiful skin can make in a patient’s life, and Melissa loves to help her patients look their very best.
Melissa provides care at Skin Spectrum Dermatology Tucson, now a part of U.S. Dermatology Partners.
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.
Photodynamic Therapy, often referred to simply as PDT, is a medical treatment that uses photosensitizing agents and light exposure to treat a range of conditions, including skin cancers, acne, and actinic keratosis (“pre-cancers”). You can learn more about photodynamic therapy on this page, and the U.S. Dermatology Partners team would love to hear from you if you’re interested in scheduling a consultation to discuss photodynamic therapy. Simply use our online request form to schedule a consultation visit at the U.S. Dermatology Partners office closest to you.
Image Source: MedicineNet.com
Rosacea is a fairly common skin condition that causes redness in your face. In some cases, it may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. Typically these signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then diminish for a while.
Rosacea may sometimes be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction or other skin problems. It is believed to be caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.
Learn more: 4 Types of Rosacea
Rosacea causes redness on the face.
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.
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.
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.
Chemical Peels are treatments that can improve the skin’s appearance by peeling off an old layer of skin to reveal the healthy new skin below. The ingredient used in the chemical peel solution makes the skin redden, and when the skin peels off, the skin below it is smoother, healthier, and less wrinkled.
Clear + Brilliant laser treatments are one of the most sought after cosmetic dermatology treatments. It’s a gentle procedure that improves the health and vitality of skin, helping patients renew that youthful glow they’ve been missing. The innovative fractional laser technology is used to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, remove or diminish the visibility of dark spots, and generally improve the appearance of skin.
Clear + Brilliant is a fractional laser treatment used to prevent and repair the visible signs of aging, sun damage, enlarged pores, and other irregularities of the skin’s tone and texture. Used effectively, Clear + Brilliant laser treatment can help reduce the need for cosmetic dermatology surgeries and other more invasive treatment options. The fast treatment is gentle and effective, leaving people with more youthful skin after just one short treatment appointment. Most people receive a series of four to six Clear + Brilliant laser treatments to achieve their desired results. Plus, there’s little to no downtime following treatment, so you don’t have to worry about swelling, redness, and discomfort after your procedure. There are other fractional laser technologies used for dermatologic procedures at U.S. Dermatology Partners, but Clear + Brilliant laser treatment is one of the most comfortable.
CoolSculpting is a safe, effective and non-surgical way to get rid of fat. It is a form of body contouring that uses extremely low temperatures to freeze and permanently destroy fat in problem areas. As a quick treatment with no downtime or recovery time afterward, it is an easy way to target problem areas that are resistant to diet or exercise.
While CoolTone was developed by Allergan, the makers of CoolSculpting, this treatment does not actually rely on cold to deliver results. Instead, the CoolTone device is an innovative, body sculpting technology that utilizes magnetic pulses to strengthen muscles and improve the appearance, tone, and definition of muscles. The CoolTone device is FDA-cleared for treating the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
The CoolTone device itself is a free-moving unit with an attached computer screen. The hand tool in the CoolTone system is used to apply magnetic impulses to the targeted areas of the body. The entire procedure is precisely monitored via the attached screen.
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.
When you look in the mirror, are words like “vibrant” and “radiant” the first ones that come to mind when describing your appearance? Many people would see their skin as dull, dry, or uneven. Most have small imperfections in skin tone and texture or clogged pores that they would like to improve. Fortunately, an innovative treatment from U.S. Dermatology Partners can promote healthy, glowing skin with little to no downtime.
You can learn more about DiamondGlow® treatment on this page, and if you’re ready to start working with U.S. Dermatology Partners to achieve flawless skin, take a few moments to complete our scheduling request form
DiamondGlow® is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that features the unique 3x1TM Technology that removes dead cells to stimulate skin renewal, deeply cleanses and clears debris from pores, and infuses the skin with nourishing SkinMedica® active ingredients. Whether your skin is thin or coarse in texture, the microdermabrasion treatment is adjusted to your needs. Another customizable feature is the SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion Serum. Your provider will choose from different serums that are specifically designed to revitalize, brighten, hydrate, boost antioxidant protection, and clarify pores. This treatment refreshes and nourishes the skin to reveal the more clear, vibrant, smoother skin below. Most people notice benefits immediately after treatment, which continue to improve over the following days. DiamondGlow® treatment is only available in offices with dermatologists and other medical professionals. It isn’t available as a spa treatment, though it may leave you feeling soothed and relaxed like you just took a trip to your favorite day spa.
