Skin tags are more than a nuisance. They can be unattractive, they can get caught on jewelry or clothing, and when it comes down to it, they’re completely unnecessary. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who deal with these skin nuisances every single day, the good news is, you don’t have to. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham MA, we offer different removal methods to help you get rid of these skin anomalies permanently.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are benign, raised fleshy bumps that form on the surface of the skin. They’re primarily made up of fat cells, tissue, and collagen fibers. Some of these tags even have their own blood vessels and nerve endings, which explains how they can cause pain when scratched or scraped. In layman’s terms, they are just skin tags, but in medical terms, they are called:

• Acrochordons
• Fibroepithelialpolys
• Soft fibromas

Where Do They Form?

Skin tags can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found in areas with high friction including the underarms, the groin, the eyelids, the neck, and other skin folds on the body. Areas of the body where the skin rubs back-and-forth against other skin or even an article of jewelry or clothing create the perfect environment for their formation.

At first, they can appear as small flesh-colored bumps that blend into your skin, but they can darken over time. Some tags that form on the skin are painless, while others can grow in size. They can cause discomfort, irritation, and can even bleed when irritated by clothing or jewelry.

What Causes Them To Form?

Tags that form on the skin don’t seem to have a preference. Many studies have been performed in an attempt to determine if certain factors affect their formation, but have only lead to theories as to who gets skin tags and why. Even still, the cause of skin tags is unknown. Some factors that play a role in their formation include:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Genetics
• A family history of skin tags

Children don’t usually develop them, but both men and women can experience these tags at any age. The most common occurrence is seen after the age of 50. While there is no way to prevent their formation, there is a way to remove them, and we can help you do just that.

Are They Problematic?

We’ve been taught to take notice of, inspect, and worry about any kind of new skin growth, and for a good reason. However, skin tags are completely benign. They can cause discomfort and pain when irritated, but as far as cancer or other health risks are concerned, they’re harmless.

Many people choose to have them removed because they don’t like how they look, they don’t look like how they feel, or they’ve gotten to a point where they interfere with their daily life. If you think that your particular tag doesn’t look or feel normal, you should seek out a professional opinion to put your mind at ease. The removal process is quick and efficient and won’t cause you any discomfort or inconvenience.

Can You Prevent Them?

As of now, there’s no known way to prevent the formation of skin tags, but there are ways to prevent them from getting worse. If you have tags that have formed on your skin and they are bothering you, there are some steps that you can take to reduce the friction in the area. This will not only prevent them from causing you annoyance but can also help prevent new ones from forming. You can:

• Avoid clothing and jewelry that gets caught on your skin tag
• Pay attention to areas of your body that are prone to these tags
• Reduce the overall friction in such to prevent the formation of new ones.

The benefit of removing these benign growths is that once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. However, high friction areas are high friction areas and you may develop new ones in the same area where you had one removed. Some experts swear by a healthy diet, plenty of water, and blood sugar regulation as an effective way to help reduce skin tag formation. If none of these things work for you, you can rest assured knowing that we can remove these tags easily.

How Do I Get Rid of Them?

Most people choose to remove these tags simply because they are bothersome. Others choose to remove them simply for cosmetic reasons because they don’t like how they look. Still, other patients choose to remove these tags due to discomfort. Their tags are located in a spot that experiences constant irritation because of clothing, jewelry, or friction.

When you choose an in-office treatment to remove these tags, you can rest assured that it will be quick, painless, and effective.

Can I Remove Them Myself?

We live in a world of DIY. If you don’t have to schedule an appointment for something, then you don’t. If there’s a quick and easy do-it-yourself method that saves you time and money, you’ll at least try it. There are endless sources online that will tell you that you can easily remove these tags from the comfort of your own home in a quick, safe, and cost-effective manner.

From electronic devices to apple cider vinegar concoctions, the methods are endless. However, most if not all of them are not very effective. Your best, safest, most effective option for skin tag removal is in a dermatologist’s office.

Strangulation

One at-home method for removing these tags is called strangulation. This method involves tying dental floss around the base of the tag. Doing so cuts off circulation and blood flow to the tag. As a result, the tissue dies and the tag falls off. Many people have attempted this DIY method to remove the tags of skin from their bodies.

While this method could prove to be technically effective, it also poses different risks including irritation and infection. Dermatologists don’t usually recommend this at-home method of removal. If something goes wrong, you may not be equipped to properly care for your skin and deal with any pain or side effects that result and may end up scheduling the dermatologist’s appointment that you were trying to avoid.

Freezing Products

Some DIY tag removal products promise to provide effective results through at-home cryotherapy. While these products may potentially give you your desired outcome, they may not do it safely. Whether it’s a device or a topical product, you should always consult with your dermatologist before buying one of these products on a whim.

Dermatologists have seen it all. They’re experienced and they know what does and doesn’t work. They can give you advice that just might save you time, money, discomfort, and even possible scarring.

Your Best Option: In-Office Removal

The safest most effective way to remove your tag is to let an expert handle it. An in-office removal is the best way to treat these tags that form on your skin because all you have to do is show up. You won’t have to worry about removing the tag yourself but you can walk into your appointment with confidence knowing that when you walk out, your tag will be gone.

