Southlake Dermatology

Cosmetic Dermatology

Melasma

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About Melasma

What is it?

Melasma is the development of gray or brown patches on the skin, usually in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. Although this includes your arms and neck, it is more common on the face, especially the cheeks, chin, forehead, bridge of the nose, and under the eyes. Melasma usually develops symmetrically, meaning that the blotches of discoloration are even on either side of the face. As the condition commonly develops during pregnancy, it’s often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Additionally, it’s estimated that as much as 90 percent of all melasma cases occur in women.

What causes it?

Researchers and dermatologists have varying ideas about the causes of melasma, but there is no clear consensus. However, there are risk factors that could make you more susceptible to these conditions, some of which include the following: sun (UV) exposure, genetics, hormones (e.g., such as during pregnancy), stress, irregular thyroid function, and certain cosmetics and skin care products. Ethnicity is thought to play a major role, as well. If you’re lighter-skinned, you’re less susceptible than individuals with darker skin. If you’re of the following ethnicities, you may be more susceptible to melasma: African/African-American, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, Latin American, or Hispanic.

Common treatments

We have effective treatments tailored to your needs and goals, and you’ll always be a part of the decision-making process. We’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support. When it comes to melasma treatment, there are a variety of effective methods utilized by our expert dermatologists. Some of these treatments include topical creams or ointments, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that patches of skin discoloration, especially a condition called melasma, can be troublesome to both your appearance and self-esteem. As your knowledgeable community skin specialists, we’re here to help you manage this condition. If you suffer from melasma, you can turn to us for support in managing this issue, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support.

Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins & More

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Sclerotherapy is a treatment for varicose veins and broken capillaries.

Although sclerotherapy is non-surgical, it is not non-invasive. The treatment consists of multiple injections of a solution into the vein. The solution causes the vein to swell, which leads to a loss of blood flow, making the vein shrink. When the vein shrinks, it is either less noticeable or invisible on the surface of the skin.

Sclerotherapy is nearly painless, aside from a slight pinch when the needle is injected. Most patients report discomfort rather than pain. Sometimes one session of sclerotherapy is enough to see desired results. Other times, multiple sessions are needed.

What is Sclerotherapy Used For?

Sclerotherapy is used by dermatologists to treat:

  • Varicose veins
  • Spider veins
  • Broken capillaries

Each of these conditions responds favorably to sclerotherapy. The best results occur when the patient makes lifestyle changes that support healthy veins, such as:

  • Staying out of the sun
  • Using sunblock
  • Avoiding excess alcohol
  • Quitting smoking
  • Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals
  • Getting sufficient exercise

Long-lasting results depend on not engaging in behavior that is likely to cause vein damage. Otherwise, other veins may be damaged, and more sessions of sclerotherapy treatment may be needed.

Types of Sclerotherapy

There are different types of sclerotherapy available for the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. These include:

  • Ultrasound sclerotherapy. This type of sclerotherapy is done using ultrasound technology. The ultrasound detects the location of the damaged veins more readily. This is useful when the varicose vein is deeper than the surface.
  • Liquid sclerotherapy. This type of sclerotherapy is used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. The liquid is injected into the vein, which causes it to inflame, scar, and then shrink and die. The vein is then absorbed into the body as waste. Healthy blood vessels in the area then take up the slack where the damaged vein was.
  • Foam sclerotherapy. In this type of sclerotherapy, a specific chemical is injected into the large varicose vein. The chemical is mixed with CO2 and air. It treats the varicose vein using displacement. The vein then becomes inflamed, shrinks, and dies, as with the other types of sclerotherapy.

The type of sclerotherapy that your dermatologist recommends for you will depend on the type of vein issues you have.

Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Anyone who suffers from varicose veins and spider veins is a potential candidate for sclerotherapy. Results from sclerotherapy will vary according to the individual and the extent of the vein issue. To find out if you are a good candidate for this treatment, talk to your dermatologist at Southlake Dermatology.

