Skin Care Archives - Cleveland, Ohio | The Laser & Skin Surgery Center

Top Reasons to Consider Mole Removal

Common skin growths that can form anywhere include moles or nevi. While the majority of moles are benign, some could raise questions because of their location, look, or chance of turning into skin cancer.

Mole removal is a relatively simple procedure that addresses these concerns and offers several benefits. Here are the top reasons to consider mole removal:

Cosmetic Concerns

For many individuals, the primary reason for mole removal is cosmetic. Moles can be unsightly, especially when large, raised, or located in visible areas such as the face, neck, or arms. Removal can improve appearance and boost self-confidence.

Potential for Malignancy

While most moles are benign, some can develop into melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. Moles with irregular borders, varying colors, or changes in size, shape, or texture may be indicators of malignancy. Removing suspicious moles can help prevent the potential spread of cancerous cells and aid in early detection, which is crucial for successful treatment.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Certain risk factors, such as a family history of melanoma, multiple atypical moles, or excessive sun exposure, can increase the likelihood of moles becoming cancerous. Mole removal can be a proactive measure for individuals with these risk factors, reducing the chance of future complications and providing peace of mind.

Discomfort or Interference

Moles can sometimes cause discomfort or interfere with daily activities, mainly if they are located in areas that experience frequent friction or pressure. For example, moles on the soles of the feet or in areas prone to chafing from clothing may become irritated or bleed. Removing these troublesome moles can alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

Enhance Your Skin’s Health and Beauty in Westlake, OH

At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr Renuka Diwan, MD, FAAD, specializes in addressing your skin concerns, including mole removal. Whether you’re looking to improve your appearance or take preventative measures against skin cancer, we’re here to help.

Contact us today at 440-871-9832 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve healthier, more beautiful skin.

What Skin Conditions Can Benefit From Laser Resurfacing?

When it comes to acne, sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles, there is only so much skincare products can do. While cosmetic surgeries to address these issues exist, invasive procedures can be difficult for some patients who cannot take extensive downtime.

That’s why you should consider laser resurfacing. It is a minimally invasive procedure for improving skin appearance and treating various skin conditions. Patients love that the downtime is minimal, and the results are phenomenal.

Learn more about what laser resurfacing is and the skin conditions that can benefit from this innovative treatment.

How Does Fractionated Laser Resurfacing Work?

The Laser & Skin Surgery Center utilizes the CO2RE Laser. This device improves upon the traditional CO2 laser by providing improved results, less downtime, and reduced side effects.

The CO2RE laser uses pulses of light, which penetrate the skin and are absorbed by water in the skin cells. The superficial layer of the skin is vaporized, and the middle layer is heated, stimulating collagen production. Over time, your body’s natural healing process will produce new, healthier layers of skin, causing the skin to appear brighter, smoother, and more youthful.

What Skin Conditions Can Laser Resurfacing Be Used For?

Acne Scars

CO2RE laser is great for treating acne scars because it helps to get rid of the top layer of skin and encourages the body’s natural healing, helping to reduce the appearance of scarring. However, laser resurfacing is not ideal for patients with active acne.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

This treatment also effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and helping to create healthier, fuller-looking skin. As you age, collagen is a protein that begins to break down faster than it can be produced, which is why fine lines begin to form. By stimulating collagen production, you can achieve a more youthful appearance.

Skin Damage

Similar to acne scars, skin damage caused by the sun can be treated and reduced, creating a more even skin tone and removing sun spots.

Rosacea

It’s also effective for combating rosacea by treating the broken capillaries that cause the skin to redden and appear flushed.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to address your skin concerns, schedule a consultation for a CO2RE laser resurfacing treatment in Westlake, OH. Dr. Renuka Diwan, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with over 33 years of experience treating a range of skin conditions. Start your journey to healthier today by calling (440) 871-9832.

Types of Scars That Can Be Corrected by Scar Revision

Scar revision treatments offer many individuals a second chance at regaining the confidence they once had before acquiring their scars. Here are some of the most common types of scars that are treated at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center in Westlake, OH.

Common Types of Scars

Keloid Scars

A keloid scar is a thick, elevated scar that may be noticeably redder or darker than the normal skin around it and is larger than the injury that caused it. A keloid develops when cells and connective tissue in the skin are over-produced in response to an injury.

Injections of cortisone are the first line of treatment for keloid scars; however, keloids may also be surgically removed if injections don’t work.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars resemble keloid scars but develop only inside the established borders of the injury. Redness, thickness, and elevation are all characteristics of these scars.

Hypertrophic scar revision treatment includes laser surgery and corticosteroid injections. These injections are also often used in combination with surgery to permanently heal the scar.

Acne Scars

Scarring from acne can be challenging, and no single method works for everyone. Boxcar, ice pick, and rolling scars are just a few examples of acne scars. Depending on your acne scar type, skin type, and the degree of the scarring, one or a combination of different methods may help enhance the look of your skin. For the best results, many individuals usually opt for laser resurfacing with other treatments.

