Dental Emergency During Quarantine? Here’s What to Do Next!

With the Coronavirus spreading in full force, you’re probably self-quarantined, as you should be, to help keep you and your family safe. But what happens if you have a dental emergency? With most dentists closed during this time, what should you do if you bite down and crack your tooth or experience extreme pain? Thankfully, your dentist has some tips to help you make yourself more comfortable at home, and they’re still ready to treat your dental emergency. Keep reading to learn what you should do if you have tooth pain during this strange time.

Do You Have a Toothache?

A toothache can seem like it comes out of nowhere, however it is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. When plaque builds up, it interacts with bacteria in your mouth to create acids. This can cause decay, but it can also lead to infection in the tooth. If this occurs, you may experience pain and piercing sensitivity. Should this happen, call your dentist right away because you may need a root canal. Your dentist will still perform emergency services during the Covid-19 outbreak to keep you as healthy as possible.

Did You Chip or Break Your Tooth?

One of the activities you may be enjoying during quarantine is snacking. However, a hard bite on the wrong popcorn kernel could fracture your tooth, putting you in intense pain. If your tooth breaks, pick up any pieces, rinse them, and store them in a safe place. Use gauze to ease bleeding and apply a cold compress or a bag of frozen veggies to reduce swelling. If you’ve lost or broken a crown or filling, you can use dental cement to repair it. However, if you don’t have this product, you can temporarily protect your tooth with sugarless gum. Your next move is to call your dentist immediately. Although they are closed, they will still treat dental emergencies to get you out of pain and back to smiling.

Did Your Tooth Get Knocked Out?

You may be engaging in indoor exercise due to the quarantine, however this often limits space and increases risk of dental injury. If a tooth gets knocked out while roughhousing with the family, pick it up by the crown and gently rinse it off. After, store it in milk or water to keep it moist and apply gauze to your mouth if the area is bleeding. Once you’ve made yourself more comfortable, contact your dentist right away for treatment. The sooner you can visit their office, the better your chances are of successfully replanting it.

Now that you know what to do if a dental emergency happens during quarantine, no need to worry! Remember these tips and that your dentist is still here to help in your time of need.

 

Things your dentist doesn’t want you to know

Your  dentist sees you as a profit center rather than a patient.

Everyone gets the business thing.  Football players tell us this all the time…but this is health care and an ethical dentist MUST put the patient first.  That is the real definition of professional.  Dentists who do this usually relate everything to the “time is money” philosophy.  They usually run behind and are over-scheduled.

Your dentist just took a weekend course in an advanced surgical technique—-and you are his Monday morning experiment.

Yes, it’s true…we call these dentists gunslingers.  Many procedures dentists do are fairly safe and reversible, but others are way beyond the skill level necessary for performance.  When dentistry is a business and new “profit centers” are available…some dentists go beyond their limitations.

Many dentists are nothing more than tooth jockeys.

That means that they don’t look at the whole patient.  Granted, some patients may be satisfied with this standard, but most people go to the dentist for a long-term result.  If a practice is set up to treat single teeth, it’s unlikely that the patient will accomplish anything worthwhile.  You know if your dentist is committed to your comprehensive care and long-term results if he does a comprehensive examination which includes the teeth, the gums, the bite and an oral cancer examination.

The dentist uses the cheapest materials available and charges you for “the best.”

Dentistry is a blind service.  Look, every business tries to cut down on expenses but at least it should be disclosed.  When the patient goes to a dentist because of price…duh, how do people really think that works.

 

What happens when you visit an NHS dentist

When you see your dentist for a check-up, they will first carry out an examination or assessment. This is the first part of each course of NHS treatment and is included in the Band 1 ($22.70) charge.

You do not have to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP to receive NHS treatment. Therefore, you should not be asked to have an examination or pay for any private work before being accepted by an NHS dentist.

If you want to have any cosmetic dental treatment, such as tooth whitening, this will be done privately. Ask your dentist how much this will cost.

At your check-up, your dentist will assess your mouth, teeth and gums and advise you how to look after them.

 

What will happen at your check-up?

At your check-up, your dentist may:

• ask you about your medical history and whether you are currently taking any medicine
• carry out a full examination of your mouth, teeth and gums
• ask about your general health and any problems you have had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit
• ask about and give advice on your diet, smoking and drinking
• ask about your teeth-cleaning habits and give you advice on the best ways to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy
• explain any risks, as well as dental costs, of all treatment you may need
• discuss with you when your next visit should be

Many of us have got used to going to the dentist every 6 months but you might need to go more often or less often than this depending on how healthy your mouth and teeth are. Your dentist should talk to you about when you should have your next appointment.

