FAQs

I am losing my hair. What could be causing it?

Patients are often surprised to learn all of the things that can make them lose their hair. At the top of the list, in my practice, are grooming problems. This includes home permanents), too frequent or too rare touch ups, tight braids, hair weave glues., and permanent color done at the same time as the permanent wave. Other causes of hair loss include anemia, thyroid diseases, lupus and other connective tissue diseases. Finally, prescription drugs and over the counter supplements may cause hair loss. Some patients are on more than one drug that could be causing their hair to fall out.

What can I do about these moles on my face?

They seem to run in my family and I don't like the way they look. Removing moles is one of the most common cosmetic procedures done in my office. I use a small electric device to basically "dry up" the moles and they gradually fall off over the next several days. No anesthetic is required, although there is a cream (called LMX) that we can use for patients who want this. The moles don't necessarily grow back, but the process of growing more of them as you get older does not change. It is kind of like coloring your hair...it is necessary to get a touch up every so often if you like the way you look without the moles. This technique does not cause scaring or light spots when it is done properly.

I have split earlobes from where my ears were pierced. Can anything be done about this?

Yes. Using local anesthesia in the office to make the split area numb, the ear can be repaired and later repierced so that you can wear earrings again.

What is the treatment for keloids?

It depends on where they are. On the earlobe, we can excise them and follow that up with injections of a steroid solution to keep the surgical scar from turning into another keloid. When they occur on the chest wall or over moving joints (shoulders or knees) I don’t recommend surgery. Instead, I treat them by injections periodically. If a keloid is itching, then that is a sign that it is growing and you should bring that to the attention of your dermatologist.

When do I need to see a dermatologist?

Whenever the problem you are having involves your skin, hair or nails. A dermatologist spends three years after medical school studying the diseases and disorders of these areas. If your general, non specialist physician is not getting to the root of your problem then it is probably time for you to consult a medical specialist.

What is cosmetic dermatology?

Basically it means the treatment of skin concerns of cosmetic importance, those things that you believe will make you look better or feel better about yourself. These include facial peels, scar revision, removal of moles that are not suspicious or cancerous.