Solar Keratosis Explained By Dr. Mejia

Solar Keratosis also known as Actinic Keratosis are precancerous cells that have a possibility of developing into Squamous Carcinoma.

It is important to  keep an eye on any symptoms and take care of these is because over time you are taking prevention from developing another skin caner. At Jupiter Dermatology we have a plethora of preventative therapy with various different treatments in an effort to reduce the amount of precancerous skin cells that exist on the face, arms, chest, back and other multiple areas they can be found.

The treatments for Solar Keratosis or Actinic Keratosis to help reduce the precancerous cells are some of the following:

  • Blue Light
  • Photo Dynamic Therapy (Explained in detail in this blog post)
  • Creams available at Jupiter Dermatology
  • Chemical Peels

Dr. Mejia tells his patients to think of their skin as a car engine. Many people do treatment once and think it will be enough. However if you want to keep your car in good condition, you must check the oil often times throughout the year. The same applies to your skin, depending on your history and the procedures you have done.  You and your dermatologist have to decide how many times it is necessary to check your skin. It may be only once a year or it may have to be four times a year, but it is in your best interest to have your skin as a top priority.

To prevent the progression of Solar Keratosis into Squamous cell carcinoma, at Jupiter Dermatology we advocate preventative and aggressive treatments in order to reduce that risk so hopefully you do not need to have surgery in the future.

CO2 Fractional Laser Demonstration

CO2 Fractional Laser delivers high energy beam to smooth out lines, wrinkles and scars, and remove brown spots and other irregularities. CO2 laser  treats penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen.  In this video, Dr. Mejia demonstrates this laser resurfacing procedure on a male patient.

The laser machine used is the Lumenis.

Lumenis offers a longer, near infrared wavelength where light penetration into tissue reaches its maximum depth. The CO2 laser provides uniform clinical effect with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Its rapid, high-energy pulse makes it the coldest and cleanest ablative laser available today.

 

 

 

Hugh Jackman Skin Cancer & Urging Fans To Be Safe

Skin cancer is no joke. Hugh Jackman recently shared an Instagram picture of his nose bandaged from a skin cancer surgery. He urged his fans to wear sunscreen. Luckily, he got it checked on time after his wife urged him to. It was basal cell carcinoma. This was the second time Hugh Jackman skin cancer was diagnosed. See below the Instagram picture from November, 2013.

If the Wolverine can get skin cancer so can you.  No one can escape the damaging rays of the sun. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and can be prevented by just simply wearing Sunblock SPF 30 daily and protective clothing. There are an estimated 2.8 million cases of BCC diagnosed in the US each year. In fact, it is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. It shouldn’t be taken lightly: this skin cancer can be disfiguring if not treated promptly.

 

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6 months ago:

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It is important on the nose to preserve normal tissue margins utilizing the Mohs technique. This gives you a higher cure rate and lower chance of recurrence. Immediately following the Mohs, Dr Mejia does the plastic surgery reconstruction as is demonstrated on this patient in the video below. This is the type of result that is similarly done on the nose like Hugh Jackman. Continue reading “Hugh Jackman Skin Cancer & Urging Fans To Be Safe”

Melanoma Monday

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Every year, May 5th is Melanoma Monday. In an effort to educate the public on this deadly disease, The American Academy of Dermatology has created some public service announcements to educate you in early prevention.

Here are Melanoma statistics:

  • On average, one American dies from melanoma every hour. In 2014, it is estimated that 9,710 deaths will be attributed to melanoma.
  • Melanoma is the most common cancer for young adults 25 to 29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old
  • When caught early, skin cancer – including melanoma – is highly treatable. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent.

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Download the Mole Map: Mole Map from AAD

Download Dr. Mejia’s ABCDE’s of Melanoma 

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The American Academy of Dermatology also has created an online quiz to Spot Skin Cancer to test your knowledge.  Prevention is key. If you see any signs,  please get checked right away. Dr. Mejia is a Mohs skin cancer surgeon and one of the only MD’s in the nation that is Board Certified in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. Be safe and stay covered.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Peel Deel Skin Care Event

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Join Us For Our Exclusive

Peel Deal Event

Wednesday May 7th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

$100 Deposit reserves your spot and entitles you to our popular “PEEL Deal”  which includes:

  • A free Skin Medica  Peel. (Choose from the “Red Carpet” or Vitalize)
  •   $100 Towards your product package that day.

