INTRODUCTION

Our Mayo trained dermatologists, dermatology physician assistant and nurse practitioner are thorough and experienced in diagnosing and treating a multitude of skin, hair and nail conditions in children and adults.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

• Acne
• Blistering Diseases
• Cysts
• Dermatitis
• Dry Skin
• Eczema
• Excessive Sweating
• Foot Conditions
• Hair Loss
• Lip Conditions
• Moles
• Nail Diseases
• Psoriasis
• Rashes
• Rosacea
• Scalp Diseases
• Skin Allergies
• Skin Cancer
• Skin Infections
• Sore Mouth
• Sun-damaged Skin
• Warts

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS

• Dermoscopy for mole exams
• Photographic Mole Mapping
• Patch Testing for skin allergies
• Biopsy of skin, scalp, hair, nails
• Direct Immunofluoresence
• Indirect Immunofluoresence
• Laboratory Studies (blood work)
• Skin culture

ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS

Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical procedure used to treat skin cancers, typically of the head and neck. Recurrent or more advanced tumors of the rest of the body are sometimes treated with Mohs surgery as well. The surgery itself is named after Fred Mohs, a general surgeon who invented the technique about 60 years ago. Mohs surgery involves a same-day procedure where an initial "layer" is taken (the clinical tumor) and examined under the microscope for any involvement of the edges while the patient waits. The tissue is mapped in such a way so that if there is tumor at any one edge, the surgeon knows exactly which edge this is and can go back to take another small piece of skin from this edge only (instead of another whole circle around the defect, leaving a larger defect than necessary). The technique offers two main advantages over traditional skin cancer removal treatments:

1. The best cure rate. Mohs surgery for primary basal cell carcinoma, for example, has a 98% cure rate.
2. The smallest scars. Because Mohs surgery is a tissue sparing surgery, where only the skin with tumor in it is removed, the patient is left with the smallest defect possible. Smaller defects mean smaller scars in the end, after the defect is closed. In traditional excisions, the edges are not checked in "real-time" so safety margins are necessary. This often leads to larger defects and eventually larger scars. On the face, even a couple of millimeters difference in a scar length can make a big cosmetic difference.

Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis

This advanced class of medications is used to treat moderate to severe widespread psoriasis by targeting certain components of the immune system. The medications are usually self-injected in the privacy of your home and result in excellent clearing of the skin.

Phototherapy

Narrowband UVB Light

Ultraviolet B (UVB) light is a time tested & effective therapy for many skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. We offer a stand-up booth as well as a hand & foot unit. Treatments are usually 3 times a week for several weeks.

Excimer UVB Light

Used for years as a stand-up booth treatment for psoriasis and eczema, Ultraviolet B (UVB) light is now available in a hand-held, concentrated beam through the Excimer Laser. Targeting small or hard to reach areas, such as the scalp, palms, and soles, the Excimer Laser also treats alopecia areata, vitiligo, lichen planus, hypopigmentation, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Treatments are usually twice a week for 6 weeks.

Blu-Light

Blue light alone or in combination with ALA is used to treat severe acne.

Photodynamic Therapy with ALA

Blue light and Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) are combined to treat precancerous skin cells (Actinic Keratoses), inflammatory acne, and some forms of rosacea.

Botox® for Excessive Sweating

For people with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) Botox® has proven to dramatically reduce sweating by blocking the nerve signals to the sweat glands. While this treatment does not interfere with healthy sweating elsewhere on the body, it will help lessen the embarrassment and garment damage caused by sweat stains. Botox® injections can be used to treat excessive sweat affecting the palms, soles, underarms and other areas. The effects last for 6 - 9 months, and even longer. These treatments are often covered by health insurance.

MEDICAL LASER SERVICES

Thanks to advances in medical laser technology, a number of procedures which previously required short stays in the hospital or treatment at a surgical center may now be performed safely (and often at a lower cost) in the comfort and privacy of our office with little or no down time. These include:

Rosacea

Vascular Laser

Red spots and facial veins occur as a result of age, genetics, sun exposure, and/or lifestyle. Rosacea is a genetic skin condition that can cause flushing of the face and neck, and there are several environmental triggers. Lasers, due to their selectivity, target blood vessels without disrupting the surrounding skin. Depending on the extent of vascularity, discomfort is usually mild and treatments can be tolerated without anesthesia. Some vascular lesions may require topical anesthetic. Healing times and the number of treatments vary depending on the laser used and the area treated.

Warts

Warts are caused by a virus that enters the skin and manifests itself as a rough bump. Wart treatment is usually considered medically necessary and covered by your health insurance plan.

Many warts can be difficult to treat. Traditional treatments for warts are freezing (usually with liquid Nitrogen), chemicals (both topical and injections), surgical removal (cutting them out), and laser treatment. The vascular laser has become a useful option for treatment of difficult warts.

The vascular laser treatment works by selective absorption of laser energy by the blood supply to the wart. The treated area then gradually sloughs. Depending on the size and type of wart, the wart may respond to the very first treatment. However, most patients will require additional treatments at regular intervals. Strict adherence to a regular treatment schedule is necessary for the best possible outcome.

Most patients can tolerate the discomfort without the need to inject local anesthesia (though this is available upon request) and are able to return to normal daily activities almost immediately.

Folliculitis

Hair removal is an effective & permanent option for the treatment of ingrown hairs. Lasers have now become the preferred method of safely and effectively removing hair. Most hair reduction lasers target melanin (brown pigment) in a hair. The laser's energy is selectively absorbed by the hair follicle and bulb, and much less by the surrounding tissue. Possible side-effects from laser hair removal are rare, but can include scar or a change in color of your skin. Darker-hair and lighter-skin patients have the lowest risk of side effects, but the laser can be used safely and effectively on darker skin types.

The speed of the laser makes it practical to treat larger areas such as bikini areas, under arms, lips, beard area, and virtually anywhere hair grows.

Due to the nature of the hair growth cycle, several treatments are necessary to achieve the best results. It depends on the area of the body and type of hair, but usually 5 to 6 treatments yield optimal results.

Acne & Rosacea

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) a light sensitive solution that binds to sebum (oil), is applied to the skin for 60 minutes. The vascular laser is then used to activate the solution deep in the hair follicle where oil is produced and treats excessive oil production. The laser treats excess redness and telangiectasia of rosacea at the same time.

Other

Also see our SkinSpa Services for additional laser services.

If you have questions about laser therapy, please ask any of our staff. Our specialists will be happy to discuss your specific concerns and can determine if laser therapies or other techniques are best for you. Call 612-455-3200 to schedule a convenient time to meet with one of our laser professionals. Cosmetic consultations with our aesthetics staff are complimentary.

MEDICAL AESTHETICS SERVICES

Botox® Cosmetic

• We use only medical grade Botox® from Allergan®
• Smoothes wrinkles, leaving softer, more gentle features
• Non-surgical “brow lift”
• Dramatically reduces excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis)

Injectable Fillers

Juvederm™ Ultra & Ultra Plus plumps, revitalizes, and revolumizes the lips and cheeks & treats fine lines and “smile lines”

Sculptra™ & Radiesse™ replace lost facial volume due to aging or illness for a naturally fuller, more healthy, youthful appearance.

Other

Also see our SkinSpa Services section for additional services.