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Hair Loss Prevention

Everyone loses hair. It is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs every day. If you see bald patches or lots of thinning, you may be experiencing chronic hair loss. There are many causes of hair loss. Women may notice hair loss after giving birth. Men and women under a lot of stress can see noticeable hair loss. Some diseases and medical treatments can cause hair loss as well. That said, it’s actually very common for women and men’s hair to thin as the years go by.

Luckily, most causes of hair loss can be stopped or treated. Should you be experiencing hair loss, we are happy to consult with you to discuss some of the cutting edge options we offer at Torrey Pines Dermatology.

Topically speaking, there are only a few products that are actually proven to work on increasing both number and thickness of hairs on the scalp.

1)Avene “Trio”: this is the product line we swear by at TPD to stimulate hair growth. Within the system there are three components:

Revitalizing Cream Shampoo– Revitalize your hair’s health with ANAPHASE Cream Shampoo. This stimulating shampoo is the perfect complement for anti-hair loss treatments. It restores volume and vigor to thinning, fine or weak hair. With an original formula containing the vitamin complex Tocopherol Nicotinate and Ruscus, it gently cleanses and nourishes devitalized hair. The smooth, creamy texture aids microcirculation of the scalp. Use as often as needed.
Hair Loss Lotion– With a proprietary blend of vitamin B3, amino acids and botanicals, NEOPTIDE nourishes and supports devitalized, thinning hair. The association of Neoruscine, Nicotinamide, and GP4G facilitates optimal nutritional exchange in the hair bulb and provides an energy-activating role. Hair is stimulated, thus reducing the appearance of hair loss and simultaneously boosting hair mass. The light texture of NEOPTIDE is easily absorbed and enables daily use without greasing hair.
Dietary Supplement– ANACAPS Dietary Supplement is a complete treatment that will nourish and strengthen hair and nails. Thanks to an original formula, ANACAPS gives the hair bulb and nail matrix the essential nutrients and antioxidants needed to re-energize and revitalize the hair and nails.

2) Minoxidil 5% foam or solution (also known as Rogaine): this product has been on the market for years and consistently helps patients with hair thickening and hair growth when used for 6-12 months or longer. When used in conjunction with our new CosmoPen microneedling procedure, we can stimulate hair growth much faster and more effectively. With microneedling patients are able to absorb about 80 percent of topical products in the skin, whereas patients who haven’t had CosmoPen Microneedling absorb only 3 percent. Thus minoxidil gets to the “root” of the problem right away and begins encouraging hair growth much faster than when simply applied to an untreated scalp.

We hope you will come see us at Torrey Pines Dermatology so we can help you reach your hair growth goals!

Laser Resurfacing and Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer annually. Many skin cancers develop from precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, and here at Torrey Pines Dermatology we perform procedures and prescribe medications that “search and destroy” these lesions before they turn into cancer. One of our most powerful preventative procedures is a fractional resurfacing laser called Active FX.

Fractional lasers work on the top 2 layers of skin, the epidermis and dermis, in effect “erasing” precancerous cells. The use of resurfacing procedures to treat skin pre-cancers (actinic keratoses) and prevent skin cancer has produced promising results — and fewer recurrences than treatment with the topical chemotherapy drugs. More recently, treatment with fractional lasers, which permit a very careful and controlled delivery of light, has also reduced the number of actinic keratoses from developing further into Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Clinical Study of Laser Resurfacing and Skin Cancer Prevention

“Basil M. Hantash, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues at Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Medical Center, California, evaluated three alternative treatments for actinic keratoses in 24 patients with a history of lesions or of carcinoma. The participants had an average age of 73 years and were randomly assigned to undergo skin resurfacing with either a carbon dioxide laser, a chemical peel using 30 percent trichloroacetic acid or a cream with 5 percent fluorouracil, a medication used in chemotherapy, applied twice daily for three weeks. Dermatologists charted patients’ actinic keratoses on a diagram of the head at the beginning of the study and again every three months for a
period of at least 24 months. Five patients who were eligible for the study but declined treatment were used as controls. After three months, the number of actinic keratoses had decreased significantly in all three treatment groups: 83 percent in the fluorouracil group, 89 percent in the acid group and 92 percent in the laser group. None of the participants experienced adverse effects from treatment. The risk of cancer was also lower in all three treatment groups than in the control group.
At Torrey Pines Dermatology Dr. Richards highly recommends having an Active FX resurfacing procedure to eliminate the build up of years of sun damage and to lessen the possibility of developing many more skin cancers in the future. It is best performed 2-4 weeks following your skin cancer surgery and is also used to remodel scar tissue that can occur after skin cancer surgery. It is wonderful we now have such an effective tool to wipe the slate clean of past sun damage and to ensure healthier skin for a lifetime.