Choose from these packages:

  • TNS Recovery + Retinol. Free Ultra Sheer Moisturizer and Travel Case (Save $84)
  • TNS Essential Serum. Free TNS Eye Repair (Save $98)
  • Purchase 2 Latisse 5 ml kits. $250 (Save $110)

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Experience Makeup That Does More

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Receive a CORE FOUR complimentary makeover from our Colorscience Makeup Artist, Brittney Walton.
**Purchase a Powder Sunscreen Brush and Mist
Receive a Lip Shine Spf 35 FREE!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Call to reserve your spot! Space is limited.  561-748-0510[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Melanoma In Children On The Rise

 

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Photo Credit: Chron.com Article Source

Although small in number,  melanoma in children has risen by two percent between 1973 and 2009 from a total of less than 250 a year to about 500 now.

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, these are the warning signs for pediatric melanoma:

  • Skin: A bump that itches and bleeds.
  • Blemish: Any blemish that looks like a wart, without pigment or a pinkish color
  • Lesion: Lighter colored amelanotic lesions.
  • Moles: Any odd-looking moles, especially those larger in size.
  • Different: A mole that looks different from your child’s other moles.
  • Info: Remember these easy clues to moles that may be problematic: asymmetry, border irregularity, color, diameter (larger than 1/4 inch) and elevation.

The Houston Chronicle shared a story of a six year old girl who was diagnosed with pediatric melanoma. At first, they thought it was a wart or a pimple, but when it did not get better after treatment, the Doctor found that it was Melanoma. Thankfully, she is now in remission.

Unfortunately, melanomas in children do occur and for this reason, it is important to protect your children’s skin. Most importantly, avoid sunburns as this can increase the risk.  This is the purpose of the Hunt for Melanoma campaign. It is an opportunity for us to be aware of what a melanoma looks like and take a close inspection of the moles on our body.  View the ABCD’s and a downloadable brochure to get your first hand education on melanomas. 

Antiaging Through Exercise

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This article  in the New York Times demonstrates histological benefits of improvement of the inner layers of our skin which is composed of collagen and elastin through exercise. It cites a McMaster University study of mice to see if exercise would help in antiaging.

According to the article, these were the results:

The scientists biopsied skin samples from each volunteer and examined them microscopically. When compared strictly by age, the skin samples overall aligned with what would be expected. Older volunteers generally had thicker outer layers of skin and significantly thinner inner layers.

But those results shifted noticeably when the researchers further subdivided their samples by exercise habits. They found that after age 40, the men and women who exercised frequently had markedly thinner, healthier stratum corneums and thicker dermis layers in their skin. Their skin was much closer in composition to that of the 20- and 30-year-olds than to that of others of their age, even if they were past age 65.

 While it clearly does not demonstrate reversal of chronic sun damage and wrinkling from the South Florida environment, exercise is important to your overall skin health.

To reverse the signs of aging, we recommend our antiaging skincare program with prescription strength Tretinoin  and medical grade Skinceuticals Vitamin C  and our newest potent skin antioxidant Resveratrol.

We also are offering a new product line, Skin Medica. To learn more about this, you can contact our aesthetician, Daphne  and also about TNS growth factors and topical vitamin C  which also complement our antiaging program.

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Patients that desire a quicker faster approach can utilize the multitude of treatments including laser resurfacing, medical  microdermabrasion, and chemical peels to restore their skin to a more youthful look within a week.  In summary exercise is not only good for your heart health but for antiaging and a youthful appearance.

Our Patient Rene Magnifico at the Senior Florida Pageant

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Our Patient Rene Magnifico is running for “Senior Miss Florida”

Here is her story & advice to you about your aging concerns…

To all 60 year old ladies and older,

It’s never to late to feel more beautiful without having plastic surgery.  It’s immediate and instant rejuvenation of mind and body.

I made a bucket list this year and being in the Ms. Senior Florida Pageant was on it.  During the months of preparation, I had facials, Juvederm and Sculptra treatments at Jupiter Dermatology with Dr. Mejia.  It is no wonder  he was at the Dr. Oz fest.  He is amazing and I never felt more beautiful.  I remember the life cereal commercial with Mikey who said “Try it, you’ll like it.” I love it and don’t in anyway feel plastic or fake.

If today is the day to give intelligent advice there is NO such thing as too old or too late.  No more “what if” or “if only” about the things that really matter.  It matters how you feel and look.  Today, I am having an IPL photofacial and if the cost is a concern, it’s cheaper than a dinner out for 4 people.

The other added luxury to me is after having stage 4 tongue and throat cancer, NO ONE is watching my cancer better than Dr. Mejia.

Sincerely,

Rene Magnifico[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_fade” interval=”10″ images=”2812,2811,2810,2809,2808,2807,2806″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” title=”Rene Magnifico at the Florida Senior Pageant” img_size=”800×600″][/vc_column][/vc_row]