December 19th, 2013

Winter Allergies

There is a misconception among many people that allergies are only relegated to the spring and summer. However, the truth is that some may suffer from allergies all year long, even in the winter. Winter allergies generally tend to strike people who suffer from indoor allergies, such as from substances such as dust mites and mold. With that being said, allergies to these things may be even worse during the winter as a result of spending more time indoors when it is colder outside. There are additional winter allergies to be aware of, such as hives that develop as a result of exposure to the cold.

Information On Hives 

Hive are red spots or blotches that appear on the surface of the skin. They are frequently itchy and feel irritated and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days at a time. Often, they appear in a cluster and feel hot to the touch. They can appear on the face, legs, hands and other areas and cause a good deal of discomfort as they come as a result of an allergy.

The condition that causes hives as a result of exposure to the cold is called urticaria and tends to be seen as a dermatological problem due to the fact that it affects the skin. A person who has a history of allergies may find that he or she can develop this condition as well without a moment’s notice at any time in their life. For instance, you may generally suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen, but it is not unusual to be outside in the cold and experience redness and itchy, with hives developing on your skin. This can especially be a scenario that can occur if you are outside during the colder days of winter without adequate protection against the temperature. Not wearing gloves in freezing temperatures can result in your hands suddenly becoming swollen, itchy and red.

Allergy Treatment

If you discover that you indeed also experience winter allergies, it is important to take precautions to avoid the misery they cause you. One of the first steps you can take is to take allergy medication regularly. An antihistamine can help to prevent the symptoms that come with your allergies. Additionally, anyone who is allergic to the cold should carry an EpiPen with them at all times as the condition of urticaria can carry an additional symptom of anaphylaxis, in which the throat can close and the individual may not be able to breathe. It is also essential to stay out of the cold as often as is physically possible.

For hives treatment, you may feel the best course of action is to visit an Austin dermatologist if you reside in that area. Four Points Dermatology in Austin, Texas is a place that can help due to the cordial, helpful and knowledgeable staff in the office.

December 17th, 2013

People realize that they need to protect themselves from the sun during the summer months, but not many understand that you’re still susceptible to sun damage during the winter months as well. People should be wearing sunblock all year round to protect themselves from harmful UV rays and to prevent skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Basics

Skin cancers are the most common cancers that people contract. Some medical experts estimate that at least 40 percent of everyone over 65 will have some form of skin cancer. The biggest risk for getting skin cancer is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can damage the DNA in the skin cells.

Though people who are fair-skinned and have freckles are more at risk of skin cancer, anyone can get it. The cancer might even appear in places that aren’t often exposed to the sun. These places need to be checked as well.

Doing a self-exam is the easiest way to discover a possible skin cancer. People should be wary if they have a sore that doesn’t heal or a mole that grows larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser. The mole may also be asymmetrical, which means that if it’s cut own the middle the two halves don’t match. The mole might also be different colors and might bleed and crust over. Pain usually isn’t a sign of skin cancer.

Here are some basic facts on the different kinds of skin cancer, to help understand why it is important to consider the sun damage throughout the year, not just summer.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are basically three types of skin cancer. There is basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and,lastly, there is melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. This is a slow growing cancer that only rarely metastasizes. Basal cell carcinoma starts in those cells that bring forth new cells to replace dead skin cells. These are called the basal cells.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the top layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma also rarely spreads, but it’s more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

However, melanoma is much more aggressive than other types of skin cancers and causes most of the deaths. Fortunately, melanoma is less common than the other skin cancers. This type of skin cancer begins in the cells that make melanin, which gives skin and hair their color.

There are several ways to treat skin cancer. They can be frozen through a process called cryosurgery, subjected to radiation and treated with a topical chemotherapy. Mohs surgery is a precise type of surgery that removes the cancer layer by layer.

Suspect you or a loved one may be at risk for skin cancer? Contact Four Points Dermatology for a professional consultation. Four Points Dermatology is a premier Austin dermatologist office offering quality services in cosmetic, medial and surgical dermatology procedures.

December 13th, 2013

Four Points Dermatology Looks To Expand Brand And Gain Clientele With New Mueller Office.

