Ask the Doc

We are always happy to answer questions. Below is a list of some of the more commonly asked questions. If you have any other questions or would like further explanations, please feel free to contact us at (248) 855-3366.

Topics frequently asked about:

• Acne
• Skin Cancer
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Laser Hair Removal
• Chemical Peels
• Skin Care Products
• Red Skin
• BOTOX
• Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
• Wrinkle Fillers
• What is a Physician’s Assistant (PA)?
• Who is Qualified to Perform Cosmetic Procedures?

Acne

Can adults have acne?  Absolutely. While it's most common in teenagers, acne can persist or even begin later in life. The cause of acne is multi-factorial, including hormonal, bacterial, and physical. All these factors can contribute to an acne condition. It is not unusual to see males or females in their 30s, 40s, or 50s with persistent or new onset acne. The cause of acne depends on the individual. At Associated Dermatologists, we will consider all causes and develop the most effective treatment regimen for you.

Skin Cancer

How often should I have a full body skin exam?  Skin cancer is always easier to treat when it is detected early. We recommend full body skin exams yearly to all patients to search for early skin cancers. For patients with a history of skin cancer, we recommend more frequent skin exams. 

Are all new skin growths dangerous?  Not necessarily. Most new skin growths are not significant and pose no health risk. However, all new skin growths should be examined by a dermatologist to ensure that they are not unhealthy. Some of the warning signs are growths that are changing in size or color and that are symptomatic or bleed. Do not delay the examination of any new skin growth.

Eczema

Is eczema a chronic condition?  Usually. However, many cases of new onset eczema may be related to a new medication or an environmental exposure. At Associated Dermatologists, we offer patch testing to appropriately screen for skin allergies.

Psoriasis

Are there any new options for the treatment of psoriasis? Yes. The treatment of psoriasis is rapidly changing!  In addition to topical products, oral medications and phototherapy (NBUVB, PUVA), the science of biologic agents has brought many new treatment options to dermatologists (Enbrel, Humira, Remicade). These agents, which are usually injected at weekly to monthly intervals, work to inhibit the inflammatory signals produced by the body that cause psoriasis. Many of these agents are indicated to treat psoriatic arthritis, often associated with psoriasis. In addition, there are many new topical therapies that are more effective and easier to use. At Associated Dermatologists, we offer physicians with extensive experience in the treatment of psoriasis. For overall phototherapy of NUVB/PUVA there is a unit in our West Bloomfield location. In addition, we offer Xtrac laser in our Commerce location- which targets specific psoriatic lesions. Let us help you with your psoriasis.

Laser Hair Removal

Should a doctor treat me for laser hair removal?  Not necessarily. a highly trained and licensed professional can perform this procedure. A dermatologist should always be present on site to help with the evaluation and treatment plan if necessary. At Associated Dermatologists, all of your laser hair removal treatments will be conducted by a licensed esthetician, and with extensive laser experience. Dermatologists spend years studying the skin and laser science. Why go anywhere other than a dermatology practice for your laser treatment?

Is laser hair removal permanent?  Our lasers result in permanent hair reduction. Our bodies are covered in billions of hair follicles; each with the potential to grow hair. We cannot guarantee 100% of the hair to be gone, but you will see about an 80% - 90% permanent reduction. Any hair re-growth is significantly lighter in color and thinner.

Is it painful? There are prescription topical anesthetic creams that can be applied prior to treatment that will numb the skin. This may or may not be necessary depending on the area being treated and one's tolerance to this stimulus. During consultation, a test area will be treated so the patient will know what to expect.

Is a consultation prior to hair removal required? Yes. During the consultation, we perform a medical history and review of medication, examine the area of unwanted hair, treat a small test patch in this area and provide an exact cost quote for treatment.

I am of ethnic descent; will this damage my skin?  The proper laser and energy settings make laser hair removal safe for most skin types. At Associated Dermatologists, we have extensive experience in the treatment of all skin types.  Why trust your skin to anyone else?

