Buy a series of 6 Vitalize peels to be used once a month for the next 6 months, and get $328 of Skin Medica products FREE.  The Vitalize peel may be used on all skin types for fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentary irregularities, acne, and acne scarring.   The free products include a facial cleanser, rejuvenative toner, dermal repair moisturizer, daily physical sunscreen, and TNS eye repair cream.

Full face Fraxel laser only $750 (savings of $200).

Xeomin, the new neurotoxin, is $499 for 3 reas (savings of $200).

Book an Ultherapy for face and neck lifting and tightening and get 2 free syringes of Radiesse (savings of $1,100).  Ultherapy is a brand new ultrasound technology used to treat  loose and wrinkled skin that only takes one treatment, has no down time, and lasts for 2 years!  In addition, if you book Ultherapy for the lower face only, you will get 1 free syringe of Radiesse (savings of $550).

THE PREMIUM ANTI-AGING PACKAGES

Platinum:  Full face Ulthera ($3600) and 4 Vials of Sculptra (reg. $3200) to receive a $200 rebate , a free post-procedure kit (values at $100), and a free Clarisonic Skin Care Brush (valued at $249)

Gold:  Upper and Lower Face Ulthera ($2600) and 2 Vials of Sculptra (reg. $1600) to receive a $100 rebate and a free Clarisonic Skin Care Brush ($249)

Silver:  4 Vials of Sculptra for $3200 to receive a free Clarisonic Skin Care Brush ($249)

Also, look out for our Sculptra event dates!

Call us and schedule your appointment today at 954-783-2323

Vitamin A is the main ingredient in retinoids (e.g. tretinoin, retinol), and this class of topical medications have been around for over 30 years.  These products are tried and true in preventing photoaging, as well as repairing damage that has already occurred.  New formulations such as Tri-Retinol by SkinMedica are highly effective and much gentler on the skin than older generations of retinoids.

We often hear about the benefits of antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E on one’s internal and external health.  For one’s skin, antioxidants promote a great deal of tissue repair for wrinkled skin and discolorations.

Finally, growth factors provide an essential step towards true facial rejuvenation.  Featured in the TNS Recovery Complex and TNS Essential Serum by SkinMedica, growth factors stimulate skin cells to mimic the soft, supple skin of a baby.  You’d be amazed at how fast your skin starts to look and feel more youthful.

For more details about what these products can do for you, visit us at Hecker Dermatology Group!  In our office, we also provide several services that can take years off your face such as Ultherapy, Hydrofacial, lasers, fillers, and neurotoxins.  Call us today for an appointment at 954-783-2323.

 Sculptra®Aesthetic is a facial injectable treatment that is intended for use in people with healthy immune systems as a one-time treatment of up to 4 injection sessions that are scheduled several weeks apart.  Sculptra®Aesthetic corrects shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles and it works gradually to replace the body’s lost facial collagen that occurs with aging. 

 Why We Age

 The collagen beneath the skin is a key element that provides volume and gives shape to our face.  At about age 30 years old, collagen begins to break down.  As a result, wrinkles, lines, and folds gradually appear and worsen with time.

 Most injectables you know of can fill these wrinkles, lines and folds.  Sculptra®Aesthetic works differently because it replaces lost collagen and provides structure that lets your new look emerge more discreetly.  Although the results are not immediate and may take several injection sessions to complete, the results of Sculptra®Aesthetic can last up to 25 months. In between sessions, it is working to build collagen so that your Dermatologist can fine-tune your treatment area during follow-up treatments.

 Possible Side Effects

 Sculptra®Aesthetic has an excellent side effect profile. Side effects may include injection site discomfort, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching and swelling.  Small lumps may occur under the skin.  In the clinical studies, the numbers of lumps were low and most resolved without treatment. 

 To find out more about this exciting Aesthetic treatment, please contact us at: Hecker Dermatology Group, P.A.  New patients are welcome and most insurance accepted.  All facial injectables are performed by physicians only. Schedule your consultation today: 954-783-2323 or visit us on-line at: www.heckerderm.com.

Micro-Focused Ultrasound Technology

By

Melanie S. Hecker, MD, MBA

Wrinkles can say “experience,” sagging skin can say “tired”

First came fillers in the Eighties, then lasers, then Botox-all still useful in their own way. And there’s always been surgery. Now there’s Ultherapy^®-a face and neck lifting treatment that creates a brand new category in aesthetics-non-invasive tissue lifting.