If you have problems with your teeth between check-ups, contact your dental surgery to make an earlier appointment.

 

Information you should find at your dental surgery

When you visit your dental surgery, some information should be clearly displayed:

• a poster about current NHS dental charges
• the surgery’s complaints procedure
• a written statement about how the surgery meets the requirements for infection control, health and safety, X-rays and continuing professional development of dentists

In addition, you should be given a leaflet about the surgery and its services. If you cannot find any of the information, you have the right to ask for it.

What your dentist should not do

Your dentist should not:

• offer NHS treatment to children on condition that a parent or guardian becomes a private patient
• suggest that NHS treatment is sub-standard
• make you pay privately for an examination to assess whether you will be accepted for NHS treatment
• charge you for missed appointments for NHS treatment
• charge you a deposit before any assessment of your treatment needs has been carried out

Pain Prevention

Here are some helpful tips to managing pain without medication.

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet – to reduce inflammation and keep muscles & bones strong.

Maintain a healthy weight – excess weight puts stress on joints and muscles, thereby increasing pain.

Exercise regularly – choose low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and biking. These activities don’t strain or jolt the back and allow the muscles to function better.

Build muscle strength and flexibility – building core strength helps ensure that the muscles supporting movement are healthy and strong, to improve your posture and protect the body from injury.

Focus on good posture and body mechanics – to reduce everyday aches and pains, do not sit for extended periods of time. Avoid heavy lifting and when you need to lift, let your legs do the work.

Quit smoking – smokers are more prone to pain than non-smokers. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the muscles and causes inflammation.

Manage stress – feelings of pain are increased when stress levels are high. Meditation, gentle stretching, tai chi and other methods of stress reduction can be very helpful.

 

Pain Management

What is pain?

Pain is something you feel physically and emotionally – it is not pleasant and is due to a perception of real or potential damage to your body.

How does your body process pain?

While pain may start at different places in your body, all pain is perceived and processed by your brain. Pain is your body’s warning system alerting you to harm. The pain signal travels through your nerves (usually – but not always – starting from those nerves close to the source of harm), up your spinal cord to your brain. Your brain then interprets the pain signal based on its intensity and location, as well as a variety of other information such as your surroundings, previous injury experience, your beliefs, your emotional state, and many other factors. You feel the pain after your brain has processed all of this information.

Pain is personal

When your brain processes a pain signal, it considers many factors that are personal to you. As a result, you feel pain differently from everyone else – even from people who may have the same disease or injury as you. Just like your experience with arthritis can be very different from someone else’s, the same goes for the pain you experience. This also means that pain treatments (including medications and other interventions) that work for one person may not work for another, or may work differently.

Types of pain

Acute pain is short-term pain that serves to protect you and prevents more damage by changing your behavior. Some examples are pain because of an injury, surgery, or a toothache. Usually this pain goes away when the damaged part of your body heals or no longer needs protection, or the unpleasant stimulus has been removed.

Chronic pain (also called persistent pain) lasts longer than acute pain, typically for more than three months. People who live with chronic diseases often live with chronic pain. This type of pain does not necessarily mean that damage is occurring – even though it might feel that way. While chronic pain is not fully understood, we know that it is sometimes caused by a problem with one or more nerves and the way they send pain messages to the brain.

 

Chronic Pain Coping Techniques – Pain Management

Clinicians who specialize in treating chronic pain now recognize that it is not merely a sensation, like vision or touch, but rather chronic pain is strongly influenced by the ways in which the brain processes the pain signals.

Chronic pain can provoke emotional reactions, such as fear or even terror, depending on what we believe about the pain signals. In other cases (such as in sports or another engaging, rewarding activity), chronic pain may be perceived by the individual as merely a nuisance, a feeling to be overcome in order to be able to continue in the activity.

The important role the mind plays in chronic pain is clearly recognized in the medical literature, as well as in the International Association for the Study of Pain’s definition of pain, which states that pain is always subjective and is defined by the person who experiences it.

