Arizona Dermatology

Mohs Therapy Skin Cancer Treatment

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized, highly effective technique for the removal of skin cancer. The procedure was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin and is now practiced throughout the world.

The Mohs procedure involves surgically removing skin cancer layer by layer, and examining the tissue under a microscope until healthy, cancer-free tissue around the tumor is reached (called clear margins). The procedure is performed specifically for large cancers where standard surgery has failed in complete clearance of the tumor. Mohs surgery will be performed in our office and can sometimes take up to three or four hours to complete. This allows us to eliminate the cancer accurately by targeting two parts in the removal of skin cancer. The two parts being: clearing the cancerous tumor and then proceeding to close the wound. We are able to perform both parts of the procedure on the same day to make it much more convenient for the patients.

Mohs surgery has the highest success rate for the treatment of skin cancer (up to 99%) because our Mohs surgeon is specially trained as a cancer surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer found in the United States. In addition to having 3.5 million cases per year in the country, Arizona ranks exceedingly high as second in the world for the number of skin cancer incidents, only behind Australia. Because Arizona is such a dangerous environment for skin, it is essential for you to take care of your skin.

Skin cancer includes a wide range of cancers that begin to form abnormal skin cells caused by uncontrolled growths. It is important to check for any signs of skin cancer or unfamiliar moles that begin to develop overtime. Taking preventative measures such as applying sunscreen and reducing the amount of sun exposure are only the first steps to remain cancer-free. We recommend visiting us one to two times a year for full skin exams to ensure your skin stays healthy.

The three main types of skin cancer include Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma.  It’s important to find out which type of skin cancer you have to understand your skin cancer treatment options.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer found in the human body. It begins as a locally destructive tumor that arises in the body’s basal skin cells. The formation of BCCs are typically caused by cumulative intense sun exposure. These BCCs form in the deepest layer of the skin as uncontrollable growths that can progress and basically damage blood vessels, muscle tissue, and other nerve endings. With early detection and the proper treatment, BCC can be eliminated. Removing the original tumor site is very important to the body because aggressive basal cell carcinoma has the ability to spread to other areas of the skin and can be locally destructive and disfiguring. BCCs often look like open sores, red patches, pimple-like growths, shiny bumps or scars.After you are diagnosed with BCC, there are a number of surgical and nonsurgical options to help treat this form of skin cancer. Depending on the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor, as well as the overall health needs of the patient, we provide the ideal treatment to assess the problem properly. While basal cell carcinoma is a serious issue which can lead to permanent disfigurement, it rarely spreads to other areas in the body. Early diagnosis is necessary to prevent further complications.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is a type of carcinoma cancer that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, lips, mouth, esophagus, urinary bladder, prostate, lungs, vagina and cervix. SCCs may appear as a red crusted or scaly patch on the skin, a non-healing ulcer, or a firm red nodule on areas that are most exposed to the sun such as the ears, nose, head, neck, torso and arms.With early detection and proper treatment, SCC can be removed and easily treatable. Understanding the signs and recognizing SCCs early increases the cure rate and minimizes your odds of further extensive treatments. If left untreated, aggressive squamous cell carcinomas (especially of the ears and lips) have a greater risk for spreading to the lymph nodes and other internal organs.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin. It is treatable and possible to remove when detected early, but can be fatal to your health if allowed to progress and spread. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment producing cells in the skin, known as melanocytes. Normal melanocytes reside in the outer layer of the skin and produce the brown pigment melanin, which is responsible for the color of our skin. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes become cancerous, grow and invade other tissues.We are not certain how all cases of melanoma develop; however it is clear that if you endure excessive sun exposure, especially severe blistering sunburns during childhood or persistent indoor tanning, you may be increasing your risk of developing melanoma.  Although moles and brown spots on the skin are usually harmless, anyone who has more than 100 moles is also at a greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles, which is why it’s so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body.

If you have seen any signs of skin cancer, make an appointment for a skin cancer screening right away. Depending on the type of skin cancer, the severity, and your needs and budget, we will work with you to find the best skin cancer treatment for you.  Read more about our skin cancer treatments and schedule an appointment to come see us!

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, also known as A.K.S., are precancerous conditions of the skin. When I say precancer that is really meaning basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These tend to develop in fair skinned individuals and more commonly on sun exposed areas.

The signs of actinic keratosis is a rough adherent scale. What most patients are going to describe them as is basically a scab that just does not want to fall off, and sometimes if they scratch it hard enough it can bleed. Approximately 10 to 30% of these can go on to develop into non-melanoma skin cancer.