Four Points Dermatology is opening a new location in the Mueller area within Austin, Texas. These trusted Austin dermatologists hope to better serve their customers and expand their brand with their new office. Four Points hopes to become the trusted East Austin Dermatologist.

Four Points Dermatology is already a dependable local provider of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatological services. Our medical staff and patient-care experts are excited to meet and care for new patients in Mueller and the nearby neighborhoods.

Leading the Four Points practice is Dr. Roopal Bhatt, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Harvard University and Medical Degree from State University of New York. Dr. Bhatt and her staff pride themselves in putting family and community values at the forefront of their practice, providing a comfortable environment to their valued customers.

“This is an exciting time for our staff as we prepare to open a new location and serving new clientele in the Mueller and East Austin areas. Our success would not have been possible without our cherished patients, and we look forward to meeting new patients very soon.”

Patients can depend on our dermatological experts for the most effective care and state-of-the-art skin technology. Our staff is prepared to care for any skin issue you may have. Whether you’re looking for treatment for a difficult medical condition or considering cosmetic procedures, our expert medical staff is eager to discuss options with patients, old and new.

Four Points Dermatology also utilizes the best surgical procedures for quality treatment of any medical skin condition. We are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers and pre-cancers, including skin cancer removal, cyst excision and removal of moles.

Our staff prides itself in making you look as good as you feel with industry-leading treatments, such as Botox and Thermage treatments. Our medical and professional staff are dedicated to personal and comprehensive care of all patents of all ages and all skin types.

Need to visit the dermatologist? Contact Four Points Dermatology to schedule an appointment with the top East Austin dermatologists.

December 11th, 2013

Four Points Dermatology Looks To Expand Brand And Gain Clientele With New Mueller Office.

Four Points Dermatology is opening a new location in the Mueller area within Austin, Texas. These trusted Austin dermatologists hope to better serve their customers and expand their brand with their new office.

Four Points Dermatology is already a dependable local provider of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatological services. Their medical staff and patient-care experts are excited to meet and care for new patients in Mueller and the nearby neighborhoods of East Austin.

Leading the Four Points practice is Dr. Roopal Bhatt, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Harvard University and Medical Degree from State University of New York. Dr. Bhatt and her staff pride themselves in putting family and community values at the forefront of their practice, providing a comfortable environment to their valued customers.

“This is an exciting time for our staff as we prepare to open a new location and serving new clientele in the Mueller and East Austin areas. Our success would not have been possible without our cherished patients, and we look forward to meeting new patients very soon.”

Patients can depend on our dermatological experts for the most effective care and state-of-the-art skin technology. Their staff is prepared to care for any skin issue you may have. Whether you’re looking for treatment for a difficult medical condition or considering cosmetic procedures, our expert medical staff is eager to discuss options with patients, old and new.

Four Points Dermatology also utilizes the best surgical procedures for quality treatment of any medical skin condition. They are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers and pre-cancers, including skin cancer removal, cyst excision and removal of moles.

The Four Points staff cherishes itself in making you look as good as you feel with industry-leading  treatments, such as Botox and Thermage treatments. The medical and professional staff are dedicated to personal and comprehensive care of all patients of all ages and all skin types.

Need to visit the dermatologist? Contact Four Points Dermatology to schedule an appointment with the top East Austin dermatologists.

November 26th, 2013

It is estimated that over one million people will probably undergo laser hair removal this year. It’s obvious to see why people are drawn to laser hair removal, as it saves you time and effort when grooming. So, if you’re curious about having laser hair removal,  here are some facts about laser hair removal and what to expect if you’re considering the procedure:

Laser Hair Removal Facts

1. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 1,118,254 laser hair removal procedures in 2012. This is up from 1,078,612 in 2011 and way up from 735,996 in 2000.
2. There are basically two types of lasers used for laser hair removal. For darker skins, dermatologists use the YAG laser. Lighter skinned people are treated with the Alexandrite laser. The laser targets the follicle from which the hair grows and destroys it.
3. A person will need more than one visit for the treatment to work.
4. The treatment area for the hand held laser device is about the diameter of a quarter.
5. The length of a session depends on what area needs to be treated. A faint mustache may take a few minutes. but it may take as long as an hour to treat hair on the back.
6. The lasers are so precise that they can remove the unwanted hairs and leave the skin around them relatively undamaged.
7. The overwhelming majority of people who have three or four sessions will enjoy permanent loss of unwanted hair.
8. Laser air removal best serves people who are dark-haired and light-skinned though advances have been made to successfully treat other people.
9. Areas where the skin is thin tend to do better than areas where the skin is thick
10. Repeated visits are necessary because the hair grows in cycles.

