Dermatologist - Skincare Treatment Plano TX | DSA Dermatology

Discover top-notch dermatological, cosmetic, medical & laser treatments at DSA Dermatology in Plano, TX. Book an appointment for all your skin care needs!

Cosmetic Dermatology

Vascular Birthmarks

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About Vascular Birthmarks

What are they?

Birthmarks are common. Research shows that about 10% of babies are born with a type of birthmark known as hemangioma (he-man-gio-ma). Vascular malformations are benign (non-cancerous) lesions, are present at birth and grow with the child. They do not have a rapid growth cycle and then suddenly stop growing, they continue to slowly grow throughout life. Birthmarks vary in size and can range in color from brown to blue to shades of red or pink. Although in some children a birthmark is a minor flaw that they can live with, some children with a birthmark will require treatment.

What causes them?

Currently, there are no known causes or risk factors for developing vascular birthmarks. Some initial research shows a potential genetic link, but this is inconclusive at this time.

Common treatments

Not every person or birthmark is the same. When you come to see one of our highly trained doctors you will get a personalized treatment catered to your specific needs. We will determine which method is the best to remove birthmarks and how we can minimize scarring. We may use a laser, IPL, or standard removal to remove your birthmark. When you come in for a consultation, we will assess you and provide our treatment recommendation.

Skin Tags

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About Skin Tags

What are they?

Skin tags are usually harmless and painless. Skin tags, also called acrochordons, soft fibromas, or fibroepithelial polyps, are small noncancerous, or benign, skin growths. They are often flesh-colored bumps of tissue connected to the skin’s surface by a narrow stalk. The color, texture, size, and width of the base can vary. As we age, and if we are prone to skin tags, they become more common as we advance in years. It is not known what causes skin tags, but the good news is they are not cancerous and do not pose other health concerns. The main symptom is a growth on the skin, often on the neck, upper chest, underarms, and eyelids. They may become irritated from rubbing against clothing. Most skin tags don’t require treatment. If a skin tag is irritated or its appearance is bothersome, a doctor can remove it.

What causes them?

Most skin tags don’t cause symptoms unless they are repeatedly irritated by rubbing against jewelry, clothing, or other items. The tags are harmless, but they won’t go away without treatment. A reason for treatment may include irritation or if you don’t like the way the skin tag looks. Friction can also play a role in the development of skin tags. Frequently, they develop on the neck, underarms, and eyelids, as well as within body folds, such as under the breasts or in the groin area. In some cases, skin tags seem to be associated with obesity, and genetic factors also appear to play a role. Unfortunately, there’s no way to minimize the risk of developing skin tags.

Common treatments

If you have skin tags that are irritated, or you just don’t like where they have developed, we are here to help. Skin tags can be removed in several ways, they can be cut off with scissors or excision, but minor bleeding could occur. Freezing or burning, the skin tag may require a short time to fall off, and these procedures have a risk of skin discoloration, darkening, or lightening, following the procedure. Sometimes, repeat treatments are necessary if the tag doesn’t fall off or it grows back, or if new tags grow in other areas. If you are concerned about your skin tags ask your dermatologist about how to treat your skin. Our goal is that you look your best, so make an appointment today if you have skin tags and want to remove them.

Keloid (Scars)

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About Keloids (Scars)

What are they?

A keloid scar is a thick raised scar. It can occur after a skin injury, bug bite, surgery, or from other forms of trauma to your skin. It is known to form on earlobes, shoulders, cheeks or the chest. If prone to developing keloid scars, know that you can get them in more than one place. The good news is that these are treatable, and your provider will be able to help you come up with a treatment plan.

What causes them?

Keloids are a type of scarring that happens when your skin experiences some sort of trauma and begins to heal.
Collagen, which is a protein found throughout the body and useful to wound healing, can produce too much and keloids can form. This might be triggered by any sort of skin injury, insect bite, acne, injection, body piercing, burns, and even minor scratches and bumps.