At our office, our experts are ready and equipped to safely and effectively remove your tag, regardless of its size or location. You’ll get the best results when you let an expert care for your skin, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at our office. We offer many different removal methods and will determine the best one for you and your individual needs.

What Does In-Office Removal Look Like?

When you choose a dermatologist to remove your tag, you can rest assured that not only will you get the best care, but your concerns will be resolved and your tag will be gone. We’ll determine your treatment plan based on how many skin tags you want to remove, their size, their location, and your individual needs. The most common methods of removal include:

• Freezing them off
• Burning them off
• Snipping them off

Freezing

If your tag is small you may benefit from a professional removal process known as cryotherapy that involves freezing the tag off of your body. This process is different from the DIY at-home freezing methods because it is a professional method performed by an expert in a sterile office setting. Before treatment, your dermatologist will clean the treatment area and then begin the freezing process.

He will apply a controlled amount of liquid nitrogen to your skin tag, which will kill the tissue through cryotherapy. After 10 to 14 days, the tag will fall off and it will be gone for good.

Snipping

Another way to remove these tags that form on the skin is through a process called snipping, which in technical terms is called excision. Before treatment, your dermatologist will clean the skin surrounding your tag and then numb the area with a local pain killer so that you will so remain comfortable for the duration of the treatment.

The dermatologist will then use a scalpel or sharp medical grade, sterile scissors to remove the tag. The benefit of this method is that the scab will form, it will protect the skin and help it to heal without risk of infection.

Burning

It may sound barbaric, but we promise it’s not; it’s actually one of the most popular removal methods. Burning, also known as electrocautery, is another method of skin tag removal that effectively removes the tags on your skin for good. Before your treatment, your dermatologist will clean the treatment area and then use a probe or needle that emits electrical current. This method dries out the tag, and eventually, it will fall off.

Which Method Is Right for Me?

The best method of skin tag removal varies from patient to patient. During your initial consultation, one of our experienced dermatologists will help determine which of these methods is right for your needs. They will examine your skin tag and take note of important characteristics including its size and location. Then, they will review the different methods of removal and proceed accordingly. You can rest assured that we will choose the best removal method for your needs.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve lived with these bothersome, fleshy tags on your skin for years, know that we have different solutions that can help you finally be free of them. A very minor treatment can make a big difference in your life. Contact us today at Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham to schedule your initial consultation and to learn more about what we offer, including SkinBar MD treatments, aesthetics, acne and rosacea treatments, facials, skin rejuvenation, and dermal fillers.

Are you worried about your skin health? Whether you have a mole you are concerned about or have seen family members deal with melanoma and are wondering about your own risk factors, you’re in the right place. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA, we deal with a wide range of skin concerns and are here to help you decide if it’s time to schedule a skin exam.

What Are the First Signs of Melanoma?

Look Into Anything New

While checking yourself for signs of melanoma, one of the first things you should look for is any new moles or skin coloration. It can be difficult to tell on your own when a new mole or coloration is normal, especially since aging skin is known to go through some pigmentation changes.

This is one reason it is important to have regular exams so you can point out any concerns to your dermatologist.

Look for Changes or Anything Irregular

In addition to new growths, keep an eye on the moles you already have. If they begin to change, it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. If you find yourself feeling that your mole is looking different or a little strange, it may be time to have it looked at.

Know the Most Common Areas It Can Effect

Unfortunately, melanoma can happen almost anywhere on the body. It has even occurred in the eyes. This is one reason we are strong proponents of full-body skin exams since skin cancer doesn’t only target the areas that have been exposed to the sun.

With that in mind, there are areas of the body that are especially common to find this form of skin cancer. One place it is common to see this cancer develop is the lower back. There are other common locations to discover it, which can vary slightly between the sexes. For women, it’s common to find it on the legs. For men, it can be common to find it on the torso.

The ABCDEs

One of the most helpful tools when it comes to keeping an eye out for this form of skin cancer is what we call the “ABCDEs.”

“A” Represents Asymmetry

If you were to draw a line right through the mole in question, are the two sides asymmetrical? A benign or non-cancerous mole is generally symmetrical on either side. On the other hand, if you were to draw a line down the middle of your mole and the two halves don’t match, that could possibly indicate an issue.

“B” Represents the Border

Does it have an uneven border? Most benign moles have a border that is fairly even and defined all the way around. If the border of your mole is uneven, especially if it looks notched around the edges, it may be time to have it looked into.

“C” Represents Its Color

Does it have the same color, or are there multiple colors present? Benign moles usually come in a single shade of brown. Cancerous moles can sometimes be multiple shades of brown at once, or even have mixtures of red, blue, and black. If your mole isn’t uniform in color, it’s time to have it looked at.

“D” Can Be Either Dark or Diameter

While we are on the topic of color, a mole that is a darker color than the others is something to keep an eye out for. You should also be looking for growths that are lighter than your other moles, as some rarer forms of this cancer can cause growths that are light or colorless.