Surgical Scars

Surgical scars can be improved by starting early ( in a month after surgery) with a series of three laser treatments to remodel the scar collagen fibres before they are mature.

Accident scars

Scars left by accidents such as cuts or other injuries that lead to a cut in the skin can be revised surgically to change the direction of a scar or break it up to make it less noticeable than a straight line scar. These techniques are called Z-plasty or W-plasty and are performed in the office with local anesthesia.

Explore Scar Revision Treatments in Westlake, OH

Scar revision procedures may be customized to meet the needs of patients of any age. It’s best if you’re in excellent health overall and can put in the time and effort to follow post-treatment care guidelines.

If you have a scar that you would like to correct, find out if you’re a good candidate for scar revision by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Renuka Diwan at The Laser & Skin Surgery Center. Contact (440) 871-9832 today.

Everything You Need to Know About Summertime Skin Care

Summer is a favorite time of year for many of us, but the hot temperatures and blazing sunshine can put your skin at risk. That is why skincare is such an important topic as outdoor temperatures start to rise. For many of our patients, summertime means spending more time outdoors, at the beach, or poolside, where you will undoubtedly be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays for extended periods.

Dr. Renuka Diwan works with individuals to assess and design the skincare routine for their unique skin. The right warm-weather routine can keep your skin healthy, protected, and glowing all season long.

Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

While it might seem obvious, sunscreen should be a cornerstone in your summer skincare regime. UV rays from the sun are harmful to your skin and may cause premature aging, wrinkles, skin cancer, and sunburn. It’s essential to protect your skin with SPF 30 and above. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

The warm weather is also the right time to swap out your winter creams for lighter formulas. A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is best suited for summertime. Heavy formulas can clog pores and trap heat beneath the skin’s surface, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.

Caring for Your Body as a Whole

Summer heat and humidity strip the natural moisture from your skin, so it’s essential to keep hydration levels up by drinking lots of water. Dehydration can lead to wrinkles and make your skin look tired and dull. Drinking plenty of water assists in maintaining your skin’s natural elasticity for that fresh, vibrant, and healthy glow.

Dr. Renuka Diwan also discusses how important it is to care for your body as a whole. Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains all provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that help protect your skin from sun damage.

Developing Your Summertime Skincare Routine

Everyone has unique skin with very different needs. Taking care of your skin, and your body as a whole, is an essential part of maintaining that youthful, vibrant glow that so many of our patients are seeking.

Schedule your skincare consultation with Dr. Renuka Diwan in our Westlake, OH, office to explore your perfect solution. Call our office at 440-871-9832 or visit us online at www.laserandskinsurgerycenter.com today!

Watch Your Scars Fade

Almost everyone has scars. Scrapes on the knees and elbows are common during childhood and often turn into scars shown off like a badge of honor. While some scars can be a rite of passage and come with a great story, that’s not true for all of them. Some scars can negatively affect your self-esteem, especially when they are on your face and neck. Men and women turn to the Laser and Skin Surgery Center for scar revision for problem scars.

What is Scar Revision?

Scar revision treatment at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center may include fillers, cortisone injections, surgery or laser treatments. Different types of scarring require customized approaches. The treatment plan is designed to address your unique scars.

Dermal fillers and microneedling can improve and minimize the appearance of depressed scars. Red and raised scars are often treated with cortisone injections and laser treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Diwan will review your best options to improve the appearance of your scar(s) and confidence.

Scar revision treatments are typically performed in the office. How long a treatment takes depends on the specific procedure. Dermal fillers typically only take a few minutes, while laser treatments can take over an hour. Your recovery time is also dependent on the type of treatment, but could be minimal.

Are You a Good Candidate for Scar Revision Treatment?

Scar revision options are available for most people, regardless of age. The various options available at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center allow treatment for almost everyone.

Contact Laser and Skin Surgery Center Westlake, OH, for a Consultation

You don’t have to be embarrassed by your scars. Dr. Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center can create an effective scar revision treatment plan to improve them. Contact the office online or call 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation.

Does Scar Revision Really Work?

When it is wounded, the skin has an incredible ability to heal itself. The skin produces growth factors that influence skin cells to grow new collagen that mends and repairs the site of the injury. Unfortunately, depending on the depth and severity of injury, the result of this process can be an unsightly scar. Depending on its location, a scar can make a person feel really self-conscious. If you have a scar in an obvious place, you may spend time every day considering how you can conceal it with clothing or cosmetics. Not only can this affect your confidence, but thinking about your scar on a daily basis is frustrating and tiring. Fortunately, there are treatments to help reduce and revise scars.

