March 13th, 2013

Juvéderm XC is a skin care product called a dermal filler. This means it’s used to give volume to areas of the skin that are wrinkled, dry or thin. Juvéderm is made largely of a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, which is found in every living organism. Hyaluronic acid is concentrated in the soft connective tissue of the body and in the fluid in the eye. It also fills the spaces between collagen and elastin the skin. Collagen and elastin are two substances that keep skin youthful and springy. Because hyaluronic acid is a natural product and contains no animal products, it’s considered very safe for use as a dermal filler.

Hyaluronic acid also protects the skin against damage and makes sure that it’s well hydrated. Over the years, because of damage from the sun and pollutants, a body’s store of hyaluronic acid begins to decrease. When this happens, wrinkles, fine lines and furrows start to form in the skin.

Now offered by Four Points Dermatology of Austin, Texas, Juvéderm XC is an improvement over regular Juvéderm because it now contains lidocaine. Since a dermatologist injects Juvéderm into the skin through a fine needle, patients might be worried about pain or discomfort. Since Juvéderm XC already has a pain killer within it there’s no longer any reason for patients to fear the pain of the needle.

One of the other benefits of Juvéderm XC is that a session can be carried out in about 15 minutes. Technically, this means that a client can come in, have the procedure done and return to work or his or her usual activities. However, since there might be some redness or swelling in the injection site, it’s best for the patient to rest for a few hours. A client might need to come into the clinic for a few sessions in order to treat deep trenches and lines. After this, the results of Juvéderm XC treatments should last about six months.

Clients in the Austin, Texas area who are interested in Four Points Dermatology’s Juvéderm XC or the other skin care products they offer should get in touch with them at 512-478-3376.

February 14th, 2013

Children have a unique talent for acquiring a variety of minor illnesses and conditions.  Their daily activities cause them to scrape their skin, bump and bruise their limbs, and contract infections that could result in rashes.  Rashes in children are common; even so, many parents worry when these skin irritations appear quickly or arise from an unknown cause.  Before they call their pediatrician, parents can benefit from knowing the common causes and treatments of pediatric rashes, as well as the services your local Austin Dermatologist can offer you.

Rashes from Insect Bites and Stings

As they play outdoors, children often come into contact with bugs and insects.  Bugs and insects can sting and bite during any time of the year; however, the spring and summer months tend to be the most active seasons for these critters.  Many kids as well do not realize that they have been bitten or stung until several hours later.  If they are not aware of a sting or bite happening, children and their parents might worry about the cause of the rash and how it should be treated.  Rashes from insects generally have symptoms that include:

•             Raised bumps

•             Itchiness that does not dissipate with scratching

•             Redness and swelling

While uncomfortable, these irritations often do not require medical attention.  Parents are advised to keep the area clean by washing the child’s skin with warm soap and water.  They can also apply rubbing alcohol to take away the itchiness from the rash.

Rashes from Allergens and Hay Fever

More children today suffer from seasonal allergies.  When they come into contact with an allergen, they may experience itchy eyes, throat irritation, and itchy skin.  In more severe cases of allergies, children may develop a rash.  As with insect bites, allergy rashes usually do not call for prompt medical attention.  However, children with known allergies should see their pediatrician regularly to have their allergies monitored.  Rashes from allergies and hay fever may feature the following symptoms:

•             Small raised bumps on the skin’s surface

•             Pink inflammation or redness

•             Moderate to severe itchiness that does not go away with scratching

Allergy rashes also may be more widespread across the body.  A child with this kind of irritation may experience the rash on his or her arms, legs, stomach, and even scalp.  Parents can administer the child’s antihistamine medication and treat the rash with a paste made from baking soda or oatmeal.

Pediatric rashes happen frequently and can typically be treated at home with medication or over-the-counter products. Most of this can be found at your local Austin Dermatologist office, so schedule an appointment today!

