Most of us are aware of the dangers of melanoma; melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. However, it is almost always curable if treated early. According to the American Cancer Society the average five-year survival rate for individuals whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent.If not treated melanoma can advance, becoming harder to treat and eventually become fatal. Melanoma can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may also have potential to develop into melanomas.

What to look for:

When looking at your skin to detect skin cancer you will want to keep in mind your ABCDE’s.

Asymmetry: Do the two ends of the growth not match up?

Borders: Does the growth have irregular borders?

Color: Does the growth have a varying color to it?

Diameter: Is the diameter of the growth more than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)?

Evolving: Does part of the growth or lesion look like it is changing in shape, size, or color more than the rest of the growth?

If you answer “yes” to any of these criteria, or if you notice a mole that is different from others, or that changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6mm, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Who is at risk?

While melanoma can strike anyone, Caucasians are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than other races. Some other risk factors are:

• You have a substantially increased risk of developing melanoma if you have greater than 50 moles, large moles, or atypical (unusual) moles.
• Your risk is increased if a blood relative (e.g., your parents, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles) has had melanoma.
• If you are a Caucasian who has fair skin, blonde or red hair and blue or green eyes you are at increased risk.

How can I prevent melanoma?

Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the most important preventable cause of all skin cancers, including melanoma. Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin when you are in the sun. You should also:

• Wear protective clothing – such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade – remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Avoid tanning beds – ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.
• Regular exams- The American Academy of Dermatology urges you to have an annual skin cancer screening, as well as performing self-exams.

For further information you may contact our office to schedule your annual skin cancer screening at 858-350-SKIN (7546) or email us at info@dermdelmar.com.

Rosacea can cause many people to experience low self-esteem and become frustrated with the effect it has on their appearance… because they think it is beyond their control. But the fact is, rosacea can be effectively treated – and what’s more, some of our most successful and beautiful people are known to have the condition.
Millions of people all over the world have rosacea, a disease that can cause redness and flushing in the face, and even lead to spider veins and enlarged oil glands on the skin. What may not be very well-known is that a number of famous faces, both past and present, also have rosacea – and it hasn’t stopped them from looking and feeling fantastic. Some celebrities who are known to have or have had rosacea include:

• Renée Zellweger
• Bill Clinton
• Mariah Carey
• Cameron Diaz
• Lady Diana
• Rosie O’Donnell
• Alex Ferguson

And there’s many more where that came from.

While there is no guaranteed treatment that can prevent the recurrence of rosacea, there are a variety of advanced techniques that can treat its symptoms and there are things that you can do to reduce the potential for flare-ups as well. Here at Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar, Dr. Deborah Atkin offers VBeam Perfecta® pulsed-dye laser treatment, a procedure which has shown remarkable results at reducing the redness and tingling sensation that often characterizes rosacea. We also offer oral medications, prescription topical creams, and medical-grade skincare products that can help reduce some of the symptoms of rosacea. Reducing sun exposure and avoiding rosacea “triggers” such as alcohol, spicy foods, saunas, and other factors may also help to diminish the frequency of symptoms.

If you would like more information on rosacea and treatment options offered by Dr. Deborah Atkin, please contact Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar, or call us at (858) 350-7546.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Symptoms of rosacea typically begin with an excessively red appearance along the cheeks and nose. This “flushing” may even spread to the chin or forehead. Eventually, rosacea may cause spider veins to appear on the cheeks and chin, and even lead to pimples and enlarged oil glands along the facial skin. Rosacea can also affect the neck and chest, and in some cases, the condition can lead to irritated or watery eyes.

If left untreated, rosacea can become progressively more apparent and the symptoms can become worse, ultimately having a noticeable effect on your appearance and an impact on your self-esteem.

What are the treatment options for rosacea?

The treatment options for rosacea have significantly advanced over the years with the introduction of cosmetic laser technology. The VBeam Perfecta® laser is often one of the most effective procedures for reducing redness and the tingling sensation that rosacea can cause. In just a few simple treatments, the VBeam laser can improve the appearance of your skin with no downtime necessary after the procedure.