What To Expect

Before a person goes in for laser removal, the area will be shaved. Both the dermatologist and the patient will need to wear protection eye gear and the area of the skin to be treated will also be protected with a cool gel. After the session, the patient will be given an ice pack and soothing creams to place on the area to help with discomfort. The next treatment can then be scheduled within a month to a month and half and continue until the hair is permanently gone. It’s important for the person to wear sunscreen when they go out during the day while the area heals. This is true even for people with dark skin. The dermatologist with notify you of more skin care methods after the procedure to ensure your skin heals properly.

Looking for laser hair removal services near you? Contact Four Points Dermatology for quality laser hair removal and other dermatological services in the Austin, TX area.

November 21st, 2013

Facial and body acne can affect individuals of all ages. Suffering from acne can be very unpleasant, as it can affect one’s self esteem and sociability. There can be mean reasons for acne, but one of the most prominent causes is the foods that one eats. Therefore, below is a list of healthy diet tips and information to help mitigate the appearance of acne for a lovely and smooth complexion.

How Food Causes Acne

Before delving into what exactly one should eat and not eat and other diet tips, it is best to cover how food and acne are related. Studies conducted and published by the Archives of Dermatology have indicated that specific types of foods can cause acne breakouts. The reason for this is that foods that have a high glycemic index cause the body’s insulin levels to rise. When insulin levels are high, the body ups its sebum production, which clogs pores and results in acne. Here are some natural acne treatment and diet  tips!

Top 10 Diet Tips

1. Refrain from Fried Foods

Fried foods are accused of being the culprit of many of the body’s ailments. From weight gain, to sluggishness, fried foods are also detrimental to skin. Because fried foods are essentially processed carbohydrates, they cause the skin to become oily and clog.

2. Drink Milk and Eat Dairy… But not Excessively

Research has shown that most milk that Americans drink tends to be high in hormones. The high hormone content increases the body’s oil production, which leads to acne. The ideal solution is to monitor dairy consumption and breakouts and find the best middle ground for how much dairy is the right amount so breakouts do not occur.

3. Chocolate

It’s yummy, no doubt. But chocolate that has less cocoa and more dairy and fat is another cause of acne. It is best to eat chocolate that has a high cocoa content.

4. Fish

Fish is extremely healthy for the body, as it contains beneficial omega-3. In addition, it also has vitamins and nutrients that reduce the appearance of acne on the skin.

5. Nuts

Another product that one should eat to reduce the occurrence of acne is nuts because like fish, they contain omega-3 that is healthy for the skin. However, eat them in moderation, as too much can have the opposite effect.

6. Carrots

These delicious orange vegetables are known for their high vitamin A content, which has the property of strengthening the skin’s protective tissue and decreasing the chance of acne.

7. Chromium Supplements

Chromium supplements are known for their skin strengthening and acne reducing properties. Take a supplement a day to keep the acne away.

8. Zinc

Studies have shown that individuals that have low levels of zinc in their body also tend to have a high frequency of acne. Therefore, eat foods that are rich in zinc, such as cooked oysters, beef, spinach, and wheat germ.

9. Daily Multivitamin

Another cause of acne is not having enough essential vitamins in your daily diet. Reduce fatty and processed foods and create a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins. One can also take a multivitamin for an extra boost.

10. Exercise

This last point cannot be stressed enough. Exercise has been shown to lead to clearer more supple skin, though not through sweating necessarily. Along with the needed hydration, exercise releases tension and stress in the body. And as research has shown, there is a strong association between stress levels and acne. Exercise is just a good idea to keep healthy physically and mentally.

There are many ways to reduce acne, but the above 10 are some of the best natural methods. For luminous skin and a beautiful glow, follow our above tips.