Erbium laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses advanced laser technology to remove the outer layers of skin, revealing new, refreshed skin cells below. This can be used to help smooth the texture of the skin and create an even skin tone. In addition to removing the outer layers of skin, erbium laser resurfacing also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which give skin youthful fullness. This procedure is similar to procedures like chemical peels or dermabrasion used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hypo or hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Erbium lasers allow for a range of treatment depths to address a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. A combination or sequence of laser treatments may be used to deliver the desired results over the course of several visits.
While there are many lasers available to improve the appearance of the skin, erbium lasers are often relied upon for their precision. Because of the greater amount of depth control built into most erbium laser treatment systems, smaller areas can be targeted, and these lasers can be used safely on sensitive areas like the face, neck, hands, or chest. Because of the treatment precision, the dermatologist is able to minimize posttreatment discomfort and recovery time compared with CO2 laser treatments and other laser resurfacing options.
When people hear “facial,” they may think of a trip to the spa. While these treatments do feel refreshing, they also offer numerous dermatologic benefits for healthy skin. However, many medi-spas and other practitioners who provide facials don’t have the proper training to make the necessary personalized adjustments to meet individual needs and address specific skin health concerns. If you’re looking for an indulgent and relaxing professional option, consider scheduling a facial treatment at U.S. Dermatology Partners.
Deep cleansing facials can be as relaxing as they are effective.
A HydraFacial treatment, similar to microdermabrasion, is 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 dermal fillers, neurotoxin injections, and other cosmetic solutions.
We all want to look our very best and an IPL photo rejuvenation treatment, also called a photofacial treatment, can help many people reclaim smooth, youthful skin with even tone and pigmentation. In short, you’ll be photo-ready. When it comes to aesthetic treatment like IPL, it’s always best to partner with a knowledgeable dermatologist who can ensure you achieve the results you’re after while limiting potential damage to your skin. You can learn more about this cosmetic treatment option on this page and by contacting the U.S. Dermatology Partners location nearest your home. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
IPL Photo Rejuvenation is a completely safe, comfortable, non-invasive procedure that uses intense pulses of light to penetrate deep into the skin. These light pulses (like a camera flash) cause collagen and blood vessels below the epidermis (the top layer of skin) to constrict. The light waves are passed through either hemoglobin (red blood cells) or melanin (pigmented cells) in the skin breaking down the cells, which are then reabsorbed into the body, reducing discoloration. In addition to evening out the complexion, the heat directed into the inner layers of skin also stimulates the production of more collagen, which is an effective way to improve skin’s texture and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This treatment helps to improve many skin irregularities, including:
IPL Photo Rejuvenation can be used on the face as well as the hands, chest, and neck.
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.
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that can help improve the appearance of facial skin. It is used for reducing wrinkles and treating a variety of conditions including acne, scars, warts, enlarged glands on the nose and more.
Microdermabrasion improves the texture and appearance, along with creating better circulation and lymph flow.
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.
Over the years, dermatologists have worked to create personalized cosmetic dermatology plans, and in many cases, that included combining common treatments. One of the most often recommended combinations was for patients to combine microdermabrasion and chemical peels to receive the optimal results from both procedures. In time, this combination of treatments has become its own unique cosmetic dermatology service called a micropeel. To learn more about micropeel treatment from U.S. Dermatology Partners, keep reading the page below or complete our simple online request form to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable cosmetic dermatologists.
Microneedling has quickly become one of the most popular cosmetic dermatology solutions available at U.S. Dermatology Partners, and as this innovative treatment continues to evolve, our dermatologists are dedicated to investing in and utilizing the most innovative and effective microneedling devices and systems. MicroPen EVO by Eclipse is one of the most impressive new microneedling technologies on the market, and we’re proud to utilize this device in many of our dermatology practice locations. You can learn more about MicroPen EVO by Eclipse treatment at U.S. Dermatology Partners on this page or by reaching out to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable dermatologists.