Prevention of actinic keratosis is best achieved through sun protective measures. First is sunscreen. Now the important thing to know about sunscreen, that a lot of people do not know, is that S.P.F. tells you only how much U.V.B. rays it protects you from. Now that doesn’t tell you about how much U.V.A. it protects you from and U.V.A is equally causative of these. So it’s very important that when you are buying sunscreen, that it should have an S.P.F. of 30 or better, but also on the label it should say broad spectrum protection.

The other thing that works really well, they have new U.P.F. shirts which are long sleeve or short sleeve shirts and you put that on and that will alleviate the necessity to put sunscreen all over your upper body. I also recommend wide brim hats because skin cancers and precancers are very common on the ears.

Actinic Keratosis is a dry, scaly, rough bump that is typically anything from skin-colored to reddish-brown. Actinic keratosis can also be referred to as “solar keratoses” or “sun spots.” Fair-skinned people are more susceptible, and actinic keratosis tends to appear on skin that receives the most sun such as the forehead, ears, neck, arms, hands, lower lip, a bald scalp and lower legs. No matter where actinic keratosis develops, it is considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. Actinic keratoses may be removed by liquid nitrogen—a simple, quick and rather painless treatment in which the area is frozen off—but if you have many actinic keratoses, additional treatment options may include photodynamic laser therapy, chemical peels, or prescription creams.Keeping your skin well moisturized is a great way to maintain healthy skin and help avoid the risk of developing actinic keratosis. If your skin begins to itch, develop red bumps, or appears to have a sand-paper like texture for a long period of time, contact us for a professional diagnosis.

Dysplastic Nevus

Dysplastic nevus is an atypical mole that often resembles melanoma. An atypical mole is a mole that differs in size, color, texture and height from a common mole. This pre-cancerous mole tends to have a mixture of pink, tan, or brown shades and is flat to the skin’s surface. It doesn’t have a symmetrical circle or oval shape, but does have very distinct edges. An atypical mole could be the first sign towards the development of a single or multiple melanomas. A higher number of moles relate to a higher possibility of developing melanoma. Heredity also has a major impact in the development of dysplastic nevus and is commonly carried down from a family history of melanoma. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a family history of melanoma you are still at risk for developing this type of skin cancer, especially if you undergo high amounts of sun exposure or sun burns. If you notice any moles that have these characteristics, get them looked at immediately.

Skin Cancer Treatments

If you see any signs of skin cancer, make an appointment for a skin cancer screening immediately.  We will perform a full skin cancer screening and if anything is found, we will work with you to find the best skin cancer treatment for you.  We have a wide range of treatments from Mohs Therapy, Brachytherapy, and many other additional skin cancer treatments.  Depending on the type of skin cancer found, the severity, as well as your needs and budget, we will work with you to find the best treatment for you.

Melasma Treatment

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or chin.

Melasma usually occurs in women and is most common in people with darker skin tones, including those of Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Mediterranean descent. Dermatological Studies show that sun exposure, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy and heredity factors are the most common causes of melasma. Any sun exposure can trigger melasma because the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) are stimulated by ultraviolet light from the sun.

Here at Arizona Dermatology, located in Phoenix, Apache Junction, Paradise Valley, and Mesa, we treat acne.

Sun Screen

The best way to prevent melasma is by using sunscreen and staying out of the sun. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and reapplying SPF 30+ every two hours protects against sun damage and melasma.

Prescription Medication

Use hydroquinone for dark patches, tretinoin to exfoliate and lighten skin, and corticosteroid cream to ease irritation. We recommend hydroquinone for dark patches, tretinoin for exfoliation and lightening, and corticosteroid cream for irritation

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are an effective way to eliminate skin discoloration and restore a more even appearance of your skin. We offer many different treatments; for example, light, medium, or deep chemical peels for various skin types. Moreover, our chemical peel treatments not only improve skin appearance but also reduce precancerous lesions, which may otherwise progress and lead to skin cancer.

Click here to schedule an appointment at our Phoenix, Apache Junction, Paradise Valley, and Mesa practices.

Skin Cancer Screening

Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, especially in the sunny state of Arizona.  However, some factors put you at a higher risk for developing skin cancer, including pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and regular sun exposure. Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths should be examined immediately by a physician. Early intervention is essential in preventing the cancer from spreading. During a skin cancer screening, you can expect an examination of the skin from scalp to feet (or to your comfort level). In addition to the examination, skin growths are evaluated and you will be educated on any growths by our dermatologists and skin care experts, and all suspicious growths will be biopsied.

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)

Intense Pulse Light Therapy, also known as IPL or photofacial, is a non-invasive procedure that uses pulses of light to treat several skin conditions for aesthetic purposes.

At Arizona Dermatology, we use the state-of-the-art Palomar Icon system to provide you with the most effective, yet gentle, skincare treatment.

