Cosmetic Dermatology

Pigmentary disorders are skin conditions, that include vitiligo, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunspots and freckles. 

Our dermatologists have extensive expertise in the latest diagnostic and treatment methods to help reduce the pigmentation changes and in some cases restore the skin back to its original appearance. Our board-certified dermatologists have the knowledge and expertise to help treat a variety of common and complex pigment disorders.

Types of pigment disorders we can treat/diagnose include:

• Melasma: In some women, estrogen, progesterone (female hormones), and sun exposure can cause patches of dark skin on the face. Melasma often develops during pregnancy – but can be the result of other circumstances.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark patches of skin can develop during healing of inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne or eczema, or after trauma to the skin, such as surgery or certain cosmetic or dermatological procedures.
• Vitiligo: Uneven white patches, which is due to an immune system response targeting melanocytes, develop on the face, elbows, hands, knees, feet, genitals, or more extensive areas.
• Sunspots: Flat, brown spots, in areas like the face and hands, caused by prolonged
• Freckles: Small, flat spots that darken with sun exposure and are most common in lighter skin tones.

Skin of Color

Pigmentation disorders in skin of color are diverse and can range from hyperpigmentation (darkened areas) to hypopigmentation (loss of pigment). These conditions are often more pronounced and persistent in individuals with darker skin due to higher melanin levels.

Diagnosis of Pigmentary Disorders

Pigmentary disorders result of either too much or too little melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes that helps determine the color of the skin, hair, and eye iris. Increased melanin causes darker pigmentation, whereas decreased or missing melanin causes a lighter or white appearance. Our dermatologists are experts at evaluating symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. We begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the type of pigmentation condition. Then develop a specific treatment plan to address the symptoms.

Along with a regimented treatment plan, we also recommend minimizing sun exposure through lifestyle changes such as:

• Applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
• Wearing sun-protective clothing
• Avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you are experiencing pigmentation discoloration, Contact us today to make an appointment.

Learn more about a common skin condition, eczema, and how our board-certified dermatologists can help you.

Eczema, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a condition of the skin that leaves it dry and irritated, causing it to crack and sometimes bleed. Eczema can be seen in patients of all ages, but particularly children. It is a very common term used to describe inflammatory skin conditions that lead to chronic itching and skin damage. There are numerous things that can trigger and/or worsen eczema, including soaps, chemicals, fragrances, food allergies, pet dander, other systemic allergies, and other irritants to name a few. There are numerous treatments including topical corticosteroid creams, immunomodulators, ultraviolet light treatment, and others.

Causes

While physicians are unsure of the exact cause of eczema, it is thought to be a combination of several factors:

• Genetics
• Immune dysfunction
• Environmental exposures, including:
• Irritating soaps
• Changes in weather

Children are more likely to have eczema; however, people can develop eczema at any age. Some children will grow out of it but it may return again in later years. Those with asthma, hay fever, and certain allergies are more prone to eczema than others. Additionally, a family history of eczema or asthma and hay fever can increase the risk of developing eczema to flare.

Symptoms

Eczema presents with dry, itching skin that can be red and cracked, or can occasionally be bumpy. Severe forms of eczema can cause fluid to come out from the cracks left in the skin. If left untreated, these cracks can allow bacteria and viruses to penetrate the skin and lead to a more serious infection.

Treatment

Eczema cannot be cured, but needs to be managed chronically. Occasionally, changes to the patient’s skincare routine are all that is needed to maintain clear skin. Flares and poorly controlled eczema can be treated with medicated ointments or creams. Antibiotics may be necessary if there is concern for infection. Similarly, bleach baths or vinegar water soaks may be used to prevent infections. 

As fragrances, dyes and other chemicals can exacerbate eczema, it is important to use fragrance-free and sensitive skin self-care and laundry products. Avoid alcohol-based products, including aerosol and waterless hand sanitizers, as alcohol is very drying for the skin. Antihistamines taken routinely can decrease the itch associated with eczema and are particularly helpful in patients with associated hay fever and seasonal allergies.

Because eczema cannot be cured, a patient will always have the tendency for flares of the skin. And while hereditary eczema cannot be prevented, the frequency and severity of the flares can be managed with good skincare and avoidance of irritants.

Restylane® is a non-surgical cosmetic dermal volumizing filler. 

It is used to help correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. These can include the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth and other areas of the face as well. 

Restylane® is composed of hyaluronic acid, and it is injected into the skin to help restore volume and correct moderate to severe wrinkles and folds in your skin. Treatment takes up to 30 minutes, and patients can return home shortly after the procedure is finished. Results vary, but effects generally last about 6 months.

Please contact Garner Dermatology should you have questions about this very exciting procedure. (972) 271-4141

Schedule Appointment

Juvederm® is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid.  

It is used to help correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. These can include the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth and other areas of the face as well.

Juvederm® is indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is the only hyaluronic acid (HA) filler approved by the FDA to last up to 1 year. With Juvederm®, the injection process takes only about 30 minutes and results are immediate. There is minimal recovery or downtime.

Please contact Garner Dermatology should you have questions about this very exciting procedure. (972) 271-4141

Schedule Appointment

Learn more about the original injectable neurotoxin and what it can do for your skin.

Botox® is the FDA-approved brand name for Botulinum Toxin (type A). Botox® Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical, treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. Botox consists of a purified protein which works to reduces the activity of the muscles that cause frown lines between the brows to form over time.

The injections are usually painless, and work by blocking the nerve signals that allow muscles to contract. The entire treatment is fairly quick, and the results are a smoother more relaxed surface of the skin in the areas where muscle activity causes wrinkles. The most common areas of treatment are between the brows, on the sides of the eyes, and horizontal forehead creases, as these are some of the most important muscles of facial expression.

What can I expect from Botox®?

Our board-certified dermatologists are specifically trained to administer Botox® injections to help create subtle changes that reveal a smoother, less tired-looking appearance.

How long will Botox® last?

Once Botox® treatments have been administered, it will take several days to see results. Treatments typically last about 3-4 months, however the timeline may vary depending on your body’s ability to break down the product.

Botox is often used to address wrinkles and fine lines caused by repetitive facial expressions, and is best used in the following areas of the face:

Forehead Lines

• Horizontal lines that form from raising your eyebrows.
• Botox smooths these lines and gives a refreshed appearance.

Glabellar Lines (Frown Lines)

• Vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called “11 lines.”
• A popular area for Botox to create a more relaxed and approachable look.

Crow’s Feet

• Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes caused by smiling or squinting.
• Botox softens these lines while maintaining a natural expression.

Bunny Lines

• Small lines on the sides of the nose that appear when you scrunch it.
• Botox can reduce these for a smoother nose area.

Please contact Garner Dermatology should you have questions about this very exciting procedure. (972) 271-4141.

Schedule Appointment