Varicose veins and spider veins can cause pain and low self-esteem. But you don’t have to suffer from these conditions. Treatment is available.

Hair Loss

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Discover more about alopecia or hair loss.

Everyone loses hair. It is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs every day. If you see bald patches or lots of thinning, you may be experiencing hair loss. The medical term for this condition is alopecia.

Causes

There are many causes of hair loss. Women may notice hair loss after giving birth. People under a lot of stress can see noticeable hair loss. Some diseases and medical treatments can cause hair loss.

The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss. About 80 million men and women in the United States have this type of hair loss. Other names of this type of hair loss include Male-pattern baldness, Female-pattern baldness, or Androgenic alopecia.

Alopecia areata is a prevalent autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Alopecia areata occurs in males and females of all ages, but onset often occurs in childhood. Over 6.6 million people in the United States and 147 million worldwide have or will develop alopecia areata at some point in their lives.

Cicatricial alopecia is a rare disease which destroys a person’s hair follicles. Scar tissue forms where the follicles once were, so the hair cannot re-grow.

Central centrifugal cicatricial (scarring) alopecia primarily affects women of African descent. It begins in the center of the scalp and radiates out from the center of the scalp as it progresses. The affected scalp becomes smooth and shiny. The hair loss can be very slow or rapid.

There are many risk factors that can contribute to or cause hair loss, including:

  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Illness
  • Certain cancer treatments
  • Ringworm
  • Trichotillomania, which causes people to pull out their own hair
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Weight Loss
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Protein or Iron deficiency
  • Eating Disorders
  • Inadequate hair care and certain hair styles

Symptoms

Hair loss may cause gradual thinning, bald patches, or complete baldness. It varies from person to person, and condition.

Treatment

Once your provider determines what is causing your hair loss, there are many effective options for treatment.  Schedule an appointment to learn more about treatment options!

Skin Tightening Treatments

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Skin tightening procedures are non-invasive cosmetic treatments that stimulate collagen and improve the skin’s tone and elasticity on the face and body.

Wrinkles, sagging, and “crepey” skin conditions occur as your body ages. Production of collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep skin plump, firm, and smooth, slows down, resulting in slack skin on the face, neck, and body. 

The capacity of your skin to create elastin and collagen deteriorates slowly, over time. Before you know it, you may be faced with older-looking skin that doesn’t reflect the youthful way you feel on the inside.

Several non-invasive, non-surgical treatments are available to help tighten the skin on your face and elsewhere on the body. These treatments use a variety of radiofrequency, ultrasound, and lasers to help bring the skin back to its youthful appearance.

Types of Skin Tightening Treatments

Non-surgical skin tightening can temporarily stop the aging process and restore a firmer, smoother, more youthful appearance with little to no downtime. 

Contact your dermatologist to learn more about any of the following skin tightening treatments:

ThermiVa®

ThermiVa is an FDA-approved procedure that uses controlled heat radiation to tighten and regenerate the skin of the labia and vagina.

Are you self-conscious about the look of your genital area, or do you suffer from a reduction in sensations resulting from lax vaginal skin? These issues are generally caused by aging, childbirth, or hormonal changes. 

Your dermatologist can enhance labial, vulvar, and vaginal laxity using ThermiVa, a painless in-office treatment that requires no surgery and no anesthesia. The same established radio-frequency technology used in other anti-aging operations feminine rejuvenation therapy to tighten loose vaginal skin. 

EMSELLA®

Emsella is a non-invasive, non-surgical therapy for incontinence caused by a weak pelvic floor. 

The Emsella chair generates a high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) wave to induce supramaximal contractions in the pelvic floor muscles. Treatments last about 30 minutes, and you will need about six sessions. Treatment is painless, but you may experience some tingling or pelvic floor muscle contractions.

Most people with urinary incontinence benefit from Emsella treatments, decreasing the likelihood of urinating as a result of sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising. Emsella eliminates the need to organize excursions and outings around the location of restrooms.

ThermiSmooth®

ThermiSmooth Body is a non-invasive, topical radiofrequency therapy performed with a thermistor-controlled handpiece. 

