When should you consult a dermatologist. What skin changes warrant professional attention. How can a dermatologist help with persistent skin issues. Why is early intervention crucial for skin health.

Identifying Skin Changes: When to Seek Professional Help

Our skin serves as the body’s primary defense mechanism, shielding us from external threats and maintaining our internal balance. However, this protective barrier often bears the brunt of environmental stressors, leading to various skin conditions. Recognizing when to seek professional dermatological care is crucial for maintaining optimal skin health and addressing potential concerns before they escalate.

Is a change in your skin’s appearance cause for concern? Changes in moles or patches of skin, particularly in color, size, shape, or associated symptoms, can be early indicators of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment are paramount in such cases. A dermatologist can not only assess these changes but also guide you on performing regular skin self-examinations to catch any future issues early.

The Importance of Regular Skin Checks

How often should you examine your skin? Dermatologists recommend monthly self-examinations and annual professional skin checks. During these examinations, pay close attention to:

• New moles or growths
• Changes in existing moles
• Unusual skin patches
• Any skin abnormalities that persist or worsen

Can technology aid in skin monitoring? While there are smartphone apps designed to track skin changes, they should not replace professional evaluations. These tools can serve as helpful reminders for self-checks, but a dermatologist’s expertise is irreplaceable for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Battling Persistent Acne: When Over-the-Counter Solutions Fall Short

Acne is a common skin condition that affects individuals of all ages, not just teenagers. While many over-the-counter products promise clear skin, persistent acne often requires professional intervention. A dermatologist can provide tailored treatment plans that address the root causes of your acne, offering solutions beyond what’s available on store shelves.

Why might over-the-counter acne treatments fail? Several factors can contribute to the ineffectiveness of OTC products:

1. Incorrect product selection for your skin type
2. Underlying hormonal imbalances
3. Dietary factors influencing skin health
4. Bacterial resistance to common acne-fighting ingredients

How can a dermatologist help with stubborn acne? Dermatologists have access to prescription-strength treatments and can recommend advanced therapies such as:

• Topical retinoids
• Oral antibiotics
• Hormonal treatments
• Chemical peels
• Light and laser therapies

These professional interventions can significantly improve acne conditions that have been resistant to over-the-counter treatments.

Decoding Persistent Skin Irritations: Beyond Simple Dry Skin

Chronic skin irritations can significantly impact quality of life. When over-the-counter moisturizers and anti-itch creams fail to provide relief, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Persistent itching, redness, and flakiness may indicate underlying skin conditions that require professional diagnosis and treatment.

What chronic skin conditions might be causing persistent irritation?

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
• Psoriasis
• Contact Dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Seborrheic Dermatitis

How do dermatologists diagnose these conditions? Dermatologists employ various diagnostic tools and techniques, including:

1. Visual examination
2. Skin biopsies
3. Patch testing for allergies
4. Blood tests to rule out systemic conditions

Once diagnosed, a dermatologist can prescribe targeted treatments that may include topical medications, oral medications, or combination therapies to manage symptoms effectively.

Addressing Stubborn Hives and Rashes: Unmasking Underlying Causes

Hives and rashes that persist despite home remedies or over-the-counter treatments warrant a dermatologist’s attention. These skin manifestations can be symptoms of various underlying conditions, from allergic reactions to more serious systemic disorders.

What are potential causes of persistent hives or rashes?

• Allergic reactions to food, medication, or environmental factors
• Autoimmune disorders
• Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
• Stress-induced skin reactions
• Reactions to heat, cold, or pressure

How do dermatologists approach diagnosing and treating persistent hives and rashes? The process typically involves:

1. Comprehensive medical history review
2. Physical examination
3. Allergy testing
4. Blood tests to check for underlying systemic conditions
5. Skin biopsies in some cases

Treatment approaches may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics, depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Minimizing Scars: Advanced Dermatological Treatments

Scars from acne, injuries, or surgeries can be a source of self-consciousness. While some scars fade naturally over time, others may require professional intervention to improve their appearance. Dermatologists offer a range of treatments to minimize the appearance of scars and improve skin texture.