IPL is an effective treatment for:

IPL therapy uses a skin resurfacing technique to deliver its incredible results. The Palomar Icon system emits high intensity pulses of light that carry a range of lightwaves to the lower layers of the skin. In the process of bypassing the top layers of skin, the high intensity light converts to heat energy and begins breaking down your melanin pigments. The pieces of melanin pigment are then absorbed by your body to lift discoloration. IPL therapy produces visible results with little to no downtime.

If you want more information about IPL Therapy, call our office and schedule a complimentary consultation and test spot with our aesthetician.

Wart Removal

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by viruses and formed in the top layer of skin. Warts commonly form as rough, skin-colored patches on the skin, but there are several different types of warts, including:

  • Common Warts
  • Plantar (foot) Wart
  • Genital Warts
  • Molluscum

Different warts respond to different dermatological treatments, so it’s important to understand the type of wart you have before selecting a treatment option. We offer a wide range of treatment options and recommendations based on the severity and type of wart(s). For less serious warts, salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) may aid self-treatment of warts by dissolving the keratin protein that creates the wart and the dead skin above it. Other effective treatments for warts include cantharidin/ Podophyllin, (painless solution applied in office), cryotherapy (freezing) or electrosurgery (burning). These may be recommended for painful or more serious warts.

We will work with you to determine which wart treatment will provide you with best possible results. Read about a few of our treatment options below, then schedule an appointment with us to find the right wart removal treatment for you and your skin.

Cantharidin

Cantharidin is a potent blistering agent derived from the dried, powdered blister beetle. This liquid formula is applied to the wart which enables it to form a blister-like reaction underneath. The “blister beetle solution” is commonly used to treat warts and molluscum, especially in children for whom other treatment options may be too painful, traumatic, or have the possibility of scarring.

Podophyllin

Podophyllin is a solution with a painless application. This solution exfoliates, irritates and instigates an immune reaction for the removal of warts in sensitive areas. Podophyllin must be applied by our skin care professional followed by careful monitoring to reduce potential side effects.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the most common treatment for warts among adults and older children. We utilize liquid nitrogen as a way to apply extreme coldness in order to “freeze” the wart as a method of elimination. This procedure may cause symptoms such as a feeling of numbness or tingling to the affected area for a short period of time.

Electrosurgery and Currettage

Electrosurgery is the burning of skin that contains the wart, through the use of an electrical current. After electrosurgery, treatment is continued by curettage, which involves scraping off the remaining wart with a small instrument. Often used together, electrosurgery and currettage are performed on areas that commonly develop warts such as the foot or hand.

Vitiligo Treatment

Vitiligo is a non-contagious skin condition that affects 1-2% of the population, which is approximately 2-4 million people in the United States! Vitiligo is a patterned loss of melanin pigment resulting from the destruction of melanocytes. Melanin pigment defines color in the hair and skin and is produced by cells called melanocytes. If melanocytes die or can no longer produce melanin, the skin becomes lighter or completely white.It is rare for your skin pigmentation to return on its own without the help of a treatment. However, if your skin does return to its natural color, you many still have vitiligo. The loss of pigmentation and how the pigmentation takes its course differs between each person. There is no way to detect the severity of how much pigment a person will lose after diagnosis.  Many people try disguising vitiligo with makeup or self-tanning compounds to make their pigmentation appear less noticeable. While none of these methods help cure the disease, they can improve the visibility greatly. If you’re tired of simply covering up your skin pigmentation, make an appointment with us and we can work with you to find a solution. Below is a list of vitiligo treatments that we may recommend based on your symptoms and needs.

Excimer Laser

The XTRAC® Excimer laser is a targeted laser that we use to deliver a focused beam of UVB light, through a unique delivery system, and targets the hypopigmentated patch of skin. While avoiding harm to the surrounding healthy tissue, we are able to successfully bring pigment back to areas of the skin suffering from discoloration.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, or UV light, is a successful way to help bring back pigmentation to the skin. Clinical studies have shown that UVB light is the preferential wavelength for stimulating melanocytes to initiate the repigmentation response in vitiligo patches, bringing the color back to your skin.

Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a common skin disease that frequently begins as a tendency to flush or blush easily. As rosacea progresses, people often develop persistent redness and acne-like bumps in the center of the face. This redness may gradually spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. The main symptoms of rosacea include:

  • Redness of the face
  • Blushing or flushing easily
  • Spider veins of the face
  • Redness and swelling of nose (bulbous nose)
  • Acne-like bumps (papules and pustules)
  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Irritated, bloodshot, watery eyes

Overtime, the symptoms of rosacea tend to become more noticeable. The redness becomes permanent and your skin is more easily irritated by something as simple as water. Research suggests that rosacea tends to run in families who have previously encountered rosacea or severe acne.

