Summit Dermatology

DERMAL FILLERS KYBELLA NEUROMODULATORS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA SCLEROTHERAPY If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please call us at 360.918.8101 . For a consultation, or to setup an appointment click here. Cosmetic Dermatologist Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Centralia, Shelton, Federal Way & surrounding areas in Washington.

BODYFX CELLFINA COOLSCULPTING COOLTONE FORMA KYBELLA SCULPSURE SILHOUETTE INSTALIFT ULTHERAPY If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please call us at 360.918.8101 . For a consultation, or to setup an appointment click here. Cosmetic Dermatologist Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Centralia, Shelton, Federal Way & surrounding areas in Washington.

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT LASER HAIR REMOVAL LASER SKIN RESURFACING LASER TATTOO REMOVAL LASER TONING PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT) PIGMENTATION TREATMENT RADIO FREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING SCAR TREATMENT SKIN TIGHTENING AND LIFTING VASCULAR TREATMENT If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please call us at 360.918.8101 . For a consultation, or to setup an appointment click here. Cosmetic Dermatologist Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Centralia, Shelton, Federal Way & surrounding areas in Washington.

ACCUVEIN CUSTOMIZED SKIN ANALYSIS MEDICAL-GRADE SKIN CARE PRO-NOX NITROUS OXIDE If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please call us at 360.918.8101 . For a consultation, or to setup an appointment click here. Cosmetic Dermatologist Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Centralia, Shelton, Federal Way & surrounding areas in Washington.

CHEMICAL PEELS DERMAPLANING HYDRAFACIAL MICRO-NEEDLING If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please call us at 360.918.8101 . For a consultation, or to setup an appointment click here. Cosmetic Dermatologist Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Centralia, Shelton, Federal Way & surrounding areas in Washington.

What Is Skin Cancer? Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (affecting cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis) and squamous cell carcinomas (affecting cells in the middle layer of the epidermis). A rarer but more dangerous skin cancer is melanoma, the leading cause of death from skin disease. Risk factors for developing skin cancer include the following: fair skin, family history of melanoma, age over 40, and regular sun exposure. Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed, or otherwise suspicious growths or rashes should be examined immediately by a dermatologist. Early intervention is essential to preventing the cancer from spreading.

What Is Psoriasis? In the US, more than 7 million men, women and children have psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which skin cells replace themselves every 3 to 4 days, rather than the usual 30, creating a buildup of cells on the skin’s surface. Red, raised, dry and cracked scaly patches occur on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitalia. Although there is no cure, there are several treatments available to effectively relieve symptoms. Topical and oral prescription medications Light therapy Biologics

ACNE Acne affects more than 80% of the population at any one time. It is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous (or oil) glands that leads to acne bumps and potential scarring. Acne typically occurs on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. Standard treatments include topical and oral prescription medications. In addition, laser and light treatments and chemical peels can be effective. Summit Dermatology, Laser Surgery & Aesthetic Center can customize a treatment plan. Treatment options: Topical and oral prescription medications Chemical peels and infusions Laser and light treatments

ROSACEA TREATMENT What Is Rosacea? Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back, and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples, diffuse blood vessels to dry, burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea – low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations – are more difficult to handle than the physical ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable. Roscea Treatment Options: Topical and oral prescription medications Chemical peels and infusions Laser and light treatments

What Is Eczema? Eczema is a term used to describe a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic, relapsing and very itchy rashes. There is no known cause for the condition, but it appears to involve an overactive immune system in the presence of certain materials and often occurs in people susceptible to allergies. Eczema Treatment Options Moisturizing lotions and creams Cool compresses Prescription corticosteroid creams and ointments Oral antibiotics to combat infection, if present Oral immunosuppressants, if severe

What Is Mole Removal? Moles and birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pink, or purple (vascular lesions, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine stains). Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a board-certified dermatologist immediately: Larger than six millimeters Symptomatic (ie., itches or bleeds) Rapidly changing in color, size or shape Has multiple colors Located in area that can’t be easily monitored, such as the scalp Depending on their depth, location and color, as well as the patient’s skin type, age and other factors, treatment for benign but unattractive birthmarks may take the form of laser or pulsed light therapy, surgical excision, or shave removal.

What Are Skin Tags? Skin tags, or acrochordons, are very common small, soft skin growths that occur on the eyelids, neck, armpits, groin folds, and under breasts. They are harmless but annoying. Skin tags usually occur at middle age and can be associated with obesity. They typically result from friction due to jewelry or clothing rubbing against the skin. Removing a skin tag does not cause more to grow. It is recommended that they be removed if they become irritated or a cosmetic nuisance. Depending on size and location, skin tags can be removed with cryotherapy or snipped off.