This form of skin cancer can come in multiple different sizes, but one common warning sign is if a mole is at or larger than the size of a pencil eraser.

“E” Is Considers Its Evolution

Is your mole starting to itch, grow, or change in shape? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you are experiencing bleeding or scabbing around the area, this could be a warning sign.

In general, keep an eye out for anything that stands out from the crowd or is changing, and schedule a dermatologist appointment as soon as you notice any concerning symptoms. The earlier it is caught, the easier it is to treat.

What Are the Different Kinds?

This kind of skin cancer can come in several different forms, each one with slightly different symptoms associated with it.

Nodular

When this skin cancer takes a nodular form, it involves a new growth that is quickly developing in size. It usually affects the upper body from the chest (or back) up to the head.

These growths are usually dome-like and red, but can also be black or lack pigment altogether. The surface can be smooth or bumpy, and it can produce itching or bleeding.

Superficial Spreading

This form originates from the upper skin layers. Unlike the dome shape common in the nodular form, this form of cancer tends to spread horizontally at first, making it a flatter-looking growth.

It usually originates from a pre-existing mole. Eventually, in a process that could take months or even years, it may begin to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, where it develops in severity.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

This form is most commonly seen in older individuals. This kind of skin cancer is more likely to pop up in areas that have been consistently exposed to the sun. It develops from lentigo maligna, its precancerous form. In the early stages, it often has a uniform border. This border begins to blur and spread as the growth becomes active.

What Are the Additional Risk Factors?

Anyone can develop skin cancer regardless of skin tone or age. It’s important to always be aware of the common symptoms so you can be looking out for your health, but there are some factors that can put someone at a higher risk when it comes to developing this form of skin cancer.

Family History

If you have a family history of skin cancer, especially if a parent or sibling has developed it, you may be considered at a higher risk of developing it yourself. Be vigilant in protecting your skin, and keep an eye out for any warning signs.

Lengthy Sun Exposure

When you think of sun exposure, it may bring to mind an image of someone laying out on the beach, toasting themselves in the summer sun. While the summer is a notorious time for sunburns and sun exposure, the truth is that lengthy sun exposure can increase the risk of developing skin cancer year-round.

Spending time outside is very important for your health, but there are steps you can take to make sun exposure less of a risk. Using a daily sunscreen is one of them. During the time of day when the sun is at its strongest, it’s a good idea to cover up or stay in the shade. There are even some kinds of clothing that can offer a level of sun protection.

Sunburns That Peel Can Be an Issue

A common issue related to summer activities is sunburn. Some people are excited when they get their first sunburn of the year since they see it as a way to start tanning. Sunburns that peel are of particular concern, but any sunburn can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Sunburns are a sign that the genetic material of your skin may have been damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. While this damage can eventually lead to skin cancer developing where you have been sunburned, it can also lead to skin cancer developing anywhere on your skin. Protecting your skin can help you enjoy outdoor activities safely, without putting yourself at more of a risk for skin damage.

Tanning Beds Count, Too

Rather than being a safe tanning alternative, tanning beds can be a significant risk factor when it comes to developing this form of skin cancer. Tanning is a sign that the body is developing melanin as a way to protect itself from accumulative damage. Whether you get it from the sun or from a salon, there is no such thing as a safe tan.

Lighter Skin

The lighter your skin, the less natural protection it has from sun damage. That said, since skin cancer is a risk for everyone, we recommend that everyone take steps to protect their skin from damage. People with darker skin tones may be more likely to develop this form of skin cancer under their nails, and on their hands or feet.

Having Irregularly Shaped Moles, or Over 50 Moles

Both having moles that are irregular in shape and having over 50 moles can put you at a higher risk of eventually developing skin cancer. Knowing your body and keeping an eye on it is one way you can protect yourself. Regularly check yourself in the mirror for changes, keeping in mind that this form of cancer can show up in unexpected areas.

Melanoma FAQs

1. What Are My Treatment Options?

When caught early, surgical excision is considered a very effective treatment. The cancerous skin will be removed, as well as some healthy skin around the site to make sure that no abnormal cells are left behind. A biopsy will be sent for testing. If you have already had skin cancer, it is commonly recommended that you come for check-ups more frequently so your skin health can be monitored.

In more advanced stages, additional testing will be required. We will check if the cancer has spread, and if so, to what extent it has spread. Depending on the rate of spread, immunotherapy, radiation, and chemotherapy may be necessary.

2. What Age Group Is Most at Risk?

The risk of developing this form of skin cancer does increase with age, but it is not at all uncommon to have patients under 30 years old who already have symptoms. In general, the average age of diagnosis for this form of skin cancer is right around 65 years old.

3. How Can I Protect Myself?

Practicing safe sun exposure can look like avoiding long and unprotected periods in the sun, staying inside when the sun is at it’s strongest, or wearing sunscreen and hats. The best way you can protect yourself is by having yearly skin exams. By catching symptoms while they’re still early, it will help your treatment be simpler and easier.

