“Skin cancer can occur anywhere — between the toes, the bottoms of feet, on the eye or eyelid, in the mouth, on the lips, or even on or near the genitalia. It’s not just relegated to the face, back or chest, as most people think. Plus, skin cancer is not always raised or colored; it can be flat, colorless, and relatively unassuming,” said Peter L Kopelson, M.D. “It’s always best to get checked before you start spending all that time in the sun again.”

Dermatologists, like Dr. Kopelson, are specifically trained to examine moles, identify their source, predict their growth pattern and understand the skin around them. And since they know best how to care for the skin, they are experts at removing moles without causing unsightly scars.

“Some people think they need to go to a plastic surgeon in order to avoid scarring. Yet, dermatologists have specific skills and training in skin healing and rejuvenation. At The Kopelson Clinic, we have an elegant method of mole removal that produces excellent cosmetic results, as well as thoroughness for diagnosis,” said Dr. Kopelson. “By using a combination of techniques, including the use of lasers, we can provide a renewed skin surface after removal.”

Reminder: Liberally apply sunscreen every day and throughout the day to lower your risk of developing skin cancer.

For more information about skin cancer checks, and to schedule an appointment, please call us at (310) 271-7400.

Skin cancer can affect anyone; therefore, people with all skin types must be vigilant about sun protection. However, those at highest risk for the development of any skin cancer are those with fair skin, light hair and light eyes.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, affects nearly 800,000 Americans every year. It occurs most commonly on the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back due to excessive sunlight exposure. Warning signs include:

An open sore with rolled borders
A reddish scaly patch
A reddish-brown or pearly translucent bump or growth
A scar-like growth

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, affects nearly 200,000 Americans every year. Like basal cell carcinoma, it occurs mostly on areas exposed to sunlight: face, neck, scalp, hands, shoulders, arms and back. However, when squamous cell carcinomas are present on the lips or in the mouth, they may be especially aggressive, making early detection imperative. Warning signs include:

Wart-like growth that forms a hardened crust and occasionally bleeds
Persistent scaly red patch with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds
Elevated growth with a crusted depression or center that may rapidly increase in size

Actinic Keratosis (AK)
AKs are considered precursors to squamous cell carcinomas and can vary in color from red to brown to gray or white. They are subtle and frequently may be felt more obviously than seen due to their slightly rough texture. AKs should be treated early to prevent their conversion to squamous cell carcinoma.

Malignant Melanoma
The most serious form of cancer, melanomas are lethal unless diagnosed and treated early in their development. They can occur anywhere on the body, whether the area is exposed to the sun or not. They can be flat or elevated; tiny to large; brown, red, white, blue, black, gray, multi-colored or colorless; smooth, rough, hard, soft. In short, melanomas are difficult to describe as they have many appearances. Dermatologists are trained to identify and biopsy anything suspicious for malignant melanoma.

While the list of options isn’t as complicated as a fruit juice bar, it does take a knowledgeable, experienced and skilled dermatologist to know the right combination of treatments for a patients’ condition and desired results.

When it comes to skin rejuvenation, the stretched look is out. Facelifts may not even get rid of the folds that a patient seeks to correct, plus, no one wants the downtime and pain that comes with plastic surgery, not to mention the possibility of a poor outcome that would be permanent.

Thanks to the incredible advancement in lasers and other treatment options, medical dermatologists are able to combine methods to create the look that patients are seeking. Additionally, since polytherapy may give longer lasting effects, patients may not need to come in to the office as frequently as before. These procedures have very few associated risks, so making the decision to go ahead requires a minimal amount of deliberation.

For example, without pulling or cutting, the skin can be tightened and markedly rejuvenated using Genesis Plus, a combination of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and the Nd:YAG laser. The IPL treats the surface of the skin correcting pigmentation and tone, and the YAG stimulates the collagen for new growth, eliminating wrinkles and scars and making the skin more taut. Add to this some Restylane for fine lines around the eyes and perhaps some Botox, and you will look marvelous, young, and, most importantly, natural.

Advances in polytherapy have led to endless possibilities for the cosmetic dermatologist. The newest and most exciting skin rejuvenation technique is called photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT can yield results similar to laser resurfacing without the associated risks. After the application of a substance that makes the skin more sensitive to light, a laser or light source is passed over the area being treated.

Comprehensive therapy not only gives superior results but it can also prolong the effects of treatment. For example, using Botox or a cosmetic filler substance alone may produce effects that last only three months. However, using the two together, in the frown lines for example, may sustain the effects for up to eight months!

It’s rare that one type of treatment will produce the desired effect on its own. That’s why there’s a trend toward polytherapy. However, only an experienced physician understands how to combine treatments to get the best results, and the importance of keeping abreast and offering the latest technology available.

If you or someone you know suffers from underarm hyperhidrosis, then you know the embarrassment that comes with the territory. Short of surgery, many people have had little success treating the condition and continue to live with the mortification every day. Fortunately, Botox has helped eliminate the need for surgery, while providing better results than traditional treatments for the condition.

Botox works by blocking the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. Recent studies have shown that when Botox is used to treat underarm hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating was relieved for an average of seven months. In fact, one in three studied did not begin sweating again for a year and a half.

“Botox isn’t a cure for underarm hyperhidrosis, but its effects can be long-lasting,” said Peter L. Kopelson, M.D. “Relief usually lasts for well over a year since sweating returns gradually and can easily be controlled; retreatment can be postponed for quite a long time.”

The treatment can be performed in a physician’s office, such as a dermatologist, and takes very little time to complete. There’s no downtime — once administered, patients can resume regular activity immediately.

“It is important that you see a physician with broad experience in using Botox. At The Kopelson Clinic we have developed impeccable techniques for a variety of uses, including for the treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis,” said Dr. Kopelson.

“The treatment has made a world of difference for our patients suffering with this condition. It’s given them back their self-confidence. It’s given them back their lives.”

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (310) 271-7400.

Besides the fact that it’s not as safe to treat spider veins or unwanted hair on tanned skin, the treatments often take several visits to be completed. That’s why patients at The Kopelson Clinic are encouraged to schedule appointments in the spring to be ready in time for summer.

“Timing is everything. While there are lasers, such as the Nd:YAG, that can remove hair on tanned skin, it’s always safer to begin work before tanning,” said Peter L. Kopelson, M.D.

Another consideration for timing is that each hair is in a different phase of its development at any given time. It’s important to catch the hair in its growth phase for removal and reduction to be effective. One treatment addresses only the percentage of hair in the growth phase at that time; each successive treatment targets another. So, if the laser hair removal process is begun now, by summer patients will be smooth and ready to be poolside.

The Kopelson Clinic offers two effective and safe laser options for hair removal. Treatment can be completed in half the time of previous lasers with less pain, lasting results and no scarring. Both men and women, with any skin type, can have hair removed from any part of the body.

Spider veins on the legs and ankles should also be treated now so that your legs will look youthful, clean and clear in bathing suits, short skirts, and sandals. With the perfection of lasers for spider vein treatment, blue, purple and red vessels disappear, often without the arduous process of injections (sclerotherapy) necessary in the past. So, even though fewer treatments are required, now is the time to start for those of you who plan their beauty maintenance carefully.

For more information about being bathing suit ready, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kopelson by calling us at (310) 271-7400.

For more information about spider veins treatment, laser hair removal treatment, and cosmetic procedures to get yourself bathing suit ready, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kopelson by calling us at (310) 271-7400, or visit KopelsonClinic.com