Skin Cancer Stories: King of Speed Kenny Bernstein
Kenny Bernstein, known as the King of Speed, is a renowned drag racer and successful buisnessman. In his nearly 40-year career as a racer, he collected dozens of event victories and multiple championship titles, most of these with his iconic Budweiser King Race Team. In this installment of Skin Cancer Stories, we get to know…
Read MoreSkin Cancer Bulletin
The Skin Cancer Bulletin educates members of our community about skin cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We always feature a real patient and their journey through skin cancer removal and reconstruction.
Read MoreThe Winningest Coach Chooses the Winningest Approach to Skin Cancer
Gary McKnight is the head basketball coach at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. At his time there he has become the winningest high school basketball coach in California history. See the video of his story HERE. Coach McKnight has led Mater Dei to more than 1250 victories, including a National Championship and 11…
Read MoreAmerica’s Best Dermatologists: We Have Two!
Congratulations to Dr. Adam Aronson and Dr. Alexander Miller for being named America’s Best Dermatologists 2023 by Newsweek. We are honored to have two of our physicians receive this great recognition, and proud of the incredible care they provide to our patients. The list is split by cosmetic and medical dermatologists. In total, 150 cosmetic…
Read MoreAnesthesia Anxiety No More
Don’t let the fear of anesthesia hold you back from pursuing surgical procedures. Our patients now have the option for an alternative to general anesthesia known as Gentle Sleep. Instead of deep anesthesia, it induces stage 2 sleep, and when used in combination with other medications, it achieves a comfortable state for patients. We are now…
Read MoreDr. Madorsky speaks to California Dermatologists about Trends in Cosmetic Dermatology
Dr. Simon Madorsky, facial plastic surgeon, addressed an audience of California Dermatologists at the CalDerm Symposium, September 23-25 in Carlsbad. He spoke on Fillers and Nuromuscular Toxins (such as Botox), providing advice and tips for these injectables, as well as explaining relevant facial anatomy. He also spoke to the group about wound repair, including various…
Read MoreChronic Open Wound Management with Wound Vac
Chronic open wounds present a lifestyle challenge for patients. In particular, lower leg wounds can take months to fully heal and may require wound care to prevent infection and maintain a healthy, healing wound. A wound vac or “vacuum-assisted closure of wound” can expedite healing. A wound vac decreases the air pressure on the wound…
Read MoreTopical Treatment for Actinic Keratoses and Skin Cancer
Diffuse actinic sun damage can present a challenge for both patients and providers. First line treatment options include topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream or photodynamic therapy (PDT). Topical 5-FU cream is applied to the affected area for 2-3 weeks creating inflammation, redness, and crusting as the body eliminates the actinic damage. Alternatively, topical levulan is applied…
Read MoreEvaluating Lesions with Blue Light
Have you ever wondered how your medical provider can look at a lesion and know whether or not it’s something to be concerned about? There are multiple aspects to evaluating pigmented lesions – the most important being physical exam. But there is a very helpful tool that providers have in their tool box: a Wood’s…
Read MoreWhat could you and Bob Marley have in common?
What should you do when you notice a lesion or area of your foot that looks different from the rest of your skin? Should you go to your primary care doctor? A dermatologist? A podiatrist? The lesion could be a variety of things including a wart, an ulcer, a fungal infection, a bruise or blood…
Read MoreA Simple Cream for Cancer with Not Always Simple Consequences
Some patients find themselves with a large number of skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions. While surgical excision is recommended for certain types of skin cancer, pre-cancers and superficial skin cancers can often be treated in other ways. These non-surgical options are often ideal for patients with many lesions who want to limit the number of…
Read More“My experience at the SCARS Center has been, I believe, life saving”
“I’ve got some good news, no more cancer.” Dr. Adam Aronson calmly said to Wade Jackson. A dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Aronson confirmed that all cancer had been removed from Wade’s lower eyelid, through the process of Mohs surgery, where layers of skin are removed and viewed under a microscope until cancer cells are…
Read MoreTHE SCARS THAT DON’T DEFINE YOU
Many patients have been hesitant of dermatologic and cosmetic procedures due to the fear of leaving scars. Patients who have surgical or biopsy scars may be hesitant to undergo more procedures. Surgical scars occur for various reasons including high tension closures, swelling, a mismatch of skin during closure, complications such as infections interfering with wound healing and simply genetics. But did you…
Read MoreSkin Cancer Bulletin
We publish a newsletter designed especially for patients and the public. It features real patients, expert advice, and the latest in skin cancer prevention and treatment. See our latest Skin Cancer Bulletin, Winter 2022.
Read MoreThe Role of Physician Assistants in a Skin Cancer Practice
“I have always viewed each of my colleagues as playing an integral part in the healthcare team. In my opinion, the best healthcare teams have a flat hierarchy. This organizational structure avoids medical errors, improves patient experience, and fosters team member collaboration. Integration of Physician Assistants (PAs) follows this model,” says Dr. Simon Madorsky. As…
Read MoreTopical Skin Cancer Treatments
The treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) includes many options depending on the type of pathology, a few of which are: Mohs surgery, electrodessication and curettage, Imiquimod, Efedux, etc. Topical treatments have become increasingly popular due to their non-invasive nature and good aesthetic outcomes. Standard topical treatments for superficial BCCs used in the United States…
Read MoreThe Skin Cancer Bulletin, our first newsletter for the local community
The Skin Cancer Bulletin marks our first effort to directly reach members of our local community to inform them about skin cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Download a copy here.
Read MoreThis was a chapter, but it’s not my story
If working towards a PhD at UC Irvine was not enough, Klebea was also planning her wedding in Brazil. Wedding photos would be memories for the rest of her life. She was hoping to improve the unsightly scar on her cheek, a painful reminder of a past skin cancer removal. She was referred to Dr.…
Read MoreA Cosmetic Procedure Reveals Skin Cancer
A former teacher in her sixties came to Dr. Steven Daines for a CO2 laser treatment to diminish her fine lines and brown spots. She had no idea how important this visit would become. While prepping her for the laser procedure, Dr. Daines noticed a tiny black mark on her cheek. “I thought it was…
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