Don’t Wait When It Comes to Your Health

If you have any concerns about your skin health, it is crucial you seek professional advice immediately. When caught early, this form of skin cancer can be treated. However, if it is left for too long it could prove deadly. Don’t put your health at risk by waiting. Support the health of your body by reaching out to Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD of Dedham, MA, today for your consultation.

Just like men, women can lose their hair as they age. Women’s hair loss can be caused by a number of issues, including stress, weight loss, and hormonal changes. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, Massachusetts, we can use platelet-rich plasma therapy and medications to address hormonal hair loss.

We provide these treatments to people living in Boston, Dedham, Canton, Westwood, Norwood, Sharon, Milton, Foxboro, Walpole, and Needham.

How Do You Treat Hormonal Hair Loss for Women?

Under normal circumstances, you will lose fifty to a hundred strands of hair every day. However, if large clumps of your hair come out when you brush it, or if you are seeing hair thinning along your scalp, you might be dealing with women’s hair loss. Fortunately, there are a number of cosmetic techniques that can address this issue and give you thick, healthy hair.

PRP for Hair Loss

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a substance that contains regenerative growth factors that are made from your own blood. During a PRP treatment, we will draw your blood and process it to isolate these special growth factors. Next, we will inject the PRP solution directly into your scalp. You are likely to receive three PRP treatments over the course of several months.

As it enters your body, the PRP will improve the blood that is flowing to your hair follicles. It will also improve the quality of your hair shafts. As you continue to receive these treatments, your hair will become healthier and more abundant.

Medications

In addition to using PRP therapy, we can treat your hormonal hair loss with oral and topical medications. For instance, Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is a topical medication that is applied on your scalp. Over the next three to four months, this medication can improve your hair growth and reduce areas of thinning hair on your scalp.

Who Is a Good Candidate for These Treatments?

To determine which women’s hair loss treatment is right for you, we will look at your hair and scalp. We will also talk about any health issues that you are experiencing. In addition, we might perform a biopsy of your scalp and order laboratory tests. These tests will help us determine whether PRP therapy, medications, or other treatments can successfully address your hair loss.

Under some circumstances, health issues can interfere with your ability to receive certain women’s hair loss treatments. For example, you might not be able to use PRP treatments if you have liver disease, a metabolic disorder, or other health issues. Further, you cannot use this treatment if you are taking blood thinners or if you are a heavy smoker.

Treat Your Hair Loss

You shouldn’t let hormonal hair loss cause you to lose confidence in your appearance. You can address this issue with PRP therapy, medications, and other women’s hair loss treatments. These techniques will improve your hair growth and give you thick, beautiful hair. Give us a call to book your consultation! 

What Is a Facial?

This is one of the most basic and essential of all skincare treatments. It involves a multi-step process, and each step performs a different task so that collectively, this therapy leaves the skin feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed.

But this therapy is not just one treatment. Instead, it is a collection of modalities used together, including masks, peels, exfoliations, cleansers, and skincare products. Additionally, these therapies can be regularly repeated to provide the best results.

Which Choice Is Best for Your Skin?

To answer this question, we must first understand what kind of skin you have. From there, we can select the treatment that is best for you.

Acne

The root cause of acne is clogged pores. The goal of treatment, therefore, is to remove existing pimples and prevent new ones from developing.

• In the Clear: a three-step treatment that detoxifies skin and destroys acne
• Aqua: exfoliates and uses serums for improved skin health
• Chemical peel: fully customizable and provides deep exfoliation
• NeoClear Laser: delivers heat energy to clear bacteria and build collagen

Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Skin tone can diminish for any number of reasons, including aging, sun damage, and acne scars. Treatment, therefore, works to restore a natural glow and improve clarity.

• Illumination: features a hand-picked selection of skin brighteners
• Aqua: features a pigment lightener safe for all patients
• Chemical peel: removes damaged surface layers to eliminate scars
• Illumination Laser: heat energy that seamlessly removes spots and melasma

Sensitive Skin

Under this label falls a mixed bag of conditions, including redness and rosacea. This makes sensitive skin hard to treat, but we can address multiple concerns at once without irritating or drying.

• Red, Red Go Away: employs gentle, soothing products that calm irritation
• Aqua: rebalances sensitive skin with a 3-in1 treatment
• Chemical peel: hydrating ingredients improve acne and stop redness
• Red, Red Go Away Laser: delivers gentle energy to rejuvenate the skin

Dry Skin

Many times, people try to treat dry skin by slathering on thick layers of multiple products. But this can lead to other concerns, including clogged pores, when the real issue was likely imbalanced pH levels.

• Tall Drink of Water: contains hydrating ingredients safe even for sensitive skin
• Aqua: adds hyaluronic acid to the skin to stop dryness
• Chemical peel: soothes redness and sensitivity
• Tall Drink of Water Laser: gently improves redness

How They Work

• Cleansing
• Exfoliation
• Massage
• Mask
• Moisturizer

Right for You

Almost any type of skin – or any combination thereof – can benefit from these treatments. They are completely safe and incorporate products and techniques designed to address your concerns. Call us today to schedule your consultation!