There are also oral medications and prescription topical creams that can control the inflammation around blood vessels and decrease redness. These often show the best results when used in combination with laser treatments. Skin care products like SkinMedica Redness Relief Calm-Plex may also be effective at diminishing the facial redness that rosacea can cause.

Can rosacea be prevented?

While some cases of rosacea may be due to natural abnormalities with facial blood vessels, the red and flushing appearance that is symptomatic of rosacea may also be caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. These can include excessive sun exposure, skin bacteria, alcohol consumption, spicy foods, exercise that is too strenuous, time spent in saunas, and even conditions of high stress. By avoiding these so-called “triggers,” some patients may be able to prevent continuous flare-ups of rosacea. However, since the exact cause of rosacea is unknown and each patient is different, there are no guaranteed measures that can prevent rosacea.

If you would like more information on rosacea, or if you would like to speak with Dr. Atkin in a private consultation to talk about this condition, please contact Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar, or call us at (858) 350-7546.

San Diego Dermatologist Offers Special Hand Rejuvenation Discount

Del Mar, CA — As a dermatologist in San Diego, Deborah H. Atkin, MD offers a range of skin care procedures and products. By taking an individualized approach to each patient, she says she strives to help each patient reach their aesthetic goals and achieve a greater amount of confidence in their skin. Dr. Atkin says she has recently seen an increase in patients concerned about “aging hand syndrome.” While the aging process is often more noticeable in the hands as skin becomes lax and wrinkled over time, Dr. Atkin says Radiesse® not only creates lasting and effective results for facial rejuvenation, but also hand rejuvenation.

Radiesse® originally received FDA approval in 2006 as an injectable filler shown to correct facial wrinkles and folds for up to 18 months. According to the latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Americans received more than 174,000 Radiesse® injections in 2011. As the treatment continues to evolve, Dr. Atkin says the use of Radiesse for hand rejuvenation is another significant indicator of the importance of remaining in touch with the latest developments in the dermatologic industry.

At Dr. Atkin’s dermatology practice, Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar, she says Radiesse in San Diego is seen as a popular and effective treatment for both facial and hand rejuvenation because of its ability to stimulate the production of new collagen. However, Dr. Atkin says patients are not often aware of the benefits Radiesse® has to offer for hand rejuvenation. “Patients often come in upset about aging changes in their hands, but are not familiar with the treatments available.”

Dr. Atkin says her approach to hand rejuvenation is typically a two-part process. First, Radiesse® is used to restore the volume in the hands and hide the appearance of veins and tendons. She then follows the injections with laser hand resurfacing or photo-rejuvenation to address unevenness in skin pigmentation caused by age spots, sun spots, or other related conditions. “Younger looking hands are usually free of brown sun-damaged spots and have more volume. With aging and thinning of the subcutaneous area, tendons and blood vessels become more apparent. When we add filler, thus volume, the normal youthful appearance returns.”

As part of her dedication to helping patients achieve the aesthetic appearance they desire, Dr. Atkin will be offering a free laser hand resurfacing treatment for all patients that schedule Radiesse® injections for hand rejuvenation in April. Valued at $550, Dr. Atkin says providing this special offer is important to her because she wants her patients to experience the full potential of a total hand rejuvenation at her practice.

About Deborah H. Atkin, MD

After completing her medical school training at UCLA, Deborah H. Atkin, MD completed her dermatology specialty training at the University of Arizona, Tucson. She is board certified by the American Academy of Dermatology, and is currently a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, lecturing for both professional organizations. Dr. Atkin has authored a number of medical articles on topics as far-reaching as hair loss, laser treatment of hyperpigmentation, and photodynamic therapy. At her practice, Dr. Atkin performs every step of the treatment, regardless of whether a patient is undergoing laser skin resurfacing, treatment for acne or rosacea, or BOTOX® injections.

Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar is located at 12865 Pointe Del Mar Way, Suite 160, Del Mar, CA 92014. Dr. Atkin can be reached at (858) 350-7546, or online at dermdelmar.com and the Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar Facebook page.

