Millcreek Dermatology

Traditional excision removes cancer plus a margin of tissue, then sends everything to a lab. You wait days for results and might need another procedure if margins aren’t clear. Mohs Surgery changes that completely. We remove thin layers and examine them immediately under a microscope while you wait. Each layer gets mapped precisely, showing exactly where any remaining cancer cells hide.

This real-time analysis offers several advantages:

• Same-day completion with immediate confirmation of clear margins
• Smallest possible wound since we only remove the affected tissue
• Better cosmetic outcomes compared to other surgical methods
• Superior tissue preservation for delicate facial areas
• Real-time mapping shows exactly where cancer exists

Most of our patients at Millcreek Dermatology return to normal activities within days. The wound size depends on how deeply and widely the cancer has extended. We close smaller sites immediately with stitches. Larger areas might require reconstructive techniques to restore function and appearance.

Post-procedure care remains straightforward:

• Keep the treatment site clean and protected during healing
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers for any discomfort
• Follow the specific wound care instructions we provide
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits for monitoring
• Return for stitch removal when the area has healed

We understand that skin cancer treatment feels overwhelming. Our team at Millcreek Dermatology walks you through every step of the Mohs Surgery process, from your initial consultation through complete healing. You deserve treatment that addresses your cancer thoroughly while caring for your overall well-being and appearance.

Success starts before you arrive for your appointment at Millcreek Dermatology. Your skin needs specific preparation to respond optimally and heal properly afterward. We provide detailed guidelines that protect your investment and minimize any potential complications.

Taking these steps helps achieve better outcomes:

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least four weeks prior
• Stop using retinoids and exfoliating products one week before
• Skip blood-thinning medications if medically appropriate
• Arrive with clean skin free from makeup or lotions
• Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to treatment

The healing phase plays a major role in your final results. Millcreek Dermatology provides comprehensive aftercare instructions specific to your treatment type and skin needs. Following these guidelines reduces discomfort and supports optimal healing. Treated areas might appear darker or redder initially before improvement becomes visible.

Your post-treatment routine should include:

• Apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling or warmth
• Use gentle cleansers and avoid scrubbing treated skin
• Keep the area moisturized with recommended products
• Protect healing skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Contact our office if you notice unusual symptoms

Your skin deserves specialized care from experienced professionals who understand laser technology. We tailor each treatment plan to match your specific concerns and skin type, creating a personalized approach that delivers visible improvements.

Many of our patients at Millcreek Dermatology hesitate because they believe myths about laser hair removal. Some think it only works on certain hair colors or that results disappear after a few months. The truth differs significantly. Dark hair responds best because the laser targets pigment, but lighter hair can still see a reduction. Once follicles receive enough treatments, they stop producing hair permanently in most cases.

Let’s clear up these misunderstandings:

• Treatment works on nearly all body areas except around the eyes
• Discomfort remains minimal and manageable for most patients
• Results continue improving even after your final session
• Skin type matters less with advanced technology like Clarity II
• Permanent reduction means far less maintenance long-term

We at Millcreek Dermatology believe that proper preparation and aftercare make a significant difference in your comfort and outcomes. Shave the treatment area the day before your appointment so the laser can reach the follicle without surface hair interfering. Avoid plucking, waxing, or using depilatory creams for six weeks before treatment since these remove the root that the laser needs to target.

Follow these care guidelines for the best experience:

• Skip sun exposure and self-tanner for two weeks before treatment
• Wear sunscreen daily on treated areas after each session
• Expect temporary redness that fades within hours
• Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise for one day after
• Moisturize regularly to keep skin comfortable during the process

You’ll notice smoother skin after just one session, with continued improvement after each appointment at Millcreek Dermatology. We create a treatment schedule based on your hair growth patterns and goals.

Certain symptoms signal the need for dermatological evaluation at Millcreek Dermatology rather than home treatment. Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, creates excessive skin cell production that leads to uncomfortable patches on your scalp, elbows, and behind your knees. These dry, scaly areas accompanied by relentless itching need professional management to control flare-ups and reduce discomfort.

