Patient Education                            

General Dermatology

Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti specialize in advanced treatment of all skin disorders for men, women and children. In addition, the physicians at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Ltd. also offer a number of procedures for skin rejuvenation and body contouring.

ACNE

Acne is a very common condition that usually begins during adolescence and subsides by the late twenties.  Sometimes, however, acne may also begin later in life and last well into middle age.  Also occasionally newborns can develop acne, although it usually passes quickly.

Generally, it is teenagers who have the highest prevalence of acne.  The years of adolescence are full of change and insecurity, so even a mild skin eruption on the face may seem like a horrible affiction.  When acne is present, early and effective therapy will greatly improve the appearance of the skin.  Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with the proper skin care and regular use of appropriate medications, and it takes patience and persistence.

A variety of treatments are available to prevent its development and spread of acne and Dr. Berti will individualize your acne treatment plan.  Prevention or early treatment of acne tends to be much more effective than trying to rid the skin of pits and scars later.

Additional Information:
Acne

ACTINIC KERATOSES 

An actinic keratosis is a growth on the skin that looks and feels like a dry, rough scab that persists without healing. It is usually located in chronically sundamaged areas of the skin such as, the face, hands and chest. These growths are considered precancerous, as there is a ten percent chance over a lifetime that any one of these could transform into a skin cancer. Actinic keratoses can be treated in a dermatologist’s office with a variety of procedures or medications, depending on the location and/or severity of the growths.

Additional Information:
Actinic Keratosis


ALLERGIES

Additional Information:
Allergies


ECZEMA

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects both children and adults. It presents as areas of skin that are dry, itchy and/or inflamed. These patches arise from a variety of predisposing conditions including sensitive skin, allergies in the skin, dry skin, or heredity. There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications that a dermatologist can use alone or in combination to control this condition.

Additional Information:
Eczema


FUNGAL INFECTIONS

A fungal infection can occur in the scalp, skin or nails.
A fungal infection of the nail is also called onychomychosis (ON-i-ko-my-KO-sis). It's caused by an active, live fungus that moves in under the nail.
Thick, discolored, and flaky nails are all symptoms of a nail fungus infection. In time, pain or discomfort from nails can also become a problem. Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. These organisms are called dermatophytes. Nail fungus is very common. More than 35 million people in the United States have it under their nails. Typically over-the-counter products do not work because they cannot reach the fungus where it lives under the nail. Your doctor can diagnose whether you have a nail fungus infection and prescribe medicine, if needed.

Additional Information:
Fungal Infections


HAIR LOSS

Hair loss can result from a number of metabolic, hormonal, hereditary or emotional conditions. A comprehensive history and physical exam will guide your dermatologist in investigating the possible causes for this condition.

For Additional Information:
Alopecia areata
Hereditary Hair Loss


HERPES & HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES)

The herpes virus is responsible for conditions such as cold sores, sexual transmitted disease, chicken pox, and shingles. These conditions are easily identified by your dermatologist and the appropriate prescription medication is available for treatment.

Additional Information:
Genital Herpes
Zoster


PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a condition that results in inflamed patches of skin with thick white scales. The cause is unknown. There are numerous therapeutic options ranging from topical and oral medications to phototherapy and the newest “biologic” therapies. A comprehensive history and physical examination helps your dermatologist determine which therapeutic option is best for you. This office offers phototherapy for psoriasis as well, with the latest technology utilizing UVA and UVB light source.

For Addition Information:
Psoriasis


ROSACEA

Rosacea is an acne-like facial skin disorder affecting a growing number of adults. It generally first appears when people are in their 30s, 40s or 50s as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Left untreated, the redness becomes more permanent and tiny blood vessels may become visible. Pimples often develop and in advanced cases, especially in men, the nose may become bumpy, red and swollen from excess tissue (rhinophyma). There are various prescription medications available to minimize the redness as well as laser treatment for the facial blushing and veins. The newest treatment available is Laser Genesis (Photofacial) which over the course of approximately 4-6 sessions eliminates the redness and facial blush. This procedure is usually covered by most insurance plans as well.

Additional Information:
Rosacea


MELANOMA

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which is completely curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment producing cells in the skin, known as melanocytes. Anyone can get melanoma, but fair skinned sun sensitive people are at greater risk. The best treatment is early detection. An examination from the trained eye of a dermatologist can confirm whether or not a lesion is suspicious for melanoma and whether a biopsy is warranted.

Remember, a “mole” that undergoes a significant change in size, shape, or color, and a “mole” that causes symptoms of itching or burning should be suspected and examined by a dermatologist.

Additional Information:
Melanoma


SKIN CANCER

There are more skin cancers diagnosed each year than all other types of cancer combined. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting about 800,000 Americans each year. Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer after basal cell, afflicts more than 100,000 Americans each year. It arises from the epidermis (upper layer of skin). Chronic exposure to sunlight is the major cause of almost all basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

Fortunately, both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a better that 95 percent cure rate if detected and treated early. It is important to have any suspicious lesions evaluated by your dermatologist.

Additional Information:
Skin Cancer


ALL OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS:

The American Academy of Dermatology


COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY & DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY

Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Ltd. offers the most advanced treatments for skin rejuvenation and body contouring in a professional and pleasant environment.

Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti provide complementary consultations for many of the following dermatologic procedures so that all questions and concerns may be addressed prior to the procedure. Please refer to the Cosmetic Dermatology section of this website for further details.


BOTOX®

Botox has revolutionized treatment for wrinkles located around the eyes and on the forehead. Botox is a simple, non-surgical procedure that smoothes the deep, persistent frown lines that have developed over time. The result is significant smoothing of the skin within 7 days and it can last up to four months.

Additional Information:
Botox


CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels utilize natural fruit acids derived from sugars to remove the outermost layer of skin. The results are radiant, younger looking skin with a more even color and smoother texture. In addition, the peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin, which decreases wrinkling. This technique is used for a number of skin conditions including:

• Acne
• Agespots
• Wrinkles
• Freckles
• Melasma
• Blackheads and Whiteheads

With this procedure most people experience minimal to no downtime and notice an improvement of skin texture within days.

Additional Information:
Chemical Peels


CUTERA LASER

The physicians at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Ltd., Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti have extensive knowledge, experience and success with this laser system. Cutera laser systems are utilized in the advanced treatment for hair removal, spider vein treatment, and wrinkle reduction (photofacial and limelight laser treatment).

Additional Information:
Cutera Laser


LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Hair can be safely and easily removed utilizing the latest technology by Cutera- CoolGlide. Virtually all skin tones can be treated, even suntanned skin. The CoolGlide Laser System can remove hair from all parts of the body including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and back. It can also treat sensitive areas like the chest and bikini line.
No local anesthesia or pain medication is required as typically most patients merely experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation.

Additional Information:
Laser Hair Removal


LIPOSUCTION

Tumescent liposuction is commonly used to remove stubborn, diet and exercise-resistant fat deposits and to sculpt the body into a slimmer profile. The tumescent technique, which utilizes only local anesthesia, was developed by dermatologic surgeons in the 1980’s. Based on the use of local anesthesia, tumescent liposuction performed by a dermatologic surgeon can safely and successfully remove fat deposits with relatively little discomfort, virtually no complications and improved cosmetic results. Patients typically resume normal activities within a couple days.

Additional Information:
Liposuction


MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that removes the topmost layer of skin to reveal the younger, tighter more radiant skin underneath. This procedure not only exfoliates the superficial layer of skin, it also stimulates the growth of healthy new cell. This office utilizes the latest in technology for microdermabrasion.  There is a particle microdermabrasion, which uses a highly controlled spray of fine crystals to remove the outer layer of skin, as well as the the DiamondTome Wand which removes this layer of skin by gently exfoliating the skin with natural diamond chips, while at the same time removing the dead skin cells away in a sterile and controlled manner.  There is also a microdermabrasion that utilizes both processes.

Common treatment conditions include:

• Blackheads & whiteheads
• Fine wrinkles
• Sun damaged skin
• Acne prone skin
• Reduction of acne scarring
• Superficial age spots
• Oily skin

The average microdermabrasion procedure takes less than 30 minutes, depending upon the skin condition, the area to be treated and the desired outcome. Many will notice improvements in the texture and appearance of their skin immediately after the first treatment.

Additional Information:
Microdermabrasion


PHOTOFACIAL

Photofacial, also known as Laser Genesis, is a term used to describe the process of utilizing gentle laser treatment to improve wrinkles, eliminate broken blood vessels, tighten skin texture and treat irregular pigmentation that results from sun damage. The procedure directs heat towards the areas that require treatment, and the result is the stimulation of new collagen growth under the skin as well as gentle exfoliation of pigment from the surface of the skin.

A photofacial is appropriate for most skin types with no down time afterwards.
Treatment can be performed not only of the face, chest and neck, but also on any part of the body that demonstrates sun damage. The gentle heat produced during a photofacial requires no anesthesia and many describe the heat as similar to the warmth of sunlight on a summer day. Most treatments take approximately 30 minutes, but this varies depending on the area of skin being treated.

Collagen growth stimulation proceeds immediately after a photofacial, and this results gradually in a smoother appearing skin. Our skin recycles every 28 days so one should expect a noticeable improvement after an average of three sessions spaced one month apart. Most physicians recommend a minimum of six treatments for the best results.

If this procedure is used for treatment of Rosacea, then most medical insurance companies cover the expense.

Additional Information:
Laser Genesis

RESTYLANE®

Restylane is the most advanced form of cosmetic dermal fillers available. Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane is the first and only cosmetic dermal filler make of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction, therefore there is no prior skin testing required. There is also minimal to no downtime with immediate results!

Additional Information:
Restylane

SCULPTRA

Sculptra is a synthetic filler widely used for medical and cosmetic purposes. It is placed underneath the skin with local anesthetic to lift and recreate a more youthful appearance. It progressively replaces lost collagen and can have lasting effect for up to two years.

Additional Information:
Sculptra


VARICOSE & SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT

Varicose and spider veins of the legs can be treated by a number of techniques including sclerotherapy (injection), laser or ambulatory phlebectomy- a technique utilizing local anesthetic to remove the larger veins from under the skin. Dr. Berti has extensive training with regard to vein treatment, and after a complete examination, a determination as to which procedure is appropriate can be made.

Additional Information:
Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy


RECOMMENDED LINKS:

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery:
www.aboutskinsurgery.com

American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery:
www.bewiseaboutbeauty.org