-All posts from Dr. Bussell-

What can be achieved by Asian cheek and jaw shaping?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Asian skin, Botox & Dysport

My Asian patient population frequently requests non-surgical shaping of their cheeks and jaw lines. Asian non-surgical cheek and/or jaw line reduction results in a thinner longer facial appearance, sought after by many of my Asian patients. This technique is also highly effective in treating Asian facial disproportions and asymmetry. Asian cheek and jaw reduction is achieved through a specialized technique using Botox or Dysport cheek and/or jaw line injections.

Consultations can be scheduled with me or any of my staff to discuss the specific benefits for you.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

What can you do for keratosis pilaris?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Other skin conditions

Keratosis pilaris is a condition that produces small, firm bumps on the sides of the upper arms and sometimes the upper legs and buttock area. It is frequently seen in patients with asthma, hay fever, and eczema. In my office, we find that peeling the areas with trichloroacetic acid is very effective in making the involved skin smoother and softer. At home, I recommend that my patients use my antibacterial soap to wash these areas.  This minimizes the germ count on the skin and additionally helps dry and peel away these plugged follicles. I also recommend the use of my vitamin moisturizer on wet skin in these areas twice a day to smooth and soften.

Keratosis pilaris is a chronic, ongoing condition that can be treated but not cured.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Are you bothered by Herpes/cold sores/fever blisters?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Herpes/Cold Sores/Fever Blisters

All of these conditions are one and the same. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus, which can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact. Herpes can develop above or below the waist. It is caused by a virus which lives within the nerves under the skin. As a result of heat, stress or being run down, the virus migrates to the surface of the skin and causes blisters, tingling, and usually pain or discomfort in the area.

The Herpetic lesions usually develop on the lips, the genital area, or the buttocks but appear anywhere on the skin or mucous membranes. Usually the first outbreak is the most severe. Subsequent outbreaks tend to recur at or near the site of the initial outbreak.  The Herpes virus lives within the nerves for an individual’s lifetime. There is no cure for Herpes, but there is treatment, which can alleviate and/or reduce outbreaks and symptoms. Keeping the infected area cool, as well as dry, is helpful. Ice packs and Calamine lotion applied to the area tend to move the virus away from the skin back into the nerve roots.

The yearly outbreaks of this virus vary significantly from individual to individual depending on whether or not somebody gets frequent fevers, is exposed to a lot of hot sun, is under unusual stress, or is debilitated in any way. Prescription oral antiviral medications are very effective in reducing the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Would you like to get rid of the dark circles under your eyes?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Skin discoloration

Many people have dark circles under their eyes because of their type of skin pigmentation. This discoloration can be effectively minimized in my office through the use of light peels followed by at home use of my Sal-Hydro Liquid Fade Formula™. Sometimes dark circles can even develop around the mouth. Avoiding rubbing and scrubbing in the affected areas frequently minimizes the problem; however it is important to use the Sal-Hydro Fade Formula™ to maximize the results and to diminish discoloration. It is further helpful to use a facial sunblock such as my SPF 30 since sun exposure will result in the area becoming tan and, thereby, darken the pigmentation.  In people whose circles are more blue than brown, it can be due to thin skin allowing the color of the blood vessels to reach the surface.  In these cases, bleaching techniques are not effective.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

What is Eczema?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Dry skin, Eczema

Eczema is a dry, red, patchy, scaly and itchy rash that can occur on any part of the skin. It is commonly seen in the elbow creases and on the hands. It is part of a condition known as atopic dermatitis.  Atopic dermatitis consists of  one or more of the following: allergies (such as hay fever and nasal allergies), eczema, asthma and keratosis pilaris (small bumps usually on the upper arms and legs).  These conditions can be seen directly on an individual or the person may have only one of the above with a family history of the others.  Dry weather and harsh chemicals in contact with the skin can make eczema worse. Stress can also exacerbate eczematos reactions.

