Frequently Asked Questions

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that specializes in treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. For instance, a doctor who specializes in dermatology, otherwise known as a dermatologist, will be experienced in treating and diagnosing various skin conditions, such as rosacea and types of skin cancer

Dermatological skin surgery involves the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions of the skin and surrounding tissues by several surgical, cosmetic and non-surgical methods. The purpose of skin surgery is to repair and/or improve the function and cosmetic appearance of skin tissue.

While topical preparations containing tretinoin (Retin A), tazarotene (Avage), or glycolic acid may exfoliate and smooth the skin surface to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, they do not achieve a permanent effect on wrinkles because no change is made in the skin’s collagen understructure.

A dermatologist is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. On average, a dermatologist can diagnose and treat over 3,000 conditions. These may include conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, dysplastic nevi, dermatitis, and many more.

Yes, dermatologists are doctors. A dermatologist is a physician who has completed four years of medical school, one year of internship, and three years of specialized training to become an expert in diagnosing and treating conditions specific to the skin, hair, and nails.

Dermatologists can specialize in several different branches of dermatology. For instance, there’s general dermatology, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, surgical dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology.

This depends on your symptoms and why you are seeing a dermatologist. At a regular skin screening, your dermatologist will look for abnormal moles (dysplastic nevi), suspicious spots, and unusual patches on the skin.

Dermatologists treat several different skin conditions and disorders. The most common ones are:

• Acne
• Skin Cancer
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
• Bacterial Skin Infections
• Suspicious Moles
• Hair Loss

To learn more about the various skin conditions and disorders our board-certified dermatologists treat at Brentwood Dermatology, get in touch with our office today.

No, not all skin cancers are the same. There are several different types of skin cancers and they can impact the health of your skin in different ways.

Additionally, they are often treated differently depending on the severity of the skin cancer. For instance, basal cell carcinoma is often superficial on the skin and easily treated, while melanoma is more likely to spread and tends to be more dangerous.

To learn more about the most common types of skin cancers, read this Brentwood Dermatology article.

We recommend visiting an experienced dermatologist when you spot a mole that features one or more of the following ABCDE warning signs:

• A = Asymmetry: when one half of a mole or mark is different from the other half
• B = Border: the edges of the mole or mark are scalloped, uneven, notched, or irregular
• C = Color: the mole or mark is not a uniform color throughout; it can be different shades of the same color, or pink, red, or white in a spot that is otherwise brown or black
• D = Diameter: if the mole or mark is 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or larger, it could be a melanoma, BUT it’s also possible for melanoma to be smaller than 6 mm
• E = Evolving: the mole or mark is changing in size, shape, color, or texture

However, for melanoma skin cancer specifically, it’s important to note not all melanomas show these warning signs, but if you do notice any of them, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

Yes, the board-certified dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology treat acne! We’re passionate about helping our patients achieve smooth, clear skin through effective acne treatment options, such as isotretinoin and prescription topicals.

Yes! At Brentwood Dermatology, we have experienced dermatologists, aestheticians, and fully-trained nurse practitioners who perform anti-aging treatments to help patients address signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. These treatments may include chemical peels, dermal fillers, or Botox.

Yes, the board-certified dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology are experienced in treating psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions to help our patients find relief.

At Brentwood Dermatology, our chemical peels, dermal fillers, sclerotherapy, and Botox treatments are performed by our experienced board-certified dermatologists.

This depends on your specific insurance plan. However, we find most skin cancer screenings and general dermatology visits are covered by our patient’s insurance.