Santa Barbara Skin Care - Dermatologist in Santa Barbara, CA

At Santa Barbara Skin Care we offer Botox, mohs surgery, fillers and more. Call our Santa Barbara, CA dermatologists to learn about our range of services.

Mohs Therapy Skin Cancer Treatment

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Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized, highly effective technique for the removal of skin cancer. The procedure was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin and is now practiced throughout the world.

The Mohs procedure involves surgically removing skin cancer layer by layer, and examining the tissue under a microscope until healthy, cancer-free tissue around the tumor is reached (called clear margins). The procedure is performed specifically for large cancers where standard surgery has failed in complete clearance of the tumor. Mohs surgery will be performed in our office and can sometimes take up to three or four hours to complete. This allows us to eliminate the cancer accurately by targeting two parts in the removal of skin cancer. The two parts being: clearing the cancerous tumor and then proceeding to close the wound. We are able to perform both parts of the procedure on the same day to make it much more convenient for the patients.

Mohs surgery has the highest success rate for the treatment of skin cancer (up to 99%) because our Mohs surgeon is specially trained as a cancer surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon.

Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer found in the United States. In addition to having 3.5 million cases per year in the country, Arizona ranks exceedingly high as second in the world for the number of skin cancer incidents, only behind Australia. Because Arizona is such a dangerous environment for skin, it is essential for you to take care of your skin.

Skin cancer includes a wide range of cancers that begin to form abnormal skin cells caused by uncontrolled growths. It is important to check for any signs of skin cancer or unfamiliar moles that begin to develop overtime. Taking preventative measures such as applying sunscreen and reducing the amount of sun exposure are only the first steps to remain cancer-free. We recommend visiting us one to two times a year for full skin exams to ensure your skin stays healthy.

The three main types of skin cancer include Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma.  It’s important to find out which type of skin cancer you have to understand your skin cancer treatment options.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer found in the human body. It begins as a locally destructive tumor that arises in the body’s basal skin cells. The formation of BCCs are typically caused by cumulative intense sun exposure. These BCCs form in the deepest layer of the skin as uncontrollable growths that can progress and basically damage blood vessels, muscle tissue, and other nerve endings. With early detection and the proper treatment, BCC can be eliminated. Removing the original tumor site is very important to the body because aggressive basal cell carcinoma has the ability to spread to other areas of the skin and can be locally destructive and disfiguring. BCCs often look like open sores, red patches, pimple-like growths, shiny bumps or scars.After you are diagnosed with BCC, there are a number of surgical and nonsurgical options to help treat this form of skin cancer. Depending on the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor, as well as the overall health needs of the patient, we provide the ideal treatment to assess the problem properly. While basal cell carcinoma is a serious issue which can lead to permanent disfigurement, it rarely spreads to other areas in the body. Early diagnosis is necessary to prevent further complications.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is a type of carcinoma cancer that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, lips, mouth, esophagus, urinary bladder, prostate, lungs, vagina and cervix. SCCs may appear as a red crusted or scaly patch on the skin, a non-healing ulcer, or a firm red nodule on areas that are most exposed to the sun such as the ears, nose, head, neck, torso and arms.With early detection and proper treatment, SCC can be removed and easily treatable. Understanding the signs and recognizing SCCs early increases the cure rate and minimizes your odds of further extensive treatments. If left untreated, aggressive squamous cell carcinomas (especially of the ears and lips) have a greater risk for spreading to the lymph nodes and other internal organs.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin. It is treatable and possible to remove when detected early, but can be fatal to your health if allowed to progress and spread. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment producing cells in the skin, known as melanocytes. Normal melanocytes reside in the outer layer of the skin and produce the brown pigment melanin, which is responsible for the color of our skin. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes become cancerous, grow and invade other tissues.We are not certain how all cases of melanoma develop; however it is clear that if you endure excessive sun exposure, especially severe blistering sunburns during childhood or persistent indoor tanning, you may be increasing your risk of developing melanoma.  Although moles and brown spots on the skin are usually harmless, anyone who has more than 100 moles is also at a greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles, which is why it’s so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body.

If you have seen any signs of skin cancer, make an appointment for a skin cancer screening right away. Depending on the type of skin cancer, the severity, and your needs and budget, we will work with you to find the best skin cancer treatment for you.  Read more about our skin cancer treatments and schedule an appointment to come see us!

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, also known as A.K.S., are precancerous conditions of the skin. When I say precancer that is really meaning basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These tend to develop in fair skinned individuals and more commonly on sun exposed areas.

