Glick Skin Institute

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What are they?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) range from viral infections to bacterial infections. They’re most often caused by sexual intercourse, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Common STDs include bacterial STDs (such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea), viral STDs (including hepatitis, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV, and HIV), and parasitic STDs (such as trichomoniasis).

What causes them?

Although the most common way to get an STD is via some of form of sexual intercourse, some forms, such as trichomoniasis, can be contracted through skin contact with damp, moist objects like towels, clothing, and seats. In general, typical risk factors for STDs include the following: multiple sexual partners, intercourse with someone who’s had multiple partners, intercourse without a condom, and the sharing drug of needles.

Common treatments

Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases depends on the specific type of STD you have. In general, typical treatment plans are as follows: 1) Antibiotics, such as penicillin, for bacterial STDs, 2) Cryotherapy, topical medications, or even surgery for genital warts, and 3) Antiviral medications for viral STDs. Keep in mind that for viral STDs, there is no cure; any treatment you take is to manage the symptoms and keep the virus contained.

Our approach & expertise

We appreciate the delicate subject of sexually transmitted diseases. We realize both the physical and emotional toll they can take, and as your community skin experts, we’re sensitive to these conditions and have the expertise to help you overcome any that you may have. The knowledgeable practitioners at our dermatology center have the skill and experience to help you overcome or manage your condition. We’ll talk to you about your case and gauge your overall health before developing a treatment that fits your needs.
It’s this personalized attention and focuses on you as a person that sets us apart. We understand the delicate nature of STDs and are available to address concerns and to provide compassion throughout the process. Healthy skin is our passion, and so is your health. Contact us today if you have symptoms of an STD to learn more about your treatment options.

Allergies

About Allergies

What are they?

Allergies occur when the body overreacts to a foreign invader, or allergens, such as pet hair, pollen, pollutants, and more. Often, allergic reactions occur on the skin, but allergies are not just a cosmetic issue: they can be uncomfortable and even painful for certain individuals. Symptoms of allergies can vary, but some of the most common symptoms include the following: fatigue, sneezing or other sinus issues, headaches, itchy (or burning) eyes, shortness of breath, and coughing and/or wheezing. Skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and hives can also result due to allergies.

What causes them?

There are various causes for allergies. Some of the most common include pets or pet hair, pollutants and chemicals, pollen and other natural irritants, cigarette smoke, certain foods and drinks, powders, and fabrics and fibers. If you have allergies but aren’t aware of your risk factors, contact our dermatologists today, who will help you identify, manage, and treat your allergic symptoms.

Common treatments?

The best method for dealing with allergies is to avoid them in the first place, which means avoiding your risk factors – that’s why it’s important that you know them. Even then, they can cause problems. If you have allergy symptoms despite your best efforts to avoid them, various treatments can be effective. These treatments include topical medications, such as hydrocortisone cream, oral medications (such as antibiotics), antihistamines, and moisturizing creams and/or lotions. Depending on the severity of your allergies and their causes, these treatments can help you overcome your symptoms outright or at least make them manageable.

Our approach & expertise

We know how uncomfortable allergies can make you feel, especially when they manifest themselves on your skin as itchiness and/or inflammation. As your community skin specialists, we have the expertise to help you find relief. They are unique to everyone, including you. Because of this, we customize your treatment to suit your lifestyle and health. This attention to you as an individual is what makes us different. Our neighborly staff is here to address concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the process.
Healthy skin is our passion. If you notice allergy symptoms, contact us so that we can help you overcome your systems.

Silhouette InstaLift

About Silhouette InstaLift

What is it?

Silhouette InstaLift is an FDA-approved, non-surgical procedure that both tightens and re-volumizes the skin. By addressing your skin’s underlying loss of volume, Silhouette InstaLift plumps your skin as well as tightens it. The secret is the use of special dissolvable sutures and bidirectional cones that repair deep tissue and stimulate collagen production. Without incisions, the procedure helps your skin look fuller and more youthful.

What to expect

With this treatment, you’ll get the effects of a comprehensive lift and volumizing rejuvenation without the scarring, anesthesia, and downtime associated with full surgical facelifts. Before this procedure was available, two procedures were usually necessary for both added firmness and improved volume. The procedure can be performed in under an hour, and the side effects are mild and temporary, meaning there’s very little downtime.