Common treatments

Keloid scars are scar tissue and can be treated in many ways, trust one of our highly trained providers to evaluate and suggest the best remedy to treat your keloid scar. Some approaches for successful flattening or removal of keloids can be a laser, surgical or freezing.
For keloids that are just showing up, you can try compression dressings that are stretchy fabric or similar materials. This method is also used after surgery to remove keloids, the goal is to reduce or prevent a scar by putting pressure on the wound as it heals. For smaller keloids, treatment with cortisone or other steroids can be used. Another way to reduce or remove them is by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, repeat treatments might be needed. Laser treatments can be useful in easing itchiness and can help keloids to fade. If your keloid hasn’t responded to other therapies, your provider might recommend removing it with surgery in combination with other methods. Keloids can grow back, or you may develop new ones.
Ask what solution is best for you and always check with your provider before treating on your own. We want your skin to look its best, which is why Healthy Skin is Our Passion.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize the impact that keloid scars can have on both appearance and self-esteem. As your neighborhood skin experts, we’re here with answers to all your questions about this condition. What sets us apart from others is our focus on you as a person. Our warm, compassionate practitioners are ready to address your concerns and be an essential part of your support. Together with you, we find the best solution to address your concerns.
Contact us to know more about keloid scarring and how we can help manage this condition to improve your confidence in your appearance, and you can see why Healthy skin is our passion.

Lentigo (Age Spots)

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About Lentigo (Age Spots)

What is it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body. It can be found on any part of your body and is most often caused by sun damage or exposure to radiation. There are numerous types of lentigo, but the most common type is called lentigo simplex.
Lentigo maligna is a type of growth that develops in areas of long-term sun exposure, such as your face, arms, or legs. Lentigo starts as a brown flat spot with an irregular shape that slowly gets bigger. Eventually, the spot may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin and then invades the underlying skin layer. See your doctor if you notice:
  • A new skin growth
  • A change in an existing mole
  • Any skin changes that seem unusual

What causes it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body.
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down the connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers — that lies in the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). Without the supportive connective tissue, the skin loses its elastic quality. This condition, known as solar elastosis (e-las-TOE-sis), is characterized by yellowed, thickened skin with deep wrinkles that don’t disappear with stretching.

Common treatments

Lentigo doesn’t usually cause pain or itchiness. The spots are also non-cancerous, but they can resemble other types of spots that can be cancerous. It’s a good idea to get them checked out by a dermatologist. Common treatments are listed below and offered at most of our clinics, just ask.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel is used to removed damaged skin cells on your hands, face, or neck. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to your lentigo. The chemicals exfoliate your skin spot to uncover healthy skin underneath.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a method of freezing your skin spot with liquid nitrogen. It’s used for abnormal skin spots that are non-cancerous or precancerous. The treatment takes up to 10 days to heal from and usually doesn’t leave a scar.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy involves using beams of light to remove your lentigo skin spot. Laster therapy allows for a more precise removal than with traditional surgery. Many people who undergo laser surgery also have quicker recovery times.

Hair Loss

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About Hair Loss

What is it?

The average human head has more than 100,000 healthy hairs, and many people have well over 150,000. Typically, you may lose around 50-100 of these hairs every day, which isn’t noticeable. However, once you start to lose well over 100 individual hairs daily, your hair loss starts to affect your appearance. Both men and women are affected by hair loss but in different ways. For example, while it’s common for men to have a noticeable loss on their hairline or crown, women tend to experience thinning hair in a more random, widespread pattern. Women also usually have localized loss because of repeated hair trauma, such as from hair being pulled tightly back in a ponytail or bun.

What causes it?

There are various reasons contributing to the loss of hair. The most common causes include genetics, frequent stress, poor nutrition, certain medications, emotional issues, and trauma or injury.

Common treatments

The hair loss and skin experts at our dermatology practice have the experience and knowledge to provide you with solutions that stabilize hair loss and help stimulate hair growth. Among these options are Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical lotion that we also offer in prescription strength; Finasteride, an oral medication; and Spironolactone, another oral medication.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the physical impact that hair loss can have on your appearance and its subsequent effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin and hair experts, we’re here to provide support, strength, and answers to all your questions. We have a variety of trained, experienced dermatologic experts and offer treatment options customized just for you. We’ll be with you every step of the way in diagnosing, treating, and helping you deal with this issue.
Contact us today to learn more about your hair loss treatment options and to start on the road towards an improved appearance and self-confidence.