The signs of actinic keratosis is a rough adherent scale. What most patients are going to describe them as is basically a scab that just does not want to fall off, and sometimes if they scratch it hard enough it can bleed. Approximately 10 to 30% of these can go on to develop into non-melanoma skin cancer.

Prevention of actinic keratosis is best achieved through sun protective measures. First is sunscreen. Now the important thing to know about sunscreen, that a lot of people do not know, is that S.P.F. tells you only how much U.V.B. rays it protects you from. Now that doesn’t tell you about how much U.V.A. it protects you from and U.V.A is equally causative of these. So it’s very important that when you are buying sunscreen, that it should have an S.P.F. of 30 or better, but also on the label it should say broad spectrum protection.

The other thing that works really well, they have new U.P.F. shirts which are long sleeve or short sleeve shirts and you put that on and that will alleviate the necessity to put sunscreen all over your upper body. I also recommend wide brim hats because skin cancers and precancers are very common on the ears.

Actinic Keratosis is a dry, scaly, rough bump that is typically anything from skin-colored to reddish-brown. Actinic keratosis can also be referred to as “solar keratoses” or “sun spots.” Fair-skinned people are more susceptible, and actinic keratosis tends to appear on skin that receives the most sun such as the forehead, ears, neck, arms, hands, lower lip, a bald scalp and lower legs. No matter where actinic keratosis develops, it is considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. Actinic keratoses may be removed by liquid nitrogen—a simple, quick and rather painless treatment in which the area is frozen off—but if you have many actinic keratoses, additional treatment options may include photodynamic laser therapy, chemical peels, or prescription creams.Keeping your skin well moisturized is a great way to maintain healthy skin and help avoid the risk of developing actinic keratosis. If your skin begins to itch, develop red bumps, or appears to have a sand-paper like texture for a long period of time, contact us for a professional diagnosis.

Dysplastic Nevus

Dysplastic nevus is an atypical mole that often resembles melanoma. An atypical mole is a mole that differs in size, color, texture and height from a common mole. This pre-cancerous mole tends to have a mixture of pink, tan, or brown shades and is flat to the skin’s surface. It doesn’t have a symmetrical circle or oval shape, but does have very distinct edges. An atypical mole could be the first sign towards the development of a single or multiple melanomas. A higher number of moles relate to a higher possibility of developing melanoma. Heredity also has a major impact in the development of dysplastic nevus and is commonly carried down from a family history of melanoma. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a family history of melanoma you are still at risk for developing this type of skin cancer, especially if you undergo high amounts of sun exposure or sun burns. If you notice any moles that have these characteristics, get them looked at immediately.

Skin Cancer Treatments

If you see any signs of skin cancer, make an appointment for a skin cancer screening immediately.  We will perform a full skin cancer screening and if anything is found, we will work with you to find the best skin cancer treatment for you.  We have a wide range of treatments from Mohs Therapy, Brachytherapy, and many other additional skin cancer treatments.  Depending on the type of skin cancer found, the severity, as well as your needs and budget, we will work with you to find the best treatment for you.

Vein Treatments

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About Vein Treatments

What are they?

We understand that prominent veins on your face, hands, or legs can affect you, both physically and psychologically. That’s why we offer various vein treatment options to eliminate unwanted veins and rejuvenate your appearance with clearer, healthier-looking skin. Varicose veins and spider veins are unsightly veins that develop due to trauma, heredity, overexposure to the sun, obesity, changes in hormone activity, problems with circulation, and more. On the legs, they can be unsightly and painful, while on the face they can cause you to be self-conscious about your appearance. Vein treatment involves therapies that eliminate veins by destroying them and then flushing them from your body.

What to expect

Our vein specialists utilize the following vein treatment options: sclerotherapy – the use of a solution that destroys veins before your body naturally flushes them from your system; IPL (Intense Pulsed Laser) therapy – gently dissolves troublesome veins with broadband light; PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser) therapy – safely erases unsightly veins with a dyed laser; and laser therapy – various types of minimally-invasive lasers that dissolve the targeted veins. Whichever therapy is used to eliminate facial or leg veins, you should expect to have clearer, smoother, less painful, and healthier-looking skin, but the overall number of treatments required depends on the extent of your vein issue and the therapy chosen.

After the procedure

Side effects vary from treatment to treatment, but some patients may experience mild and temporary side effects that include swelling, redness, itching, and tenderness. Most side effects subside within 10-14 days after treatment.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our dermatologists have the skill and experience necessary to perform a vein treatment that meets your aesthetic goals. What separates us from other practices is that we focus on you as a person, so we will tailor treatment to suit your unique case. Our compassionate practitioners will address your concerns and answer any questions to ensure your ease of mind.