In health,
Kristen A. Richards, MD

Skin Manifestations of Coronavirus

As more physicians are called to fight COVID-19, new information is emerging regarding the many manifestations of the virus.

In Italy, dermatologists have noticed that rashes are appearing in some patients who are associated with COVID-19. Of these 88 COVID-19 patients treated, 20.5% developed skin manifestations according to the publication, MDedge. Eight of the 18 patients had some early skin signs once they contracted the virus, and the rest noticed them after the disease progressed.

These rashes often presented as red rashes, some with widespread hives and one even masqueraded as chickenpox. Another patient in Thailand had a rash that seemed to be consistent with Dengue fever; however, the patient later tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, many dermatologists have noticed a vascular rash that indicates that the immune response to the virus has blocked small blood vessels in the skin.

Generally speaking, the majority of rashes showed up on the trunk and often cleared up in a few days. Rashes, for the most part, did not itch, and interestingly the rashes showed up different stages of the viral infection. As we learn more about the COVID-19 virus, we are gaining a better understanding of the many different ways it can present in the body.

Should you notice an unusual rash, even if you have no other symptoms, it is important to contact your dermatologist immediately for an evaluation. If you are hesitant to come to the office, please remember to take advantage of telehealth options and contact the office at your earliest convenience.

Until more certain times, stay healthy and safe and don’t forget to wash your hands and wear a mask!

In health,
Kristen A. Richards, MD

The Importance of Positive Thinking During COVID-19

There is no question that this is a tough time for us all. During these unprecedented times, there seems to be little we can do to control our environment or to better ourselves and our family, but that would not be entirely true.

The good news is that we can and do have control of our outlook and how we view what’s going on around us. In fact, many studies have proven that positive thinking helps with handling stress and has a direct impact on our health.

The health benefits of positive thinking range from lower stress, fewer skin issues, lower depression rates, and mental distress while improving our resistance to sickness, improving cardiovascular health, and providing an overall better psychological and physical sense of wellbeing.

This all sounds great, but how do I apply positive thinking in an environment such as the COVID-19 pandemic? Here are a few suggestions to consider:

Identify & Stop Negative Self-Talk
Think in Terms of the Glass Half-Full vs. Half-Empty
Try Not to Personalize Situations Which Are Out of Your Control
Avoid Catastrophic Thinking
Create a Gratitude Journal
Identify Topics to be More Positive About
Try Humor!
Find the Silver Lining
Practice Positive Thinking

There are many great resources and articles written about the power of being positive as well as health care professionals who can help you along your positivity journey. It is important to mention that sometimes situations and events are larger than we are, and require perhaps more than just a positive outlook. If you are having trouble sorting out your emotions and feelings or have experienced loss during this time, please seek the support of family, friends, and professional care.

December Holiday Season and the Gift of Health

December is a busy month between holiday shopping, get-togethers and keeping your regular life going; life can get stressful at this time of year. Stress in the body and mind can often show on the skin. Here are some tips for the Holiday Season to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

Sleep: lack of sleep can increase our cortisol levels, which can lead to blotchy and broken out skin. Try hard despite the harried pace of the season to sleep 8 hours a night.

Holiday sweets: an increase in sugar can spike insulin levels, also leading to stressed bodies, minds, and skin. Try to keep the sugar intake to one or two treats maximum.

Lack of exercise: exercise on a regular basis naturally increases our endorphin levels, which combats stress. Being overscheduled during the holidays often leads to a decrease in our regular exercise routine and an increase in our stress. Do your best to get at least three hour-long workouts in each week. Your skin will thank you!

Alcohol and moisture: heavy imbibing during December can dehydrate the body and cause dry skin. Make sure to drink two glasses of water for every alcoholic drink you consume to keep a healthy balance for your skin. In addition, use a moisturizing cream on your whole body as soon as you step out of the shower.

What About Skincare Gifts for Those Hard to Buy for Friends and Family?

1) Skincare products:
Many products sold on the market look great and are packaged well but have no scientific evidence of actually transforming the skin. Dermatologists have been trained to study the science behind various skincare products and to determine which products are actually “medical grade” or “transformative” in our skin. Make sure you are not just falling for good marketing and ask your dermatologist to recommend products that actually transform your skin into stronger more beautiful skin.

One of the best gifts of the holiday season is a custom skin care package created for you or your loved one:
At Torrey Pines Dermatology we have custom skin care packages created by Dr. Richards for acne, rosacea, pregnancy, melasma, skin rejuvenation and men’s skin.

2) Skin care procedures:
To more quickly rejuvenate your skin and body consider a gift of an Active FX package for skin rejuvenation or a SculpSure package to help remove those pesky fat deposits prior to the New Year!

For more information, please call us at 858-362-8800, see our monthly specials, or follow us on social media for exclusive promotions.