February 14th, 2013

If men and women in South Austin find that they are plagued by a growing number of skin problems, paying a visit to their local Austin dermatologist may not be a bad idea. Acne, though not a serious health threat, can nevertheless cause instances of low self-esteem for patients who are forced to deal with the problem. Through a range of carefully chosen dermatological products, however, professionals can call forth a treatment plan that will work wonders.

Facials

Facials are specially designed procedures that are meant to clear all of the impurities off of the skin. Because these procedures often make use of prescription medications, they can only be done at the office of a licensed skin doctor. In general, the chemicals will be delicately smoothed onto the face to create a mask of sorts. While the chemicals are in place, the doctor will use calibrated instruments to slowly clean out blackheads and whiteheads. Regular professional treatments should eliminate much of the acne.

Topical Creams

An excellent South Austin dermatologist can also examine individual cases of acne to determine if special topical creams need to be prescribed. Young men who have pimples on other areas of the body, such as the back and neck, might require a medicated cream that will clear up the break-outs. Back acne can be quite painful and will surely need to be treated by an expert.

Rinses

Dermatologists can also prescribe medicated body washes that are designed to be used in the shower. In general, the active chemical compounds in these washes will be many times stronger than the compounds found in over-the-counter products. With regular use, most skin problems should fade into the background.

Wrinkles and Scars

Dermatologists can also be quite skilled at helping with other issues. Wrinkles, for example, will give most men and women problems as they reach middle age. Creams and injections can delay some wrinkles from forming. Likewise, dermatologists will be experienced at reducing the appearance of scars. Through refined techniques, they can manipulate the skin in the affected area so that the scar is much less noticeable.

Choosing a Good Skin Doctor

In the end, Four Points Dermatology will surely give patients what they require. After an initial consultation takes place, a skincare routine can be discussed. As the troublesome blemishes begin to fade into oblivion, patients can regain their zest for life. Regular appointments will allow the beautifully radiant skin to be effectively maintained. Please contact your local Austin dermatologist with any questions.

February 1st, 2013

Austin’s reputation as a vital, robust area can be laid in part to citizens who put their best faces forward, and say job “well done.” At Four Points Dermatology we provide the Westlake area of Austin, Texas with a quality dermatology experience. Our skilled staff, led by Dr. Roopal Bhatt, M.D., specializes in dermatological procedures that correct skin problems not easily dealt with using over-the-counter methods. We want folks living in Westlake, and the rest of Austin, to know that no matter what age or skin type, count on us to treat each individual with care and practiced precision.

One of the most common skin conditions is acne. There are numerous acne treatments to be found in any pharmacy, but we strongly recommend that consulting with a dermatologist is the best way to devise a treatment plan intent on defeating the problem. That may include sophisticated chemical peels capable of erasing the acne blight. People who have suffered the embarrassment of acne for years are delighted to engage the world with their improved self-image. At Four Points Dermatology, we are proud to make that happen for the people of Austin.

Dermatologists encounter a number of skin problems that may seem less than serious. Included in this category of supposedly routine issues are rashes, bug bites and warts. Don’t be deluded into thinking nothing can come of a blemish that suddenly appears. Most rashes can be treated with home-style remedies. But if a rash is the result of an allergic reaction to something, it can cause painful hives to develop. Let your Westlake dermatologist know what’s happening. It’s his or her job to apply the correct treatment.

Bug bites, including those caused by fleas carried by family dogs, can become very uncomfortable. Your Four Points dermatologist might use chemical drips or prescription-strength aloes to ease the itching and general discomfort that developed at the bite site. Also, let your dermatologist remove any warts that may appear anywhere on your body. Most warts are easily removed using freezing techniques. The procedure is painless and only takes about an hour.

The real danger any dermatologist might deal with is suspicious moles. A mole that changed color or shape needs careful attention. It is crucial that malignant moles be diagnosed as soon as possible. Even removing a benign mole can bring mental relief for patients.

If you’ve experienced anything mentioned above, please do not hesitate to call your local Austin Dermatologist and schedule an appointment today.