With the new year right around the corner, many of us are turning an eye to the future and thinking about our skin goals for the next year. If your skin has been looking dull or you’ve been having trouble with dark scars and pigmentation issues, then you will be thrilled to learn that there are several scar removal options to minimize the appearance of your scars. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA, we believe every patient can achieve their glowy skin goals with the right scar removal and cosmetic treatments! Learn more on what causes scars to turn dark and let’s see what procedure we can do to work on it.

What Causes Scars to Turn Dark?

Not all scars are created equally. While there are some atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars that can change the texture of your skin, there are also scars that can change the color or tone of your skin. To be sure, neither scar is an appealing prospect to your goals for even-toned dewy skin, but you might be happy to learn that dark scars are generally easier to treat than textured scars.

There are a few reasons why a scar might turn dark. For example, if a scar was exposed to sunlight during the healing process, there’s a good chance the scar tissue will become pigmented. Dark scars can also be caused by inflammation, poor healing, or the genetics of your skin and how your skin heals. Dark scars are more likely to appear on those with medium and dark complexions, but those with fair skin may also experience dark scars.

How Dark Is a “Dark” Scar?

So, when we’re talking about a dark scar, what exactly qualifies as “dark”? Most patients are surprised to learn that the technical definition of a dark scar is any patch of skin where the pigment is darker than the surrounding skin tone. In other words, dark scars can be a shade or two darker than your complexion, or they can be several shades darker.

The depth of pigment on a dark scar is something that will vary depending on factors like your natural skin tone, the location of the scar, and how long it took the scar to heal. For those with medium to dark complexions, dark scars tend to be brown patches; for fair-skinned people, dark scars tend to be red or red-brown. Dark scars that change the pigment of the skin are usually referred to as hyperpigmentation.

Can Hyperpigmentation Happen Anywhere?

Yes. When it comes to scarring, all skin is created equal – so the same type of injury on different areas of the body always poses the same risk of developing the same type of scarring. Take stretch marks, for example; you are just as likely to develop stretch marks on your stomach as you are on your knees, thighs, buttocks, breasts, arms, and hips.

The same is true for hyperpigmentation scars, so you are just as likely to have a hyperpigmentation scar from acne on your face as you are on your back. However, it should be noted that there is some exception to the rule when it comes to injury healing and sun exposure, which increases the likelihood of dark scarring.

Hyperpigmentation and the Sun

New scars are exceptionally vulnerable to hyperpigmentation from unprotected sun exposure. This has to do with the way the melanin in your skin responds to UV rays, which is usually to darken the natural pigment of the skin. The new skin cells that have formed over your injury are particularly keen to respond to UV rays since they have no natural protection against the sunlight. In other words, new skin is prone to absorbing sunlight and darkening.

What Types of Injuries Are Most Likely to Cause Hyperpigmentation?

There are plenty of injuries that are likely to cause hyperpigmentation. Burn scars, for example, tend to create pigmentation issues on the surface of the skin, usually by creating shiny, darker skin on the area of injury. Likewise, very bad sunburns are also likely to leave pigmentation marks.

However, the most common injury to the skin that will cause hyperpigmentation is acne. Acne is a condition that routinely causes minor injury to the skin due to the way skin responds to acne-causing bacteria by inflammation – in fact, dark scars caused by acne are usually called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common across all skin types and skin tones and can occur on any area of the body where acne is present.

Can You Treat Hyperpigmentation?

Yes! Treating hyperpigmentation is very possible. There are many cosmetic treatments for superficial skin concerns that are designed to directly address the scar removal of dark scars, dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. Most patients meet the qualifications of several cosmetic treatments, which means treating dark scars and uneven skin tone is one of the most common aesthetic goals across the nation.

The most common treatments for dark scars and hyperpigmentation include:

Topical Medication

Dermatologists frequently turn to topical medications to help lighten and brighten the skin. Among topical medications, hydroquinone is one of the most reliable creams used to reduce the visibility of dark scars and produce an even skin tone for the rest of the skin. However, many of these prescription-strength topical medications can only be used for a few months at a time, which means that those who have on-going acne flare-ups or other skin breakouts that cause pigment issues may not find hydroquinone a good long-term treatment option.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments, especially IPL laser treatments, are usually good treatment options for patients who would like to resolve dark scars permanently. Laser treatments hasten the natural skin cell turnover cycle to renew and resurface the skin, which means a laser treatment is a good scar removal option for dark scars that haven’t faded with time.

Another advantage of laser treatment is the fact that these treatments may also help treat ongoing skin issues, including rosacea and acne, which may help prevent dark scars from forming altogether.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an advanced exfoliating treatment that can buffs away the top layer of dead skin cells that are causing your skin to look dull and flat. As a treatment that accelerates the natural skin cell turnover cycle, microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of dark scars over time and also help your surrounding skin have a more even tone.

Microneedling

Microneedling is the current gold standard for aesthetic treatments across the nation due in large part to the fact that microneedling can assist with any number of superficial skin concerns – including dark scar removal. Microneedling is a treatment that uses 1.5mm or 2mm needles to pierce the surface layer of the skin to create micro-injuries, which in turn will stimulate the body’s natural regenerative process.