The corollary is that the brain can also learn how to manage the sensation of pain. Using the mind to control chronic pain, or coping strategies, for managing persistent pain, may be used alone or in tandem with other pain management therapies

Managing Chronic Pain

Of course, the first step in coping with chronic back pain or other types of persistent pain is to receive a thorough medical evaluation to determine the cause of the pain.

 

Chronic Pain Control Techniques

To prepare for any chronic pain coping technique, it is important to learn how to use focus and deep breathing to relax the body. Learning to relax takes practice, especially when you are in pain, but it is definitely worth it to be able to release muscle tension throughout the body and start to remove attention from the pain.

Coping techniques for chronic pain begin with controlled deep breathing, as follows:

Try putting yourself in a relaxed, reclining position in a dark room. Either shut your eyes or focus on a point.

Then begin to slow down your breathing. Breathe deeply, using your chest. If you find your mind wandering or you are distracted, then think of a word, such as the word “Relax,” and think it in time with your breathing…the syllable “re” as you breathe in and “lax” as you breathe out.

Continue with about 2 to 3 minutes of controlled breathing.

Once you feel yourself slowing down, you can begin to use imagery techniques.

Altered focus

This is a favorite technique for demonstrating how powerfully the mind can alter sensations in the body. Focus your attention on any specific non-painful part of the body (hand, foot, etc.) and alter sensation in that part of the body. For example, imagine your hand warming up. This will take the mind away from focusing on the source of your pain, such as your back pain.

Dissociation

As the name implies, this chronic pain technique involves mentally separating the painful body part from the rest of the body, or imagining the body and mind as separate, with the chronic pain distant from one’s mind. For example, imagine your painful lower back sitting on a chair across the room and tell it to stay sitting there, far away from your mind.

Sensory splitting

This technique involves dividing the sensation (pain, burning, pins and needles) into separate parts. For example, if the leg pain or back pain feels hot to you, focus just on the sensation of the heat and not on the hurting.

 

Tips to assess and treat acute-on-chronic pain

Opioid tolerance complicates treatment of acute pain, but hospitalists have to know how to ameliorate acute pain in patients who are already on opioids, Molly A. Feely, MD, FACP, told attendees at the Internal Medicine Meeting 2019 hospital medicine precourse.

“Patients with chronic pain need appropriate pain management, too,” she said. Dr. Feely, who is an assistant professor of medicine and program director of the hospice and palliative medicine fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., noted that her “Pearls for Pain Management in the Opioid-Tolerant Population” apply only to chronic pain patients whose acute pain is expected to resolve, not to cancer patients with progressive pain.

The first challenge in treating these patients’ pain is evaluating it. “How many of you are frustrated by pain scores?” she said to laughter from the audience.

Pain scores are not designed to be compared across patients, but they can be helpful to assess patients’ current pain in light of their previous reports. “When you look at individual patients, their pain scores have consistency over time,” said Dr. Feely. “How many of you have patients who are at 8, 9, or 10 all the time? I have lots of those patients. I think ‘Great!’ [if] today’s an 8. That’s a good pain score day for that patient.”

This understanding should also guide pain goals, which can be based on patient perspectives but must also be realistic. “If he tells me that he’s hoping for a 3, but he’s only been at an 8 for a year and a half, we need to set expectations,” she said. “Our inpatient goal should be consistent with that which we have achieved in the outpatient setting.”

How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon

For women considering breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or even breast revision surgery, the process of choosing a surgeon can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. In Australia, the number of specialist plastic surgeons has risen to over 400, and this is before taking into account cosmetic surgeons who are also approved practitioners of breast surgery. With so many different aspects to consider, and so many practitioners to choose from, how can you be sure you’re making the right decision? This blog post is intended to provide prospective patients with a useful guide to choosing the right surgeon for them

Your choice of surgeon will determine your safety, your aesthetic outcomes, and the short and long-term care you receive. It’s important then, that you do your research and ensure you’re in the best hands possible! While there are many online forums available to patients, it’s important to do your own objective research as well to ensure the surgeon you are considering is qualified, experienced, and prioritises patient safety.

Plastic vs. Cosmetic

The first aspect to consider in your research is whether the surgeon is a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and BRAS Clinic in Brisbane provide a helpful infographic to highlight the distinction between these two professions, and to emphasise the importance of choosing a plastic surgeon.