Receiving the appropriate dermatological treatment for rosacea helps maintain discomfort, control redness, reduce acne-like breakouts and diminish the reddish purple veins caused by rosacea. Working with Arizona Dermatology to treat rosacea does more than just improve the visible symptoms, but increases your overall quality of life by giving you confidence in your skin.

There are many treatment options for rosacea that we provide at Arizona Dermatology, and we will work with you to find the best option. With all of the treatments we offer, we will educate you on various triggers that can cause rosacea flares and help you to not just treat your symptoms, but work to keep them from returning in the future.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medications are available as an effective treatment for rosacea. Medications we prescribe often include oral antibiotics with additional anti-inflammatory properties (Oracea, Doxycycline) or topical prescriptions that reduce redness, inflammation or pustules (Mirvaso, Metrogel, Finacea, Avar). This simple, yet effective, treatment for the symptoms of rosacea could be your answer to soothing your unwanted breakouts.

Skin Care Products

Skin care products are used as a preventative measure to treat the occurrence of rosacea and limit future inflammation caused by sun exposure. Skin care options may include gentle anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory cleansers (Epionce Lytic Cleanser) or gentle cleansers with active ingredients such as sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur (Sumadan or Avar cleanser). A sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher can also reduce the symptoms of rosacea by reducing inflammation. We will work with you to recommend the best skin care products fit for your specific rosacea symptoms.

Vascular Laser for Redness

Redness or flushing associated with rosacea is caused by small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin (telangiectasia). The vascular laser light targets, penetrates, heats and closes the blood vessel, diminishing redness and giving you confidence in your skin.

Resurfacing Laser or Electrosurgery for Enlarged Nose (Rhinophyma)

One of the more common symptoms of rosacea is an enlarged, bulbous nose. Resurfacing laser or electrosurgery can be used to diminish the excess swelling. Heat is used to debulk the nose by removing excess tissue with a laser or high-frequency electric current.

Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

About Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

What is it?

We realize that our culture tends to associate suntanned skin with a lifestyle that is healthy and active. Unfortunately, this is a myth that should be retired; sun and age damage go hand in hand and can affect you both physically and psychologically. A “healthy tan” is not good for your skin; any sun exposure, no matter how small, causes irreversible damage. The subsequent damage is not just skin deep, as it alters the DNA of your skin cells. That’s why as much as 90 percent of the signs of aging are related to sun exposure.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light that damages the skin and contributes to premature skin aging, dark spots, and other problematic conditions.

What causes it?

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of aging, sun-damaged skin. Sun and age damage are linked because they exacerbate one another. Together, they reduce your skin’s elasticity by breaking down collagen while decreasing your skin’s shape and fullness. Telltale signs of sun and age damage include wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, lines around your mouth and eyes, sagging skin, age spots, and freckles and/or moles.

Common treatments?

At West Dermatology, we have a variety of options to address sun and age damage, and we have the knowledge and experience to tailor it to your unique case. However, there are many steps you yourself can take to prevent and even repair your skin. These steps include wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days!), covering up exposed skin when outside, avoiding intense sun between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm, the avoidance of indoor tanning beds, and the use of moisturizing creams and lotions at night.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

At West Dermatology, we focus on you as a person. Our compassionate community staff works with you to address your signs of sun and age damage, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and be an integral part of your support system. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice sun and age damage so that we can help you repair and restore your skin.

Facial Fillers

Many times, certain areas of the face need added attention to regain their youthful appearance. Dermatologists can treat these target areas with facial fillers, which involve very little time procedurally and no recovery time.

Here at Arizona Dermatology, located in Phoenix, Apache Junction, Paradise Valley, and Mesa, we offer facial fillers.

Facial filler treatments may be the perfect choice to help you feel young again. Arizona Dermatology offers facial filler treatments designed to help patients experience:

• Smoother Skin
• Younger Appearance
• Fewer lines and wrinkles
• Fuller lips
• Defined lip lines
• Improved appearance of scars
• Enhanced shallow contours

Juvederm

Juvéderm is an injectable gel that gently reverses many signs of aging around the nose and mouth. Results last about 6-9 months. You will experience a reduction in moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds instantly! Receive the customized injectable gel treatment in a quick in-office visit with minimal downtime. Return to your usual routine looking and feeling better than ever!

Voluma

Voluma is an injectable product that adds volume, lift and restores youthful contour to the cheek area. It is made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that works with collagen and elastin to give volume and support to the skin. Voluma is a great option to give you back that youthful look to your skin, with results lasting up to two years.

Sculptra

Sculptra® is an injectable product that restores and corrects the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas, giving you that youthful plumped skin. The results from Sculptra® are not immediate but they are long-lasting. In a clinical study, results lasted for up to two years after the first treatment session in most patients.

Click here to schedule an appointment at our Phoenix, Apache Junction, Paradise Valley, and Mesa practices.