Am I a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

You have been given a frightening diagnosis. You have skin cancer that is affecting your face and scalp. It may not be the first time that you have been affected by this dreaded disease. You want to get a handle on it as soon as possible. No one wants to live with cancer inside of them, especially when it is in such a visible place. Mohs surgery may be the best alternative to you to effectively treat skin cancer. It will give you the opportunity to take control of what is happening with your body and give yourself a better opportunity to avoid another bout of skin cancer in the future.

Is Mohs Surgery the Best Option for You?

Mohs surgery is typically recommended for patients who have skin cancer on the face, neck, and scalp. It is often advised when other methods have failed to effectively treat skin cancer. The first step involves targeting the area to be treated. The area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. The top layer of skin is then removed and tested for the presence of skin cancer. The process will continue, layer by layer, until no more cancer cells are detected. You will know on that day that you are considered cancer-free. Once all cancer has been removed, the wound will need to be closed. If it is a small, simple wound, it can be stitched or sutured. If it is more involved, a skin graft or reconstructive surgery from a plastic surgeon may be necessary.

Why Choose Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery can give you peace of mind. You will leave with the reassurance that your skin cancer has been removed. You will also be less likely to have skin cancer strike in this area again after Mohs. Another reason to choose Mohs is to reduce the risk of your cancer spreading from the area. The last thing you want is to risk your skin cancer progressing. You don’t want to be disfigured by skin cancer in a visible area like your scalp, your nose, your ears, your neck, or your face. Skin cancer needs to be treated effectively in order to avoid the spread of cancer to other areas of your body, including your organs. Mohs surgery may be advised as the first response to skin cancer or it may be recommended after less invasive treatments have not been effective.

Talk to Us About Mohs Surgery

Every patient is unique. How you respond to treatment will vary from someone else. Your treatment will also depend on the type of skin cancer that you have. Make an appointment for a consultation with Torrey Pines Dermatology so you can explore your options. We will work together to create a treatment plan that will help you to deal with the cancer in your body. Contact us today!

Turn Back the Clock with BOTOX in La Jolla

There are a lot of treatments out there that can help an individual to restore their youthful appearance. One of the most effective on the market today is BOTOX. It can help to smooth out your skin and get rid of dynamic wrinkles. We invite you to learn how you can turn back the clock with BOTOX in the La Jolla.

In order for you to understand why BOTOX can help you turn back the clock, you need to understand why you have wrinkles on your face. Wrinkles are the result of the changes that take place as you get older. For one thing, your skin starts to get thinner because it is no longer producing the same amount of elastin, collagen, and other healthy substances. You also start to lose the facial volume. When your skin is thinner and does not have as much volume, the muscle contractions underneath the skin are telegraphed through. As these muscle contractions take place hundreds of times throughout the day, it has a negative effect on your skin. It causes the skin to fold. All of these things contribute to wrinkles, both static and dynamic.

BOTOX is not a dermal filler. Dermal fillers are designed to help individuals who have wrinkles because of the loss of facial volume. They are directly injected into wrinkles in order to add volume and smooth the skin. BOTOX actually helps to relax the facial muscles. And since the facial muscles cannot contract with the same force as before, the skin is able to smooth out.

When an individual uses BOTOX for the first time, they may feel a little bit of apprehension. One of the reasons why they may feel this way is because they are nervous about not being able to make normal facial expressions. You do not have to worry about this at all. Our expert injectors are able to use just the right amount of BOTOX in just the right muscles in order for you to smooth away your wrinkles but to still make natural facial expressions. You are not going to be left with a face that looks frozen or does not have the ability to smile, frown, or to make other expressive movements.

We invite you to our La Jolla office in order to learn more about BOTOX and to see how it can turn back the clock for you. If you feel frustrated because of the dynamic wrinkles on your face, a couple of injections of BOTOX may be all that is needed to help you love the way you look and restore some of your youth. Please contact Torrey Pines Dermatology today to learn more about this amazing treatment.

Benefits of Undergoing an Ultherapy Treatment with PRO-NOX

With Ultherapy technology and the PRO-NOX nitrous oxide delivery system, we can gently tone and tighten loose skin while effectively managing discomfort. Our team understands that some patients avoid cosmetic treatments because they are nervous about soreness and irritation, and that is why we are proud to offer an advanced nitrous oxide system that is both safe and effective.

Understanding Ultherapy

Ultrasound machines are used thousands of times a day in hospitals and medical centers throughout the world. These devices usually take digital images of the inside of the body, but a handful of researchers discovered that ultrasonic waves might have other uses as well. When ultrasonic waves are set to a specific frequency, they can stimulate new collagen growth. This procedure doesn’t affect any of the nearby soft tissue, and that is one of the reasons why the side effects are so minimal. Most patients walk out of our office with nothing more than some redness around their treatment sites.