After the procedure

In under an hour, this treatment can lift and reinvigorate skin on the cheeks, around the mouth, along the jawline, and on the neck. The results are instant and, because the procedure promotes prolonged regeneration of tissue, improvements continue over the ensuing 5-6 months. Common side effects include swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising for typically 5-7 days after the procedure.

Our approach & expertise

We understand that while facial skin laxity and the early development of jowls may make you self-conscious, you may not want to undergo a full surgical facelift. That’s why our dermatologists and skincare specialists offer less-invasive restorative options, such as Silhouette InstaLift. Our skilled practitioners are experts at performing Silhouette InstaLift treatments for lax, loose skin. What makes our treatments unique is that we pay attention to you as an individual. We are here to tailor the treatment to fit your needs, address your questions, and provide compassionate support.
To find out more about the benefits of Silhouette InstaLift, please contact an office today.

Vbeam

About Vbeam

What is it?

A pulsed dye laser, the Vbeam is designed to shoot an intense beam of light into your skin to get the effects you want. Although intense, the light beam is optimized at a frequency gentle enough to leave untargeted areas unharmed. What’s unique about the Vbeam laser is that the light isn’t absorbed by your skin, but by your blood vessels. Not only is this more efficient, but it’s also safer, as side effects are greatly minimized. Vbeam addresses several different conditions that otherwise would require more than one type of procedure. These conditions include fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea, troublesome veins, scars, cherry red birthmarks, and warts.

What to expect

The number of Vbeam treatment sessions needed will depend on both your aesthetic goals and the nature of the skin condition to be treated. For example, you could have as few as 2-3 treatments (for rosacea) or as many as 5-10 (for red birthmarks). Because Vbeam is non-ablative, your skin is not burned, cut, blistered, or harmed in any way. This means it is safe enough for your face, legs, and elsewhere on the body. Furthermore, Vbeam is a great treatment for individuals of all ages and can be combined with other procedures, including Botox and dermal fillers like Juvéderm, for better results.

After the procedure

The side effects of Vbeam depend on the severity of the condition being treated and your overall treatment goals. Generally, side effects are mild and temporary and could include swelling, redness, and bruising, all of which usually subside within a week.

Our approach & expertise

We understand the impact that a variety of facial skin conditions can have, not only on your appearance but also on your self-esteem. That’s why we offer the versatile Vbeam laser, a single solution for several different skin conditions. Our knowledgeable laser and skin experts have the training and skill to tailor Vbeam laser treatment to your unique needs, and we’re always here to answer questions, address concerns, and provide compassionate support.

Schedule your appointment now.

Fat Reduction

About Fat Reduction

What is it?

Fat reduction refers to the elimination of fat pockets on areas of your body that are difficult to erase through diet or exercise. In many cases, individuals who suffer from stubborn areas of fat are genetically predisposed to these types of issues. Furthermore, if you’ve lost a lot of weight, there might still be areas of fat that won’t vanish. This can occur even if you’re in good shape and at your ideal weight. This can be especially true as you age when your metabolism slows down and fat clings to you more persistently than it used to. The areas most commonly affected by these types of fat deposits include the chin, the upper arms, the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and the back.

What to expect

A variety of safe, effective fat reduction treatments can give you the body shape that you desire and that suits your lifestyle. Many of these treatments are minimally invasive and don’t require much if any, downtime. However, it’s important to remember that treatments are not intended to be your main weight-loss program. Instead, they should supplement an already-healthy lifestyle. Some of the fat reduction treatments we offer include the following: CoolSculpting, liposculpture, Kybella, UltraShape, and Vanquish.

After the procedure

Fat reduction treatments vary in how long they take to perform, how long the effects last, and what side effects may occur. Results also depend on the number of areas targeted as well as on your body contouring goals. The fat reduction specialists at our center have the skill and knowledge to perform procedures customized for your unique needs. It’s this focus on you as an individual that separates us from others. We learn your aesthetic goals so we can design the treatment that gets you the results you want.

Our approach & expertise

We understand how frustrating it can be when stubborn deposits of fat don’t respond to diet and exercise. That’s why our body contouring experts offer various fat reduction solutions designed to help you attain natural-looking and healthy results.
Healthy skin is our passion. To know more about the fat reduction methods that best suit your needs, contact us today for more information.