The handpiece is softly dragged across the skin, contracting and remodeling the collagen molecules. This prompts fibroblasts to produce new collagen, giving you renewed collagen and encouraging the production of new collagen over time. 

The neck, décolleté, arms, abdomen, flanks/love handles, back, hips, thighs, and knees are all excellent areas to use ThermiSmooth Body. Treatments take 6 to 8 weeks, and patients typically compare it with getting a firm, warm massage.

Ultherapy®

Ultherapy uses ultrasound imaging to activate collagen in the very deepest layer of the face muscle to lift and tighten loose skin. 

There is no recovery period, and it is the only FDA-approved technology for lifting and tightening the skin of the face and neck. There is presently no non-invasive equipment that compares to it. 

Ultherapy provides proven results for most patients in a single treatment and is an excellent option for those who are not ready for a surgical facelift. Ultrasonic energy has a long track record in medicine and has been used for more than 50 years.

Am I a Good Candidate for Skin Tightening Procedures? 

You are a good candidate for skin tightening treatments if you have loose skin that is not responding to exercise or dieting. Skin tightening also works well on older skin with a crepey appearance or any aging skin areas that need rejuvenation. 

If you want to improve the look of your loose or sagging skin, you owe it to yourself to talk to one of our professional clinicians at Southlake Dermatology. Contact us today to learn more.

Laser Therapy for Skin, Vein & Hair

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Laser therapy works by increasing cellular energy and encouraging healthy regeneration.

Lasers have been used in dermatology for at least 40 years. Recent advances have not only increased the efficacy of laser therapy but broadened its scope of usefulness. Laser therapy is used for everything from hair removal to the destruction of cancerous skin growths.

The benefits of laser therapy include the fact that it is non-invasive and virtually painless. Although sometimes minimal side effects can occur, like temporary pain, discomfort or blistering, most would agree that laser therapy is certainly worth considering.

Your dermatologist will recommend laser treatments based on your goals and condition type.

To view a full list of treatments, click here.

What is Laser Therapy Used For?

We offer a wide variety of laser types and treatments and many conditions respond very well to laser therapy, such as:

  • Overgrowth of hair
  • Acne scars
  • Hyperpigmentation (age spots)
  • Skin lesions or scars
  • Wrinkles or fine lines
  • Sagging skin/jowls
  • Spider veins, broken capillaries or vascular lesions
  • Rosacea
  • Birthmarks

There are even more skin conditions that may warrant consideration of laser therapy. Talk to your dermatologist at Southlake Dermatology to see if laser therapy may be right for you.

Southlake Dermatology is proud to offer:

  • Fraxel
  • IPL FotoFacial
  • Laser Hair Removal
  • Radiofrequency

Before & After

Am I a Candidate For Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is effective for many conditions, including those brought about by lifestyles and habits.

If you regularly sunbathe or have a history of drinking or smoking, you may need treatment for sun damage, wrinkles, and broken capillaries. Laser therapy is not preventative, so if you indulge in the same kind of behaviors, the initial problem will return.

The best candidates for laser therapy are those who are willing to do more to protect their skin. That way, the results will be lasting.

There are others who might not respond well to laser therapy. This includes those who:

  • Are currently taking certain acne medications
  • Are vulnerable to excess scarring
  • Are pregnant
  • Are taking blood-thinning medication or aspirin daily
  • Have certain skin resurfacing disorders
  • Are prone to sunburns or who currently have a tan or sunburn
  • Have active acne breakouts
  • Are dark-skinned

Your dermatologist will advise you as to whether or not you are a good candidate for laser therapy. Often, the reason someone isn’t a good candidate has to do with the potential for visible scarring after treatment. But all in all, a healthy individual with relatively good skin and no underlying conditions can expect to be a good candidate for this treatment.

Laser therapy is FDA-approved and has been shown to be highly effective over the decades. Why not see for yourself what laser therapy can do for your skin?