Contact:
Rosemont Media
Aaron Hurst
aaron@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com

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Kaci—Physician Assistant

Skin concerns: mild acne, fine lines, anti-aging

AM Regimen:
• Cleanser
• Prescription acne spot treatment as needed
• SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex
• SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense

PM Regimen:
• Cleanser
• SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
• Prescription retinoid
• SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer
• Latisse

My skin care regimen consists of products to treat mild acne, while providing anti-aging benefits and keeping me looking my best. After cleansing and applying an acne spot treatment each morning, I use SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex for antioxidant protection. This is my favorite product to wear because of its silky, smooth consistency. Next, I always apply a daily sunscreen with SPF 30+. My current favorite is SkinMedica’s new Daily Physical Defense. It contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage. As it is non-comedogenic and oil free, it is good for my acne prone skin, and light enough for me to wear under make-up. If I am spending the day outdoors in sunny San Diego, I always reapply my sunscreen every couple of hours.
After cleansing my face at night, I apply a pump of TNS Essential Serum to my face and neck. This serum is an all-in-one product, containing NouriCel MD growth factors, as well as antioxidants, peptides, and alpha arbutin. After using this product for over a year, I have definitely noticed that my skin appears brighter and smoother! Next, I apply a pea size amount of prescription retinoid to my entire face. I use prescription strength due to my acne, but I also like this type of product for its anti-aging benefits. The last thing I apply to my entire face is SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer. Because it is light, it is perfect for my skin type. I finish my nightly routine by sweeping Latisse over my upper eyelashes. I love this product! It keeps my lashes looking long and full.

It’s Ultherapy, a nonsurgical face and neck treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift and tone loose skin without any downtime. And, it’s offered here at Dermatology & laser of Del Mar.

Ultherapy Uses Ultrasound?

That’s right! Ultherapy is the only cosmetic procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows us to actually see the layers of tissue we target during the treatment, to ensure that the energy is delivered precisely to where it will be most effective. Leveraging this tried-and-true technology, we can specifically target the deep foundation below the skin – the one typically addressed in cosmetic surgery – without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. That means after a 30- to 60-minute noninvasive treatment, you’ll be able to return to your everyday life without interruptions…and, without hiding behind those “post-treatment” glasses or scarves.

Ultherapy – Naturally Lifts Skin

Ultherapy is so unique because it “banks” your collagen by jump starting a repair process. It relies on the body’s own regenerative process to stimulate the natural renewal of existing collagen and creation of new collagen – yes, new collagen. This results in an actual lift of skin overtime – and just better-fitting skin.
Many people notice an immediate effect following the treatment, but the ultimate lifting and toning takes place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is renewed and replaced with new, stronger collagen. And, as this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can even appear up to 6 months following a procedure!

An Uplift not a Facelift

Ultherapy is an ideal nonsurgical option for people with mild to moderate skin laxity –those who want some lifting for droopy or saggy skin, but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. It’s also a great option for those who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

Ultherapy may cause some discomfort while the energy is being delivered, but it is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Of course, we offer a number of options to help make your Ultherapy treatment as comfortable as possible. Our patients who’ve had Ultherapy typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come!

Ask us if Ultherapy is right for you!

If you’re looking for a lift to counter the effects that gravity has taken over time, it may be just the treatment you’ve been waiting for.

Dermatologist in San Diego Now Offering Innovative Alternative to Liposuction

As a dermatologist in San Diego, Dr. Deborah Atkin is board-certified by the American Academy of Dermatology. She is announcing the recent addition of a nonsurgical fat removal method at her Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar known as Coolsculpting by ZELTIQ™.

San Diego dermatologist Deborah H. Atkin, MD is now offering Coolsculpting by ZELTIQ™ to her Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar patients. In addition to this latest procedure, Dr. Atkin says she also offers noninvasive skin tightening with Thermage® and the Fraxel® Laser Trio to provide her patients with a suite of options when considering nonsurgical aesthetic enhancement.

The nonsurgical fat removal procedure is capable of precisely targeting fat cells through a patented method known as Cryolipolysis™. Dr. Atkin says she uses a noninvasive applicator to gently draw the skin between cooling panels, which causes the fat cells to crystalize and break apart, leaving the surrounding cells unharmed. Following the procedure, the fat cells are metabolized by the body over a period of weeks, eventually eliminating the fat in a safe and effective manner.