How well scar treatments work depends on the proper assessment of the scar and selection of the best suited treatment for the particular scar, the severity of the scar, and your end goal and expectations. There are many different types of scars. Scars can be raised, flat or depressed, pink, skin-colored, lighter than your natural skin tone or darkened; large, small, etc. The treatment for each type is different. The first step is to consult Dr. Diwan, who can give you an idea of which treatments should be considered, the nature of the treatments, recovery and care, and what the scar(s) can be expected to look like after a given treatment. In general, scars improve significantly but may or may not completely disappear after treatment, and may require multiple treatments or a combination of treatments over time for best results. It really depends on the circumstances. Because individual results vary, it’s best not to speculate but to consult Dr. Diwan so she can examine the scar. She may recommend:

Dermal fillers
Cortisone injections
Surgical re-positioning or reduction of the scar
Laser resurfacing
Microneedling
Silicone or other creams or ointments

Dr. Diwan has extensive experience with scar treatment and will help you choose the right approach for the type of scar you have, taking your skin’s unique healing response into account, and prepare you for the treatment process.

Most people who are bothered by scarring report high rates of satisfaction with scar revision. Whether the scar is eliminated or dramatically reduced in appearance, scar treatments are often the key to reducing the effort and time needed to cover a scar, changing how you feel about yourself and improving your quality of life.

If you are interested in learning about scar revision in Westlake, Ohio, please call Dr. Renuka Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center by dialing 440-871-9832. We look forward to providing clear and honest answers about your scar reduction options!

Microneedling for Crepey Skin and Acne Scars

Aging is inevitable. Showing its visible signs doesn’t have to be. Many people live with unsightly issues such as crepey wrinkles and acne scars without knowing that a simple, minimally invasive treatment with no downtime is within reach. Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Renuka Diwan is proud to offer microneedling to her northeast Ohio patients to help reduce the visible signs of aging.

Dr. Diwan has more than 25 years of experience helping her patients attain more vibrant, youthful-looking skin. Her attention to detail is immaculate, and she is dedicated to giving you elegant, nuanced results. Read on to learn about how Dr. Diwan can use microneedling to deliver the look you desire.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive office procedure that creates barely visible punctures in your skin, to stimulate its natural healing processes. By doing so, microneedling induces your skin to repair issues that have developed over time. Microneedling is beneficial for:

Fine crepey lines and wrinkles
Acne scars
Stretch marks
Uneven skin texture
Hyperpigmentation

Microneedling works equally well and is safe for all complexions.

How Can Microneedling Treat Crepey Wrinkles?

Crepinessimplies skin that looks like crepe paper. It’s finely wrinkled and is most common under the eyes.

Crepey wrinkles can be caused by sun damage and aging. The sun’s ultraviolet rays lead to reduced collagen and elastin, which are responsible for your skin staying firm, supple, and wrinkle-free.

Collagen and elastin production also naturally decline as you age. On average, your body produces about 1 percent less collagen and elastin starting in your mid-20s.

When Dr. Diwan or her trained nurses treat the skin with the microneedling device, its tiny needles will create tiny wounds that trigger a healing response with the production of collagen and elastin. Hence, microneedling is also referred to as “collagen induction therapy.” The new collagen and elastin will then improve the appearance of crepey wrinkles and rejuvenate your skin, making it look smoother.

How Can Microneedling Treat Acne Scars?

Inflammation which results from acne destroys healthy skin tissue and causes acne scars.

Microneedling can treat these scars by the same mechanism that improves crepey wrinkles. Tiny punctures created in your skin with the microneedling device cause your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, helping to reverse collagen loss that caused acne scars.

Schedule Your Cleveland Microneedling Consultation Today

Dr. Diwan’sskill, attention to detail, and compassion have helped her create a loyal patient base over her 25-plus years practicing cosmetic dermatology. She is confident that you’ll feel the same way when you see the results she can deliver.

Dr. Diwan serves Westlake, Strongsville, and nearby areas of Cleveland. Call (440) 871-9832 today to schedule a consultation.

Clear Skin for the School Year Ahead

It’s back to school for students all over the Westlake area. Plans are made for the year ahead—schedules fall into place, plans with friends are made, and the perfect wardrobe is carefully chosen. Acne, however, is not what most boys and girls plan for. Unfortunately, for many tweens and teens alike, acne will flourish as they go back to school.

How to Reverse Sun Damage with a Chemical Peel

As we say goodbye to summer, it is time to think about how to reverse any unwanted sun damage that may have accrued over the past few months. Think of fall as your post – summer recovery period—with sun damage still fresh, now is the time to restore your skin’s health.

Chemical peels are a great antidote to summer sun damage. Chemical exfoliation encourages your skin to purge the dead and damaged cells. By replacing dull and lackluster cells with new, robust, and vibrant skin cells, your skin’s health as well as appearance are improved.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month! Are You at Risk?

You may not know, but May is Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Aimed at raising awareness about the need for early detection and prevention of this potentially deadly skin cancer, we, at The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, like to emphasize the importance of skin examinations for early detection, especially this month. Continue reading May is Melanoma Awareness Month! Are You at Risk?