Fillers

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Fillers are Cosmetic injections used at different depths to contour, fill and increase facial volume

To view a full list of treatments, click here.

Fillers are used by dermatologists to help patients achieve natural looking beauty, in areas that might need additional fullness or definition.

Fillers plump up the skin so wrinkles disappear and sagging diminishes or becomes less noticeable. Depending on your goals, there are many options that might fit within your treatment plan to achieve the look you desire. Fillers range from smoothing facial wrinkles and folds, increasing lip volume, restoring cheek shape and definition, and adding volume where collagen supply has decreased due to aging.

These injections do not lead to permanent results but repeat treatments are safe. This way, anyone can achieve the more youthful appearance that they desire.

Southlake Dermatology offers several Filler injection treatments, including Revanesse®, Restylane®, Sculptra® Aesthetic and Juvederm®.

What are Filler Injections Used For?

  • Restore volume in cheeks, under eyes and deep wrinkles and creases
  • Plump Lips
  • Contour cheeks and chin to create a more defined look

Before & After

Fillers are FDA-approved and considered safe for most individuals; however, certain side effects may occur with some filler injection formulations.

If you have side effects with one type of filler injection, it doesn’t mean you and your dermatologist can’t use another type of cosmetic injection. Talk to your dermatologist at Southlake Dermatology to determine if one type of filler may be more suitable for your needs than another.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

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Botulinum Toxin Injections are used by dermatologists to help patients achieve a more youthful appearance.

Botulinum Toxin Injections work beneath the outer layer of the skin to reduce the ability of movement in the underlying muscles that cause wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet.

These injections do not lead to permanent results but repeat treatments are safe and encouraged to maintain your youthful look. Southlake Dermatology offers several Botulinum Toxin Injection treatments, including Botox®, Jeuveau, and Dysport®.

What are Cosmetic Injections Used For?

The primary purpose of cosmetic injections is to improve the appearance of skin, and prevent wrinkles and frown lines from appearing when started at an earlier age.

For this reason, cosmetic injections are most often done on the face; however, they can also be done on other areas of the body, including the hands. In fact, Botox is a cosmetic injection that is also used to combat excessively sweaty palms.

  • Most often, though, cosmetic injections are used to:
  • Soften facial creases
  • Erase fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhance facial contours
  • Smooth skin

Botulinum Toxins are FDA-approved and considered safe for most individuals; however, certain side effects may occur with some cosmetic injection formulations.

If you have side effects with one type of cosmetic injection, it doesn’t mean you and your dermatologist can’t use another type of cosmetic injection.

Before & After

Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Injections?

If you suffer from unwanted wrinkles, or are looking to prevent future wrinkles from appearing, cosmetic injections could be a great treatment option for you. Anyone who wishes to appear healthier is a good candidate!

We offer technology to help you easily achieve a more youthful appearance through cosmetic injections. It may take more than one visit in order for you to achieve your desired results.

Your dermatologist or physician assistant at Southlake Dermatology can help guide you through the process.

Body Contouring Treatments

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Body contouring procedures are non-invasive cosmetic treatments that target stubborn fat cells, tone, define muscle, and tighten on the face and body. Learn more.

Achieve your goals with the latest technology in body contouring. We offer customized treatment plans that target your areas of concern or whether you are looking to reduce fat, tone, gain muscle or maintain.  

Types of Body Contouring Treatments

Non-surgical body contouring can help you look and feel your best!

Contact your dermatologist to learn more about any of the following treatments:

Kybella®

KYBELLA is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.”

It is the first and only FDA-approved injectable therapy for improving the look and profile of moderate to severe submental fat. The active ingredient is synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that assists in breaking down and absorbing dietary fat. 

KYBELLA destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction of fullness under the chin. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer accumulate fat. 

CoolSculpting® Elite®

CoolSculpting freezes away fat cells by using cryolipolysis, which uses cold temperatures to target stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diets or exercise. 