Microneedling is an effective treatment to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, enlarged pores, atrophic acne scarring, dark spots, and dark scarring. This treatment not only induces the production of collagen to restore volume and elasticity to the skin, but it also resurfaces the skin and helps exfoliate the top level of the skin to even out skin tone and quality.

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is another exfoliating treatment that sloughs away dead skin cells, as well as potentially pore-clogging peach fuzz on the surface of your skin. The main benefit of dermaplaning is the amount of brightening it can accomplish for your skin. Over time, dermaplaning will remove enough dead skin cells to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are one of the oldest aesthetic treatments in the world, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that a chemical peel can help lighten the appearance of dark scars and aid in scar removal. Chemical peels use powerful acids to both remove the top level of dead skin cells and penetrate the sub-dermal layers of skin to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative response.

Usually, light chemical peels are adequate treatments to remove dark scars or reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. That said, you may also find that chemical peels can help even the texture of atrophic scars as well, particularly when the treatment is used regularly.

Facials

Many facials can help resurface the skin to perfect skin appearance and reduce visible dark scarring. One facial we favor is the Aqua Facial, which combines three aesthetic techniques into a single treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with active ingredients for both skin rejuvenation and skin health.

Time

While some scars won’t go away by themselves, there are others where time does the trick to minimize the appearance of the scar. For dark scars that are primarily superficial, the best scar removal treatment is simply time and your natural skin cell turnover cycle.

This is the cycle that determines how quickly dead skin cells are shed and replaced with new skin cells. Most people have a skin cell turnover cycle that lasts between 28 and 40 days, with longer cycles being attributed to aging. What this means for you is that some superficial pigmentation and hyperpigmentation may be mostly resolved by itself through the natural skin cycle.

Can You Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

Yes. Although hyperpigmentation is somewhat inevitable depending on the type of injury that caused the scar, you will also find that there are some things you can do to prevent hyperpigmentation – or reduce the degree of hyperpigmentation, if your skin is particularly prone to scarring after inflammation.

Heal the Injury Well

Proper wound care is the best way to avoid developing dark scars. To heal an injury well, it’s essential that you keep the wound clean, covered, and moisturized. Adequate wound care will keep skin tissues soft and protect the new skin from any additional trauma that can cause hyperpigmentation.

Avoid Sunlight

Avoiding unprotected direct sunlight is also a good way to avoid hyperpigmentation, whether you have an active scar-causing injury or not. If you must be in the sun, then you should always be sure to wear sunscreen graded at least 30 SPF to protect your skin from the risk of dark scarring.

Can the SkinBar MD Club Help With Hyperpigmentation?

Absolutely! Our SkinBar MD Club can assess your skin and help you build a long-term beauty plan that will treat any current issues you have and help you prevent future issues down the line. In fact, one way to determine if you are a good candidate for dark scar removal is to book a consultation at our SkinBar MD Club.

Get Scar Removal Today

New year, new you – and new skin. If your goal is to finally achieve a healthy, even-toned glow for your skin, then the top of your to-do list is to find a treatment for your dark scars. If you’re ready to meet your skin goals, please schedule a consultation at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA today!

What Is Botox?

The answer is easy: an injectable therapy that relaxes muscles in a specific treatment area. By blocking messages transmitted from nerves to the brain, it essentially renders treated muscles immobile. Fine lines can no longer appear, but you’re still able to move your face in a completely natural and appropriate way.

Commonly treated areas include:

• Horizontal lines in the forehead
• Lines between the eyebrows (“11” lines)
• Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)
• Lines near the mouth (smile or frown lines)
• Dimpling in the chin

What You Should Know

You can begin this treatment at any time in your life, meaning you don’t need to be a certain age to enjoy its benefits. People as early as their 20s use it to prevent wrinkles. Because this treatment prohibits muscle contractions, new lines cannot form. Similarly, patients in their 40s or 50s can use it to reduce lines that have already formed. Essentially, all can see results.

Lunchtime Therapy

Many people herald this as a lunchtime therapy, which it really is. We say this because, depending on the number of areas to be treated, an appointment usually takes under 30 minutes. Some require just 10 minutes. Anyone with a hectic schedule can likely find the time to treat themselves.

You Should Exercise Before

We inject this therapy as a liquid. For this reason, we advise patients to refrain from exercise for about 24 hours after their appointment. There is a very slight chance the serum will move once injected, although that’s unlikely. The heavy concentration alone helps to keep it in place. But in an effort to provide the best care possible, we like to be a little cautious.

The Neurotoxin Label

You may have heard this therapy is considered a neurotoxin, but that’s actually beneficial. This label describes the way in which the treatment works – to stop routine nerve activity. Only those nerves – and muscles – in the direct treatment area are affected, so you can be assured of precise and targeted delivery.

Results Show In a Few Days

If you don’t notice an immediate improvement in your fine lines, don’t worry. This is completely normal. The treatment takes three to five days to begin working, at which time you will notice natural-looking, subtle, and youthful refinements.

Is This for You?