Dr. Atkin says there is no downtime associated with Coolsculpting by Zeltiq™, and no anesthesia is required. She adds that the procedure is designed to address stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise alone, including areas such as the love handles, abdomen, hips, and thighs. The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on the area being treated, with the full benefit of the procedure seen in about 2-3 months as the body continues to metabolize the damaged fat cells.

Ultimately, Dr. Atkin says she remains committed to offering her patients the safest and most effective dermatologic treatments available. She adds that as the popularity of cosmetic enhancement continues to increase, she expects procedures like Coolsculpting by Zeltiq™, which are designed to provide nonsurgical alternatives to traditional surgical procedures, will become increasingly popular as well.

About Dr. Atkin

Dr. Deborah H. Atkin earned her medical degree from the University of California in Los Angeles. She then completed her dermatology specialty training at the University of Arizona in Tucson after an internship in internal medicine at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation. Dr. Atkin is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar is located at 12865 Pointe Del Mar Way Ste. 160 in Del Mar, CA 92014, and can be reached at (858) 350-SKIN, or found online at dermdelmar.com or the Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar Facebook page.

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before and after smoothbeam laser for  acne

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. It can also be one of the toughest to treat. While there are a number of effective topical treatments on the market, as well as the option of oral antibiotics and vitamin based supplements, acne can be stubborn and persistent in some cases

Many people think that acne is just pimples and will only appear only on the face. However, acne can appear in a variety of lesions including; blackheads, whiteheads, pustules (what are often referred to as pimples), and painful cysts. Acne can appear on other areas of the body including the back, chest, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and buttocks.

There are many factors that contribute to acne. This can include heredity (did your mother or father have acne?), hormonal changes (such as puberty, menopause or pregnancy for women), dietary changes, stress, or changes in skin care products.

What if I don’t treat my acne? Will it just run its course?

This is one of the biggest myths surrounding acne. Acne does not just run it’s course. While it is a relatively benign skin condition, if left untreated it can create some unfortunate complications such as scarring and hyper-pigmentation. Studies also show that acne can also lead to low self esteem and depression.

“Doctor, what can I do for my acne?”

Acne is not exclusive to age groups or gender. In our practice we see women and men from ages 11 to 60+ with the same complaint. At any given time 40 to 50 million americans have acne(source:AAD)

There are many topical treatments for acne. Some help to invisibly exfoliate dead skin cells preventing oil and bacteria from being trapped in the pore. Other topical treatment may contain topical antibiotics to combat the acne causing p.acne bacteria.

Oral antibiotics or other systemic medications are also an option in more severe cases.

Many patients in our practice opt for a “natural approach”, such as following a good skin care regimen designed for acne-prone skin and using an oral vitamin supplement. Regular acne facials to deep clean the skin and express any acne plugs also may prove beneficial.

Patients that have tried topical treatment and oral antibiotics with no success, find that laser treatment can often be the “silver bullet”. It is preferable for patients that have developed scarring or are at risk for scarring. Lasers also stimulate collagen, reducing the appearance of scars. VBeam/Smoothbeam lasers used in combination can have fantastic results. The Smoothbeam is a collagen-stimulating laser that also shrinks hyperactive oil glands,reducing oil production. The Vbeam reduce inflammatory lesions and further stimulates collagen to diminish depressed scars and enlarged pores. The Fraxel Dual laser can also be used to help with any residual scarring.

For more information about treatment for acne and acne scarring please contact our office at (858) 350-SKIN (7546) or email us at info@dermdelmar.com. A staff member can guide you through the scheduling process and help you get on the road to acne-free skin.

Who knew Susan Sarandon was past 60, or Christie Brinkley (a face of Cover Girl) was born in 1954? Of course, looking young in Hollywood is a way of life. What ARE these celebrity secrets for getting red carpet ready? Better yet, how can you and I benefit from what they use and what they know?