What advanced treatments are available for scar reduction?

• Laser therapy
• Microneedling
• Chemical peels
• Dermabrasion
• Filler injections
• Surgical revision

How do dermatologists determine the best scar treatment approach? The choice of treatment depends on several factors:

1. Scar type (atrophic, hypertrophic, or keloid)
2. Scar location and size
3. Patient’s skin type
4. Patient’s healing capacity
5. Overall health and medical history

Many of these treatments can be combined for optimal results, and a dermatologist can create a customized treatment plan to address your specific scar concerns.

Nail Health: More Than Just Cosmetic Concerns

Nail disorders can be more than just cosmetic issues; they can indicate underlying health problems or lead to discomfort and complications if left untreated. From fungal infections to ingrown nails, a dermatologist can diagnose and treat a wide range of nail conditions.

Why are nail health issues important to address? Nails can provide valuable insights into overall health, potentially indicating:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, liver disease)
• Skin conditions affecting the nail bed
• Local infections or tumors

What nail conditions commonly require dermatological intervention?

1. Fungal infections (onychomycosis)
2. Ingrown nails
3. Psoriasis of the nails
4. Nail tumors or cysts
5. Brittle or splitting nails

Dermatologists can offer various treatments for nail disorders, including topical and oral medications, surgical procedures for ingrown nails, and laser treatments for fungal infections. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve nail health and appearance.

Hair Loss Concerns: When to Seek Professional Advice

Hair loss can be distressing, affecting both men and women of various ages. While some degree of hair shedding is normal, excessive hair loss or noticeable thinning warrants a dermatologist’s evaluation. Early intervention can often lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

What are common causes of hair loss that dermatologists address?

• Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness)
• Alopecia areata (autoimmune-related hair loss)
• Telogen effluvium (stress-induced hair shedding)
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Scalp infections or inflammatory conditions

How do dermatologists diagnose and treat hair loss? The process typically involves:

1. Detailed medical history and scalp examination
2. Hair pull tests to assess shedding
3. Scalp biopsies in some cases
4. Blood tests to check for underlying health issues
5. Trichoscopy (microscopic examination of the scalp and hair)

Treatment options may include topical medications (e.g., minoxidil), oral medications (e.g., finasteride), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, hair transplantation, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the cause and extent of hair loss.

Preventive Dermatology: Maintaining Healthy Skin for Life

While addressing specific skin concerns is crucial, preventive dermatology plays an equally important role in maintaining long-term skin health. Regular dermatological check-ups can help catch potential issues early and provide guidance on proper skincare practices.

What aspects of preventive dermatology should individuals consider?

• Sun protection strategies
• Skin cancer screenings
• Customized skincare routines
• Nutritional advice for skin health
• Stress management techniques

How often should one see a dermatologist for preventive care? While individual needs may vary, general recommendations include:

1. Annual full-body skin exams for adults
2. More frequent check-ups for individuals with a history of skin cancer or high risk factors
3. Periodic consultations to update skincare routines as skin needs change with age

Dermatologists can provide valuable insights into emerging skincare technologies and treatments, helping patients make informed decisions about their skin health maintenance strategies.

In conclusion, dermatologists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions. From addressing cosmetic concerns to managing serious skin diseases, these specialists offer expertise that can significantly improve quality of life and overall health. By recognizing the signs that warrant a dermatologist’s attention and prioritizing regular skin check-ups, individuals can ensure they’re taking proactive steps towards maintaining healthy, resilient skin throughout their lives.

When Should You See a Dermatologist? | University of Utah Health

• Health Care Home
• Dermatology

Call  801-581-2955 or

Request an Appointment

Refer a Patient

Scars, Acne, Moles?

As your body’s first line of defense, your skin takes a lot of hits. Not only is it the largest organ in your body, but your skin also protects you from germs; repels water; and covers your blood vessels, nerves, and organs. If you aren’t feeling good about the skin you’re in or are worried about something on your skin, you should consider seeing a dermatologist.