Generally speaking, patients over 18 years old who want to reduce the effects of aging are candidates for this therapy. You’ll enjoy lasting results – around six months – and can continue treatment for as long as you want. This therapy also pairs well with other cosmetic treatments, including glow masks and injectable fillers. By developing a comprehensive plan, we can completely rejuvenate your appearance. Give us a call today to book your consultation! 

You feel young. You feel healthy. But your skin tells a different story. It reveals your chronological age and decades of unprotected sun exposure and the inhalation of secondhand smoke. You want tighter skin, but no over-the-counter cosmetic product has been effective. You need skin tightening services at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA.

What to Do for Tighter Skin

Radiesse

If you’re looking to tighten and smooth the skin of your face, chest, or hands, Radiesse may be the ideal solution for you. Skin becomes lax with age due to a reduced presence of strong elastin and healthy collagen This unique dermal filler is FDA-approved to tighten and smooth the skin simultaneously, eliminating moderate-to-severe folds and wrinkles affecting the appearance of your hands, decollete and face.

Unlike other dermal fillers, this injectable comprising tiny calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres is best suited to treat lost volume around your cheeks and mouth. However, it can also beautifully treat such common areas of concern as severe asymmetry, marionette lines, smile lines, and nasolabial folds. This may be the appropriate anti-aging treatment for you if you wish to instantly enhance your cheekbones.

Restylane

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that complements Radiesse perfectly. Radiesse is better suited for defining the cheekbones and improving symmetry around the cheekbones and mouth. Restylane is better suited for dramatically augmenting the cheeks without surgery and synthetic implants. The appropriate formulation to augment the cheeks and treat severe volume loss in the hands is Restylane Lyft.

Restylane Refyne is a more appropriate formulation for you if you are concerned about marionette lines and nasolabial folds. Furthermore, if you believe you need to augment your lips, we’re excited to offer Restylane Defyne. This formulation, like Restylane Refyne, is appropriate for people with severe volume loss. It is not designed to treat subtle asymmetry. Finally, Restylane can be used to treat deep, dark circles under your eyes.

Juvederm

Like Restylane, Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler. Juvederm Voluma, like Restylane Lyft, can be used to treat severe volume loss in the midface. To treat smile lines and marionette lines, you need Juvederm Ultra Plus, another anti-aging treatment Dr. Ip proudly offers. Juvederm Ultra is the ideal treatment for people with thin lips.

Discover the Best Skin Tightening Treatment for You Today

To tighten your skin, improve its health, and boost your self-confidence, you may benefit from a combination of Radiesse, Restylane, and Juvederm. To identify which combination of treatments is most appropriate for you, please reach out to our team of friendly professionals at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA.

Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip has proudly served the residents of the local communities, including Boston, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Sharon, Milton, Walpole, Foxboro, and Needham for years and has over a decade of award-winning experience and specialized expertise in cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology. If you’re afraid of needles, tell Dr. Ip that you would prefer the medication to be delivered via cannula. She is trained in Cannula Delivery of Dermal Fillers.

Getting an invasive cosmetic procedure to address your hair loss can be a challenging, difficult experience. Your procedure may be uncomfortable or expensive, and you might have to stay at home during a long recovery period. Fortunately, at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, Massachusetts, we can use a variety of non-surgical hair regrowth treatments to address your hair loss.

If you live near the Boston, Dedham, Milton, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Sharon, Foxboro, Walpole, or Needham areas, read on to learn more about the amazing benefits of our hair loss treatments.

Can You Regrow Hair Without Surgery?

You don’t have to receive a long, invasive procedure to restore your lost hair and regain your confidence. There are a wide variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments that are very efficient and effective.

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma therapy, also called PRP therapy, is one of the most well-known non-surgical hair regrowth techniques. This minimally invasive treatment uses the platelets in your blood to help your body regrow your lost hair. After you have completed three PRP treatments, we may advise you to receive follow-up sessions every six months or so.

Laser Light Treatments

Laser light treatments are another type of non-surgical hair regrowth technique. This method uses gentle laser energy to stimulate your hair follicles and encourage regrowth.

Oral and Topical Medications

Applying topical medications to your scalp can be a good way to address your hair loss in a completely non-invasive manner. For example, you can apply a medication called Rogaine to your scalp every day. This medication will stimulate your hair growth and minimize bald patches on your scalp. There are also oral medications that can slow your hair loss and cause you to grow new hair.

Cortisone Shots

Cortisone shots can be used to treat hair loss that is caused by alopecia areata and other medical conditions. These shots will improve your hair loss by reducing inflammation under your scalp. During this type of treatment, we will gently inject cortisone into the areas where you are experiencing hair loss.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for These Non-Surgical Hair Regrowth Treatments?

To treat your hair loss, we will need to determine why you are experiencing this issue. We can diagnose you by looking at your scalp and hair, ordering blood tests, and using other diagnostic methods. For example, we might pull on your hair to see how it reacts to this pressure. Further, we can use specialized medical equipment to determine whether your hair shafts are healthy.

Once we have determined the cause of your hair loss, we will choose a non-invasive or minimally invasive hair loss treatment for you. We can also design a personalized plan that uses a variety of methods to restore your hair.

