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 August 31, 2011

Summer 2011 

Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery is offering an exclusive summer special to patients who are considering an upper eyelid lift. From now until September 2nd you can receive 55% off the customary cost for an upper eyelid lift. This in-office procedure is performed by W.G. Eshbaugh, Jr, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Eshbaugh is a skilled and proven physician with years of experience performing aesthetic and plastic surgery. 

Appointments are limited and this special is exclusive to Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in the Fort Myers and North Naples locations. Schedule your consultation at Spa Blue MD by calling 239-313-2553. Some restrictions may apply.

Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Where Science Meets Beauty

Spa Blue MD Unveils Thermage CPT

Spa Blue MD, a Division of Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery announce that it is now offering the Thermage CPT™ system, a new, more comfortable, non-invasive procedure to help smooth, tighten, and contour skin in a single treatment without surgery, injections and little to no downtime. Spa Blue MD is currently the only facility in Southwest Florida to offer this innovative procedure.   

Thermage is a safe, non-invasive, radiofrequency (RF) cosmetic procedure that's clinically proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall younger looking appearance. The treatment delivers natural looking results with little to no downtime-on all skin colors, on and off the face, all in a single procedure. The Thermage procedure is administered in a doctor's office to help tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural collagen growth. The Thermage procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities. Immediate results are visible and continue to improve for up to six months, with results that can last for years.

Thermage is FDA cleared for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids, including the upper and lower eyelids, and for the temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite (with vibration).

The Thermage CPT system's features and benefits include:

• Enhanced results - more therapeutic heat delivered across the treatment area
• Superior comfort  - made possible through Comfort Pulse Technology and a new vibrating hand piece
• High patient satisfaction - patients will be happier with their results and treatment experience

Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery is offering an exclusive summer special to patients who are considering an upper eyelid lift. From now until September 2nd you can receive 55% off the customary cost for an upper eyelid lift. This in-office procedure is performed by W.G. Eshbaugh, Jr, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Eshbaugh is a skilled and proven physician with years of experience performing aesthetic and plastic surgery.

Appointments are limited and this special is exclusive to Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in the Fort Myers and North Naples locations. Schedule your consultation at Spa Blue MD by calling 239-313-2553. Some restrictions may apply.

Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Where Science Meets Beauty

Riverchase Dermatology is Southwest Florida’s largest and most comprehensive dermatology, skin center, and cosmetic surgery practice with offices in North Naples, Downtown Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Marco Island. As the only practice in the nation offering non-surgical radiation therapy in addition to the Camisa Psoriasis Center & Laser and Skin Cancer Institute, three Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, and an experienced plastic surgeon on staff to perform complex closures, Riverchase redefines dermatology with cutting edge technology. For more information on Riverchase Dermatology and upcoming skin cancerscreenings contact Kimberly Royal, Marketing Manager at kroyal@cfdcs.com or by phone 239-313-2915.

Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery adds

Daniel I Wasserman, MD, FAAD

Andrew T. Jaffe, MD, Medical Director

Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery is pleased to announce the addition of Daniel I. Wasserman, MD, FAAD to their long list of providers offering comprehensive skin care.

Dr. Wasserman joins Riverchase with prestigious credentials and extraordinary training from the most esteemed medical institutions in the United States.

Dr. Wasserman completed his undergraduate studies at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. After graduating Cum Laude from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Wasserman began his internship at Stanford University’s General Surgery Program.

In 2008 Dr. Wasserman obtained his Board Certification by the American Board of Dermatology concluding his residency through the Boston University - Tufts University Combined Dermatology Program. He refined his advanced training by acquiring a research and clinical fellowship under the tutelage of Dr. R. Rox Anderson, leading expert and innovator of laser medicine and research (inventor of the pulsed-dye laser, laser hair and tattoo removal, technology behind Fraxel®, and Zeltiq™) at Harvard Medical School’s Laser & Cosmetic Center and Wellman Center for Photomedicine. Following his time in Boston, Dr. Wasserman extended his fellowship training in Birmingham, Alabama, studying Mohs Micrographic Surgery and cosmetic dermatology with Dr. Gary Monheit, inventor of the Monheit medium-depth chemical peel and past president of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.

During his comprehensive studies, Dr. Wasserman has been honored with significant awards:

• Massachusetts General Hospital Faculty McGovern Award Nominee
• American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Cutting Edge Grant Award
• Jefferson Medical College’s Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Award for Diligence and Commitment to Investigative Dermatology
• 2003 National Alpha Omega Alpha Research Fellowship Award
• Hobart Amory Hare Honor Society
• Association of Pathology Chairs Honor Society

Dr. Wasserman is a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery – Young Physicians Work Group, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Among his numerous accomplishments, Dr. Wasserman is a contributor to the publication of medical articles, chapters, and journals, and has delivered presentations regarding innovative uses of lasers and light to treat skin cancers non-surgically.