7 Reasons to See a Dermatologist

1. A mole or patch of skin that’s changed

If a mole or patch of your skin has changed in color, size, shape, or symptom you better see a dermatologist. Such changes like those are often signs of skin cancer, and when it comes to cancer you want treatment sooner rather than later. Your dermatologist can also help you learn how to do regular skin checkups or screenings.

2. Stubborn acne

You’ve tried over-the-counter products, fad diets, and cleanses, but your acne is still front and center. There is no shame is seeing a dermatologist to help you deal with this skin condition. Get some recommendations on how to put your best face forward.

3. Itchy hives or rashes that won’t go away

Are you having an allergic reaction? Do you have an infection in your skin? See a dermatologist and get some answers. They may prescribe medications or recommend another form of treatment to smooth things over.

4. Scars from acne, blemishes, or cuts and scrapes

If your scar is looking less than desirable, a dermatologist could help you. Medical techniques like laser treatment therapy, microdermabrasion, and others can reduce scarring. With the treatment options available today, there is no need to feel self-conscious.

5. Persistent skin irritation

You have itchy, red, flaky skin and over-the-counter creams and lotions just aren’t working. You may think that the cause of your dry skin is the weather, sensitivity to skincare products, or even genetics. But in reality, you could have a chronic skin condition.

6. Nail disorders, ingrown nails, fungus, or others

Whether you are getting treatment for an ingrown nail, a fungal infection, wart, or something else, having a dermatologist look over your nails is a good thing. Nails can show signs of other body disorders like liver disease, heart conditions, anemia, or diabetes.

7. Hair loss

Noticed more hair than usual on your pillow in the morning? You may have a scalp disorder or want to start some preventive therapies before your hair loss makes a bigger impact on your life. Your dermatologist can recommend laser therapies or other treatments to keep you looking your best.

Feel Good About the Skin You’re In

Whether you are struggling with stubborn acne, have some itchy patches, or want treatment for another skin condition, think about seeing a dermatologist. They can help you decide the best steps for you to feel good about the skin you’re in.

Resources

Same-Day Dermatology Clinic

Do you have a rash, blisters, or skin pain? We offer same-day dermatology appointments if you have an urgent skin condition and need to see a doctor right away.

Seven Questions For a Dermatologist

Are brown spots dangerous? What’s the best way to protect your skin from getting sun damage? We explore some of the most common questions people have for dermatologists.

Hear From Our Specialists

How to Treat the Effects of Too Much Fun in the Sun

Summer is upon us, and it’s tempting to cool off in the water, play more outdoor sports, or take longer walks. But sometimes we spend too much time in the…

Read More

Facts About Skin Tags

Skin tags are growths of skin tissue that extend outward from the body. They may be annoying and look funky, but they are actually extremely common and usually harmless. Here…

Read More

Are Your Allergies Making You Miserable? Get Desensitized.

It can be miserable out there, especially if over-the-counter allergy medications aren’t helping your allergies. Fortunately, there is a solution—allergy shots.

Read More

The Best Cosmetic Treatment to Avoid Aging

You may be surprised to know what the most effective anti-aging treatment is. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for your summer sun protection.

Read More

Pedicure Precautions

For many people, warm weather means flip-flops, sandals, and bare feet. But if you’re heading to a salon for a pampering pedicure, don’t leave with more than you bargained for.

Read More

Is It a Virus? Or Is It Just My Allergies?

It’s that time of the year—an itchy throat, running nose, and sneezing. Signs point to allergies, but could it be something else? We break down the facts.

