Skin Care Questions and Answers from Dr. Lin
Skin Cancer
- What are the causes of skin cancer and how can I minimize my risk for developing skin cancer?
- How can I detect skin cancer?
- What is Mohs surgery?
Botox
Fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse)
- What are dermal fillers?
- What is the difference between Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse?
- Will Botox and Juvederm make me look fake?
Laser Hair Removal
- What exactly is laser hair removal and does it hurt?
- How do I choose a physician to do my laser hair removal?
- How much does laser hair removal cost?
Acne
What is a dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and conditions of the skin, hair and nails. Although many professionals pass themselves off as dermatologists, misleading the public with terms such as “Cosmetic Surgeons” or “Board Certified Physicians,” Board Certified Dermatologists undergo a minimum of 8 years of medical training, at least half of which is focused on the skin. Dermatologists are skin care specialists who treat acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma). Dermatologists also specialize in non-invasive cosmetic procedures for the skin including Botox, dermal fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse), and the use of lasers for hair removal, and for the treatment of rosacea, psoriasis, acne, sun spots/liver spots, unwanted birthmarks, broken blood vessels, scars and acne scars.
Where do you practice?
Short Hills Dermatology has offices at 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 2H, Short Hills, NJ 07078. Dr. Richie Lin also is a member of the attending staff at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey.
Skin Cancer
What are the causes of skin cancer and how can I minimize my risk for developing skin cancer?
The most important factor in developing skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun, sunlamps or tanning booths. Although anyone can develop skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people with fair skin and light colored hair or eyes. Use of protective clothing, sunscreen and avoiding midday sun exposure will minimize your risk for developing skin cancer.
How can I detect skin cancer?
Skin cancer is best detected by regularly screening yourself for new or changing moles or growths and getting annual skin cancer screening by a dermatologist. If the area looks suspicious, a dermatologist in Livingston may recommend a skin biopsy to confirm or rule out a skin cancer.
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is one skin cancer removal method used on basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer where the skin cancer is removed layer by layer until no cancer cells remain. This achieves the highest cure rate, while potentially sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and usually followed by meticulous repair (stitching) of the operative site.
Botox
What are Botox treatments? How long do results last?
Botox is a medication designed to relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles on the forehead, brow and around the eyes. Treatments take approximately 20 minutes to administer and are virtually painless with the use of numbing creams and ice. Results last from 3 to 6 months depending on the area being treated.
How much does Botox cost?
In the New York metro area, Botox treatments by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon cost anywhere from $300-$1500 depending on the number of areas being treated, patient goals and the experience and training of the physician. Be wary of medspas and non-cosmetic physicians administering these treatments at “too good to be true” prices.
Fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse)
What are dermal fillers?
As we age, changes in our face include a loss of fat from certain areas, a shifting of fat pads and crease formation due to repetitive facial movements. Dermal fillers can be used to partially reverse these changes, leading to a more youthful, refreshed look. Dermal fillers can also be used to make small changes to the shape of lips, chins, cheeks, under-eye circles and noses. Examples of dermal fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane and Radiesse
What is the difference between Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse?
Juvederm and Restylane/Perlane are similar products made of hyaluronic acid. They are most commonly used in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, tear troughs, and lips. Radiesse is a thicker dermal filler most commonly used in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, nose, chin and marionette lines. Your dermatologist will choose the most appropriate filler based on your treatment goals.
Will Botox and Juvederm make me look fake?
When used properly, Botox, Juvederm and Restylane should lead to a “refreshed” look, and should not drastically change the shape of your face. When you spot a celebrity who looks fake or someone who looks like they have had “too much Botox,” they usually have had too much plastic surgery. The use of injectable products for non-surgical rejuvenation should be used to make subtle changes leading to a natural appearance.
Laser Hair Removal
What exactly is laser hair removal and does it hurt?
Dermatologists have developed medical lasers to permanently reduce unwanted body and facial hair, to minimize your need to pluck, wax or shave. To achieve hairlessness or near hairlessness, a series of 3 to 9 treatments spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart are needed, depending on the hair type, location and patient goals. Coarse hairs are easily removed, while fine hair or “peach fuzz” is less amenable to laser hair removal. Laser hair removal treatments are very well tolerated with the use of cooling devices built into the laser devices, and are less painful then waxing or plucking.
How do I choose a physician to do my laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that should be performed in a physician’s office by physician who specializes in skin care such as a dermatologist. Choose your physician based on their area of specialization, the device or devices he or she will use to treat you and your relationship with that physician.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost of laser hair removal usually depends on the size of the area being treated, and the experience of your physician. Typical costs are $200 per treatment for a small area (upper lip) to $1000 per treatment for a larger area (back). Be wary of exorbitantly high or low prices or “too good to be true” guarantees. Keep an eye out for seasonal specials or discounts offered for multiple treatments. Because results from laser hair removal last for years, the cost is often comparable to other hair removal methods such as waxing, threading or electrolysis.
Acne
What is acne and how come I break out?
Acne is a chronic condition that is caused by a number of factors, including genetics and hormone production. We have not been able to clearly link acne and food such as dairy or chocolate, although that does not mean one does not exist.
What is the best acne treatment?
To get help with your acne, find a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions) who can properly diagnoses your type of acne. Based on your type of acne, a dermatologist can recommend appropriate skin care, topical or oral medications, in-office treatments such as glycolic or salicylic peels, or laser acne treatments.
Schedule an Appointment