Clear + Brilliant

About Clear + Brilliant

What is it?

Clear + Brilliant is a gentle, skin-refreshing laser that penetrates shallower than most lasers, yet deeper than a light peel or microdermabrasion. This helps it replace rough, damaged skin with smooth, healthy tissue. Effective even if you’re in your 20s or 30s, Clear + Brilliant is designed as a maintenance treatment that can help correct mild damage, such as from the sun, or protect against aging. It’s an ideal treatment if you’re looking to improve skin texture or shrink pores. This treatment can also lighten skin discoloration and protect against wrinkles, skin dullness, and uneven tone.

What to expect

Each session is quick (20-30 minutes), comfortable, and downtime is virtually non-existent. Side effects can include swelling and tenderness, but are minimal, temporary, and not enough to prevent you from returning to your normal schedule. Although you may be happy with what Clear +Brilliant can do for you, you may also want to combine it with other treatments for even greater effects. Complementary treatments include Botox, Ultherapy, and Isolaz or Vbeam lasers.

After the procedure

In our experience, these treatments 1-2 times a month for 4-6 months are the most beneficial, and we also suggest follow-up treatments every 2-3 months. For the best results, we recommend undergoing regular Clear + Brilliant maintenance between other, more intense skincare treatments

Our approach & expertise

Our dermatologists know how challenging it can be to ward off the signs of aging, such as wrinkles or uneven skin tone. That’s why our neighborhood skin experts offer solutions like Clear + Brilliant to help keep your skin looking youthful and beautiful. What makes us different is our focus on you as an individual. Our practitioners will tailor treatments to meet your specific needs and compassionately address any concerns or questions you may have.
Healthy skin is our passion. To know more about Clear + Brilliant, contact us and take the next step toward rejuvenating your appearance.

Smoothbeam Laser

About Smoothbeam

What is it?

The Smoothbeam is a diode laser designed to target sebaceous glands, the glands on the surface of the skin responsible for the bacteria growth that causes acne. By shrinking these glands, Smoothbeam cuts off the source of the bacteria and inflammation, reducing your symptoms and freshening your appearance. Smoothbeam laser therapy is more effective than topical or oral medications, and studies have shown that it clears up as much as 98 percent of acne blemishes after just four monthly treatments. This includes the erasure of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and cysts.

What to expect

There are many benefits to the Smoothbeam laser including. This treatment can provide you with the following results: clearer skin for a brighter complexion; stimulation of collagen production for tighter, more resilient skin, improvement of acne scarring for healthier-looking skin, and no downtime so you can immediately return to your day. The procedure itself is virtually painless, but the comfort level can vary from person to person; you may find it completely tolerable while others may feel discomfort. If you’d like, you can request to have a topical anesthetic applied about an hour before your session.

After the procedure

As with all types of medical procedures, there is a risk of side effects, but those from Smoothbeam are typically mild. These side effects can include redness and tenderness and could last 2-3 days. After your procedure, you should use sunscreen daily and avoid any prolonged sun exposure, such as tanning, for 4-6 weeks.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize that it can be challenging to find an effective treatment for your acne condition, despite the variety of treatments available. That’s why our acne specialists offer a range of acne treatment options, including the Smoothbeam laser. If you have acne, it won’t be the same as other cases, so you need a treatment plan devised to accommodate your specific needs. Our skilled acne experts have the experience and knowledge to clear your skin of acne blemishes and scarring. We’re here to answer questions, address concerns, and offer compassionate support.

Schedule your appointment now.

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

About Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

What is it?

Skin cancer is unpleasant anywhere, but it’s especially troublesome where aesthetics are concerned, such as the face, head, and neck. This includes non-life-threatening skin lesions like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis (AK). Superficial radiation therapy (SRT) is ideal for these types of lesions. Though the radiation used in this treatment penetrates only 5 mm below the skin (which preserves the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous area while destroying the harmful cells), it’s strong enough to hinder the ability of cancer to spread by altering the DNA of the cell it inhabits. As a result, the cancerous tissues are starved to death.

What to expect

The superficial radiation therapy experts at our center have the experience and training necessary to perform this treatment skillfully, safely, and effectively. If you’re undergoing an SRT procedure with one of our specialists, you can expect a quick and virtually painless treatment.

