Age spots—also
called "liver spots." Flat, brown areas usually found on the
face, hands, back and feet. They are associated with aging, but chronic
sun exposure is a major cause. They are easily removed by a
dermatologist.
Basal cell carcinoma—a
skin cancer that develops in the basal layer of the skin—deeper than
the surface layer. It is associated with aging and years of chronic sun
exposure. Basal cell carcinoma seldom spreads to other parts of the
body, but can be disfiguring if not treated early.
Blepharoplasty—a
surgical procedure to correct the "droopy" look of eyelids due
to excess fat pads and skin.
Chemical peeling—a
chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the skin to blister
and peel off over a period of days. As the treated skin peels off, new
and more pliant skin replaces it. Chemical peeling is a procedure for
facial skin rejuvenation.
Dermabrasion—a
procedure that uses a rapidly rotating brush to plane off the surface
layer of skin, remove scars, and improve the appearance of sun-damaged
skin.
Laser resurfacing—lasers
of various wavelengths and power are used to remove wrinkles, crease
lines, age spots, and other effects of aging and photoaging. Lasers also
can be used to treat spider veins, to remove unwanted hair, and to
remove some skin cancers.
Lentigines—see
age spots.
Lipoatrophy – Loss of fat from underneath the skin. Common
causes are aging and disease.
Liposuction—a
surgical procedure that vacuums fatty deposits from under the skin.
Often effective for removal of fatty deposits that do not respond to
dietary modification.
Melanoma—a
skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the dark pigment cells of the
skin. Melanoma usually arises in a pre-existing mole or other pigmented
lesion. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Phlebectomy—a
treatment for varicose veins. The enlarged vein is removed through tiny
incisions made along its length. The procedure is called ambulatory
phlebectomy when it is performed in an outpatient facility and the
patient goes home the same day.
Photoaging—the
damage that accumulates in the skin from years of excessive and chronic
sun exposure. Photoaging accounts for much of the facial "old
look" associated with aging.
Rhytidectomy—(face
lift). A surgical procedure to trim excess skin on cheeks, shin, neck,
and around the mouth.
Sclerotherapy—a
treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. A chemical solution
injected into the enlarged vein causes it to collapse and form scar
tissue.
Seborrheic keratoses—brown
or black raised spots, or wart-like growths that appear to be stuck to
the surface of the skin. They are harmless but unsightly. They are
easily removed by a dermatologist.
Soft-tissue augmentation—a
substance compatible with body tissues is injected under the skin to
elevate irregularities such as wrinkles, pits and scars. Substances used
for injection include collagen and self-donated body fat.
Spider veins—small,
superficial veins that enlarge and appear as a "sunburst"
pattern of reddish and purplish veins.
Squamous cell carcinoma—a
skin cancer that develops in the outer layers of the skin. It is one of
the forms of skin cancer closely associated with aging and years of sun
exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma is capable of spreading to other
organs and should be treated as soon as it is detected.
Varicose veins—larger
veins, usually in the legs, that become enlarged and congested with
pooled blood. They appear as blue and purplish knots under the skin.
They are caused when valves in the veins collapse and allow blood to
pool.