A Look at PRO-NOX

Ultherapy is considered to be non-surgical, but some patients are still sensitive to discomfort. PRO-NOX is a patient-controlled analgesic system for outpatient treatments such as Ultherapy. Unlike general anesthetics that leave you feeling groggy for hours, the effects of PRO-NOX fade away quickly. In addition to reducing discomfort, this technology also puts you at ease. Many patients avoid cosmetic treatments because of nervousness, and PRO-NOX helps to alleviate those fears. You will be able to respond to any discomfort or anxiety that you are feeling in a matter of seconds. To learn more, contact Torrey Pines Dermatology today to schedule an appointment!

Get a Natural Lifted Look with Ultherapy in San Diego

One of the main things that individuals are interested in when it comes to cosmetic treatments is getting results that look natural. Very few people want results that cause them to experience a dramatic change that everyone will notice. Instead, most want results that are subtle. If this is something you are interested in, we invite you to learn about Ultherapy at Torrey Pines Dermatology. San Diego residents are warmly invited to contact us and schedule a free consultation.

The first thing that you should know about Ultherapy is that it is not a surgical treatment. You do not have to worry about incisions, injections, or anything else that is going to cause your skin to feel irritated or to be damaged.

This is a treatment that is based on ultrasound therapy. It is the only treatment that is able to target the deep foundations of the skin. It helps to tone and lift sagging and loose skin on the face and neck. While it does not produce results as dramatic as a facelift, you can definitely receive some of the benefits that come with the facelift but without going through surgery.

Ultrasound therapy is used to stimulate the body’s production of collagen. As the new collagen is produced thanks to Ultherapy, the skin is going to start to lift and become more toned in the weeks that follow the treatment.

Men in the San Diego area are invited to learn more about Ultherapy. Over the weeks that follow his treatment, he is going to notice that his skin starts to look younger. Of course, women are warmly invited to contact us as well.

How do you know if you are a good candidate for Ultherapy? Take a look at your skin. Do you feel like it is starting to relax? Perhaps it is not as firm as it used to be. You may notice that you have some sagging, perhaps around your eyelids or along your eyebrow line.

If you have any of these signs of aging, Ultherapy may be right for you. We find that the majority of our clients are in their 30s and older. They are starting to experience some mild skin laxity. Of course, if you have moderate skin laxity, you will likely qualify for treatment.

The results that you get with Ultherapy are going to last a long time, perhaps a year or more. However, this treatment does not stop the aging process, so you will need to have touch-up treatments in the future. Please contact Torrey Pines Dermatology today to learn more about this treatment in San Diego.

Sculptra: A Long-Lasting Anti-Aging Treatment in San Diego

A loss of volume in the face is the number one indicator that a person is getting older. It causes you to have wrinkles and lines as well as sagging skin. Sculptra can help San Diego residents to get back some of their youth and fight the aging process. Sculptra is a long-lasting anti-aging treatment that is helping many individuals in our area to look and feel their best.

Sculptra is an injectable that encourages the body to create more collagen. As this collagen is created, a person is going to notice that they have more volume in the area where the product was injected. This means that there will be fewer lines and wrinkles. It means that there will be more lift and volume. And a person will notice that they get back some of their youthful facial contours.

How long can you expect your treatment to last? This is something that is important to consider when you start comparing all of the different cosmetic treatments that are available, especially when it comes to dermal fillers. Most individuals who use Sculptra can expect that the treatment will last about two years. However, this is not a treatment that is going to completely stop the aging process. So you may need some touch-up treatments in the future, or you may need to combine these treatments with others to get the best results.

Many wonder if this is a treatment that is going to replace BOTOX injections. It is important for our San Diego clients to understand that these products work in different ways. BOTOX is going to treat the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. Sculptra is going to help produce more collagen in the areas that are injected, so it will add lift and volume. What we have seen is that when a person uses Sculptra, they do not necessarily need as much BOTOX in order to get the best results.

Many have found that when they use BOTOX and Sculptra together, they are able to achieve some of the benefits that come from having a facelift. Of course, they are able to get these amazing results without going through surgery.

We invite San Diego residents to schedule a consultation at Torrey Pines Dermatology. One of our experienced specialists is going to closely examine your skin and ask you questions about your overall health. They will listen closely as they ask you about your specific goals. If you would like to improve your cheeks, jawline, and forehead, Sculptra may be the best option for you. We have found that it can help you to restore your entire face to a much more youthful appearance. It will be injected in just the right areas to help you get some of your youth back.

Since this is a treatment that stimulates collagen production, you do not have to worry about dealing with negative reactions. You can get right back to work and your normal routine right after the treatment is done. Please contact Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla to learn more about Sculptra and the amazing anti-aging benefits that can provide!