#1 Cosmetic Derm Laguna Beach, CA | Coast Dermatology & Laser - Glenn Goldberg

Coast Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center is located in Laguna Beach, CA servicing Laguna Niguel and Dana Point. Contact us for your next appointment

WestDerm

So You Got Lip Filler, Now What?👄

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After months of research, numerous consultations, and countless questions to your doctor, you’ve done your due diligence and have finally decided to take the plunge. You got lip filler! As the product settles in and your newly-enhanced features are starting to settle, a few pretty common themes tend to take shape in the form of potential swelling, soreness, and bruising. Don’t fret — keep reading for your comprehensive post-care guide.  
ICE, ICE BABY
Make sure to apply an ice pack or a cold compress directly to the lips shortly after getting filler. Aside from providing some soothing relief to the area, this slows down blood flow, which in turn helps to reduce the chances of eventual bruising and swelling. Use the ice pack for ten to fifteen minutes at a time a few times a day as needed, but don’t apply too much pressure as you don’t want to risk moving the filler around. 
CALM THE SWELL
Don’t freak out — post-treatment swelling is always the most dramatic in the day or two following your appointment. Ensuring that you stay extra hydrated can help the situation, as it encourages the extra fluid to leave the treatment area. Also, try to keep your head elevated. The aforementioned ice method can also keep swelling at bay, as can popping an allergy pill. If you’re the type who has seasonal allergies, a Benadryl can help with overall de-puffing just as it does when pollen is in abundance. 
STAY COOL
Consider skipping that hot yoga session after you get filler — the chances of swelling tend to increase when the area is exposed to extreme heat, and when your heart rate increases dramatically. Chill out for 48 hours just to be safe, then resume your regularly-scheduled physical activities as normal. 
BATTLING SOME POSSIBLE BRUISING
While arnica is typically recommended to treat bruises, the ideal outcome is to have no bruising at all. With the right practitioner, bruises are few and far between, and at West Dermatology, we pride ourselves on having the best board-certified dermatologists in the country so that our patients get the best results. Make sure to see a board-certified medical professional you trust, do your research, and the chances of bruising won’t even be a concern. 
Follow the above tips, and your pout will be perfect in no time. If you want more personalized advice, we’re here for you! Feel free to reach out to our board-certified medical professionals today to schedule your consultation and appointment. 

What is MOHS Surgery?

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Since it’s National Cancer Prevention Month, we’re exploring one of our go-to methods for treatment: Mohs surgery. Originally developed in the 1930’s by its founder and originator, Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, MOHS Micrographic Surgery is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure typically performed by board-certified dermatologists like the ones at West Dermatology.
The treatment has been so successful, the Skin Cancer Foundation calls it “the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).” Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate when performed on someone who has not had cancer before, so we perform it often—and that means we get a lot of patient questions. Below, check out our answers to some of the most commonly asked ones.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The surgery usually takes less than four hours but can sometimes take longer. When making your appointment, set aside a full day, just in case.
What will my dermatologist do to my skin?
Before making the first incision, local anesthetic is injected to numb the area completely. Then, your dermatologist will cut away the visible cancer with a narrow amount of surrounding tissue. After the sample is processed in the laboratory, they will examine the cutting under a microscope to determine whether there are additional cancer cells in the body that need to be removed. This method minimizes the amount of tissue extraction, leading to reduced surgery time and a smaller scar.
Will it hurt?
The local anesthetic makes the procedure fairly painless, but the healing process may take time, depending on the depth and location of the surgery. 
How will I know whether it worked?
Your practitioner will know the results while you are still in the office and be able to share them with you.
What are the potential complications?
Mohs micrographic surgery is well-tolerated. While most patients do not experience many side effects, some potential issues that may occur include: Mild discomfort, possible infection, bleeding during or after surgery, scar formation, allergic reaction, and in rare cases, nerve damage.
Mohs surgery is very safe and effective, and we’re proud to have some of the most world-renowned Mohs surgeons on our team to help fight cancer. If you have any questions that weren’t answered above, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk.