 Not an injection…..not a laser…the FDA-cleared Ulthera^® system utilizes micro-focused ultrasound technology to first visualize then treat the skin’s deep structures to lift and tighten the skin. What’s alluring about Ultherapy is that you see an immediate smoothing effect and, since the collagen continues to grow, results actually get better over the course of months. This provides a gradual and natural appearing lift that takes years off without the shock of “what did you have done.” Long lasting results makes this treatment stand out amongst other facial rejuvenation procedures.

 For the first time ever, Ultherapy enables practitioners to direct sound waves not only into the skin but deep under the skin to the same tissue addressed in surgery. This gently heats the tissue to lift and tighten loose skin without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. Besides the visible effects of lifting and tightening, there is also an invisible result from Ultherapy with the creation of new collagen, which helps the skin maintain its youthfulness.

 Ultherapy lifts, tightens, and tones loose skin to counteract the effects of time and gravity. One of the first effects of gravity is that the brows fall, and the eyes start to appear smaller. Ultherapy will lift the brow, which in turn reduces the excess skin on the lids, opens up the eyes and gives a more refreshed appearance.

 The beauty of Ultherapy is that it is a 30 to 60 minute procedure that uses the body’s own subtle healing response to gently, gradually, and reliably restore memory to the skin and its underlying tissue. Ultherapy requires no special recuperation or preparation and typically only takes one treatment to get a meaningful response. Patients enjoy some initial effect immediately following the procedure, but the ultimate lifting will take 2 – 3 months, as tired collagen is rejuvenated and supplemented with new, stronger collagen.

There isn’t a replacement for the dramatic effects of surgery, but Ultherapy offers a natural, ‘no downtime’ approach to noticeably improving lax skin. It’s also a great treatment for those patients that are not good surgical candidates because of other medical conditions.

 To find out more about this exciting, new technology, call our office today to schedule your consultation and get those years back.  All consultations are by appointment only.  Contact us at 954-783-2323 or visit us on-line: www.heckerderm.com.

 As our society still considers tanned skin having a “healthy” appearance, it has been the responsibility of dermatologists in the community to educate their patients about the negative effects of a suntan.  Although it has been known for some time that too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be harmful, new information has shown an association between the radiation that causes tanning and melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. 

While skin cancer has been associated with sunburn, even moderate tanning may also produce the same effect.  UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps may cause skin cancer and can have a damaging effect on the immune system.  It can also cause premature aging of the skin, giving it a wrinkled, leathery appearance.  Vitamin D has been a hot topic lately, with facts showing many people are deficient in the essential vitamin.  However, just a small amount of sunlight is needed for the body to manufacture it.  It does not require a suntan, nor is sunlight the most efficient way to increase Vitamin D levels (oral supplementation is the preferred method).

More than 1.3 million new skin cancer cases are likely to be diagnosed in theU.S.this year, and the numbers have been rising due to increasing exposure to UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps.  Recent evidence showing that chronic tanning may increase a person’s risk for melanoma is quite serious.  Melanoma is fatal if not detected early. An estimated 47,700 new cases of melanoma, and 7,700 deaths related to melanoma, are expected this year.

Skin aging and cancer are delayed effects that show up many years after the exposure.  Unfortunately, since the damage is not immediately visible, young people are often unaware of the dangers of tanning.  It is estimated that cases of skin cancer will continue to increase as people who are tanning in their teens and twenties reach middle age.  Damage may be less apparent and take longer to show up in people with darker skin.

Most sun lamps and tanning beds emit mainly ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation.  These so-called “tanning rays” are less likely to cause a sunburn than the ultraviolet B (UVB) of sunlight.  Contrary to the claims of some tanning parlors, that does not make them safe; in fact, they cause deeper skin damage and premature aging of the skin.

Tips to Avoid Sun Damage

 Enough cannot be said about proper sun protection.  Plan your outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. (when the sun is not as strong).  Wear protective clothing such as broad-brimmed hats, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts.  Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection.  When outdoors, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF at least 30.  Make sure you apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. 

See a dermatologist if you notice an unusual mole, a scaly patch, or a sore that does not heal.  This may be a pre-cancer or a skin cancer.  If you develop severe itching or rashes in the sun, this may be an allergic reaction.  The dermatologist may be able to treat or reverse sun-damage such as wrinkles and other skin changes with medical treatments and dermatologic surgery.

Take advantage of this amazing discount by going to www.groupon.com and look for our special!