Lumps, Bumps and Moles

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About Lumps, Bumps, and Moles

What are they?

“Lumps, bumps, and moles” is a general term that typically refers to warts, skin tags, vascular birthmarks, cysts, fat deposits, and more. Normally, these skin growths and irregularities are benign; however, they can have a negative bearing on your self-esteem because they often form on parts of your body that are easily visible, such as the face or neck. Other areas of the body that frequently develop lumps, bumps, and moles include the torso, back, arms, legs, and groin.

What causes them?

Since lumps, bumps, and moles can develop due to a multitude of reasons, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who can properly identify and treat your particular condition.

Common treatments

Our skin experts have the training, knowledge, and experience to help you manage a variety of lumps, bumps, moles, warts, cysts, vascular birthmarks, and other skin irregularities. Treatment options include pulsed dye laser (PDL), Cutera Excel V laser, steroids, surgical excision, and prescription oral or topical medications. In some cases, such as with moles, only simple observation is necessary. However, since benign skin growths and irregularities vary from person to person, a consultation with your favorite skin specialist is the only to way to know which treatment is best for you.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that abnormal lumps or bumps in your skin may seem like nothing more than just a sign of aging, but they may actually be damaging the health and appearance of your skin. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and advice about a variety of lumps, bumps, and moles. Our compassionate staff of experts is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns, so don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can manage these unwanted skin irregularities.

Melasma Treatment

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Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or chin. Melasma usually occurs in women and is most common in people with darker skin tones, including those of Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Mediterranean descent. Dermatological Studies show that sun exposure, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy and heredity factors are the most common causes of melasma. Any sun exposure can trigger melasma because the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) are stimulated by ultraviolet light from the sun.

Sun Screen

The best way to prevent melasma is by using sun screen and staying out of the sun. A wide brimmed hat and application of sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every two hours will help to keep you out of the sun’s harmful rays and lower your chances of getting melasma.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medication may be recommended as treatment based on your needs and melasma symptoms. The common medications we recommend are hydroquinone to lighten dark patches, tretinoin to exfoliate and enhance skin lightening or corticosteroid cream to reduce irritation.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are an effective way to eliminate skin discoloration and restore a more even appearance of your skin. We offer many different treatments such as light, medium, or heavy depth chemical peels for various skin types. Our chemical peel treatments have also been known to cut down on precancerous lesions that may lead to the development of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Screening

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Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, especially in the sunny state of Arizona.  However, some factors put you at a higher risk for developing skin cancer, including pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and regular sun exposure. Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths should be examined immediately by a physician. Early intervention is essential in preventing the cancer from spreading. During a skin cancer screening, you can expect an examination of the skin from scalp to feet (or to your comfort level). In addition to the examination, skin growths are evaluated and you will be educated on any growths by our dermatologists and skin care experts, and all suspicious growths will be biopsied.

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)

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Intense Pulse Light Therapy, also known as IPL or photofacial, is a non-invasive procedure that uses pulses of light to treat several skin conditions for aesthetic purposes. At Arizona Dermatology, we use the state-of-the-art Palomar Icon system to provide you with the most effective, yet gentle, skincare treatment.

IPL is an effective treatment for:

  • Pigmented lesions
  • Vascular lesions
  • Redness
  • Poikloderma
  • Port-wine stains
  • Sun damage
  • Fine lines and wrinkles

IPL therapy uses a skin resurfacing technique to deliver its incredible results. The Palomar Icon system emits high intensity pulses of light that carry a range of lightwaves to the lower layers of the skin. In the process of bypassing the top layers of skin, the high intensity light converts to heat energy and begins breaking down your melanin pigments. The pieces of melanin pigment are then absorbed by your body to lift discoloration. IPL therapy produces visible results with little to no downtime.

If you want more information about IPL Therapy, call our office and schedule a complimentary consultation and test spot with our aesthetician.

Dermal Fillers

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About Dermal Fillers

What are they?

Dermal fillers are substances injected just below the skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. A natural substance like hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers because it easily synthesizes with your skin and body. Hyaluronic acid binds to the body’s natural moisture reserves for a natural-looking improvement to your appearance.

What to expect

Our practice is happy to provide both the Juvéderm and Restylane line of dermal fillers. The Juvéderm line includes Juvéderm XC (to reduce lines around your nose and mouth), Vollure XC (to minimize deep nasolabial lines), Volbella XC (to improve fine lip lines), and Voluma XC (to enhance and volumize cheeks). Meanwhile, Restylane is used to soften nasolabial folds and lip lines, while Restylane Defyne treats sturdy support deep facial lines and Restylane Refyne treats of moderate facial lines and creases. Regardless of the dermal filler used, the treatment is quick, pain-free, and results in no downtime.