Parallel to the mission of Riverchase, Dr. Wasserman believes in treating patients as if they are family while providing revolutionary skin care medicine. In his words, “I treat patients, not skin cancer”.

Dr. Wasserman is accepting appointments beginning February 28th at the new state-of-the-art Camisa Psoriasis Center and Laser & Skin Cancer Institute, a Division of Riverchase. The facility is located just two blocks north of Fifth Avenue in Downtown Naples, 261 9^th Street South, Naples, FL 34102. For optimal convenience, Dr. Wasserman will also see patients at the Riverchase Dermatology Marco Island office, 950 Collier Boulevard, Suite 303, Marco Island, FL 34145.

You may contact the Riverchase Downtown Naples location at 239-216-4337 or the Riverchase Marco Island location at 239-642-3337 to schedule an appointment.

For further information regarding Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery visit www.riverchasedermatology.com or contact Kimberly Royal, Marketing Manager by phone 239-313-2519 or by email kroyal@cfdcs.com.

You can rest assured that the skilled providers and staff of Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery are well trained in the latest techniques and procedures. Riverchase is the largest and most comprehensive Dermatology practice in Southwest Florida, treating all types of skin disorders and cosmetic concerns with the latest advances in medicine. However, our guiding principle has remained the same; to treat every patient as if they were family. Riverchase is dedicated to excellence in every aspect of patient care.

With four convenient locations and the following areas of practice, we strive to continue to offer the best in Dermatologic Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery.

General Dermatology - Accepting new patients at all four convenient area locations.

Skin Cancer Center - Detection and treatment of all types of skin cancer, offering:
Mohs Micrographic Surgery: The only practice in the area that has two fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeons. Dr. Andrew T. Jaffe and Dr. Andrew P. Kontos are both certified by the American College of Mohs Surgery, after completing a rigorous fellowship training.

Dermabeam: The first private practice in the nation to offer the revolutionary Dermabeam™ Non-Surgical skin cancer treatment.

The Camisa Psoriasis Center - Offering phototherapy, biologic therapies, Xtrac Laser, and more. Directed by renowned expert Dr. Charles Camisa, author of The Psoriasis Handbook. Dr. Camisa also diagnoses and treats other autoimmune disorders of the skin, mouth and lips. Naples and Fort Myers.

Cosmetic Dermatology – Laser treatments and non-invasive cosmetic enhancements such as Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Evolence and more. All injections are performed by a Board Certified Dermatologist. Consultations are complimentary. Naples and Fort Myers.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – For face and body. Now offering minimally invasive procedures such as the RejuvaLift at Riverchase, performed by W.G. Eshbaugh, Jr., MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Spa Blue MD at Riverchase – Physician-directed medical spa offering a wide range of professional spa treatments and services. Two convenient locations in Fort Myers and Naples.

What are the risk factors for developing skin cancer?

Controllable risk factors include exposure to ultraviolet radiation, both from natural (sun) and artificial (tanning bed) sources.  Smoking also increases the risk, especially in people with considerable sun exposure.  Uncontrollable risk factors include fair skin, tendency to burn, red or blond hair, blue or green eyes, a tendency to freckle and a family history of skin cancer.  Multiple moles, especially abnormal moles, increase the risk.  Medications and conditions that suppress the immune system or increase sensitivity to sunlight also increase the risk.

What can I do about the red, rough, scaly spots on my face?

These are likely actinic keratosis, precancerous lesions that appear as a result of a lifetime of sun exposure.  If not treated, they can become skin cancers.  Treatments include freezing with liquid nitrogen, topical chemotherapies, chemical peels and photodynamic therapies (PDT).  PDT is the newest treatment.  Larger areas are treated with less irritation and have the added bonus of rejuvenating sun damaged skin.  PDT uses the interaction of photosensitizing agents, light and oxygen to destroy damaged skin cells.  Your dermatologist can help you decide the best treatment for your skin.

What can I do to improve the appearance of wrinkles without getting a facelift?

There are several options available for people who desire visual diminishing of their wrinkles without undergoing a procedure as invasive as a facelift.  Wrinkles caused by facial expressions such as smiling or frowning can be treated with 'dermal fillers' such as collagen or the newer hyaluronic acids.  Several fillers available are convenient in that they do not require a skin test and last from 3-6 months.  In addition, BOTOX may be used to relax these expression lines.  Your dermatologist can discuss these options and help you decide on the best treatment for your situation.