Read More

View More in HealthFeed

8 Reasons You Should See A Dermatologist

The Benefits of Laser Hair Reduction

Are you tired of frequent shaving, waxing, tweezing, or ineffective and painful at-home treatments to remove unwanted hair? Do you struggle with ingrown hairs, folliculitis, hirsutism, hidradenitis suppurativa, etc. ? Laser hair reduction, a popular procedure for anyone who wants a more Read More

Keep Your Skin Protected and Glowing All Summer with These 3 Timeless Tips

In summer, the sun’s UV rays can be especially damaging to the skin, contributing to skin cancer, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and even premature aging. The heat from the sun can dehydrate you, causing your skin to feel Read More

BOTOX® and Dysport®: Know the Difference

For many, the aging process leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Neurotoxins, or injections used to block muscle contractions, reduce the signs of aging and minimize wrinkles. BOTOX® and Dysport® are two types of neurotoxins, typically referred to as neuromodulators, Read More

This Winter Tackle Your Dry Skin

The wintertime can be harsh on the skin, especially if you are already predisposed to dry and flaky skin. During the winter, several factors, including lack of humidity, adding extra layers of clothing to our wardrobe, cranking up the heat, Read More

Back to Business Botox®

Summer is ending, and it is time to resume a normal work routine. With COVID-19 vaccination rates rising, businesses and schools are returning to regular schedules. As you’re getting more face time with family, friends, and colleagues, it is time Read More

How to Heal Dry, Winter Skin

It’s official. The cold winter months are upon us. While the winter season means snow days, hot chocolate, and time together, it also brings some unwanted issues. Due to chilling winds and a lack of moisture in the air, skin Read More

COVID-19: General Information, Common Symptoms & Prevention Strategies

We are committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our patients, their families, our staff, and the communities we serve. To that end, we are asking our patients to contact us if you have an appointment scheduled with one Read More

How to Care for Your Feet During the Summer

While many of us can’t even touch our toes without bending our knees, our feet are essential to our mobility. Whether you are walking, running, dancing, standing or just kicking back for a nice rest, your feet are at the Read More

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

The fresh green of spring is symbolic of nature, growth, freshness, and fertility. Winter can have a drying effect on the skin, so spring offers a renewed opportunity to get your skin, spring-ready and back in top condition. From exfoliation Read More

Meet the Nurse Practitioners: Morgan O’Kane, MS, CRNP

In “Meet the Nurse Practitioners,” we sit down with our CRNP’s to gain insight into the high-level of care they provide to patients daily across Anne Arundel Dermatology practices. In today’s feature, we talk CoolSculpting with Morgan O’Kane, MS, CRNP. CoolSculpting Start-to-Finish AAD: Read More

Most Common Rosacea Triggers

Rosacea is a skin condition which usually presents with redness of the skin and acne-type breakouts, usually along the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Some patients experience only minor redness during a rosacea flare-up, but others may have to deal Read More

New Fairfax, VA Location

We’re excited to announce our new location in Fairfax, VA, opening in the Fall of 2018. Our Fairfax will provide patient access (same day appointments available)  to Medical, Cosmetic and Surgical Dermatology & Mohs services close to home, right here Read More

Dr.

Pearson, Other Local Dermatologists Give Skin Cancer Screenings at Ocean Pines Community Health Fair

Anne Arundel Dermatology attended the Ocean Pines Community Health Fair, held at the Ocean Pines Community Center, for the first time on Saturday, October 7. Dr. Timothy Pearson, who is now seeing patients at offices in both Salisbury and Ocean Read More

Mary Whitlock, RN, Gives Complimentary Facials to Cancer Patients in DC

Mary Whitlock, RN, represented Anne Arundel Dermatology at the annual iS CANCER CARE SPA DAY, hosted by INNOVATIVE SKINCARE and the Washington Cancer Institute, on October 1. At this very unique annual event, patients undergoing cancer therapy are treated to Read More

Injectables: Neurotoxins, Dermal Fillers and Sclerotherapy

What are injectables? “Injectables” refers to Neurotoxins, Dermal Fillers, and Sclerotherapy injections that are used to fight signs of aging. These treatments can be combined with anti-aging prevention to lessen the signs of aging. Neurotoxins, also known as Botox, Dysport, Read More

Our New Offices in Mt. Airy, Eldersburg and Westminster Are Now Open!