Still having trouble clearing up your acne? Contact Four Points Dermatology for quality skin care and dermatology services in the Austin, TX area. Four Points Dermatology is renowned for their friendly service and the best Austin dermatology office.

November 19th, 2013

The winter months not only bring chilly weather, but also dry, flaking, or cracked skin along with the colder temperatures. Chapped lips and bitter skin can make the winter months uncomfortable and brutal. Here’s a list of skin care tips for preventing dry skin during the winter months, for those of you looking to find some relief through the changing weather.

Tips to Preventing Dry Winter Skin

1. Stop Taking Hot Baths: Take a lukewarm bath to protect your skin from dryness. Mixing in a small amount of oatmeal or baking soda with your bathwater will also help.
2. Slow Down on the Peels: Stop using peels, masks, or astringents because they strip the oil from your skin. Instead switch to masks that are characterized as deep cleansing, or incorporate cleansing milk or alcohol free toners in place of peels.
3. For Dry Feet: Use petroleum jelly-based products or glycerine for extra strength foot moisturizing. Additionally, the use of exfoliants on your feet will remove dead skin and allow the previously mentioned “heavy duty” moisturizers to be absorbed by the skin quickly.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drinking water will help your skin slightly. With that being said, if your body is more healthy overall, then bodily functions will be less taxed and operate more efficiently and allow for healthy skin.
5. Unpack the Humidifier: To counter the skin drying effects of central heating, set up humidifiers to replenish the air with moisture and help prevent excess skin dryness.
6. Drying Effects of Wet Gloves and Socks: They simply irritate the skin and can cause cracking or even promote eczema.
7. Help Your Hands: Keep your hands warm and use gloves when going outside. If wool irritates your hands, slip on a thin cotton glove as a protective barrier.
8. Sunscreen in the Winter?: That’s right, sunscreen in in the winter. This is because the sun’s rays are reflect off the snow and these rays plus the direct rays are both absorbed by the skin.
9. Moisturize: Increase the frequency of moisturizing and switch to an oil based moisturizer, because of the extra strength required during the winter. Humectant moisturizers contain ingredients that attract moisture to the skin as an added bonus.
10. Visit a Specialist: f you’re uncertain about what products to use or its impossible to find relief contact a local dermatologist for advice.

Looking for relief from your dry skin? Contact Four Points Dermatology to make schedule an appointment. Four Points Dermatology is the best Austin dermatologist that can help provide advice and solutions for avoiding dry winter skin and other dermatological services.

November 14th, 2013

Many people have heard of liposuction, a fat removal procedure where a vacuum cannula is inserted into a problem area and the fat is sucked out. But not many have heard of Liposonix®, a non-invasive treatment for fat reduction.

What Is Liposonix® Treatment?

Liposonix is a procedure where fat cells beneath the skin are destroyed by high intensity focused ultrasound. The dermatologist applies the ultrasound through a handheld device. The procedure lasts between a half an hour to an hour. The Liposonix treatment stimulates the body to reabsorb the destroyed fat cells, which gives the patient a slimmer silhouette.

This procedure is open to both men and women. Before the procedure, the doctor will take the patient’s medical history to make sure that he or she is a good candidate for Lipsonix. The dermatologist will ask if the patient is on any sort of medication, takes vitamin or herbal supplements, if he or she smokes, drinks alcohol or has any sort of pre-existing medical condition like hypertension or diabetes.

What to Expect from Liposonix®

As with liposuction, the doctor marks off the areas of the patient’s body that are to be treated. The patient might feel some discomfort during the procedure. He or she might feel sensations of heat and cold, prickling or tingling. Patients who are worried about discomfort might be given a sedative before the treatment. Afterwards, there might be some bruising or swelling, but these side effects are described by most people as mild and go away after a short period of time. Some doctors have their patients wear compression garments to keep down the swelling. Some studies have shown that people who had Liposonix around their waist area lost about an inch of fat without any invasive surgery. The results can usually be seen after two to three months.

A person who’s considering Liposonix should be able to pinch at least an inch of fat from his or her waist or other area or have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less.

Benefits & Risks

The benefit of Liposonix treatment is that it helps the patient lose inches without the risks of even a mildly invasive surgery like liposuction. Besides the discomfort of the procedure and its aftermath, the risks of Liposonix are few. The fat that is removed from the treated area does tend to migrate to other parts of the body, but it can’t be easily seen.