Dry Skin

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About Dry Skin

What is it?

Dry skin is when your skin dries out because it doesn’t have enough moisture. It isn’t usually serious, but it can be irritating. If your dry skin is severe, you should see a doctor.
There are many causes of dry skin — from the temperature outside to how much moisture is in the air.

What causes it?

Dry skin can be different for everyone since the symptoms will depend on things like your health, your age, and the cause of your dry skin. When you have dry skin, you could have symptoms like cracked skin, itching, peeling, flaking, or scaling. Even more redness than usual, your skin can feel rough, and tight which can occur after bathing or swimming.

Common treatments?

When it comes to household skin irritants, the list is practically endless. It includes cleaning products, floor polishes, air fresheners, and laundry detergent, just to name a few. These products strip the skin of water and oils it needs, leading to dryness and irritation. For some people, dry skin can progress to more serious conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Always make sure that you stay hydrated, and when doing housework use gloves.
A good body moisturizer is always key, as well as a good facial care regimen that hydrates as well. Ask your dermatologist about what skin care products are best for your skin type to avoid getting dry skin.
We offer all lines of dermatologist-recommended skin care products on our store and products are also available in our clinic, just ask us.
We always want to make sure that you are looking and feeling your best, after all, Healthy Skin is Our Passion.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that dry, lax, and wrinkled skin on your face or body can make appear older, which can impact your self-esteem. This is why, as your local skin specialists, we offer innovative skincare products to improve your skin and reinvigorate your overall appearance.
Contact us today to learn more about skincare products and how they can help provide you with a rejuvenated and youthful appearance

Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

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About Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

What is it?

We realize that our culture tends to associate suntanned skin with a lifestyle that is healthy and active. Unfortunately, this is a myth that should be retired; sun and age damage go hand in hand and can affect you both physically and psychologically. A “healthy tan” is not good for your skin; any sun exposure, no matter how small, causes irreversible damage. The subsequent damage is not just skin deep, as it alters the DNA of your skin cells. That’s why as much as 90 percent of the signs of aging are related to sun exposure.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light that damages the skin and contributes to premature skin aging, dark spots, and other problematic conditions.

What causes it?

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of aging, sun-damaged skin. Sun and age damage are linked because they exacerbate one another. Together, they reduce your skin’s elasticity by breaking down collagen while decreasing your skin’s shape and fullness. Telltale signs of sun and age damage include wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, lines around your mouth and eyes, sagging skin, age spots, and freckles and/or moles.

Common treatments?

At DSA Dermatology, we have a variety of options to address sun and age damage, and we have the knowledge and experience to tailor it to your unique case. However, there are many steps you yourself can take to prevent and even repair your skin. These steps include wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days!), covering up exposed skin when outside, avoiding intense sun between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm, the avoidance of indoor tanning beds, and the use of moisturizing creams and lotions at night.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

At DSA Dermatology, we focus on you as a person. Our compassionate community staff works with you to address your signs of sun and age damage, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and be an integral part of your support system. Contact us today if you notice sun and age damage so that we can help you repair and restore your skin.

Botox

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About Botox

What is it?

Botox is an extremely popular wrinkle treatment that’s ideal for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that form over time from repeated movements, such as smiling or frowning). Derived from Botulinum toxin, Botox is injected through a very fine needle into a muscle underlying a bothersome wrinkle. This process blocks the nerve impulses that move the muscle, causing it to relax. The result is a smoother wrinkle and a softer-looking appearance. Since only the targeted muscle is affected, surrounding muscles continue to move freely, allowing your facial expressions to be easily shown and avoiding the dreaded “frozen face” look when performed by an experienced dermatologist. Botox is ideal for the upper half of the face, including the areas around the eyes, the upper nose, forehead, cheeks, and jaw.