In a continuing effort to provide ongoing quality care for our patients, we’ve expanded to three new locations, Mt. Airy, Eldersburg and Westminster. We’re excited to welcome Dr. Juris Germanas, Ms. Amy Spangler and Ms. Suzanne Cerrone who are experienced in Read More

The Ins and Outs of RevitaLash and RevitaBrow

What is RevitaLash?  RevitaLash is an eyelash stimulating conditioner that is applied alongside the lashline to help grow longer, thicker, and stronger lashes. It is ophthalmologist tested and proven to be safe and effective. It is also hypoallergenic, non-irritating, dermatologist-approved, Read More

Everything you Should Know About Injectable Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)

What are neurotoxins? Neurotoxins, also known as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are injectable solutions that temporarily block nerve receptors in the muscle, preventing lines and wrinkles from forming. They can be used to treat muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and Read More

Second Annual Miles for Melanoma Raises Over $45K

  The Second Annual Miles for Melanoma 5K Walk/Run took place on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Kent Island High School in Stevensville, MD. With over ___ participants, the event raised $45,060 and counting, almost reaching the fundraising goal. We want to Read More

Join Us for Our Prince Frederick Cosmetic Open House

Our Prince Frederick office is now offering cosmetic services and products to address a variety of skin concerns, and we want to celebrate! Whether it’s fine wrinkles, skin tone & texture, freckles, age spots, rosacea, unwanted hair and more, we have a Read More

First Annual Miles for Melanoma 5K Raises Almost $45K

The First Annual Miles for Melanoma 5K Walk/Run took place on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Kent Island High School in Stevensville, MD. With over 350 participants, the event raised $44,809 and counting, almost double the original fundraising goal. We Read More

2015 B’More Healthy Expo

Many thanks to Drs Harrington, Peterman and Lonergan as well as Physician Assistants, Jaimie Wottell, Deven Fetzek, Ashley Metzger and our clinical and administrative support team!! We saw almost 200 people, and the total attendance to B’More Healthy Expo was over 30,000 attendees.

How is an examination by a venereologist carried out – Private practice

There is still such a universal specialty in medicine as a dermatovenereologist, who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and venereal diseases.

Why yet? Yes, because for many years they have been constantly trying to reform it, transferring part of the sexual infections to urologists and gynecologists, and many skin problems to cosmetologists. As a result, it turns out that there are not so many real competent dermatologists – venereologists who can effectively compare skin and urological symptoms and formulate the correct diagnosis. And everything is reflected on the patients, on the quality of their treatment, because only a dermatovenereologist can conduct a qualified examination of such patients.

1. Patient reports worries about when and how the illness started.
2. The doctor starts examining the affected area (skin, hair, nails, genitals).
3. Next, all skin and accessible mucous membranes (oropharynx, rectum) are examined.
4. Peripheral lymph nodes are palpable.
5. Next, tests are taken, depending on the suspected pathology:

   1. Scraping from the skin, nails for microscopy to determine fungi and mites.
   2. Scraping from rashes and erosions for PCR analysis
   3. Scraping for atypical cells in case of suspected oncology
   4. Culture from the pathological focus for bacteria and fungi
   5. Test for STIs from the genital tract
   6. Blood tests for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis
   7. Clinical blood test
   8. Biochemical and immunological analysis, as well as for allergens.
   9. Urinalysis and prostate juice as needed.
6. If, based on the examination and express analyzes, which are prepared within 30 minutes, a preliminary diagnosis is already built, then the patient receives the first recommendations for treatment.
7. After casual sexual intercourse, it is possible to carry out drug prophylaxis in order not to get sick with a sexually transmitted disease.