The Cardinal Rules of Pre and Post-Laser Care 🌟

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Real talk: Is there anything that a laser treatment can’t fix? An IPL laser (short for intense pulsed light) serves as the one-two punch for reversing sun damage, fading hyperpigmentation, and other pigment concerns in the skin, including red spots and rosacea. 
IPL works by sending out a certain wavelength of light into the skin, which targets uneven pigment and breaks it down. The broken down pigment then rises to the surface of your skin and flakes off, revealing a brighter, renewed complexion! Right after your first treatment, you will notice a more even skin tone, tighter pores, and less pronounced lines. Your dermatologist will be able to determine how many follow-up treatments you’ll need to target specific issues.
While the finished effect can be totally transformative (and frankly, borders on pure magic), taking certain precautions before and after your treatment are key in ensuring the best possible result. Here, we break down exactly what you should do before and after getting a laser treatment. 
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
While staying out of the sun after your treatment tends to be a given, it’s just as important to avoid direct sunlight in the weeks beforehand. Even if you aren’t getting a tan, the sun can create minor amounts of inflammation that increase the risk for hyperpigmentation and adverse reactions.
Make sure to avoid aspirin/ibuprofen for one week prior and alcohol two days prior to your appointment. These are blood thinners and can cause unwanted side effects, like swelling and minor bruising. Also make sure not to do any aggressive waxing, exfoliation, or use formulas that lighten hyperpigmentation in the area either. The goal is to reduce any chances of inflammation to the skin so that your treatment heals with zero complications. 
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
You may notice that your skin looks and feels like it has a sunburn immediately following your treatment, and there might be a mild amount of redness and swelling. Don’t panic — this is normal and should subside in a few days. You can choose to apply ice or a cold compress for the sake of comfort and helping to reduce the swelling if needed. Dark spots may appear more prominent, but will eventually flake away to reveal your renewed complexion. As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to exfoliate them away or physically remove them. 
As far as the rest of your skincare routine goes, avoid putting on makeup right after your treatment, keep your skin clean and hydrated, and wash your face with a super-gentle cleanser to avoid irritation. Stay out of sunlight to reduce the risk of inflammation, and when you do go outdoors, make sure to wear an SPF of 45 or higher. Don’t bathe in hot water, get into a hot tub, or swim in the pool or ocean for at least three days. Avoid astringents, toners, tretinoin, harsh soaps, scrubs, and other exfoliants that can irritate the area for at least one week following your treatment.
Follow the above tips, and your radiant complexion will be on full display in no time. If you want more personalized advice, we’re here for you! Feel free to reach out to our board-certified medical professionals today to schedule your consultation and appointment.

What dermatologists offer that no one else does 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️

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Busy, working people often wonder why they should bother to see a specialist when their primary care provider could address all their problems in one go (or so they think).
Our answer: Nobody understands skin health better than the dermatologists who work on it every day.
Dermatologists have to pass rigorous, dermatology-focused board exams in addition to medical school and a three-year residency. The additional training matters because dermatologists have to cover a lot of ground. Skin is the largest organ of the body, and more people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
While a primary care provider can be your first line of defense against skin cancer, only a dermatologist is thorough enough (and has the time) to check between your toes.
Take it straight from Dr. Jessica Riley, a dermatologist herself:
“I get a lot of patients who come in for a concerning spot, and I’m able to tell them within a matter of seconds that it’s a benign growth. They then ask me, “How can you tell so quickly and confidently what this spot is?” My response to them is, “When you’re picking up your mom or dad from the airport, amongst all those people, how do you know it’s them? You just know. As dermatologists, our special training enables us to recognize one concerning spot amongst a background of benign ones, and vice versa.”
If you have concerns about your skin or looking for routine care after a lifetime of sun exposure, our nationally recognized dermatologists will get you answers – and quickly.
 
Schedule your appointment today and we will show you the impact that specialization makes.

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING 🎿 (*and your sunscreen better be too)

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Sunscreen is always in season!
When you’re on the slopes in the dead of winter, almost completely covered by protective clothing (like us above), sun protection might not cross your mind—but for your skin’s health and safety, it really should!
For the skiers and snowboarders among us, cold weather can actually mean more time outside, and more time outside equals more sun exposure…4 to 5 percent more skin-damaging UV rays  for every 1,000-foot increase in altitude to be exact. At a 10,000-foot elevation, that gets to be a very risky 40 to 50 percent increase in UV ray exposure.
That’s concerning news for anyone at risk for skin cancer, which really is everyone. Plus, the intensity of the sun’s rays doubles when they’re reflected off the snow …quite the “snowball” effect, huh?
 