Aesthetic Outcomes

A great way to initially narrow down your options is to begin with online research and find the plastic surgeons whose before and afters catch your eye. Do they have an established gallery with a variety of patient anatomies?  Do they have social media with photos of their patients? Choose your top 5 practitioners in your area, and short-list them to send an enquiry or continue your research

Experience

The next question you should be asking is how many years experience the surgeon has. This will help clarify which practitioners are more established. In particular, you should be asking how many patients have undergone your chosen procedure with this surgeon to ensure you’re choosing a specialist in the field. For example, Dr. Philip Richardson has 12 years surgical training, 16 years experience as a practising plastic surgeon, and has performed over 5,000 breast surgeries in the past decade. This is an example benchmark that you may hold your surgeon to when considering their level of expertise.

 

WHAT IS PLASTIC SURGERY (AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COSMETIC SURGERY?)

In layman’s terms, plastic surgery is the practice of reshaping, altering, or repairing parts of the body for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. The word “plastic” is derived from the Greek word “plastikos” which means “to mould”. Aesthetic plastic surgery aims to change the appearance of a body part, such as the breasts or body. Its core focus is enhancing the appearance

What’s the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery?

You might think the two terms are interchangeable, and while they might seem similar, there are some very clear differences between the two – differences that you, as a prospective patient, ought to know!

Education and training

It’s critical you closely examine the credentials, memberships, and education of your plastic surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is a member of associations including FRACS (more on the importance of FRACS below!), ASPS, and ASAPS.

Comfort and courtesy

Does your plastic surgeon (and the entire team) offer you courtesy and respect? Our caring team acknowledges the uniqueness of every patient who walks through our doors, and our care extends beyond your procedure through post-operative appointments and a steadfast support network.

Past experience

Does your surgeon have a wealth of experience performing a range of procedures? Additionally, do they demonstrate a wide range of technical skill to apply to a single procedure? This shows you that they have a commendable skillset to best suit each individual patient’s needs.

 

Korean Plastic Surgery Explained

Plastic Surgery in Korea is a Normal Part of Life in Korea

Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgery cases per capita in the world. A 2014 study found that there were 980,000 recorded cases of plastic surgery in Korea which equals to 20 procedures for every 1000 people. In Seoul, polls show that 1 out of every 3 women between the ages 19-29 have had some kind of cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure done. The general feeling here is that if it doesn’t hurt anyone and will improve your life, then why not? If you are Gangnam Station, you will often see people who have recently had surgery walking around, shopping, eating and no one bats an eye. It’s all accepted and even admired. Think about it this way. If you want to lose weight or get more muscle you, you exercise. If you want to portray a certain image, you dress for that image. People exercise, wear clothing and makeup in an attempt to look the way they want to look. In Korea, a natural extension of this is plastic surgery as people here see it as no different from makeup, exercise or clothing. It is an upgrade to your life and something that will make your life better.

Why Are Korean Doctors so Good?

First, the education system here is perhaps the most competitive in the world. It starts from pre-school and intensifies to the hardest university entrance exam in the world (the Korean version of the American S.A.T). If you wish to be doctor, you need to be in the top 1% of your entire education career. There is a saying here that a doctor is genius and a genius is a doctor. Once you are doctor, only a few are chosen each year to become plastic surgeons and these are the top 1% of the top 1%.

Second, because plastic surgery is normal in Korea there is a huge supply of patients. This means that doctors are constantly doing the same procedures day in and day out and thus can become experts in their field. Although some doctors remain general plastic surgeons, the best doctors specialize in one or two procedures while still being able to do others. For example, the best breast augmentation doctor will spend 90%-100% of his time doing breast augmentation or related procedures. Korean doctors work 6 days week doing the same procedures over and over. Multiply that by 10 years of experience and you now have the absolute top doctors in the world.

How Are The Prices?

In short, the answer is that prices are pretty good. If you want the cheapest plastic surgery possible then we highly suggest you wait until your budget increases enough to get an expert to do your procedure. This is your face and body after all that we are talking about and you should treat yourself with care. We have seen patients go to places like Thailand for 500 USD rhinoplasties only to be left very disappointed and needing much more expensive revision rhinoplasty revisions. In fact, a large percentage of our customer base comes from either super cheap surgeries done in other countries or surgeries done by doctors who are not specialists (and these patients are often from more advanced countries where the fees are higher than in Korea). This doesn’t mean Korea has the highest pricing in the world either. The pricing is very reasonable for what you are getting. In many cases, the pricing is less or similar to what you will get in other advanced countries like the United States, Canada or even in Europe. In some cases the costs are half of those in other countries. Korea has developed economies of scale and so the pricing is reasonable while maintaining the highest quality and results on earth.

