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Skin cancer is one of a few cancer types that you can see develop. Growths and moles form on the skin that can easily be studied at home and by our dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center in La Mesa. While 99 percent of skin cancer cases are curable, it depends on early diagnosis and treatment. Unchecked cancerous lesions may lead to disfigurement and become deadly as the skin cancer spreads to other areas of the body.   Everyday Habits That May Prevent Skin Cancer The single best thing you can do to mitigate your risk … Continue reading “Steps to Take for Early Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention”

Hair loss plagues men and women alike, and few treatment options exist to restore hair growth. Research shows platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be an effective way to improve your hair follicle quantity and quality. The theory behind PRP treatments for hair loss is that the isolated platelets in your blood reach deep into the scalp to the bottom of the hair follicle, stimulating hair regrowth through dermal papilla cells. Our dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center in La Mesa offer PRP treatments for men and women struggling with hair loss or skin concerns such as … Continue reading “Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments Proven to Improve Hair Regrowth”

Many people toss aside their sunscreen when sweater-weather arrives in the fall and winter months, but this time of year is just as harmful (if not more so) than the summer sun. Cool and cloudy days and changing seasons don’t make the sun’s rays less dangerous. That fireball in the sky sends down UV rays whether it’s rainy, sunny or snowy. Our dermatologists recommend wearing 30 SPF or higher sunscreen year-round.  Winter May be More Dangerous for Your Skin There are two forms of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UVA rays cause the skin to tan, develop dark spots … Continue reading “Why You Still Need to Worry About Skin Cancer in the Winter”

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a specialized treatment for pre-cancerous lesions. PDT uses a light-activated drug (or photosensitizing agent) to destroy pre-cancer cells without harming nearby tissues. The treatment triggers your body’s own immune system to strike the tumor cells not only in the treated area but other parts of the body. At Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center, we offer PDT to effectively treat pre-cancerous lesions. Are Treated with PDT?  In dermatology, Photodynamic therapy is an alternative option for actinic keratoses and pre-cancerous lesions because it limits the damage to surrounding healthy cells by targeting abnormal cells … Continue reading “What Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Can Do For You”

Skin depressions caused by injury, acne or fine wrinkles make many people self-conscious, and makeup can accentuate rather than cover up these cosmetic concerns. Microneedling is an effective and minimally invasive way to smooth the skin for an even texture and appearance. The non-surgical treatment improves skin imperfections by creating micro-trauma with tiny needles and stimulates your body’s natural ability to repair the tissues without leaving a scar.  Generally,  a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the skin and a  handheld electrically-powered device called SkinPen makes microscopic punctures in the skin. Your body responds with inflammation that promotes new collagen … Continue reading “The Many Benefits of Microneedling”

It’s summertime, and you would love to appear bare-legged in public. However, doing so would reveal the unattractive spider veins on your legs. The dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology in La Mesa explain how to prevent spider veins, as well as ways to eradicate them. Spider veins do not go away on their own. What are Spider Veins? Red, blue or purple spider veins look like skinny webs beneath the skin’s surface. They usually show up on the legs and thighs, although they can appear on the face and other areas, too. Spider veins do not hurt. They seldom indicate a … Continue reading “Can You Prevent Spider Veins?”

The skin cancer melanoma develops when cells known as melanocytes begin growing out of control, eventually forming tumors. Melanomas metastasize to other areas of the body and are often fatal. However, early detection and treatment saves lives. The doctors at Grossmont Dermatology in La Mesa discuss the four primary types of melanoma and how to recognize them. Superficial Spreading Melanoma The most common form of melanoma, the superficial spreading variety starts out on the top layer of the skin and penetrates deeply into the skin over time. Roughly 70 percent of melanomas fall into this category. This is the type … Continue reading “Understanding the Four Types of Melanoma”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to reduce fat while simultaneously building muscle? It is now possible, through the groundbreaking technology of EMSCULPT NEO. The dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology in La Mesa discuss how EMSCULPT NEO works, as well as the results it produces. EMSCULPT NEO This revolutionary FDA-approved technology combines fat burning and muscle toning in one procedure. EMSCULPT NEO uses high-intensity electro-magnetic field (HIFEM) technology in combination with radiofrequency (RF) heating. It is a noninvasive procedure allowing patients to look better much faster. When the applicator emits these two technologies simultaneously, muscle temperature rises. In just a few minutes, the … Continue reading “New Treatment Reduces Fat & Builds Muscle at the Same Time: EMSCULPT NEO”

What one person views as a beauty mark, another may consider an undesirable mole. Those who are displeased with their moles—or are concerned about them for health reasons—need not keep them on their bodies forever. The team at Grossmont Dermatology discusses when the right time is to remove a mole: It Is Suspicious First and foremost, do not waste any time when you become concerned about a mole. Skin cancer is rarely fatal when caught early enough, so it is better to have a worrisome mole checked out sooner than later. Schedule an appointment if you discover a new mole … Continue reading “When Should You Get a Mole Removed?”

Having performed laser hair reduction on many patients over the years, the talented team at Grossmont Dermatology has developed a good sense for which body parts show the best results with this kind of treatment. While laser hair reduction can treat unwanted hair pretty much anywhere on the body, here are the spots we have observed to be most effective: Your Underarms Considering that many women opt to shave their underarms (AKA armpits) on a daily basis, it is a stroke of good fortune that laser hair reduction is so successful in this location. Treating this area specifically can free … Continue reading “Where Is Laser Hair Reduction Most Effective?”