Eczema is not contagious so it cannot be spread from person to person.  It is, however, believed to be genetic. If you are experiencing bothersome eczema, prescription treatments can be very helpful. There is a variety of new medications that my eczema patients have found very helpful. To avoid infecting your skin, try not to scratch at eczemetos patches.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Can facial rosacea redness be treated?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Rosacea

Yes. Rosacea is a condition that is sometimes called acne rosacea. It produces facial redness and breakouts. The most noticeable effects of rosacea on the skin are prominent blood vessels and large pores and a bumpy surface on the nose. In my office, we have excellent results treating the redness and the irregularities on the nose  and cheeks with my Facial-Electro Resurfacing™. This procedure can be done at very mild to strong electrical intensities so that the number of treatments can be tailored to patients’ individual needs. The breakouts of rosacea can be reduced with appropriate medication.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Can scars on the skin can be treated?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Scars

Yes, they can. There are multiple types of scarring ranging from a darker discoloration of the skin (known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) to scars that are lighter than adjacent skin (hypopigmented scars) to slightly thickened scars (hypertrophic scars) to very thick scars (keloid scars). The dark color of a scar can be lightened with skin bleaching agents.  Do not use Clorox on your skin! My Sal-Hydro Fade Formula™ is particularly effective for decreasing the darkness of scars. Thickened scars can be improved either with cortisone creams or cortisone injections. The cortisone injections work best when given by a dermatologist very familiar with this treatment as there is always the possibility of the skin becoming too thin as a result of these injections. Sometimes scars heal with small blood vessels on their surface. Extremely light electro-cautery (very fine electric needle) can treat these effectively.  This too should only be done by a practitioner who has an ultra fine current device. All of these procedures are done routinely in my office.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Do you know how many main types of skin cancer there are?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Moles and Melanoma, Skin cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:  basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. In the majority of cases, these are sun-induced skin cancers however they can also arise in non sun-exposed areas of the body.  It is helpful to be aware of all three types.

The classic basal cell carcinoma looks like a pearly papule (small bump); however it can also look like a dry, red, scaly patch of skin that does not heal.  There are also variations in these appearances.  A squamous cell carcinoma usually looks red and scaly, but can also ulcerate and bleed.  Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are frequently found on the face, neck, arms, back and chest, but can occur on the legs and abdomen as well. They are even found inside of and behind the ears.  They are usually painless and usually do not itch. The most serious type of skin cancer is the malignant melanoma as it can spread throughout the entire body. These cancers can arise in an existing mole or can newly develop on normal skin.  Any irregularly dark skin growth should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Occasionally, a melanoma can be skin-colored as well.

In conclusion, any growth on the skin that appears unusual in any way should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

What are cosmetic fillers?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Cosmetic fillers

Cosmetic fillers are youthful appearance enhancing  injections.  The agent is injected into areas such as the naso-labial fold (the lines between the sides of the nose and the corners of the mouth) mas well as the “marionette” lines (lines going downward from the corners of the mouth).  Sometimes fillers are also put in other facial areas.  This procedure results in the diminishing of unwanted changes in the facial skin, which is associated with aging thereby giving a more youthful appearance to the face.  It is a very popular procedure within my Beverly Hills practice.

The more common fillers include Perlane, Juvéderm, Restylane and Radiesse.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

What can Botox or Dysport do for you?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Botox & Dysport

Botox and Dysport are used to treat unwanted lines and wrinkles in the face.  They are usually injected between the eyebrows for “frown lines,” in the forehead for horizontal wrinkles and next to the corners of the eyes for “crow’s feet.” Both  products contain botulinum toxin, which comes from a bacteria and temporarily (lasting months) puts the muscles into which it is injected to sleep, thereby preventing you from overemphasizing these lines with exaggerated facial expressions.  It can help you achieve a more youthful and relaxed facial appearance.

Botox and Dysport are also very effective at treating increased perspiration under the arms.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Related topics: Asian skin