Chemical Peels

How can chemical peels help my skin?  Chemical peels can help acne prone skin, even-out mottled pigmentation, reduce fine lines, stimulate collagen production, and brighten the appearance of your skin. At Associated Dermatologists, we offer a variety of chemical peels for all skin types. Let us choose the best treatment regimen for you.

Skin Care Products

Can you advise me on skin care products? Absolutely. The Physician Assistants and our esthetician are specially trained by the Dermatologists in this practice  to determine the best products for your skin type and needs to obtain the most immediate, dramatic and lasting results. We have several skin care product lines that cover a wide variety of patient needs.

Red Skin

How can I get rid of red blotchy skin? We have a variety of options to treat rosacea and other factors that contribute to redness. Our vascular laser is a gentle but effective treatment for red and blotchy skin.

BOTOX

Does it make any difference who administers BOTOX?  Yes. In order to gain optimal results from your BOTOX treatment, it is important to make sure a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive experience performs the procedure. At Associated Dermatologists, you will always have this level of expertise taking care of you.
 
Does it hurt to have a treatment? Our physicians use very small syringes for treatments and are very experienced at this procedure. This allows for quick, precise treatment (5 – 10 minutes total) with minimal discomfort.

Typically, patients say a treatment feels comparable to a mosquito sting.

Will it make me expressionless? No, BOTOX that is correctly administered relaxes specific muscles that contribute to specific wrinkles. Many patients we treat for “frown lines” between the eyebrows notice people respond to them better because they no longer have a ”permafrown”, even when they are happy.

How soon will I see results? You will start noticing a difference in about a week, but many people continue to see improvement for an additional four to six weeks.

How long will BOTOX last? Most patients request a touch-up every 4 – 7 months. This varies depending on the individual.

Hyperhidrosis

What can be done for excessive sweating?  Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which there is severe underarm sweating. Severe sweating significantly exceeds the body's normal requirements for cooling. BOTOX is approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating when antiperspirants don't work. The treatment lasts for 4-6 months and can eliminate this condition.

Wrinkle Fillers

What kinds of wrinkle fillers do you use? Our options for wrinkle fillers have recently expanded to include Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse and Sculptra. We consult with patients to offer the most effective fillers for their specific circumstances. Fillers have different advantages such as time between touch-ups and reactivity to certain skin types.

Who is qualified to perform cosmetic procedures?

Dermatologists train in medical school for four years to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) followed by a four-year post-graduate training program in the specialty of dermatology. A dermatologist must then take a national board certifying exam to assure a level of expertise in diseases and treatment of the skin.  While there are many laser centers and non-specialized doctors practicing cosmetic medicine, they just do not have the training necessary to safely treat you and effectively address your cosmetic skin concerns. With access to dermatologists and plastic surgeons who have the training critical to your safe and beneficial treatment, why let just anyone take care of your skin?

What is a Physician Assistant?
At Associated Dermatologists, we are proud of our outstanding Physician Assistants (PA). Many of our patients choose to see our physician assistants exclusively. A PA is a trained medical professional who works as an extension of the supervising physician by seeing, diagnosing, and treating patients in a similar manner. A PA-C symbolizes that the PA has passed a national board certifying exam, which is required by many institutions and states for licensure. To maintain board certification, a PA has to log 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years and sit for the national board certifying exam every 6 years.

The Physician Assistant degree can be referred to as a “Master of Medicine” degree. Their graduate training includes the study of medicine using the same medical model, and many of the same courses and rotations as medical students. In Michigan and 48 other states, they are able to prescribe medications and obtain a DEA number if necessary.

The PA's role in an office or hospital is determined by the supervising physician. PAs do anything from research to performing surgery, and like any profession, expertise comes with experience.

At Associated Dermatologists, our PAs are well-rounded practitioners of dermatology and specialize in medical and surgical Dermatology. At our office, the physician / PA team concept has proven valuable to both our physicians and our patients.

For more information about the PA profession, please go to the American DoctorAcademy of Physician Assistants website at http://www.aapa.org/.