Below are the “ABCDE” of melanoma detection

Asymmetrical skin lesions

Border of the lesion is irregular

Color:  lesion usually has multiple colors

Diameter:  lesions are greater than 6mm are more suspicious

.Enlarging or evolving lesions

Suggested sun protection guidelines–

.Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

.Seek shade

.Sunscreen SPF 15 or higher

.Use hats and protective clothing

.Self-exams for changing moles

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The skin on the hands is thin and it gets thinner as we age.  They are frequently exposed  to sunlight and all its associated photo-aging effects.  As the  fatty layer of the hands starts to disappear, skin becomes more translucent, shriveled and the underlying tendons and veins become more prominent.

There are several  cosmetic techniques for  hand rejuvenation that can help address these problems.  Lost volume can be replaced by filler products  such as Juvederm and Radiesse which is  injected under the skin to help restore volume and help hide bulging veins and tendons.  Also, autogenous fat, taken from your body fat cells can be used for this purpose.

A good remedy for nasty brown spots sometimes called liver spots, is the intense pulse laser (IPL).

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When a facelift is performed at a younger age the results tend to last longer because there is more elasticity in the tissue and the healing time is in many cases shorter.  A report by Drs. Lui and Osey in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery states that,” in both short and long-term follow-up, younger patients report higher satisfaction scores.”

The goal of facelift surgery is to restore a more youthful, rested appearance to the face by uplifting the sagging skin and improving the facial tone and tightening the underlying facial muscles.

The first step when considering a facelift is to consult with an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon.  At the time of your consultation the physician will educate you about the procedure.  Your goals and expectations will also be discussed and you will be given options to achieve your individual goals.

To read more about this procedure click here.

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As USA Today stated in their article, ” They’ve created these kind of fast food courts where people go in, pick from a menu of what they want done and the physician who meets with them is not necessarily the doctor who operates on them and he’s not the one who follows up with them.  This is  a recipe for disaster.”

Making a decision to undergo plastic surgery is not something to be taken lightly.  It is important you find a surgeon you trust and feel entirely comfortable with.  In addition, it is important to research the physician’s credentials.  Experience and board certification is an important must when choosing your doctor.  You can be assured that the same ASPS board certified plastic surgeon you see in your consultation, will be the same surgeon performing you surgery.  This surgery will be performed in an accredited surgical facility with board certified anesthesiologists.

Click here to read more.

The post Considering Low-Cost Cosmetic Surgery, Then Consider This: appeared first on Stephen Delia MD.

The emergence of these non-surgical devices stems from the public’s desire for less invasive procedures with little or no downtime.  However, patients who desire tighter skin without surgery maybe disappointed with the results.  These non-surgical methods may  tend to be subtle if evident at all compared to more traditional surgical procedures.

Many plastic surgeons remain skeptical; however in the properly screened younger patient with  slight laxity of the skin and who are not seeking a dramatic result, there may be some benefit.

Click here to read more.

The post Do non-surgical skin tightening devices really work? appeared first on Stephen Delia MD.

Many health care providers (including non-physicians) are now performing plastic surgery procedures. This begs the question: Are they even qualified?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Member Surgeons are specifically trained in cosmetic surgery and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialities.

ASPS Member Surgeons operate only in accredited medical facilities,  adhere to a strict code of ethics, and fulfill continuing educational requirements.

When you choose an ASPS Member Surgeon, you can rest assured that your surgeon is qualified to perform your surgery.

Do your homework before getting any plastic surgery work done. Know your surgeon!

Click here to view ASPS qualifications.

The post Do Your Homework! Know Your Surgeon. appeared first on Stephen Delia MD.

The key in winter is to moisturize thoroughly and occasionally treat yourself to a hydrating facial mask.

It is important to look for an ointment moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based. The oil helps to create a protective layer to the skin. Not all oils are good to use on your face. Look for “non-clogging” oils such as avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oil.

The clouds have very little effect on filtering out the harmful UVA rays responsible for causing wrinkles and skin cancers. Use a daily moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher to hydrate and protect your skin.

Not all lip balms are the same; some actually have anadverse effect. It’s best to use natural-oil-based balms or those with shea or cocoa butter with sunscreen protection of at least 15 SPF or higher.

Finally, stay away from tanning beds. Tanning beds not only cause the skin to age but may triple your chances of developing a melanoma skin cancer.

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