What Is A Skin Biopsy? A skin biopsy is a diagnostic test that involves removing a tissue sample and examining it under a microscope. This test is used to identify suspicious lesions and to differentiate normal cells from abnormal ones. Reasons For Skin Lesion Biopsies Skin lesion biopsies are performed when simple visual examination by the physician is insufficient to make a clear cut diagnosis. Such biopsies are done in order to make a definitive diagnosis of: Skin infections which may be fungal, bacterial or viral Skin growths like moles, warts, or seborrheic keratosis Precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis Bullous pemphigoid and other blistering skin disorders Dermatitis, such as eczema or psoriasis Skin cancers, including basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma The Skin Lesion Biopsy Procedure Since a local anesthetic will be administered prior to the biopsy, the procedure will not be painful. Depending on depth of involvement, Dr. Jessica Kim will determine if a superficial shave biopsy or a deeper punch biopsy is required. Following the biopsy, the tissue sample is stored in a preservative solution or a sterile container until it can be processed at a pathology laboratory. Once the specimen has been prepared and thoroughly examined under a microscope, a diagnosis will be made to determine what the course of follow-up treatment, if any, should be. Results And Further Treatment After Skin Lesion Biopsy It may take several days to 2 weeks to receive laboratory results, depending on the type of biopsy that has been performed and on the types of testing required. Depending on what the laboratory results show, medication may be prescribed, further excision may be necessary, or, in the case of serious malignancy, radiation or chemotherapy may be required. In many cases, where the biopsy shows no abnormality, there will be no further treatment necessary.

What Is Cryotherapy? Cryotherapy refers to treatment of surface skin lesions with liquid nitrogen. Lesions that may be treated with cryotherapy include the following: Actinic keratosis Viral warts Seborrheic keratosis Cryotherapy Benefits Freezing may be the most suitable way of getting rid of many different kinds of surface skin lesions. It is relatively inexpensive, safe, and reliable. However, it is important that the skin lesion has been properly diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist prior to treatment. The treated area is likely to blister within a few hours. Sometimes the blister is clear and sometimes it is red or purple due to bleeding (this is harmless). Usually no special attention is needed during the healing phase. The treated area may be gently washed once or twice daily, and should be kept clean and petroleum jelly applied to speed healing. Electrodessication Modern, high-frequency electrosurgical devices transfer electrical energy to human tissue via a treatment electrode that remains cool. Electrosurgery is used to destroy benign and malignant skin lesions, to control bleeding, and to cut or excise tissue. Electrosurgery is simple to perform and is useful for treating a variety of skin lesions, especially small superficial lesions (ie., skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, small angiomas). Electrodessication is one major modality in electrosurgery. An active electrode touches or is inserted into the skin to produce tissue destruction. Resulting superficial wounds heal quickly by secondary intention. To speed healing, wounds are cleansed daily and then covered with petrolatum or antibiotic ointment. It is important that skin lesions be properly diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist prior to treatment.

What Is Ear Lobe Repair The auricle (outside) of the ear is composed entirely of soft tissue. The more rigid areas consist of only skin covering cartilage with a minor amount of connective tissue between the two, while the ear lobe itself is just a fatty tissue deposit at the bottom of the auricle. These are fragile structures that are very susceptible to damage, especially after being pierced; large and heavy pieces of jewelry will only exacerbate the weakness of the ear lobe. Luckily, because there is no cartilage in the actual ear lobes, they can generally be repaired with successful results and minimal risk of deformity. If a person’s ear lobe does split, whether from jewelry being aggressively pulled or through chronic use of heavy weighted jewelry, the procedure is quite simple. Local anesthetic is applied through injection into the ear lobe and the two ends of the tear are brought together by both dissolving sutures in the inner tissue and skin sutures on the surface. The wound is given some ointment as a dressing as is expected to drain itself as it heals. Is Earlobe Surgery Painful? Ear lobe reconstruction patients generally do not need pain medication, as over-the-counter pain relievers will suffice if discomfort persists. How To Prepare For Your Earlobe Surgery The ear should be washed daily for a week after surgery, but no piercings or jewelry may be used for two to six months after surgery. Skin sutures, if used, will be removed one to two weeks after surgery. Otherwise, recovery is quite fast, with most patients returning to normal activity in less than a week. Earlobe Surgery Risks As with all surgical procedures, risks of infection and scarring do exist. These risks can be controlled by conscientious and diligent care by both patient and doctor.