January 29th, 2013

Laser technology has provided effective treatment options for people with dermatological conditions for decades, but in recent years, laser treatments have become less expensive and more specialized. People now use lasers for everything from laser hair removal to laser skin rejuvenation, and advances in laser science have allowed for minimal pain during treatment and a low occurrence of side effects.

All laser skincare treatments work on a similar principle. A controlled laser directs intense pulses of light towards the skin, causing localized damage that compels the body to repair the affected area. Lasers can effectively destroy scar tissue, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, acne marks, and tattoos. Dermatologists use different light frequencies to treat different parts of the body, and depending on the purpose of the procedure, they may use chemical photosensitizers to temporarily enhance the skin’s response to certain light frequencies.

In most cases, dermatologists need to complete a full course of procedures over the course of several weeks to safely treat their patients’ skin. For instance, tattoo removal typically takes several months with eight-week rest periods in between each appointment. Hair removal treatments require six to eight appointments. Acne treatments often require two to four visits. Because patients’ skin types vary, dermatologists closely examine their patients to create individualized treatment plans; a treatment that only requires several visits for one patient may require more or fewer visits for another. These treatments are typically affordable, and some are covered by health insurance.

Side effects of laser skincare treatments vary depending on the part of the body being treated and the patient’s skin type. Many patients report localized redness and swelling, which usually diminishes within a few days of treatment. Hair removal patients often report a pricking sensation during treatment, but long-term pain is highly unlikely due to the precision of modern laser instruments. Dermatologists often prefer laser treatments to oral medications and other treatment options due to the low occurrence of serious side effects with lasers.

Laser treatments can provide long-lasting results. Patients who receive laser hair removal treatments rarely need to shave or wax for years. Tattoos can be faded and eventually removed through a series of laser treatments. Photorejuvenation patients report greatly diminished appearance of scars, wrinkles and other aesthetic skin conditions. Laser skincare is an exciting tool for dermatology, and for millions of patients, it offers serious advantages over other treatment options.If interested in laser skin care treatment, please visit your local Austin dermatologist for details.

January 24th, 2013

A dermatological excision is an operation that’s used to remove suspicious, unsightly or malignant skin growths. The excision is used to remove cysts, moles, skin cancers and lipomas, which are benign tumors made of fat. Besides the lesion, a bit of normal skin surrounding it is also removed. Cyst excisions and skin cancer excisions can both be done by your certified Austin dermatologist.

What is the timetable for Dermatological Excisions?

There is often little preparation for dermatological excisions. The procedure is done the day of the initial consultation by a dermatologist who’s experienced in excisions. The patient will need to have a medical history taken, however. After the surgery, the patient will need to take it easy for about a week to ten days in order for the surgical wound to heal properly.

How Should I Prepare for the Operation?

Dermatological excisions are done under a local anesthesia. The patient doesn’t have to fast the night before but should wash the morning of the operation and avoid taking pain or anti-anxiety medications. The patient should consult with his or her regular physician if he or she is on any other type of medication. Ideally, patients should have someone come with them and take them home and stay with them for a while.

What Happens During the Operation?

During the surgery, the surgeon removes an oval of skin then loosens the skin around it and closes it with both superficial and deep sutures. This results in a straight line of sutures that’s considerably longer than the area of skin that was removed. The surgeon might also use a skin flap to cover the wound, or a skin graft from another part of the patient’s body. Skin grafts take longer to heal, but scarring tends to be less. Sometimes, the surgeon doesn’t suture the surgical wound at all but lets the wound heal by itself. This takes even longer to heal than a skin graft, but the wound can heal very satisfactorily depending on the location. When the lesion is removed, it’s sent to a lab to be tested to see whether or not it’s benign, malignant or precancerous.

What to Expect Afterwards

Patients might experience a bit of pain after the surgery, though this can be controlled by over the counter pain medication. There might be bruising and swelling, but these go away after a few days. Infections and a lot of bleeding are unusual, but intermittent numbness is common. There will also be some scarring, especially if the lesion that was removed was cancerous.