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are the most common skin growths found on the skin of mature adults.  They are benign (non-cancerous) growths that can be found anywhere on the body, and they sometimes can look quite ominous due to darkening of color.  However, these growths do not develop into skin cancer.  Some people get just one; others develop many.  These growths generally first appear in middle age or later, although SKs can erupt during pregnancy or following estrogen therapy.

Usually beginning as small, rough bumps, SKs tend to eventually thicken and develop a warty surface.  Most are brown, but they can range in color from light tan to black.  Some SKs measure a fraction of an inch; others are larger than a half-dollar.  What often distinguishes these growths from other lesions is a waxy, pasted-on-the-skin appearance. 

The exact cause of an SK remains unknown.  We do know that it tends to run in families.  Although these growths develop on both sun-exposed and non sun-exposed skin, some studies suggest that sun exposure may play a role.  SKs most often appear on the chest and back, but they also can be found on the scalp, face, neck, or almost anywhere on the skin except the palms and soles.

Treatment of Seborrheic Keratoses

Since SKs are benign, treatment is generally not necessary.  There are times, though, when these lesions should be examined by a dermatologist, if, perhaps, SK is the wrong diagnosis.  Any growth that grows quickly, turns black, itches, or bleeds, must be biopsed (removed and studied under a microscope) to determine if it is cancerous or not. 

Treatment of true SKs may be recommended if the growth is large or easily irritated by clothing or jewelry.  Liquid nitrogen, or cryosurgery, is a spray that “freezes” the growth.  The SK usually falls off within days.  Sometimes a blister forms under the SK and dries into a scab-like crust that falls off.  After the growth falls off, a small dark or light spot may appear on the skin.  This usually fades over time, but a permanent white spot is a possible side effect of this treatment.  Another treatment is scraping or shaving the lesion off, followed by a method to stop bleeding (such as electric cautery or a chemical blood-clotting agent).  Sometimes only electrosurgery is necessary to treat small lesions.

What Seborrheic Keratoses Are Not

SKs can resemble warts, moles, pre-malignant and malignant growths.  Warts tend to develop more quickly than SKs, cluster in small areas, and do not get dark in color.  Moles normally appear during childhood and stop appearing by age 30.  Pre-malignant growths, called actinic keratoses, are flatter and rougher than SKs and only form on the most sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms. 

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can be lethal, may look just like a SK.  Both can become very dark and irregular in shape.  If the growth darkens, bleeds, itches, or is irritated, it should be examined by a dermatologist.  These are signs of skin cancer, and early detection of skin cancer is the best way to ensure successful treatment. 

Please visit us at www.heckerderm.com for more information, or call us at 954-783-2323 to make an appointment for a skin examination.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ACNE

Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and even the upper arms.  Acne affects most teenagers to some extent, but the disease is not restricted to any age group.  Adults in their 20s to 40s (and rarely older) can get acne.  Here are the most common myths about acne:

“I have acne because I don’t wash my face enough.”

Acne is not caused by dirt.  The black in a blackhead is dried oil and shed skin cells in the openings of the hair follicles, not dirt.  For the normal care of your skin, wash your face with soap and warm water twice a day.  Washing too often may actually make your acne worse.  Regular shampooing is also recommended.  Men with acne who shave should try both an electric and a safety razor to see which is more comfortable.  Shave only when necessary and always use a sharp blade.

“I have acne because I eat a lot of junk food.”

Acne is not caused by the foods you eat.  Recent studies have suggested the possibility that dark chocolate or dairy foods may flare up acne; however, it is certain that a strict diet by itself will not clear your skin.  Be careful about jumping to conclusions about what flared your acne.  Acne has many ups and downs on its own.

“Getting sun will clear up my acne.”

A tan can mask your acne, but the benefits are temporary.  Sunbathing actually promotes more oil production underneath the skin and will indirectly lead to more acne later.  Plus, don’t forget that sunlight ages the skin and can cause skin cancer.  Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free, such as a gel or spray.

“Makeup is a good way to cover up my acne.”

Too much makeup or contact with cosmetic products (like hairsprays and hair gels) can actually lead to a type of acne called “acne cosmetica.”  Look for products that are oil-free and not just water-based.  Choose products that are “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.”  Remove your cosmetics every night with soap and water.

A fresh-tinted acne lotion can safely hide blemishes.  Loose powder mixed with oil-free product is also good for cover-up.