Watch for these signs that indicate professional care is needed:

• Red or white scaly patches that spread or worsen over time
• Persistent itching that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Moles that change in size, shape, color, or texture
• New growths that bleed, itch, or don’t heal properly
• Skin problems that don’t improve with over-the-counter products

<h3>Safe Mole Evaluation and Removal When Necessary</h3>

Moles require careful assessment since some can develop into skin cancer. A trained dermatologist can identify suspicious characteristics during examination. Most moles remain harmless throughout your life, but removal becomes necessary when they’re bothersome, aesthetically concerning, or show warning signs. At Millcreek Dermatology, we perform safe removal during office visits using surgical excision or shave techniques. Both methods allow microscopic examination to check for cancer cells.

Never attempt mole removal at home due to serious risks:

• Cancer cells can remain in the skin and potentially spread
• Improper technique leads to disfiguring scars
• Non-sterile tools introduce infections
• You lose the opportunity for microscopic cancer screening
• Bleeding and complications require emergency care anyway

We develop treatment plans focused on your overall wellness and the long-term health of your skin. Our goal centers on helping you maintain vibrant, healthy skin while you enjoy a fulfilling life.

When over-the-counter products fail to clear your breakouts, professional intervention makes a significant difference. Acne treatment at Millcreek Dermatology begins with an accurate diagnosis since what appears to be acne might actually be another condition, like perioral dermatitis or folliculitis. We identify your specific type of acne and where it appears, then create a treatment plan targeting the root causes. Different acne types respond to different approaches, from topical retinoids that clear pores to oral medications for stubborn hormonal breakouts.

Professional acne treatment offers distinct advantages:

• Accurate diagnosis prevents wasting time on the wrong treatments
• Prescription-strength options work faster than store products
• Combination therapies target multiple acne causes simultaneously
• Expert guidance prevents scarring and hyperpigmentation
• Results typically appear within six to eight weeks

Botulinum toxin therapy relaxes specific facial muscles that create wrinkles when you frown, smile, or squint. The treatment takes just minutes during a visit to Millcreek Dermatology, and most people resume regular activities immediately afterward. Results become visible within three to seven days as the treated muscles relax, softening frown lines between your eyebrows and crow’s feet around your eyes. Effects last approximately three to four months before retreatment becomes necessary.

Key benefits of neuromodulator treatments include:

• Quick procedure with no downtime required
• Natural-looking results when administered by skilled practitioners
• Preventive effects that keep lines from deepening over time
• Safe FDA-approved treatment for dynamic wrinkles
• It can also treat excessive underarm sweating effectively

Your comfort and satisfaction matter throughout your aesthetic experience. We at Millcreek Dermatology take time to understand what bothers you most about your appearance and recommend solutions that align with realistic expectations.

Many people mistakenly believe only fair-skinned individuals need to worry about skin cancer. While lighter skin does carry a higher risk, darker skin tones require equal vigilance since delayed diagnosis in these populations leads to worse outcomes. Sunburn serves as a clear warning sign of UV damage, yet more than one in three Americans reports getting sunburned annually. This repeated exposure accumulates over time, significantly increasing cancer risk.

Millcreek Dermatology points out several factors that may elevate your skin cancer risk:

• History of sunburns or excessive UV exposure throughout life
• Indoor tanning bed use, which contributes to hundreds of thousands of cases yearly
• Fair skin, light hair, and eyes that burn easily
• Family history of skin cancer or personal history of precancerous lesions
• Living or working in high-altitude or sunny climates

Preventing skin cancer requires consistent protective habits rather than occasional efforts. Tanned skin indicates damage has already occurred, yet indoor tanning remains popular despite clear links to melanoma and other skin cancers. The choices you make today directly impact your skin health decades from now. Quality of life suffers when skin cancer becomes disfiguring or requires extensive treatment that could have been avoided.

Build these protective habits into your daily routine:

• Seek shade during peak sun hours between ten and four
• Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily
• Avoid indoor tanning beds completely, regardless of age
• Schedule annual skin examinations to catch changes early

Millcreek Dermatology recognizes that skin cancer treatment creates substantial costs and stress for families. Our approach combines thorough examination with evidence-based treatment options tailored to your specific diagnosis and needs.