List of Procedures Done in a Dermatology Clinic

Advances in modern technology have allowed men and women more options than ever before when it comes to correcting skin conditions and dermatological flaws. Dermatology clinics perform a variety of services that are designed to improve the appearance and health of your skin--and improve your self-esteem.

Acne Treatments

• One of the oldest skin problems is still one of the most commonly treated. Acne is the result of clogged pores caused by oil or bacteria that causes raised bumps and discoloration of the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from acne. Acne can be emotionally challenging for some and can result in significant scarring of the face and body. Dermatology clinics use a variety of procedures to treat the effects of acne. Treatments include topical medications, chemical peels and laser treatments to help lessen the appearance of acne-related scarring.

Anti-Aging Procedures

• Normal aging of the skin over time can lead to lines around the eyes and mouth, skin discoloration and sagging. Dermatology clinics use treatments designed to combat the signs of aging and to give the skin a more youthful appearance. Procedures such as chemical peels are useful in improving the smoothness and texture of the skin. Chemical peels are solutions containing Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) that are applied directly to the skin and remove its damaged outer layers.

  For more advanced signs of aging, procedures such as microdermabrasion may be performed. Microdermabrasion is a technique that uses small, rough grains to help buff away the outer layers of the skin, revealing the newer layers of skin underneath. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both performed over a period of several visits at a dermatology clinic and can be performed without general anesthesia.

Tattoo and Birthmark Removals

• Dermatology clinics can assist patients who want to have a tattoo removed through a series of laser treatments. The number of laser treatments required for successful removal varies based upon the color, density and depth of the tattoo ink. Smaller tattoos can typically be removed in three to eight sessions. However, larger or more advanced tattoos have much more ink and can take anywhere from six to 15 treatments for complete removal.

  The same sort of laser can also be used in the removal of birthmarks. Birthmarks can range in size from small discolorations to large, port wine types which tend to be darker in color and cover larger areas of the skin. Therefore, the number of treatments required will also depend on the size of the birthmark and the amount of skin discoloration involved.