Laser skin treatments have increased in popularity over the last several decades, and improvements in technology have transformed what they’re able to do. The ResurFX laser from Lumenis is an innovative, non-ablative laser that improves the tone and texture of skin with just one pass. On this page, you can learn more about this laser treatment solution.
There are numerous types of laser treatments available. Each laser is designed differently to offer a variety of treatment options and results. Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layers of skin and heating cells within the deeper layers to stimulate skin healing and collagen and elastin production for smoother skin tone and texture. Non-ablative lasers work primarily on the deeper layers of skin, so they promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and jump-start healing processes to deliver an even tone and texture with less irritation and skin sensitivity. Additionally, ResurFX lasers only require one pass, so they are the safest and most effective non-ablative lasers. Using the 1565 nanometer fiber laser, the aesthetic provider creates a customized treatment size, shape, and density from more than 600 combinations. The ResurFX lasers can also be fitted with CoolScan technology that creates a precise, non-sequential scanning pattern for the laser to prevent exposing skin to excessive levels of cumulative heat during treatment. Additionally, each handpiece has a continuous contact cooling system to significantly improve comfort throughout any procedure.
We all want healthy, beautiful skin. But scars, a natural part of the healing process, leave a lasting mark and cause some people to struggle with the negative impact on the appearance of their skin and in some cases, limitations in function or other concerns. If you’re unhappy with the appearance, texture, or health of your skin after an injury, surgery, or other damage that leads to scarring, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team can offer treatment to improve the appearance of scarring.
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.
Microneedling is a cosmetic dermatology solution that harnesses the body’s innate ability for healing to improve the appearance of scarring (including acne scars), fine lines, and wrinkles by jump-starting the body’s self-repair process and triggering elastin and collagen production for more youthful, elastic skin. SkinPen is an innovative microneedling device that is the first to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve the appearance of facial scars and wrinkles. You can learn more about SkinPen on this page or by contacting the U.S. Dermatology Partners location near your home or office to schedule a consultation visit.
One of the most common concerns patients express about aging is increased skin laxity, particularly along the lower face and neck. While surgical facelifts remain the gold standard for addressing significant laxity, a variety of less invasive options may be more appropriate for select patients seeking subtle yet meaningful improvement with minimal downtime. Sofwave is one of the leading non-invasive skin tightening procedures available, and we’re proud to offer this solution to U.S. Dermatology Partners patients. Keep reading to learn more about this innovative treatment option.
The Spectra Laser Peel, also known as the Hollywood Peel, is designed to improve uneven pigment as well as reduce the appearance of irregularities in your skin’s texture and minimize fine lines. It can also help combat acne.
Spectra Laser Peel can improve uneven pigment, reduce the appearance of irregularities in your skin’s texture, and minimize fine lines.
Spider veins are blood vessels that are visibly enlarged and can be seen on the face as well as other areas of the body, most commonly the legs. They may also be called broken blood vessels or thread veins, and appear as hairline marks that can be red, bluish or purple. They most often appear on the nose, chin or cheeks.
Broken blood vessels occur when the skin has been damaged. They are often caused by falls or accidents that caused bruising, or by scrubbing the face too vigorously. However, spider veins also can be caused by such factors as aging, pregnancy, estrogen replacement therapy, sun damage and rosacea. In the legs, they may be caused or worsened by standing or sitting for long periods of time, obesity and constipation.
Spider veins are visibly enlarged blood vessels.
Thermage FLX is the state-of-art, fourth-generation system for non-invasive skin tightening from Solta Medical, a global leader in the aesthetic industry in laser and energy-based devices. Thermage FLX optimizes the use of radiofrequency energy to induce skin tightening and new collagen formation. Compared to previous generations of Thermage as well as many other tightening devices on the market, Thermage FLX provides better results and more comfort during treatment with its innovative system of energy delivery and comfort pulse technology.
Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic dermatology solution to improve skin texture, tone, and appearance. There are numerous types of chemical peels available, but the unique formulation of the VI Peel treatment system provides exceptional results to improve the appearance, health, and vitality of the skin. You can learn more on this page or by getting in contact with the skilled dermatologists at U.S. Dermatology Partners for a consultation visit.