December 7th, 2012

Most people will develop small skintags from time to time. In effect, these tags are benign tumors that often come about through the result of some kind of friction. They are generally harmless, but most people will eventually want to have them removed for aesthetic purposes. When men and women are looking for a dermatologist for Austin skintag removal, they will want to choose someone who has years of experience in the field. Dermatologists will inspect the size of the tumor and then settle on a removable technique.

Removal by Scraping

Very small fleshy tags can usually be removed with sharp, metallic instruments, much as a splinter would be dug out from the surrounding skin. This method of removal can be done in a matter of minutes and can be performed in the office of the overseeing physician. Larger tumors will likely require a local anesthetic, which may involve a numbing cream. Children who have developed a skintag may be given the anesthetic so that they remain calm and collected during the procedure.

Cauterization

Though cauterization is a technique that was previously used in decades past, it is still utilized to remove skintags. In effect, this particular technique involves burning the target area so that the tissue dies. It can then be easily removed with the help of some manual instruments. Laser therapy, in fact, is an offshoot of the cauterization technique. Lasers can be effectively used to concentrate pulsating beams of light on one region of the body.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is one of the most effective skintag removal methods. Because cryosurgery uses cold temperatures to freeze the lesion so that it can be removed, most patients will likely not feel a thing. Once the targeted tissue has been frozen, a small blister will develop around the tumor. The skin itself will shrivel up and fall off, leaving patients free of the skintag that has been irritating them for a long time. If cryosurgery is indeed to be performed, men and women will want to speak with their dermatologist so that they have an idea of what to expect.

Prevention

After patients have visited a local Austin dermatologists for Austin skintag removal, they can also receive some pointers on how to keep these fleshy masses from reforming. Certain types of clothing, for example, can exacerbate the problem and should be avoided. If skintags do return, individuals can have them taken care of while they are still small.

December 7th, 2012

Individuals who have long struggled with psoriasis will be perpetually searching for new ways to alleviate their symptoms. Because the condition involves the rapid growth of skin cells into plaque formations on certain areas of the skin, sufferers will frequently find their epidermis itchy, red, and perhaps even inflamed. Though all areas of the body can be affected, plaque develops most commonly on the back, arms, and scalp. When looking for psoriasis care in Austin, men and women will likely want to visit a skincare expert for a formal consultation.

Topical Medication

The goal of most topical medications is to soothe the inflammation. On the scalp, special shampoos and conditioners can be used to speed the process along. On the rest of the body, special soap bars can be used. Patients might also apply aloe or petroleum jelly to the areas that are most irritated. Certain medications will work better on specific areas of the body.

Fish Oil

There are always alternative treatment options. Because the skin can be kept in good shape with certain nutrients, men and women might want to take some fish oil capsules each day. Fish oil, in fact, contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which can go a long way toward skin health. Dermatologists can provide a technical overview of how such substances can coax the skin to shed cells at more normal rates.

Phototherapy

For psoriasis cases that are a bit worse, some patients might turn to phototherapy. In effect, they will want to use special lamps that have been manufactured to emit specific wavelengths of light. When this light hits the skin, it will have a soothing effect. Most people will benefit from about an hour or so of phototherapy each day. They can set the lamps to turn off automatically after the proper amount of time has passed.

Lifestyle Choices

The lifestyle choices that people make may also subtly affect their psoriasis. In general, men and women will want to abstain from alcohol and nicotine, which can have negative effects on the skin through time. Likewise, they should try to follow a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. By taking in foods that have large amounts of vitamin C, they will be giving their skin an extra boost as it works to overcome a genetic malady. With the right choice in psoriasis care in Austin, specifically their Austin dermatologist, people should be able to live normal lives.

