Archives for April 2019

Getting a skin spot checked is easy and painless, but some patients have to endure a little discomfort if their spot looks suspicious. That’s because, to check for skin cancer, our dermatologists have typically had to cut away a small skin sample, which makes some patients anxious. Thanks to a new technology, all that’s changing. We’re proud to use the new Pigmented Lesion Assay (PLA) test, which takes just minutes and doesn’t require any cutting of the skin.

The test takes skin cell samples with four adhesive patches, each one roughly the size of a quarter, which then go to a lab. The PLA rules out melanoma with 99% accuracy, and better yet, makes a lot of formerly routine surgeries unnecessary.

Best of all, it could lead to improved long-terms outcomes for melanoma sufferers. Using the PLA means that dermatologists can direct more time and resources toward patients with malignant growths, and the PLA removes a psychological barrier to getting tested in the first place. Early-stage melanoma is far more treatable than late-stage, so the decision to get tested early could save a life.

“The DermTech Adhesive Skin technology really has been a game-changer in my clinical dermatology practice,” says Dr. Stacey Tompkins in our La Jolla office. “I now can offer my patients the latest, cutting-edge tests to help determine if a mole is at risk for being or turning into a malignant melanoma. With four simple tape applications to the mole, the DermTech assay can tell us if a pigmented lesion is at low, moderate or high risk for being malignant by looking at certain high risk genetic markers. There is no cutting of the skin involved. This is such a tremendous boon for patients, as we can now assess a pigmented growth without having to cut the patient to obtain tissue. Many of my patients have been biopsied traditionally so many times, they are thrilled now to have this option.”

With the PLA, getting precise, cell-level data is as easy as a DNA ancestry kit, but in our case, we’re getting information to protect patients’ lives.

Dr. Brook Brouha recently had a young female patient with a mildly suspicious lesion on the back of her neck. “Given the age of the patient I’m not sure I would have done an invasive biopsy on this lesion. Since I have the non-invasive PLA test in my office, I chose to do that first. The test came back highly suggestive of Melanoma… Having the PLA gave me an additional option to obtain objective information to guide my clinical treatment decision!”

If you think you might be a candidate for the test, or if you have a child or needle-phobic person in the family, just make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We’ll get you answers as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Your skin probably doesn’t look the same as it did 15 years ago. (If it does, please share your secrets!) Both your DNA and external factors, like UV exposure, diet, exercise and your favorite sleeping position, determine how you age. As the years pass, the skin tends to get looser, dryer, and less even-looking for everyone.

 

Now for the good news—you can keep up a youthful look with smart daily choices and non-invasive procedures. Keep scrolling to read about some of the most common signs of aging and how you can turn them around.

Sun Exposure: ☀️

THE CAUSE: Daily sun exposure

THE RESULT: UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which form the flexible tissue under the skin’s surface. When that connective tissue breaks down, the skin gets weaker and less elastic, and that’s a recipe for sagging and wrinkles. Making matters worse, UV rays also damage skin at a DNA level which can leave dark spots and cause the development of skin cancer.

THE FIX:  Sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ limits your UV exposure and prevents sun damage before it starts. We sell dermatologist-recommended brands in all our offices! If you’re already seeing sun damage, chemical peels  or a variety of lasers including IPL photofacials can help reverse it with minimal downtime.

Facial Expressions: 😑

THE CAUSE: Repetitive facial expressions and your chosen sleeping position

THE RESULT: As the skin ages, it naturally grows less flexible. When it folds or creases—maybe because you’re smiling, frowning, or resting against a pillow—it eventually stops snapping back as easily. Over time, those folds and creases become permanent.

THE FIX: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or the new Jeuveau relaxes facial muscles, keeping them from bunching skin together and creating creases. That relaxed appearance smooths existing wrinkles and helps prevent new ones from forming.

Loss of Collagen: 🌊

THE CAUSE:  Natural loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid

THE RESULT:  When your skin ages, it holds less of these substances, resulting in a drier texture and a thinned out look.

THE FIX: Dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm family or Belotero can re-infuse the skin with hyaluronic acid, which leads to a firmer and smoother appearance.

Want to get closer to the fountain of youth? If you’re searching for the best anti-aging strategy for you, we’re here to help. Make an appointment and we’ll keep your skin looking its best for years to come. 

The West Dermatology Team