What types of wrinkles is BOTOX useful for?  How does it work?

Wrinkles due to overactive muscles in the face often dramatically improve with BOTOX treatments.  These include the 'frown lines' between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead creases, crows feet, and radiating wrinkles around the mouth.  BOTOX works by 'disconnecting' the muscle from the nerve supplying it.  Since the muscle relies on stimulation from the nerve for contraction, BOTOX causes the muscle to relax.  The effect is temporary; the nerve beings to grow new connections to the muscle in a few months; recovery of the muscle function usually occur in 3-6 months.  However, the duration of effect may lengthen with repeated treatments.

Why should I choose a dermatologist to administer my cosmetic procedures?

Dermatologists receive four more years of training beyond medical school and are experts in skin, hair, and nail disorders.  Dermatologists have developed and introduced most of the innovative cosmetic procedures in the last fifty years.  These include treatments for acne scarring, sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, MOHS micrographic surgery for skin cancer, dermabrasion, hair transplantation, chemical peels, laser surgery, tumescent liposuction which has made liposuction a safe procedure, scleropathy for leg veins, fat transfer BOTOX, fillers like collagen, Restylane and Sculptura, laser resurfacing, facial rejuvenation, and vein treatments.  Shouldn't you trust your skin to the experts?

Are there any other uses for BOTOX besides wrinkles?

BOTOX is a wonderful treatment for minimizing face wrinkles. It can be used on the underarm area or the palm of the hand to stop excessive sweating called "hyperhidrosis" (excessive sweating).    For the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with BOTOX, it has been show to last at least 6 months or more.

How can I tell if a mole I have is dangerous?

We use the ABCDs of melanoma.  "A" stands for asymmetry.  Draw an imaginary line down the center of the mole.  If both halves created by this line are not similar, then the mole asymmetric.  "B" stands for border irregularity.  Are the borders of the mole fuzzy, notched or blurred?  "C" stands for color change or multiple colors.  If the mole has changed colors, or has multiple colors, including brown, black, red or grey, this is abnormal.  "D" stands for diameter.  Is the diameter of the mole greater than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser).  For moles with any of these features, visit a dermatologist for an evaluation.  Skin cancer awareness month is May.  Look for free skin cancer screenings by the local dermatologists sometime in that month.

How can I avoid sun damage?

Protecting your skin from the sun will help prevent aging of the skin as well as decrease the risk of skin cancer.  First and foremost, avoid deliberate sunbathing.  Wearing sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days) is an initial step in sun protection.  SPF 15 for daily use is typically adequate.  Some people find sunscreen greasy or not desirable for daily wear.  For those people, I often suggest some of the new moisturizers of body lotions which contain sunscreen.  If you plan on prolonged sun exposure, sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is advised.  Also, wearing a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing is recommended.

I want to protect my skin from the sun.  What type of sunscreen should I use?

Sunscreens are used to provide protection against the harmful effects of the sun.  Sunscreens either absorb or reflect the light at the top layer of your skin to prevent absorption.  There are many sunscreens on the market.  My recommendation is to use a sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15-30.  Sunscreens need to be applied 30 minutes before exposure and reapplied every 4-6 hours.  The basic principle of photoprotection are:  1) use sunscreen routinely, 2) avoid midday exposure, 3) wear protective clothing (large hats, etc.)  There is now FDA-approved clothing that provide a SPF of 30.  Most clothing only offers SPF of 5.

I feel I look healthier with a tan.  Is there a safe way to achieve this look?

A tan is damage to the skin.  The greater the degree of tanning the greater the resulting damage.  If you tan, expect early aging of the skin, mottled pigment, thick leathery wrinkles, and skin cancers.  Whether you achieve your tan through natural sun exposure or tanning beds the end-point damage is the same.  To enjoy a bronzed look with no damage to the skin, try the various self-tanning lotions which are on the market.  You can temporarily darken your color by staining your skin instead of tanning it.

I have a growth on my nose.  It doesn’t hurt, bleed or itch; should I be concerned?

A common misconception is that asymptomatic skin growths are nothing to worry about.  Most skin cancers don't cause any discomfort or other symptoms in the early stages.  Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, occurring frequently on the face; it often looks like a flesh colored 'bump.'  It may be shiny and have dilated blood vessels.  Sometimes it has a scar-like appearance.  It can also appear as a non-healing red somewhat scaly plaque that mimics psoriasis or dermatitis; this form is common on the trunk and extremities.

All questions and answers provided by:

Kimberly A. Davidson, M.D.

Board Certified Dermatology

Riverchase Dermatology

1015 Cross Pointe Drive

Naples, FL 34110

239-596-9075