Control of acne is an ongoing process.  All acne treatments work by preventing new acne.  Existing blemishes must heal on their own, and improvement takes time.  If your acne has not improved after 6-8 weeks, you may need a change in your treatment.

To find out more about how a Dermatologist can help your acne, consult with us at Hecker Dermatology Group, P.A. New patients are welcome and most insurances are accepted.  Call for an appointment at: 954-783-2323 or visit us on-line: www.heckerderm.com.

My training at Princeton University, University of Florida College of Medicine, and the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, gave me the excellent background to serve my community in general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.  I also value being well-liked by my patients.  At Hecker Dermatology Group, PA, my wife, Dr. Melanie Hecker, and I strive to maintain an office that is clean, friendly, and comfortable.  We make the utmost efforts to run on time, and we try to make patients’ experiences as pleasant as possible.  For your convenience, we offer evening and Saturday hours.  If you have a dermatologic emergency, we are usually able to see you within 48 hours.

Our office location is easily accessible, and it serves the communities of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Pompano Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.  We also have hospital priveleges at Holy Cross, Imperial Point, and North Broward.  Please look for our informative articles published frequently in the Pompano Pelican, The Observer, Lighthouse Point Magazine, and the Palm-Aire News and Views.  You may have already seen us doing free skin exams at Holy Cross Hospital, North Broward Medical Center, Northeast Focal Point, Coconut Creek Senior Center, Palm-Aire, Henderson Mental Health Facility.  Check local papers for more upcoming events in your area. 

I look forward to attending to your dermatologic needs. 

David Hecker, MD

Confused by Sunscreen Labels?

Before you go out into the Sun this Summer

Learn how to Protect Your Skin

By

Melanie S. Hecker, MD, MBA

David J. Hecker, MD

Take a Few Minutes and Read the Label

Protecting your skin on a daily basis with sunscreen sounds easy enough.  However, if you have been to the local drugstore and tried to decipher the sunscreen labels, you might feel that you need a degree in chemistry to figure them out!  How does one choose the most effective products available as you scan the tiny print of long, foreign words on the sunscreen bottle.

There are three types of Ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC.  The SPF rating on the bottle of sunscreen measures the protection that a sunscreen can offer against UVB rays because this is the ultraviolet radiation known to cause sunburn.  The SPF number on the bottle, whether it is a 15, 30 or 50, is the comparison of how long it would take for unprotected skin to get red versus skin protected with that number sunscreen.  For instance, if it can take 30 minutes for your unprotected skin to start getting red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen should prevent turning red 15 times longer or 7.5 hours.  However, a single application of sunscreen to exposed skin then heading out the door for the day is not enough sun protection.  The directions on the sunscreen bottle usually require reapplication of sunscreen every 90-120 minutes for maximum benefit.  And note that no one sunscreen will block all UV rays.  Remember that the red hue your skin is turning only reflects the damage by UVB rays and does not take into account the damage UVA may be contributing.

Which Sunscreens should I Choose?

While an SPF of 15 for UVB protection is a start, living in Florida with its year-round sun really requires a higher SPF number like a 30+.  And don’t worry about not getting enough Vitamin D, unless you are truly vitamin D deficient, you are getting enough incidental sun exposure in Florida to satisfy your body’s Vitamin D requirements.  For those Vitamin D deficient patients, supplements are available.

Choose sunscreens that contain the following ingredients:  UVA blockers, UVB Blockers, a combination of UVA and UVB sunscreens, Mexoryl ™, Avobenzene, Oxybenzone, Octocylene, Physical Blockers such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.  These are the best ingredients out there for sun protection.

One Last Concern

It is really important to know how much sunscreen should be applied.  Studies performed in retail stores demonstrated that most consumers underutilize sunscreens all the time.  You must read the directions on the sunscreen bottle for amount and frequency of application.  For example, a person who goes to the beach for 8 hours a day two days in a row should completely use up the average bottle of sunscreen with proper application. The bottle should be empty after two days!  However, most sunscreens sit on people’s shelves at home for months.

Sunscreen should be used on a daily basis as part of your morning regimen to all sun exposed areas and reapplied throughout the day for maximal protection.  It should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and of course sunscreen application is only part of the defense against skin cancer and sunburn.  Avoiding peak sun hours as well as wearing SPF protective clothing is also important.

To find out more about this topic or for any other Dermatologic concerns, contact us for an appointment at: Hecker Dermatology Group, P.A.  New patient appointments are available and most insurances are accepted.  Call 954-783-2323 or visit us on-line at: www.heckerderm.com.