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The health of our skin should not be overlooked. This can range from preventing and detecting skin cancer to treating acne, or antiaging treatments, such as laser treatments, facials, body contouring, and everywhere in between. As we age, our skin takes on different needs, goes through various phases and requires regular dermatological evaluation.
Annual Skin Exams
Every hour a person dies of melanoma, and this year alone, over 76,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed. On average skin cancer screenings take about 10 minutes, which could potentially save your life.
Melanoma and other skin cancers can grow rapidly, and they are often undetected by the patient. Using an advanced dermatoscope, we can see intricate details of moles and lesions.
The symptoms to look for in moles or lesions are outlined in this simple acronym, ABCDE:
A—Asymmetry
B—Border Irregularity
C—Color-Variegated or a Halo Effect
D—Diameter (>6 mm)
E—Evolving
In Addition to the symptoms above, there are supplementary signs to look for, which include:
A—Amelanotic (Pink or Red Lesion)
B—Bleeding/Bump (Raised Lesion)
C—Color Uniformity
D—De Novo Development (A New Development <6mm)
Wearing SPF Every Day
A commitment to wearing SPF is incredibly important. The reason we hear so much advice on wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and avoiding over sun exposure between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, is due in large part to the sun’s harmful UV rays during the time when the sun is the highest in the sky. But just because it’s darker, cloudier, and cooler, doesn’t mean it’s any safer. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours is recommended, and even though you might be inside or driving in your car, UV rays can penetrate glass windows, so be sure you are well protected.
Antiaging—Cosmetic Injectables
Research shows that when we look better, we feel better and have more confidence. Along with making you look years younger, if you’re feeling a little weighed down by the laxity of your facial muscles, wrinkles, or sagging skin, injectable fillers (JUVÉDERM®) or neuromodulators (Botox®) might help improve your outlook on life. It seems that this catch 22 is positively influencing confidence levels on the inside and out. So, to refute the saying that, ‘Beauty is only skin deep,’ we now have a reason to make it a priority to smile more, and if it’s right for you, to make a few tweaks to your aesthetic appearance.
If you’re in need of a little rejuvenation, the simplicity of dermal fillers can plump the skin, give you a more youthful pout, or lift specific areas of the face and neck. Many times, this is referred to as a liquid facelift. Fillers help restore your youthful fullness, shape, and stimulate collagen production lost during the aging process. Botox and other injectable treatments soften stubborn lines and wrinkles, like crow’s feet and the furrows between the brows.
Along with injectables, medical grade skincare and other treatment options such as IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and radiofrequency can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin’s texture and tone.
Aesthetic Results with Regular Visits
With many services to choose from for medical and cosmetic dermatology, regular visits are recommended to stay on top of your skin’s health. Regular skin screenings are imperative.
MidState Skin Institute is a state-of-the-art dermatology practice offering medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services. It was opened in January 2013 by Dr. Ashley Cauthen and her husband Thomas. They are both from Ocala and returned home to pursue her dream of making an impact on patients’ lives in our local community. Our highly trained staff is compassionate and caring and we listen carefully to every patient to identify their individual needs and create customized treatment plans.
We believe high-quality medical care is achieved only through a trusting, doctor-patient relationship so we put great emphasis on empowering patients – with knowledge, tools and support – to become important factors in the success of their own heath care solutions.
As a medical practice, our mission is simple:
To provide highly professional, patient-focused care that consistently exceeds the expectations of our patients and their referring physicians. We invite you to become a part of our practice and meet our staff so you can experience first-hand what sets us apart.
MidState Skin Institute Services:
Medical Dermatology
The science of treating the skin, hair, and nails to relieve or cure skin disorders.
Surgical Dermatology
The practice of dermatology that specializes in surgical procedures & minimally invasive techniques to treat skin cancer.
Cosmetic Dermatology
The practice of improving the look and health of one’s skin through medical or surgical procedures, to help patients look and feel their best.
Aesthetics
Treatment for the skin, hair or body that is meant to enhance the appearance of patients through minimally invasive techniques & personalized topical skin care recommendations.