All that said, you can still have fun in the mountains, and do it safely, if you follow these skin health check points below.
No matter how diligently you apply sunscreen, the best defense against sun damage is the care of a dermatologist.  Schedule an appointment and we’ll give you our best insights into protecting your skin.
See you on the slopes!
Your West Dermatology Team

Hydrate Your Skin Before, During & After a Flight ✈️

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Airplane air is very dehydrating! But never fear, world travelers. We’ve rounded up a list of tips to keep your skin supple and healthy-looking before, during, and after your flight, so you look just as great at your destination as you did at departure.
Before the Flight
  • Don’t wear makeup, which tends to look cakey over dry skin and could potentially irritate your complexion.
During the Flight
  • Spray a hydrating facial mist over your skin whenever you need a refresh. Ingredients like rosewater and glycerin are especially effective.
  • Use a hydrating serum or face oil to rebalance your skin’s moisture levels. 
  • Layer a moisturizing cream on top of other products to prevent fluid from escaping your skin.
  • If you’re going to have the window open, apply SPF, since you’ll be even nearer to the sun’s rays than you are on the ground.
  • Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free tea to replenish your skin’s moisture from the inside. Aim for one cup for every hour of the flight.
  • Avoid alcohol, since it dehydrates your whole system.
After the Flight
  • Cleanse with a gentle formula to rinse away germs and debris without dehydrating skin further.
  • Wear a heavy moisturizing mask to help replace the lost fluid.
  • Apply eye patches to concentrate moisture on the delicate skin below the eyes.
Follow the steps above, and your skin should look as good as new, wherever you land. If you still have questions about how to stay hydrated on a flight—or anything else related to your skin—just make an appointment, and a dermatologist will help you look and feel your best. Bon voyage!

A Morning Routine for Your Best Winter Skin 🌞

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When the colder months approach and we start reaching for our heavy coats, the moisture levels in our skin drops. For many of our patients, dry and itchy skin is the most unpleasant part of the winter season. Everything from cold wind chill to hot water showers and baths can make our skin feel dried out.
For these patients (and anyone with dry skin), we recommend a few simple morning routine adjustments to get you back to feeling hydrated and comfortable. Some of our insights are a little surprising to some—for example, hot showers actually make dehydration worse! Read on to see our tips for keeping skin hydrated and happy all winter long. 
Take shorter, cooler showers: The last thing you want to do on a cold winter’s night is take a cold shower. We get it! Instead of turning the nozzle completely, consider adjusting it just slightly. Before you bathe, close the door to the bathroom so the steam gets trapped inside and you benefit from the extra moisture. Keep your showers to 10 minutes or less and use warm water instead of hot. When it’s time to lather up, use a gentle cleanser, but don’t use too much product, since that can dry skin. 
Moisturize right after showering: Your skin absorbs moisture most readily right after it’s been washed, so apply product right away. For dry skin, creams are more restorative than lotions, which tend to be on the thin side. We recommend the brands EltaMD and SkinMedica, which we carry in our offices.
Wear a layer underneath wool clothing: Though it’s a time-tested material for keeping warm on cold winter days, wool can irritate your skin and cause itchiness. Wearing an undershirt beneath your favorite sweater can keep you from chafing. 
Apply sunscreen every morning: If you’ve been with West Dermatology for a while, then you probably saw this piece of advice coming. We suggest that everyone wear sunscreen daily, even in the winter. Sunburns are drying to skin, and a sunscreen with SPF 30-plus (along with protective clothing and sunglasses) is the best way to stave off UV damage. 
Drink more water: Hydration starts on the inside. Consider having a glass of water with breakfast instead of your usual coffee or tea, and your skin could reap rewards.
If you’re following the tips above and your skin’s still feeling dry, or if you simply want personalized suggestions, we’re here for you. Just make an appointment and we’ll help you take your skin from flaky and dry to firm, hydrated and smooth.