How Do I Choose The Right Doctor For Me?

First, there are over 500 plastic and cosmetic surgery clinics located in Gangnam-gu (a district in Seoul), which is just a few kilometers big in size. The best doctors and clinics for plastic and cosmetic surgery are located here so the first thing to check is where the clinic is located. If it is located at Gangnam Station for example, then you know you are looking in the right place. The closer it is to an exit of Gangnam Station, the better the clinic has to be in order to maintain their customer base and being to pay their extremely high rent fees. In Korea, only the best of the best can afford to stay in places like Gangnam Station because if they are bad at what they do, the word spreads quickly and the clinic can’t survive (remember that Korea has the fastest Internet on earth and 99.9% of the population is connected to the web). Location is important!

 

Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is used to repair and reconstruct missing or damaged tissue and skin. The main aim of plastic surgery is to restore the function of tissues and skin to as close to normal as possible.

Plastic surgery can be used to repair:

abnormalities that have existed from birth, such as a cleft lip and palate, webbed fingers, and birthmarks

areas damaged by the removal of cancerous tissue, such as from the face or breast

extensive burns or other serious injuries

Availability of plastic surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery is usually carried out free of charge on the NHS. But availability varies around the country and is determined by local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

The main techniques used during plastic surgery are:

skin grafts – where healthy skin from an unaffected area of the body is removed and used to replace lost or damaged skin

skin flap surgery – where a piece of tissue from one part of the body is transferred to another, along with the blood vessels that keep it alive; it’s called flap surgery because the healthy tissue usually remains partially attached to the body while it’s repositioned

tissue expansion – where surrounding tissue is stretched to enable the body to “grow” extra skin, which can then be used to help reconstruct the nearby area

As well as these techniques, plastic surgeons also use many other methods, such as:

fat transfer or grafting – where fat is removed from one area and inserted in another area, usually to correct unevenness

vacuum closure – where suction is applied to a wound through a sterile piece of foam to draw out fluid and encourage healing

camouflage make-up or cream

prosthetic devices, such as artificial limbs

 

Find a Surgeon

Changing your appearance, should be positive but it should not be undertaken lightly; it is very important that you put careful thought, questioning and consideration into your choices

Whilst everyone hopes cosmetic surgery will have positive outcomes, some changes may not please you in the future and may not meet your expectations.  It is crucial to have guidance to assist you in making the most informed decision about whether to go ahead with surgery, and if so, which surgeon to choose.

To be safe and sure it is important to choose a surgeon with the appropriate training, skills and experience.  All BAAPS Surgeons have the highest level of training and qualifications, are all on the GMC Specialist register are committed to excellence in Aesthetic Surgery

HOW TO SELECT A DERMATOLOGIST

Tips when seeking care

Before making an appointment with a dermatologist, it is important to consider their level of training. Board-certified dermatologists have at least eight years of medical training, if not more. They have proven their expertise by passing difficult board exams and meeting other requirements

Board-certified: It is important to check whether your dermatologist is board-certified. If they are, the initials FAAD will appear after their name. FAAD stands for “Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.” A dermatologist’s website is often a good place to check. It will either list FAAD after their name or discuss their board certification

Insurance: If you are uncertain about insurance coverage, call your insurance provider. They are the best source for learning whether a dermatologist is in your network and if the visit is covered. They can also tell you whether treatment for a particular condition is covered. Note that strictly cosmetic procedures — such as treatment for wrinkles — usually are not covered

Booking the appointment: As is true for many specialists, there can be a wait to see a dermatologist. To help you get timely care

Make your appointment early. The earlier you can book your appointment, the better. If you are scheduling a routine appointment, call several weeks or even months ahead of when you wish to be seen

 

How to Choose a Dermatologist? – Tips to Consider While Looking For a Dermatologist

Whether you are curious about knowing the latest anti-aging technology or getting rid of acne, choosing the right dermatologist could be daunting. It is essential to choose the right dermatologist as not all the dermatologists are equally skilled and experienced. Finding the right dermatologist requires time as well as efforts.

