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Phone: 858-362-8800
Fax: 858-362-8803
Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
Our Location
Torrey Pines Dermatology
(Inside the Scripps/XIMED Building)
9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 460
La Jolla, California 92037
Located in La Jolla and Serving Del Mar – Dermatology FAQs
In addition to providing treatment for a wide range of medical and cosmetic skin conditions, our practice is dedicated to educating our patients about the proper care and maintenance of their skin. We encourage patients to ask questions. To facilitate this communication, we have provided answers to some of the more frequently asked questions at our La Jolla area dermatology practice.
- Is Botox safe?
- What Sunscreen should I use?
- What are the differences between cosmetic fillers?
- What is the difference between the skincare products available in your office vs. products sold in department stores?
- How are Silk Peel treatments different from Microdermabrasion?
- Are all Mohs Surgeons the same?
Is Botox safe?
Botox cosmetic was designed to relax the muscles in the forehead and between the eyebrows to create a smoother appearance. When used for cosmetic purposes, small amounts are injected into the site to provide great benefits within a few days with no downtime. Botox cosmetic has proven to be safe with millions of treatments performed since it’s FDA approval in 2002. Commonly reported side effects include, headache and mild bruising, but are very rare.
What Sunscreen should I use?
Sunscreen should be the most important part of your daily skincare routine, but make sure you are wise when choosing which ingredients & SPF to look for. SPF indicates how long a person can stay in the sun before getting sunburned. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use & reapply frequently if you’re exposed to water or are sweating. Zinc Oxide is the only single ingredient that blocks both the UVA & UVB rays, so make sure the product you choose contains zinc oxide as the main ingredient.
What are the differences between cosmetic fillers?
Sculptra is a synthetic injecable material known as poly-L-lactic acid. This product is injected below the surface of the skin in the areas of fat and collagen loss. Sculptra provides a gradual increase in volume and collagen production when treatments are performed in a series of 3 or more, spaced at least 2 weeks apart. Results will differ for each patient. In clinical studies, treatment results lasted for up to 2 years in most patients.
What is the difference between the skincare products available in your office vs. products sold in department stores?
Skincare products that are dispensed through dermatology offices are medical grade and pharmaceutically formulated. All of the products are fully tested and studied to ensure that they actually do what they promise. Most products sold through department stores have no scientific research behind them, leaving consumers confused on which products will actually work or benefit their skin.
How are Silk Peel treatments different from Microdermabrasion?
Silk Peel treatments are a more advanced, more effective way to get medical grade exfoliation and generate new skin cells and collagen. In addition to its exfoliation process, silk peel also provides two other great benefits. Infusion of a customized topical solution and evacuation of dirt, oil and toxins trapped in the pores. Silk Peel treatments leave the skin feeling smooth and refined with a visible radiant glow.
Are all Mohs Surgeons the same?
As with most professionals, surgeons have varying degrees of experience and competence. The highest level is called a fellowship. Fellows are chosen by the American College of Mohs Surgery after completion of an extremely competitive review and selection process. The minimum one year training process allows the surgeon to "gain extensive knowledge and experience in microscopically examining and interpreting tissue samples removed during Mohs surgery." Even more importantly, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are trained in artistic reconstruction of the wound created following the removal of skin cancer. During a typical fellowship, over one thousand skin cancers are removed and repaired by the fellow in training.
Unfortunately, others in the field are not so well trained. Unbeknownst to most patients, there are weekend courses for those who have neither the patience nor aptitude for a year-long Mohs surgery fellowship. Almost any surgeon is technically qualified to perform the motions required to remove carcinoma under your skin. The art comes in repairing the hole they just cut. Since no one wants a permanent scar on their face post-surgery, a certain level of technique is required.