Set Your Skin Up To Glow With Our 12 Days of Skin Tips ✨

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With the end of the year nearly here, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your 2019 health and skincare routine. If you find there’s room for improvement in your daily practices, fear not…simple adjustments can make all the difference! Take a look at our 12 days of skin tips, and follow along to boost your skin health in less than two weeks.
DAY ONE: Put a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher near your toothpaste. This way, you’ll see it first thing and remember to apply it every day. Limiting your UV exposure is a proven way to reduce your skin-cancer risk.
DAY TWO: Perform a skin self-check. Look at every inch of your skin from head to toe for any dark spots with irregular borders or other suspicious marks. If anything seems out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get tested for skin cancer. Repeat the self-exam at least once every month—it could save your life. Outcomes are much better when patients get a cancer diagnosis early.
DAY THREE: Schedule a dermatology exam. If you’ve had skin cancer before or have a family history of skin cancer, then make a habit of seeing a dermatologist at least once a year. Your provider will check for any suspicious growths and biopsy as needed, so you have a diagnosis if necessary and a plan of action.
DAY FOUR: Buy a humidifier. Dry winter air leads to dry, itchy winter skin, and indoor heating can make the problem worse. Add some much-needed moisture back into the air and your skin will thank you.
DAY FIVE: Buy a gentler soap. Clarifying cleansers can strip skin of the oil it needs to stay smooth and supple. A sensitive skin formula could keep your skin from drying out.
DAY SIX: Put your lotion next to the sink or shower. Your skin absorbs moisture most effectively after being wet, so make it easy for yourself to moisturize right after bathing.
DAY SEVEN: Dig out your warmest, loosest clothes. Loose clothes are less likely to cause chafing than tight ones.
DAY EIGHT: Cook yourself a fish dinner. If you don’t eat fish, try walnuts or chia seeds. The omega fatty acids in these foods help prevent dry skin.
DAY NINE: Read or look up the ingredients on your soaps and lotions. If they contain alcohols or fragrance, they might be drying out your skin. To minimize the risk of dehydration, you might try sensitive-skin or fragrance-free formulas.
DAY TEN: Drop lip balm in your purse or briefcase. Dry winter weather can lead to chapped lips. Take a balm or salve wherever you go to keep your lips hydrated.
DAY ELEVEN: Swap out your laundry detergent. If you have sensitive skin, a harsh detergent can lead to irritation when your clothes contact your body. Opt for a fragrance-free formula instead.
DAY TWELVE: Sign up for a yoga class. If yoga’s not your thing, go for a hike or meditate. Stress relief benefits your whole body, including your skin.
You can use this tip list to pick and choose the best ones that work for you and your specific skin type and lifestyle. The important thing is to consider your health and give your skin what it deserves at year-end and year-round!

Finally! 💦 A Simple, Non-invasive Way to Stop Excessive Sweating

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With hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, you know how annoying it is to sweat profusely for no reason. You feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and isolated…but you’re not alone!
About 1 in 20 Americans suffer from this condition. Nearly 2/3 of all hyperhidrosis sufferers endure underarm excessive sweating, yet it’s also common on the palms, soles and face – affecting every aspect of your life.
There’s always been solutions out there for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis in the armpits, but they’re either too costly or inconvenient. Thankfully, the FDA just approved a new and innovative solution for underarm sweating which is now available from our office:  Qbrexza
“Hyperhidrosis affects millions of American and can be an embarrassment as well as an impediment to work. Qbrexza represents a major advance in treating this all too common problem.” – Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Medical Director, West Dermatology
Prescription-only Qbrexza is a cloth that you use to wipe your underarms once a day. One wipe is all you need to stop excessive sweating and many patients start to see results within a week.
 
The FDA also believes its safe and effective for kids 9 years old and above.

Failsafe Routines to Target Acne and Discoloration 🎯

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It happens to the best of us: After too much exposure to UV rays, our skin starts showing signs of sun damage, like dark spots or fine lines. On top of UV rays, factors that may seem unrelated to your complexion—like stress and a poor diet—can also lead to skin problems like acne. Nearly every factor of your lifestyle influences your skin’s appearance, so it can be hard to figure out what to change in order to get a clear, glowing complexion.
Our answer: Change up your skincare routine! The right combination of products can help correct acne or discoloration, leaving your complexion looking bright, even, and unblemished. Below are two tried-and-true routines using products from SkinCeuticals, a dermatology-grade brand we recommend.
To make it easier for you to revamp your routine, we have a special offer: Purchase any of these products in our offices at 15% off, or 3+ products at 20% off! Purchase $250 in SkinCeuticals products and receive a complimentary A.G.E. Eye Complex (a $98 value): An anti-wrinkle eye cream to fight the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness.
Uneven Skin Essentials
  • Phloretin CF (AM): Vitamin C serum softens discoloration and fine lines
  • Discoloration Defense (AM/PM): Concentrated serum lightens stubborn dark spots
  • Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (AM): Tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and radiance
  • Retinol 0.3 (PM): Night cream smooths and refines skin tone
Acne Care Essentials
  • Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser (AM/PM): Chemical and physical exfoliator purifies skin and clears away dead skin cells
  • Phyto Corrective Gel (AM/PM): Botanical ingredients soothe sensitive skin
  • Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (AM): Tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and radiance
Follow the routines above, or modify them to your needs, and you could see clearer, more even-toned skin in as little as a month. As always, if you have any questions about the specifics of your skin-health needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to invite you into our offices and help you look and feel your best.