From normal hormonal acne treatment to regular skin cancer screenings, your dermatologist can help you with a wide range of skin issues. The right dermatologist will help you in balancing your skin health in an appropriate manner, which is why it is crucial to choose the right dermatologist

Choosing the right dermatologist is a crucial decision, especially if you have a serious skin condition. So, find the dermatologist who will work appropriately to treat your skin condition. Now you must be thinking about how to choose the right dermatologist? If you have never visited a dermatologist, but if you are willing to and are ready to take this step, here are some simple tips to consider to choose the right dermatologist for you.

Take Reference from Your Primary Care Doctor

Make a referral list of dermatologists by taking advice from your primary care doctor. You can also take advice from your friends, family members, and other healthcare providers for better recommendations. A few names on the list increase the choices and help you in choosing the right one. Seek the dermatologist expert in dermatologic care and can carry out the cosmetic procedures appropriately.

Appropriately Research the Credentials of the Dermatologist

Certification from the board is one of the most important factors to consider while choosing the right dermatologist. Board certification defines that the doctor has essential skills and experience to render healthcare facilities in dermatology. In addition to this, make sure that the dermatologist does not have any history of disciplinary actions or malpractices.

 

How Do You Find the Perfect Dermatologist For You?

As you may know, I was lucky enough to grow up with a dermatologist mom, giving me backstage access to a dermatologist’s office and to many of her good derm friends. Add to this a propensity for rashes (where are my atopic girls at?), and well, I’ve known my fair share of dermatologists. Maybe I’m biased, but I believe that anyone with skin should go to a dermatologist at least yearly for a full-body cancer screening. It’s also advisable to see a dermatologist if you’re dealing with any persistent skin issues that you can’t seem to DIY your way out of. By going, you gain a partner and guide in your treatment. This does not mean you cannot explore skin care on your own, but rather that you’ll do so with a clearer understanding of your skin, provided by an expert in that field

Experience

Make sure you’re going to someone who knows what they’re doing. This does not mean you should discount a younger doctor, but I recommend doing your research. Look at their resumé, see if they’re clinical professors affiliated with medical schools, check if they have any research published, etc. If you’re looking for injections or lasers, I do recommend going to someone who’s been at it for a while.

Recommendations

Ask a friend with good skin for their derm! If they don’t want to divulge their secret, find a new friend to ask. Usually, an in-person recommendation counts more than a Yelp review, as anyone can post anything, and it’s not always an accurate reflection of what a doctor is actually like. You can also ask your primary care physician (if you like and trust them) for a referral.

Social Media

I’m very torn about this, as I know many excellent doctors who either don’t bother with social media or have a subpar social media presence despite excelling in both medical and aesthetic work. There are a few reasons for this. Younger doctors (#millennials) tend to be more social media-savvy, so they are more inclined to advertise their practice on these platforms. Some of the more experienced hands in the field, however, are either too busy with patients or are otherwise disinterested in social media, which may exclude them from your search. If you’re finding your derm through social, do your due diligence, and make sure you’re not choosing this person just because their IG is really popping.

Certifications

Board certification is another somewhat controversial topic because the organizations that provide these certifications can have their own interests. Nevertheless, every good dermatologist I know is board-certified. Board certification ensures that your derm stays up to date with developments in the field and practices continuing education. This is crucial in medicine and science in general, where the knowledge base constantly evolves. You don’t want someone treating you the way they would have treated patients 50 years ago, or even 10 years ago

 

Dermatology Center for Skin Health

How Do I Find the Best Dermatologist for my Skin Care?

Did you know that the skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a very large role in keeping our body protected from foreign organisms entering the body that may cause disease? This is why we believe that it’s important to find the best dermatologist for your medical care and elective cosmetic procedures. Continue reading to learn why.

BENEFITS OF FINDING THE BEST DERMATOLOGIST

A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who cares for the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes.  Dermatologists have many years of training. To be a dermatologist,

Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat an estimated 3,000 diseases and conditions of the skin, nails and hair. They have a deep understanding of the cellular level of the skin and the layers of the skin which is important, not only for medical conditions but also for skin health care and the popular cosmetic procedures like Botox injections and dermal fillers

CONDITIONS A DERMATOLOGIST SHOULD TREAT

The most common conditions you might need a dermatologist for are acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss and vertigo, a disease that makes the skin loses its pigment in patches. Skin cancer is also a very large part of what a dermatologist does. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. There are several different types of skin cancer with melanoma, being the most likely to spread which can cause death if not caught early enough. Having an annual skin check with a dermatologist each year can catch pre-cancerous areas and point out skin cancers to help reduce your risk and provide early treatment

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE SHOULD A GOOD DERMATOLOGIST HAVE?