Have you or a friend had Liposonix? Share your experience!

Interested in Liposonix treatment? If you’re in the Austin, TX area, you should contact Four Points Dermatology. Four Points Dermatology the leading Austin dermatology office, offering the friendliest customer service and latest treatments in skin care.

November 5th, 2013

For those who wish to visibly improve the appearance of the skin for a more youthful appearance, Thermage treatment can be an effective option. Thermage treatment can be used on many different parts of the body to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to smooth out uneven and dimpled skin, reduce sagging skin, and even to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

What Is Thermage Treatment?

Thermage treatment uses a type of radiofrequency that penetrates deep under the layers of the skin to heat up the collagen layers beneath. These noninvasive radiofrequencies can tighten up exiting collagen while stimulating the production of more collagen to effectively give a smoother, more even, and youthful appearance to the skin. Skin appears fuller, more elastic, and lifted while giving a smoother appearance. As a wrinkle treatment, Thermage triggers the production of collagen to help fill in fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a tighter, lifted, and smoother appearance.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Thermage Treatment?

The benefits of Thermage include its noninvasive technique that results in little to no downtime after the procedure. Results can typically be achieved in just one 45 minute to 90 minute session, with results that are immediately noticeable and improve over the next 2 to 6 months. Depending on individual skin conditions, the results can last for years. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks. These include feeling of cold and hot sensations during treatment and he potential for minor redness and swelling following the procedure that should fade within 24 hours.

How Effective Are Thermage Treatments?

Thermage is a good choice for those who do not wish more invasive methods such as surgery or injections. Thermage treatment works best for those who need only mild to moderate results. A more drastic change in appearance may require more invasive procedures. For those who want more noticeable and longer lasting results than what can be delivered through creams and lotions, Thermage can be an excellent choice. It is important to have realistic expectations for this procedure for the best satisfaction with results.

Thermage at Four Points Dermatology

If you are looking for an Austin dermatologist to provide Thermage treatment, look no further than Four Points Dermatology. An individualized appointment can help determine the results you can achieve and if Thermage treatment is right for you.

October 29th, 2013

Botox is one of the most well-known and safest skin care treatments. While an increasing number of people are choosing Botox treatments, people are still unsure about whether they need it. Here are the top ten reasons to choose Botox.

Top 10 Reasons to Get Botox:

1. Botox can offer relief from migraines. While the procedure consists of 31 separate injections in 7 different areas around the head and neck and it must be repeated every three months, that can be a small price to pay for relief from chronic migraines.
2. Botox is an extremely quick procedure that requires virtually no downtime. Depending on how many injections you have done, the procedure usually only takes between five to 20 minutes, and because it’s a non-invasive procedure, you can resume normal activities immediately.
3. Botox can correct crossed-eyes and other vision problems, such as eyelid spasms or blurred vision. Botox treatments can relax your eye muscles, allowing the eye muscle to heal because the muscles aren’t working against each other.
4. Botox is an extremely safe procedure. As long as you are working with an experienced and trained dermatologist, there should be no problems with the procedure. There are millions of Botox injections throughout the United States every year.
5. Botox can fight excessive sweating for up to two years. Because excessive sweating can be embarrassing in many social situations, this is certainly welcome news.
6. Botox is a non-invasive procedure. Botox can remove wrinkles and make you look younger without expensive surgery
7. Botox lasts from three to four months. While Botox can have a higher upfront cost than drugstore creams, most creams must be applied daily, making it likely that you’ll run out of cream long before you need another Botox treatment.
8. Botox is virtually painless. The majority of patients at our Austin dermatology clinic report no pain whatsoever.
9. Botox can help with bladder control. Injecting Botox into the bladder can cause it to increase in volume, reducing incontinence, and the treatment can last for up to six to seven months.
10. Botox can help fight allergies. A new Botox gel has shown promising results when injected into the nasal cavity, reducing inflammation and blocking nerve endings in the nasal passages.

Four Points Dermatology is a well-regarded dermatology clinic. Our dermatologists have years of experience in various skin care treatments.