During the examination, the venereologist dermatologist pays attention to the following signs of the skin and venereal process:

1. Eruptions on the skin:

   1. spots red, white, pigmented, pink can be a sign of syphilis, pink lichen, toxicoderma, dermatitis, vitiligo, fungal and infectious skin lesions and many other diseases.
   2. Nodules, tubercles on the skin are signs of skin tuberculosis, syphilis, psoriasis, lichen planus, nevi, skin tumors.
   3. Ulcers, erosions occur with herpes, syphilis, HIV infection, eczema, skin cancer.
   4. Papillomatous growths – with warts, papillomas.
2. Rashes on the oral mucosa – with lichen planus, syphilis, herpes.
3. The condition of the hair, areas of baldness, scars, ulcers on the scalp may indicate alopecia, undermining folliculitis, mycoses, syphilis.
4. Rashes on the genitals, the presence of pathological secretions from them are most often a sign of STIs. But not always … Sometimes, these are also manifestations of chronic or acute skin diseases.
5. Pathological rash in the perianal region – occurs when infected with a venereal disease after anal sex.
6. Attention is also drawn to the state of peripheral lymph nodes, which a dermatovenereologist palpates in the cervical region, armpits, groin, elbows, above and below the collarbone to diagnose syphilis, HIV and other chronic viral and bacterial infections.

Establishing a correct dermatological or venereological diagnosis is possible only if all these conditions are met and is qualitatively carried out only by a venereologist dermatologist.

Chief physician of the clinic “Private practice” dermatovenereologist, urologist Volokhov E.A. tells how the reception of a venereologist takes place.

The content of the article was checked and confirmed for compliance with medical standards by the chief physician of the clinic “Private Practice”

Volokhov Evgeny Alexandrovich

dermatovenereologist, urologist-andrologist with the highest medical category Vasilyevsky Face control

Dermatovenereology on today is a large area of ​​medical science. A dermatovenereologist is a medical specialist who treats diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. The name of the specialty includes two areas that are inextricably linked.

Dermatology is a field related to the diagnosis and treatment of everything related to our skin and its derivatives (hair and nails). A venereologist is more often consulted for diseases of the skin and genital mucosa.

Patients address a dermatologist with various problems, most often these are diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, allergic reactions, acne, rosacea, bacterial, fungal and viral infections, neoplasms and other diseases that have manifestations on the skin, nails or hair .

Historically in Russia, the treatment of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes is the responsibility of a dermatovenereologist. Not so long ago, the term “beautician” was not used to refer to a doctor, but often to a person who provided facial or body skin care services to a client. At the same time, such a specialist could not have a secondary or higher medical education, the results of such treatment methods were very modest, but the side effects were minimal.

However, the rapid development of cosmetology in the last 15-20 years, the emergence of many effective cosmeceuticals, the development of high-energy technologies and the emergence of many devices based on various physical factors affecting living tissues, the development of injectable methods of skin treatment, has transferred cosmetology from the care niche into a serious medical industry, where an amateur can cause irreparable harm to the appearance, and sometimes to the health of the client.

Thus, in 2009, by order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia, the medical specialty “cosmetology” was approved. First, the specialist receives a higher medical education, and then the specialty of a dermatovenereologist. Only after that the doctor can study further and receive the specialty of a cosmetologist. And this is absolutely justified, since it is necessary to be a professional in the field of treatment of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes in order to competently solve aesthetic problems in this area.

A dermatovenereologist is usually consulted for diseases of the skin and mucous membranes that need to be treated, and if they are not dealt with, this will cause a deterioration in health and quality of life in general.

A cosmetologist is contacted when aesthetic problems come to the fore, associated with various reasons – individual facial features (for example, you want to change facial features and make it more harmonious), aging processes, the influence of environmental factors, the manifestation of certain skin diseases (acne or rosacea). Therefore, a cosmetologist must be a qualified specialist in the field of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, diseases of internal organs, and also have the necessary training in the field of aesthetic medicine. Therefore, if a patient addresses a cosmetologist with aesthetic or other complaints related to the skin or mucous membranes, the doctor examines the patient, performs the necessary studies and makes a diagnosis. Then he either performs the necessary procedures, or sends him for treatment to a dermatovenereologist or doctors of other specialties, if necessary.

How do you choose your cosmetologist?

First of all, do you pay attention to popularity and promotion in social networks?