A good dermatologist should have experience in good visual skills and communication skills from their medical training in dermatology. You want a doctor who listens, allows you to ask questions, answers your questions and doesn’t try to sell you something. Although you may come in for a specific reason, a good dermatologist will want to do a full body complete skin exam. They will be able to see lesions or moles perhaps you can’t see or reach to protect you from skin cancer

 

How to Find a Dermatologist

Putting your skincare in the hands of a doctor can be a little nerve wracking. But finding a good dermatologist doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable or difficult experience. By doing some research and asking the right questions, you can find your ideal dermatologist in no time.

Get a referral from your GP. Your primary care doctor will likely known a reputable dermatologist he can refer you to. Be specific about whether you are looking for a general dermatologist or a cosmetic dermatologist

Look online at the American Academy of Dermatology. Believe it or not, there is no law that prevents doctors from practicing in medical fields they may not specialize in or be trained in. All the dermatologists listed on the American Academy of Dermatology website are Board-certified, which means they have completed medical school, a 3 year residency in dermatology and passed a rigorous exam administered by the American Board of Dermatology. They are also retested every year by the Board

talk to friends who like their dermatologist. Ask your friend specifically what she liked about the dermatologist

Be wary of dermatologists who advertise. Dermatologists who retain their patients and do consistent, good work don’t usually need to advertise. The only reasons a doctor would advertise is if she does not have enough patients and are not receiving referrals from her current patients or other doctors. So if you see a lot of advertising around a certain dermatologist, be cautious before scheduling a consultation with her

Dermatologists: What do they do?

A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in treating skin, hair, nail, and mucous membrane disorders and diseases.

They can also address cosmetic issues, helping to revitalize the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that, in the United States, there were 39 million visits to office-based dermatologists, who were not federally employed, in 2010.

 

Types of Dermatology 

A dermatologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in treating the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes, such as those in the linings inside the mouth, nose, and eyelids. All dermatologists receive training in the four branches of dermatology: medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, surgical dermatology, and dermatopathology. However, a dermatologist might choose to specialize in one of these specific branches:¹

• Medical dermatology: The dermatologist diagnoses, treats and helps to prevent the diseases that can affect the skin, hair, and nails.
• Surgical dermatology: The dermatologist treats the diseases that affect the skin, hair, and nails through surgical procedures, such as the removal of skin cancer.
• Cosmetic dermatology: The dermatologist uses treatments to improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails. Cosmetic dermatology is just that: cosmetic. It’s not an essential component of maintaining good health. It encompasses procedures such as injecting fillers for a more youthful appearance, chemical peels, hair transplants and laser surgery to diminish the appearance of scars, wrinkles, varicose veins, etc.
• Dermatopathology: The dermatologist specializes in dermatology and pathology. He or she examines samples of the skin, hair, and nails to diagnose and treat diseases.

6 Reasons to Schedule a Dermatologist Visit

A dermatologist plays an important role in educating, screening, and treating various skin issues, including:

1. Acne. If you have acne that is not responding to an over-the-counter skin treatment, you may want to schedule a visit with a dermatologist, advises Woolery-Lloyd. A dermatologist can determine which kind of prescription treatment would be most effective for your acne and lifestyle, according to the AAD.

2. Skin cancer. A dermatologist can screen you for skin cancer. Talk to your family doctor or dermatologist about how often you need to be checked for changes to your skin. An annual body check is especially important if you are in a high-risk group — if you are fair-haired or light-eyed, or you have a history of blistering sunburns, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“As dermatologists, we know that the early detection of skin cancer by routine skin examinations is crucial for successful treatment,” says Robert S. Kirsner, MD, PhD, chair of the department of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.

In addition to regular screenings, you should also see a dermatologist if you notice a change in the shape, size, or coloring of any of your moles. A dermatologist can remove some or all of the suspicious tissue and examine it under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. Dermatologists also see people who are being treated for other cancers and experiencing skin side effects due to their medication.

3. Eczema. This chronic skin condition is characterized by irritation, itchiness, and flaky patches of skin, according to the AAD. A dermatologist can help find ways to manage your eczema and prescribe any necessary treatment.

