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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?”

After an extended COVID-19 break, the world is starting to open up again. While we are still some time away from being able to ditch masks entirely, the opportunity to make some modest adjustments to your face before showing it off in public is here. At Grossmont Dermatology, we have several non-surgical procedures that can help you look great in this post-vaccine world: Dermal Fillers If you are like many of our patients, you may have always been curious about what fillers could do for your face, but hesitate out of a fear that your colleagues may “notice.” Now, however, … Continue reading “When the Masks Come Off: How to Rejuvenate Your Skin Before a Post-Vaccine World”

Botox and injectable fillers are tremendously popular procedures for minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. If you work with an unqualified provider, you may not achieve your desired results — or worse, you may be at risk of complications. If you are interested in safely getting great injectable results, your choice of injector matters. The team at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic explains why in this post. Understanding of Facial Anatomy The popularity of Botox and fillers has led to a surge in injectors who took a quick weekend training course to learn about the products. It is … Continue reading “Why Injector Skills Matter When Getting Botox and Fillers”

One of the common conditions we see at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic is melasma, or unwanted pigmentation that often develops on the forehead, cheeks, chin and upper lip. This unwanted pigmentation can affect men and women of virtually all ages, but we see it most frequently in women of childbearing age. Although melasma is harmless, it can be frustrating and cause feelings of embarrassment or shame. Luckily, our dermatologists are very knowledgeable about melasma and offer treatments for the condition. Common Melasma Triggers Melasma occurs when pigment-producing cells become hyperactive and produce too much pigment in certain areas of the … Continue reading “Melasma Causes and Treatments”

January is a popular time to set important goals for the year, some of which may pertain to your health. The team at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic encourages you to schedule a full-body skin exam to check for signs of skin cancer. Undergoing skin exams annually allows our dermatologists to identify signs of skin cancer in the early stages, when cancer is most treatable. Read on as we explain more about the importance of regular skin exams. Don’t Skip Your Annual Skin Exam Skin cancer is extremely common — as we have mentioned before, it affects one in five Americans. … Continue reading “The Importance of Regular Skin Exams”

If you’re looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive fix for lines and wrinkles, dermal fillers are the way to go. In addition, dermal fillers are generally considered safe, with few potential side effects. The dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic provide a basic guide for those considering dermal fillers. What Are Dermal Fillers? Dermal fillers minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles by plumping up the area. The fillers, many of which contain a small amount of lidocaine to ease any discomfort, are injected into the line or wrinkle. Dermalfillers are considered safe because most of them consist of … Continue reading “A Beginner’s Guide To Dermal Fillers”

While covering up acne scars camouflages them to a degree, most people seek a permanent solution. Fortunately, there are various ways to minimize acne scarring. The doctors at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic discuss options for acne scar eradication. Types of Acne Scars The best treatment for acne scars depends on scar type. Acne scars fall into several general categories. These include: Boxcar scars –Indents in the skin are known as boxcar scars. This type of scar is more often found in areas where the skin is thicker, such as the jaw and lower cheeks.Ice pick scars –Usually found on the … Continue reading “Best Treatments for Acne Scars”