The number of followers on Instagram? “Likes” and views on the specialist’s page? But in reality, this does not always indicate the professionalism of the doctor, since it often turns out that the popular “cosmetologist” does not even have a higher medical education, and the photos of the “before” and “after” works do not allow an objective assessment of the result of the intervention. Therefore, if you want your reflection in the mirror to bring joy after a visit to a cosmetologist, you need to seriously approach the choice of a specialist to whom you entrust your appearance. A prerequisite should be the availability of appropriate education from a cosmetologist and work in an institution with a medical license. How else can you assess how ready you are to trust the chosen specialist? One way is to look at the photos of the results of the “before” and “after” procedures.

Unfortunately, even among medical specialists, the exhibited photographs of the results “before” and “after” can distort reality. Compare the “before” and “after” in the picture below – isn’t it impressive results?

Unfortunately, these photos mislead the viewer…. Since the only thing that has been changed on them is just the conditions of photography – namely, the angle of incidence of light!

Thus, ordinary “naked eye” examination or standard photography does not provide an objective assessment, as it is very dependent on lighting or shooting conditions and does not allow measurement of data (for example, the depth of a wrinkle or wrinkle).

Even if photographing is not an objective method that we can trust, is it really possible to see whether our skin, its relief, texture, depth of wrinkles, the number of age spots and areas of redness change after procedures by a cosmetologist?

Yes, in the arsenal of modern cosmetology there are technologies that make it possible to assess the condition of the skin and the results of cosmetic procedures objectively, to “see” our skin in 3D format, to assess its condition by the number and depth of wrinkles or folds, the size of age spots and vascular spots, texture and skin relief and other indicators.

One such valuable tool in the practice of a cosmetologist is the ANTERA 3D™ skin imaging device.

This is an original device that allows you to analyze the condition of the skin, including its change during the treatment.

ANTERA 3D™ is based on advanced optical technology developed at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, which allows for image reproduction in both 2D and 3D.

The ANTERA 3D device scans the skin with LEDs with different wavelengths (color) to display the entire visible spectrum – the picture below shows what the LEDs look like when the device is turned on.

The scanning procedure is simple and takes only a few seconds. It does not require special conditions for patient preparation.

During shooting (scanning), the device takes thousands of pictures of the selected skin area in just a few seconds, while each picture is taken at a different angle and with a different degree of illumination.

Illumination of various types makes it possible to detect not only changes in the skin relief, but also those changes that are poorly recorded by conventional photography – for example, melanin (pigmentation areas) and hemoglobin (vascular pattern, skin reddening areas).

The light emitted by LEDs is partially absorbed, diffused and reflected off the skin surface – as shown in the figure below.

Reflected light is collected by special sensors inside the device and transmitted to a connected computer for analysis of images with different illumination.

Thanks to complex mathematical algorithms, the ANTERA 3D™ device allows you to get a three-dimensional model of the skin, as well as conduct a multispectral analysis of the epidermis and dermis.

How can we use this?

For example, you can compare before and after images and evaluate how the skin condition has changed after the procedure. The picture below compares images before and after laser skin resurfacing.

The program compares the two images and displays the result as a graph, which shows that after the procedure, the average wrinkle depth decreased by 52.8%.

Or you can compare the images before and after the contouring procedure (gel-filler injection to correct the nasolabial fold).

The program will also display the result in the form of a graph, which will show in percentage terms how much the skin condition has improved.

We can also evaluate the evenness of the skin color after the photorejuvenation procedure, which was performed in order to remove the pigmentation of the skin of the face.

There are several modifications of the ANTERA 3D™ device. Some are intended for use in the daily work of a cosmetologist or dermatovenerologist for effective patient consultation, determining the severity of wrinkles, skin texture, pigmentation, vascular pattern, measuring tissue volume when assessing the condition of scars or introducing dermal fillers.

A more complex modification of the device is intended for scientific research and is used, as a rule, by laboratories – manufacturers of cosmetology equipment or cosmeceuticals.

The use of the ANTERA 3D™ diagnostic system helps the specialist to accurately identify the patient’s skin problem, which allows them to draw up an individual correction plan, document and reasonably evaluate the results of treatment and the effectiveness of the prescribed procedures at each stage of the patient’s treatment.