December 7th, 2012

Though men and women may have left their teen years behind them, they might still be suffering from a range of skin problems as they head through adulthood. By looking for an expert in Obagi in Austin, individuals should be able to achieve healthy skin within a limited timeframe. Many of the best skincare products will help people slow down the aging process so that they can continue to look great for years into the future. Dermatologists can help them choose specific products for their skin type.

Blemishes

Blemishes, which usually occur in the aftermath of an acne breakout, can be frustrating to deal with. They usually hang around for days on end with hardly any improvement. When acne sufferers use special topical creams to revitalize their skin, they can often send the blemishes on their merry way. Similar creams can also be used to dry out pimples so that infections do not spread to the surrounding skin.

Wrinkle Reduction

Some creams will target wrinkle reduction. In fact, when men and women use Obagi products day in and day out, they might even be able to improve the overall elasticity of the skin. This will prevent wrinkles from showing around the eyes and the corners of the mouth. As soon as individuals notice the appearance of unwanted crease lines, they can begin working to control them. Spot treatments may sometimes pay nice dividends.

Cleansers and Moisturizers

When it comes to developing a viable skincare regimen, most people will want to use both a cleanser and a moisturizer before they go to bed. Cleansers will remove dirt and oil from the pores so that blackheads do not form. Because these cleansers often contain salicylic acid, however, some individuals might find that they need a moisturizer to prevent the skin from becoming overly dry.

Sun Protection

When looking into Obagi in Austin, skincare enthusiasts will also want to search for products that contain a certain amount of protection from ultraviolet rays. In fact, sunburns are a primary cause of prematurely aged skin. When people lather up before they head to the beach or pool, they will thank themselves later on in life.

In the end, the best products will contain top-of-the-line chemicals. Once men and women have spoken with their Austin dermatologist and settled on a skincare regimen, they should stick with that regimen for the foreseeable future. They should surely get the results they’ve been craving.

December 7th, 2012

Warts are unattractive, irritating, and sometimes quite painful. Though these unfriendly skin conditions are not a serious health threat, men and women who develop them will nevertheless want to get rid of them as soon as possible. Folk remedies will not usually work. Rather, individuals should seek out a dermatologist for a solution to their skin problems. When examining their options for wart treatment in Austin, men and women should search for a doctor who uses cutting-edge techniques to eliminate the warts from the target area.

Salicylic Acid

When it comes to topical medication, salicylic acid is one of the best. In over-the-counter brands, however, the active ingredient is only found in small amounts. Dermatologists can provide patients with prescriptions that will feature salicylic acid in more concentrated quantities. When applied regularly, the warts should shortly be eliminated and the skin made smooth once again.

Curettage

Though one of the older methods of treating warts, curettage is still quite effective. In short, curettage involves scraping or scooping the wart from the surrounding skin membrane. Because this mode of treatment will likely require dermatologists to use small metallic instruments to penetrate into the skin, a local anesthetic will usually be used.

Cryosurgery

As the name implies, cryosurgery uses frigidly cold temperatures to freeze the wart so that it falls off naturally on its own. In effect, the skin is frozen so that the wart becomes surrounded by a blister. As the tissue dies, the wart will be eliminated. Warts on the feet, however, may require several cryosurgical treatments before they are gone for good.

Laser Treatment

As a sort of opposite to cryosurgery, laser surgery uses tiny pulsating beams of light to burn off the wart tissue. Because lasers can be controlled by computers these days, the technique is very effective. Because the skin tissue is essentially being burned, however, an anesthetic will certainly need to be used. Unlike some of the other methods discussed here, a laser procedure will usually eliminate warts without the need for multiple follow-up treatments.

General Upkeep

Once the warts have been eliminated or at least significantly reduced, dermatologists will give their patients some tips on how to combat the skin lesions should they appear again. Patients who are given salicylic acid will of course be encouraged to use it regularly. In the end, patients who are seeking wart treatment in Austin should be capable of finding a reputable professional to help them. Be sure to contact your local Austin dermatologist with any wart treatment questions.