4. Skin damage. If you are concerned about minimizing skin damage or caring for aging skin, a dermatologist can suggest products or lifestyle changes that reduce your exposure to damaging elements.

5. Specialized care of skin, hair, and nails. You can talk to a dermatologist regarding any concerns you have about almost any condition that affects your appearance, according to the AAD. For example, skin conditions ranging from discolorations, to warts, to stretch marks, to psoriasis can all be treated by a dermatologist.

6. Scar treatment. Dermatologists can offer skin treatments to improve the look of almost any scar, including acne scars and keloid (raised) scars, according to the AAD. A dermatologist may refer you to a plastic surgeon for enhanced treatment of more serious scars, such as those due to burns.

Treating Acne Scars

Most of the time, those reddish or brownish acne marks that are left behind after pimples clear up will fade with no need for treatment. Picking or squeezing acne can increase the risk for scarring, though.

Acne scars take two forms:

1. scars with a gradual dip or depression (sometimes called “rolling” scars)
2. scars that are deep and narrow

A person’s acne needs to be under control before scars can be treated.

Mild vs. Severe Scarring

Treatments depend on how severe the scars are. In some cases, a doctor or dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help improve the appearance of scarred areas. These milder treatments can be done right in the office.

For serious scarring from previous bouts with acne, several types of treatment can help:

• Laser resurfacing. This procedure can be done in the doctor’s or dermatologist’s office. The laser removes the damaged top layer of skin and tightens the middle layer, leaving skin smoother. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The doctor will try to lessen any pain by first numbing the skin with local anesthesia. It usually takes between 3 and 10 days for the skin to heal completely.
• Dermabrasion. This treatment uses a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to wear down the surface of the skin. As the skin heals, a new, smoother layer replaces the abraded skin. It may take a bit longer for skin to heal using dermabrasion — usually between 10 days and 3 weeks.
• Fractional laser therapy. This type of treatment works at a deeper level than laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, Because fractional laser therapy doesn’t wound the top layer of tissue, healing time is shorter. Someone who has had this type of treatment may just look a bit sunburned for a couple of days.

For “rolling” scars, doctors sometimes inject material under the scar to raise it to the level of normal skin. Finally, in some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove deeply indented scars.

One thing you shouldn’t do to deal with acne scars is load up your face with masks or fancy lotions — these won’t help and may irritate your skin further, making the scars red and even more noticeable.

If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer. If you’re upset about acne marks, talk to your doctor, who might have advice on what you can do.

How do dermatologists treat hair loss?

Just as there are many causes, there are many treatments for hair loss. Dermatologists recommend treating hair loss early. Early means before you lose a lot of hair. Hair loss is harder to treat when a person has a lot of hair loss.

One or more of the following treatments may be part of your treatment plan.

Treatment available without a prescription

• Minoxidil: This medicine is applied to the scalp. It can stop hairs from getting thinner and stimulate hair growth on the top of the scalp. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved minoxidil to treat hair loss. It is the only hair re-growth product approved for men and women. A dermatologist may combine minoxidil with another treatment.
• Laser devices: Brushes, combs, and other hand-held devices that emit laser light might stimulate hair growth. These devices might make hair look more youthful in some people. Because the FDA classifies these products as medical devices, the products do not undergo the rigorous testing that medicines undergo. The long-term effectiveness and safety for these devices are not known.

Prescription medicine

The type of procedure that a dermatologist recommends will depend on how much hair you have lost. To achieve the best results, a dermatologist may use one or more of the following procedures:

• Hair transplantation: Skin on the scalp that has good hair growth is removed and transplanted to areas of the scalp that need hair.
• Scalp reduction:B Bald scalp is surgically removed and hair-bearing scalp is brought closer together to reduce balding. Scalp reduction surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with a hair transplant.
• Scalp expansion: Devices are inserted under the scalp for about 3 to 4 weeks to stretch the skin. This procedure may be performed before a scalp reduction to make the scalp more lax. It also can be performed solely to stretch hair-bearing areas, which reduces balding.
• Scalp flaps: A hair-bearing segment of scalp is surgically moved and placed where hair is needed.

Outcome

Once your dermatologist knows what is causing the hair loss, your dermatologist can tell you what to expect. Sometimes hair loss does not need treatment. The hair will start to re-grow on its own. In some cases, changing what you do will stop the hair loss, allowing your hair to start re-growing. Sometimes treatment can restore hair.