What to expect

A single Botox injection session often lasts under an hour and is virtually painless. You may feel a tingling sensation during the process, but there is no downtime; you can go about your daily routine afterward. Side effects are typically mild and typically include tenderness at the injection site, muscle stiffness or weakness, bruising, itchiness, and swelling.

After the procedure

Within a week after your Botox injections, you should start to notice results, although this can vary from patient to patient. Over the following 3-4 months, the targeted wrinkles gradually vanish, and touch-up injections are suggested every 6 months in order to maintain the rejuvenating effects of the treatment.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We recognize that troublesome facial creases, lines, and wrinkles can impact your appearance and self-esteem, which is why our experienced community skin experts provide one of the safest, most popular wrinkle treatments in the world: Botox. Botox treatment at our center is unique. Practitioner experience and skill are critical in getting safe, effective results. Our experts are trained to administer the precise dosage at the precise location, ensuring a safe procedure and natural-looking results that meet your aesthetic goals.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today for more about Botox and how it can revitalize your appearance.

Acne Treatments

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About Acne

If you suffer from acne, you are not alone. It is a common skin condition, affecting millions of Americans. Although it is often associated with teenagers, acne can occur at any age. A growing number of women over the age of 30 are developing this problem. Acne can be embarrassing and painful; without treatment, it can also leave temporary or permanent scars. Dr. Achtman and Dr. McConnell want you to know that you don’t have to live with acne or acne scarring. We offer a number of gentle, effective in-office treatment options.

Below are a few of the services we provide for patients who are looking to treat their acne condition:

  • Improved skin care regimen for acne and acne scars – using the right cleanser, moisturizer, and toners can make a difference in the appearance of the skin.
  • Hormonal acne medications – There are many hormonal acne medications that can ease acne. Some hormonal treatments, such as birth control, can help ease acne and calm the skin while providing other benefits to patients.
  • Topical creams – topical creams containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid provide relief for the skin, treating the bacteria that leads to acne.
  • Oral medications – certain oral medications can be used to address acne from the inside out and are easy to use alongside topical treatments.
  • Lightbox treatments – light therapy is another way to combat unwanted acne and clear the skin with regular services.

Call DSA Dermatology today!

You can enjoy beautiful, healthy, acne-free skin. Drs. Daniel and Jordan Achtman are dedicated to bringing you the benefits of modern, technologically advanced dermatology combined with personal attention and unsurpassed customer service. Call DSA Dermatology at (972) 362-9567 and schedule a consultation today at the office, conveniently located at 5072 West Plano Parkway, Suite #150 in Plano, TX.

Acne Treatment FAQ

What caused my acne?

There are several reasons why acne develops, and sometimes, pinpointing the exact cause can be difficult. We see patients regularly with certain factors that can increase their potential risk of developing acne, including genetics, stress, and environmental factors.

What treatments can help with acne?

There are several ways to combat acne, and choosing the right treatment is often the goal for many patients ready for clearer skin. Options may include topical medications, oral medications, laser therapies, light-based therapies, hormonal treatments, and an improved skincare regimen.

Which treatment is right for me?

Some treatments work better than others for certain patients, and sometimes, finding the right treatment can take some time. It is vital that patients work with dermatologists who have experience in treating the various types of acne and finding ways to improve the skin’s health and wellness.

What about over-the-counter medications?

Some milder cases of acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications, skincare products, and topicals. However, we often see patients at DSA Dermatology who have been unable to achieve results with these products and are seeking a more aggressive and effective treatment. This is where our team comes in and provides the care necessary for clearer skin!

How long will it take to address my acne?

Because trial and error is sometimes needed to find the right medication for a patient’s acne, the time needed to see results will vary. We encourage individuals to be patient when achieving results with the help of a skilled dermatologist on our team.

What can be done about acne scarring?

Our team can help improve acne scars, but we must address the active acne before we can effectively address the scarring it leaves behind. Scarring may be improved with chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and even dermal fillers.

Why should I see a dermatologist for my acne?

Over-the-counter products may be enough for some patients, but those struggling with controlling their acne and acne breakouts may need the assistance of a skilled dermatologist who can provide other services and prescription products that can eliminate acne once and for all!