Secret #1 Laser, Laser, Laser! As we age, our collagen production slows down making our faces appear thinner and creating laxity. Also, brown spots and redness from years of sun will make your skin appear ruddy and dull. Boosting collagen production and treating the color and texture of the skin is big business in Hollywood. Increasingly celebrities are turning to laser skin resurfacing to boost their collagen level. Fraxel® lasers — currently the most popular laser on the market — are able to penetrate deep within the skin to treat damaged skin. Actress Ellen Barkin is admittedly a huge fan of Fraxel®.

Many celebrities,such as golfer Scott McCarreon use Fraxel® not just as an anti-aging tool, but as a way to combat pre-skin cancers. The Fraxel® Dual System is FDA approved to treat pre-skin cancers improving not only the appearance- but the overall health of your skin!

Before and After Fraxel Re:Store laser resurfacing

Secret #2 Thermage radio-frequency to lift and tighten! “ I do Thermage, a treatment to stimulate collagen….” Linda Evangelista-Vogue Magazine.  Linda Evangelista and Ellen Barkin sing the praises of this noninvasive, non-surgical answer to anti-aging. Linda Evangelista thinks of it as maintenance, like hair color or other tricks we all keep in our beauty arsenal. Ellen Barkin tells Vogue and More magazine she favors it over face-lifts, fillers or botox! Thermage is a proven method of tissue tightening where heat, created by radio frequency, safely stimulates new collagen, causing lifting and tightening in the skin.

Thermage cannot only help lift that brow, or redefine that sagging jawline, but when used as an anti-aging tool it can help keep you where you are now in terms of aging! Think about it, if you could look like the best YOU possible now- and still look that way in 10 years, wouldn’t you be happy?!

Secret # 3 Great Skin Care!

Who doesn’t partake in the guilty pleasures of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Marie Claire or New Beauty magazines? These are our “beauty bibles” to see what our favorite celebrities are using for skin care. The truth is while lasers, botox and fillers help you achieve that timeless appearance, great products help you keep it.  Celebrity beauties such as Jennifer Anniston, Bo Derek and the Queen of T.V. talk, Oprah Winfrey sing the praises of SkinMedica Anti-Aging products. TNS Essential Serum, the #1 anti-aging product, is touted in the most popular beauty and style publications for it’s potent growth factors and effective antioxidant peptide serum. Products such as TNS Lip Plump System and TNS Line Refine provide not only a long-term anti-aging benefit, but a quick fix to get yourself ready for your own personal “Red Carpet”!

I hope you have enjoyed learning just a few quick tips to help you look like the best you possible. If you have more questions, or you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deborah Atkin please contact us below.

Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar www.dermdelmar.com

Here are some straight answers to one of the most commonly asked  questions in our practice.

What is rosacea? Rosacea is a very common and treatable skin condition that affects many people. While we don’t know the causes of rosacea, it tends to occur in both men and women with fair complexions.  It frequently begins as a tendency to blush easily, giving your cheeks a rosy appearance. With rosacea, those affected often develop persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. In some cases telangiectasias (spider veins) develop on the cheeks and chin. Acne-type breakouts may also occur as part of the condition and enlarged oil glands may appear. It can affect the neck, the  chest and in some cases the eyes. Rosacea can becomes uncomfortable and unsightly.

How can I prevent rosacea flare-ups  from occurring? Some ways to prevent a rosacea flare-up are to avoid the triggers that cause the condition to flare up. Spicy foods, alcohol, strenuous exercise, saunas and sun exposure are all common. For some that suffer from rosacea there may be more unique triggers.

Patient affected by Rosacea. Before and after treatment with Vbeam laser.

Is there a cure for Rosacea?

Advances in laser technology have lead to safe and effective treatments for rosacea.VBeam laser decreases redness and flushing in just a few safe and simple treatments. It will also take away facial spider veins. Oral medications can help alleviate the inflammation and decrease the redness of your skin. Topical treatments, many of them prescription, can reduce the inflammation around the blood vessels and decrease your over all facial redness when used in combination with laser. Products like SkinMedica Redness Relief Calm-Plex can also help to control facial redness associated with rosacea.

For more information about rosacea or to consult with Dr. Atkin on a treatment plan tailored to your skin contact Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar online or call our office (858) 350-7546