After the procedure

Superficial radiation therapy has the same high success rates as other skin cancer treatments, including surgery. After the procedure, you can expect little to no scarring, little downtime, and quick healing and recovery.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how traumatic and painful skin cancer can be, both mentally and physically. As your neighborhood skin cancer specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and strength with answers to all your questions should you ever be diagnosed with skin cancer. What makes our skin cancer center special is our focus on you as a person. Our compassionate neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and address concerns during recovery, as even completely cancer-free patients can suffer from apprehension and emotional scars. You can lean on us as a crucial part of your support through this process.

Schedule your appointment now.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

About Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

What is it?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally-invasive skin cancer removal treatment for individuals with precancerous skin lesions (such as actinic keratoses) or non-melanoma skin cancers (like basal cell carcinoma). PDT eliminates cancer cells through the utilization of both drug and light therapy. First, a topical solution is applied for absorption by the cancerous cells. Later, the affected area is targeted with a very specific wavelength of light that uses an active form of oxygen to destroy the cancerous cells.

What to expect

As your community skin cancer experts, we are here to provide support and strength should you ever receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. You can be comfortable discussing everything you need to know about this disease with our neighborhood providers. We will be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis and from treatment to aftercare support. With photodynamic therapy, our specialists can eradicate specific types of skin cancer tumors, allowing you to live life to the fullest. This treatment is safe and effective at treating various types of cancer or precancerous cells, and since PDT is less invasive than other skin cancer treatments, you will be able to return to your normal life soon after the treatment is completed.

After the procedure

Photodynamic therapy precisely targets cancerous cells, allowing for quick recovery and little-to-no scarring after healing. Contact us today to learn if PDT is right for you.

Our approach & expertise

As your community skin cancer experts, we are here to provide support and strength should you ever receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. Our caring neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. You can lean on us as an integral pillar of support through this process, as even for completely cancer-free patients, apprehension and emotional scars can still persist.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact and office today to find out if photodynamic therapy is the right skin cancer treatment for you.

Skin Cancer Removal

About Skin Cancer Removal

What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the options? What’s the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five-year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment.

What to expect

When it comes to skin cancer, treatment protocols typically involve one or a combination of the following treatments:

Electrodessication and curettage (EC&D)

This simple 2-step surgical procedure is especially effective for individuals with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. By removing the cancerous tissue via curettage (scraping), then closing the wound by electrodesiccation (superheating process), our surgeons can safely and effectively eradicate cancerous cells from your body. EC&D is performed in the office under local anesthesia and typically takes 30 minutes or less with no downtime following the procedure. In most cases, this treatment doesn’t even require sutures! EC&D is recommended for areas of the body that are not regularly visible, such as the back or torso. It’s also an excellent option for superficial, less serious skin cancers that have yet to spread beyond ¼ to ½ inch (6-10mm) in diameter.

Excisional surgery

Excisional surgery is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes cancerous lesions from your body before they have a chance to spread. Our dermatologists recommend this procedure for small to medium-sized moles/lesions in areas of the body typically covered by clothing. Excisional surgery is a quick in-office procedure that is usually performed with local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the removed tissue will be sent to our pathology lab to determine if it was cancerous and to see if it all the cancerous cells were removed. Excisional surgery option is a good choice if a skin lesion is affecting your appearance. A consultation with your neighborhood skin cancer specialists at our center can determine if this treatment is right for you.

Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a time-tested procedure that remains one of the most effective skin cancer removal methods available. The procedure is meticulous and tumor removal is precise, accurate, and immediate. With Mohs surgery, uncertainty is not an issue; the procedure has a proven high success rate, features long-lasting results, and entails a shorter recovery time for patients. With Mohs, once all remnants of cancer have been removed, the procedure is over and patients are cancer-free. If you have a troublesome skin tumor or lesion, discuss it with your trusted community dermatologist to know if Mohs surgery is a viable option for you.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy provides a fast skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

After the procedure

Recovery from skin cancer removal depends on the type of treatment performed. To learn more about skin cancer recovery, please contact one of our dermatology specialists today!

Our approach & expertise

Skin cancer is our specialty. We have a variety of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists who have a wide array of treatment options at their disposal. During a consultation at our center, our dermatologists will assess your unique case and customize a treatment program suited to your particular needs.

Schedule your appointment now.