Regrow Your Hair

There’s no need to go through a complicated, invasive procedure to treat your bald patches or thinning hair. Laser light treatments, medications, PRP therapy, and other non-surgical hair regrowth techniques can restore your hair and reduce the size of your bald patches. Contact us today to book your consultation! 

Over the last couple of years, Botox and dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular way to eliminate wrinkles, plump lips, and add volume to hollow cheeks. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, Massachusetts, we provide these quick and comfortable injectable treatments to people living in and around the Boston, Dedham, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Sharon, Milton, Walpole, Foxboro, and Needham areas.

Is It Better to Get Botox or Fillers?

Each of our injectable treatments is designed to address a different type of cosmetic issue or concern. As a result, your ideal treatment plan will depend on the aesthetic issues that you are trying to address.

Neuromodulators

Botox is a neuromodulator that is designed to treat wrinkles that are caused by your repeated facial movements. These wrinkles include forehead lines, crow’s feet, and lines on your neck. We can also use this product to improve the appearance of dimples in your chin, a gummy smile, or drooping eyebrows.

Fillers

Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can address volume loss in the middle of your face and improve the size of your lips. These products can also be used to soften lines and wrinkles that develop around the bottom portion of your face. For example, many of these injectables are great at minimizing smile and marionette lines.

Can I Receive My Injectable Treatment During My Lunch Break?

Injectables are a great treatment to receive during your lunch break or another short break in your day. If you are receiving Botox, your appointment is likely to take about ten to twenty-five minutes. To administer your injections, we will use a very small needle that will prevent you from feeling any fear or discomfort during your appointment.

If you are receiving a product like Juvederm or Restylane, your treatment session will take about ten minutes to one hour. Like neuromodulators, these products are designed to be administered in a safe, comfortable fashion. If you are nervous about needles, we can help you relax by performing your treatment using a thin tube called a cannula.

Who Is a Good Candidate for These Injectables?

If you are struggling to minimize your wrinkles or restore volume to your face, these injectable products are likely to be an ideal solution for you. Further, if you are a young adult who wants to maintain a youthful appearance, you can use these products to prevent these issues from developing.

These injectables are designed to temporarily improve the appearance of healthy adults. People with certain medical conditions, such as ALS or myasthenia gravis, are not eligible to use neuromodulators. Similarly, products like Restylane and Juvederm are not suitable for people who have allergies to the ingredients contained in these products.

Turn Back the Clock

It’s obvious why more and more people are turning to Botox and dermal fillers to enhance their skin and achieve a fresh, youthful appearance. These products can be administered in as little as ten minutes, and they will create significant improvements in the appearance of wrinkles and other aesthetic issues. Give us a call today to learn more!

You probably already know that injectable products can smooth your wrinkles and help you look younger and fresher. However, you might not have heard about the many medical uses for Botox. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD, located in Dedham, Massachusetts, and serving the Boston, Dedham, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Sharon, Milton, Walpole, Foxboro, and Needham areas, we can use this injectable product to address excessive sweating, migraines, and other medical issues.

What Medical Conditions Is Botox Used For?

Chronic Migraines

Chronic migraines can cause you to miss work, struggle to care for your children, and have difficulty engaging in hobbies and activities that you used to enjoy. Fortunately, the FDA has approved this injectable product for the purpose of improving chronic migraines that cause you to have headaches on fifteen or more days per month.

This treatment is a great way to reduce your headaches and enjoy a higher number of pain-free days. Medical professionals have provided more than three million of these injectable treatments to people who suffer from chronic migraines.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a condition that occurs when you develop problems with sweating on your back, hands, armpits, and other locations on your body. When this condition has no known cause, it is known as primary focal hyperhidrosis or idiopathic hyperhidrosis. If this condition is associated with menopause, diabetes, gout, or other medical issues, it is called secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.

This product is a great way to reduce hyperhidrosis. When we inject your target area with this product, your sweating is likely to improve for about six months. We can use these injections to reduce sweating on your hands, feet, underarms, face, and scalp.

Crossed Eyes

One of the medical uses for Botox is treating crossed eyes. This condition, also known as strabismus, occurs when each of your eyes looks in different directions. This issue can cause you to lose your depth perception or develop double vision. Injecting this product into your eye muscles can be a good way to alter the behavior of your eyes and correct your vision.

Abnormal Muscle Spasms

The medical uses for Botox also include improving abnormal muscle spasms in your face and neck. For example, cervical dystonia is a condition that occurs when the muscles in your neck involuntarily contract. These movements can cause your head to twist, turn, and move forward and backward.

This injectable product can be used to reduce these involuntary muscle movements and improve your quality of life. The results of your injections are likely to last for a couple of months.

Improve Your Health

Eliminating wrinkles and smoothing your skin isn’t the only way that this cosmetic treatment can enhance your life. This injectable treatment can treat frustrating medical conditions in a minimally invasive way. These medical uses for Botox include reducing sweating, improving chronic migraines, and treating crossed eyes.  Give us a call today to see if Botox is right for you!