This fat-reduction approach targets fat cells beneath the skin without harming the epidermis or other tissues. The FDA has authorized CoolSculpting to treat fat pockets in the following areas:

  • Thighs
  • Abdomen 
  • Back of the bra line
  • Beneath the chin
  • Arms
  • Below the buttocks

After only one session, CoolSculpting can destroy up to 25% of fat cells in a treated region. At least two sessions are required for each location to attain effective results; however, several body parts can be treated during a single session. 

A CoolSculpting treatment may be completed in as little as one hour, making it ideal for scheduling over your lunch break.

Emsculpt®

Emsculpt is the only therapy that helps grow muscle while simultaneously lowering fat, resulting in regions that are more toned and sculpted. Abdominals, buttocks, biceps, and triceps are among the areas treated. 

HIFEM® (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) is a patented non-invasive technique utilized by Emsculpt to produce intense muscular contractions that are not possible with ordinary training. Emsculpt causes contractions in muscles that cannot be actively controlled.

Am I a Good Candidate for Body Contouring Procedures? 

You are a good candidate for body contouring treatments if you have areas that are carrying excess fat, cellulite, or are looking to increase muscle tone. 

Talk to one of our professional clinicians at Southlake Dermatology. Contact us today to learn more.

Skin Resurfacing

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Skin Resurfacing Treatments are a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

Skin Resurfacing Treatments can make a dramatic improvement in the way you look. For relatively little effort, you could take years off of your appearance.

Treatment intensity varies and is customized to meet your skin needs. During a consultation, we will review recommendations and options with you.

Southlake Dermatology is proud to offer:

  • Trichloroacetic Acid Peel (TCA)
  • Vitalize Peel
  • SkinPen Micro Therapy
  • Theraplex Salicylic Acne Peel
  • Rejuvenize Peel
  • Plasma IQ

To learn more and see a full list of services, click here.

What are Skin Resurfacing Treatments Used For?

Skin Resurfacing Treatments are used to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin.  They help address for acne, wrinkles, aging and pigmentation.

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of treatments. When a layer of skin is removed, the skin rejuvenates itself and builds a fresh new layer of skin cells. This results in a more youthful appearance that is devoid of the skin imperfections that were targeted.

Among other uses, cosmetic peels are used for:

  • Acne
  • Wrinkles
  • Discoloration
  • Dryness
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Scars

Types of Skin Resurfacing Treatments

Skin Resurfacing Treatments fall under three categories; light, medium, and deep. The variations designate how deeply the ingredients in the peel formulation penetrate the skin.

  • Light treatments. Light treatments remove only the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This type of treatments treats dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend repeat treatments no more than once every two to five weeks.
  • Medium treatments. Medium treatments penetrate to the depth of the upper layer of the dermis. Medium treatments are used to treat things like acne scars, average wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation brought about by sun damage or other reasons. More than one treatment may be needed to reach full effect.
  • Deep treatments. Even with a deep treatments, the formulation will only reach a safe depth of the skin. Deep treatments may be recommended to treat older, deeper wrinkles, certain benign skin growths, or scars. Typically, only one session of a deep treatments is needed to obtain results.

Am I a Candidate for Skin Resurfacing Treatments?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for Skin Resurfacing Treatments, as long as there are no underlying skin conditions that could be negatively impacted by the process. For instance, open, blistering acne breakouts would not respond well to these treatments.

Others who may not be a good candidate include anyone who:

  • Has a history of overdevelopment of scar tissue
  • Is pregnant
  • Has chronic cold sore breakouts
  • Takes certain prescription medication

Skin Resurfacing Treatments are done in your dermatologist’s office. They do require some healing time, so this is not a treatment that would be appropriate to have done during your work lunch hour.

After a treatment, the skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Your dermatologist will provide after-care instructions with details.

There is typically a recovery time of up to two weeks, depending upon what type of treatment you received. If you are getting a treatment to improve your appearance for a certain event, such as a wedding, you should schedule your treatment well in advance so that your skin has enough time to heal properly.

Skin Resurfacing Treatments are straightforward treatments and are available at Southlake Dermatology.