After the procedure

Depending on your specific treatment area, dermal fillers can provide you with the following benefits: diminished frown lines between the eyes, reduced smile lines around the nose and mouth, enhanced shallow lines around the lips, plump lips, volumized cheeks, and a reduction of wrinkles and facial creases. Overall, your skin becomes firmer and more resilient because the fillers help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, important elements in your skin that help you look youthful.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize that the effects of aging can impact your appearance and cause a loss of self-confidence, especially if you look older than you feel. We’re here to provide support and to offer a variety of treatment options to reduce the effects of aging and help rejuvenate your appearance. What distinguishes us from others is our focus on you as a person in customizing your unique treatment plan. Our caring neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and offer compassionate support, and our practitioners have the experience and skill to rejuvenate your appearance the way you want.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to find out more about how we can tailor dermal fillers to meet your aesthetic goals.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

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About Laser Skin Resurfacing

What is it?

Laser skin resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation procedure that gently removes the top layers of your skin, allowing for the newer, fresher layers underneath to rise to the surface. This stimulates the production of new collagen, which leads to reduced superficial blemishes, diminished wrinkles (such as deep frown lines or laugh lines), smoother skin texture, improved pigmentation, and the reduction of scars from acne or chicken pox.

What to expect

Our dermatology experts have the experience and training to perform laser skin resurfacing that matches your aesthetic goals and rejuvenates your overall appearance. Our practitioners carefully and skillfully pass the laser over the targeted areas of your skin in a precise, uniform pattern to deliver customized results that leave you looking refreshed and glowing. Laser skin resurfacing can be done with one of a variety of lasers, all of which are safe and effective for use on many areas of your body, including the eyelids, forehead, nose, mouth, neck, décolleté , and hands.

After the procedure

After you undergo laser skin resurfacing, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to fully heal, but it is important that you follow an aftercare routine that includes applying healing ointment to expedite your healing. If you properly follow aftercare instructions, the procedure will allow for your body’s natural healing properties to flourish, making your appearance look healthy, natural, and rejuvenated.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that wrinkles and skin discoloration can impact your appearance, causing you to become self-conscious about your appearance. We’re here to provide empathy and support as well as treatment options to improve your appearance and help you reach your aesthetic goals. Our focus on you as a person is what distinguishes us from others. Our caring neighborhood staff does not offer cookie-cutter solutions, and we’re always here to answer your questions and address any concerns you have. You can rely on us as an integral part of your support throughout the process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about how laser skin resurfacing could be the ideal way to rejuvenate your appearance.

Wart Removal

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Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by viruses and formed in the top layer of skin. Warts commonly form as rough, skin-colored patches on the skin, but there are several different types of warts, including:

  • Common Warts
  • Plantar (foot) Wart
  • Genital Warts
  • Molluscum

Different warts respond to different dermatological treatments, so it’s important to understand the type of wart you have before selecting a treatment option. We offer a wide range of treatment options and recommendations based on the severity and type of wart(s). For less serious warts, salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) may aid self-treatment of warts by dissolving the keratin protein that creates the wart and the dead skin above it. Other effective treatments for warts include cantharidin/ Podophyllin, (painless solution applied in office), cryotherapy (freezing) or electrosurgery (burning). These may be recommended for painful or more serious warts.

We will work with you to determine which wart treatment will provide you with best possible results. Read about a few of our treatment options below, then schedule an appointment with us to find the right wart removal treatment for you and your skin.

Cantharidin

Cantharidin is a potent blistering agent derived from the dried, powdered blister beetle. This liquid formula is applied to the wart which enables it to form a blister-like reaction underneath. The “blister beetle solution” is commonly used to treat warts and molluscum, especially in children for whom other treatment options may be too painful, traumatic, or have the possibility of scarring.

Podophyllin

Podophyllin is a solution with a painless application. This solution exfoliates, irritates and instigates an immune reaction for the removal of warts in sensitive areas. Podophyllin must be applied by our skin care professional followed by careful monitoring to reduce potential side effects.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the most common treatment for warts among adults and older children. We utilize liquid nitrogen as a way to apply extreme coldness in order to “freeze” the wart as a method of elimination. This procedure may cause symptoms such as a feeling of numbness or tingling to the affected area for a short period of time.

Electrosurgery and Currettage

Electrosurgery is the burning of skin that contains the wart, through the use of an electrical current. After electrosurgery, treatment is continued by curettage, which involves scraping off the remaining wart with a small instrument. Often used together, electrosurgery and currettage are performed on areas that commonly develop warts such as the foot or hand.