Hyperpigmentation | Excessive Sweating | Earlobe Repair | Charleston, SC | Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics
At Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics, we provide our patients with dermatology care that improves their quality of life and boosts their self-confidence. From complex cosmetic treatments that target uneven skin tones to treatments that address the embarrassing effects of excessive sweating, we can help. Our team offers the highest quality of cosmetic dermatology care with treatments, devices, and products specifically chosen for their safety, quality, and efficacy.
Schedule your cosmetic dermatology consultation at Réforme Dermatology in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Daniel Island, James Island, and the greater Charleston area to speak with a board-certified dermatologist about your concerns and treatment options.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Patients of all skin types, tones, and ages can be affected by brown spots or discoloration on their face and body. For younger individuals, these skin discolorations usually occur in areas where acne was once present and is medically referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Women often suffer from skin discoloration called melasma, which presents as flat, brown or tannish patches. Oral contraceptives, pregnancy hormones, and sun exposure can cause melasma.
In older individuals, benign brown spots on the face and body are commonly called solar keratosis or solar lentigines. These wisdom spots result from genetics, sun exposure, and aging. Although these types of brown spots are not dangerous to one’s health, they can be bothersome to patients.
What Are the Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation?
The common causes of hyperpigmentation, or more specifically, what causes excess production of melanin, include sun exposure, acne scarring, genetics, hormonal imbalances, and some prescription medications.
How Do We Treat Hyperpigmentation?
During your initial consultation, your dermatologist will evaluate your brown spots or discoloration to ensure there is no potential danger to your health. You will be scheduled for treatment once it has been determined that the discoloration is benign.
Depending on your individual cosmetic goals and availability for downtime after treatment, your dermatologist will likely use one of the following treatments.
Topical Treatments
- Hydroquinone
- Retinoid
- Azelaic Acid
Skin Resurfacing Treatments
- Chemical Peels. During a chemical peel, a skin-resurfacing acid such as glycolic acid is applied across the skin’s surface. It’s left on the skin for a monitored period of time, allowing the acid to exfoliate the surface of the skin, eliminating acne-causing bacteria, removing dead skin cells, and shedding uneven skin tones. After a brief recovery period where the skin peels lightly, the results reveal a healthy, vibrant, and more even complexion.
- Microneedling. A microneedling treatment, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves a device equipped with hundreds of micro-fine needles that penetrate the skin’s surface. The treatment produces desirable results by initiating the shedding of damaged skin cells and regenerating the skin with increased elastin and collagen. Once microneedling triggers the skin’s healing process, you will notice new, collagen-rich tissue that results in a noticeable lift and brightness to your skin’s tone.
Schedule a Consultation
Explore the fully customizable and transformative dermatological treatments with double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile, who combines her extensive knowledge of skin health with her passion for finding innovative reparative and preventative treatments. Dr. Vasile’s collaborative, personalized approach to skin health and vitality meets the specific needs of her patients by utilizing state-of-the-art technology, science-based skincare products, and peer and patient-reviewed techniques and treatments.
With a keen aesthetic eye and precision, Dr. Vasile creates balanced and natural results for a variety of aging and skin-related concerns while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Schedule your consultation today and experience a self-esteem boost with beautiful, healthy, vibrant skin.
What Is Excessive Sweating?
Excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis, can be an embarrassing condition. Most of the time, excessive sweating is localized to the hands, feet, or armpits. Anxiety or high-stress situations often trigger excessive sweating, but it can also occur throughout the day, significantly impairing your activities.
Patients who come to Réforme Dermatology for excessive sweating treatments often complain that they sweat through their clothes, have yellow stains in the underarm areas of shirts or dresses, and suffer embarrassment due to constant wet marks on their clothing.
How Do We Treat Excessive Sweating?
We help our patients manage their hyperhidrosis symptoms with Botox® injections or topical prescription medication. Botox® is a protein injected into the skin to block the sweat signals locally. This non-invasive, convenient treatment only prevents excessive sweating where the injections occur. A series of small injections are performed in a strategic pattern. With a light numbing cream, most patients tolerate the treatment well.
The results from Botox® injections for excessive sweating last anywhere from four to six months, after which further treatments are needed to maintain results.
What Is Earlobe Repair?
Earlobe tears are a common cosmetic concern that often occur after continuously wearing heavy earrings. Traumatic events can also cause earlobe tears, such as an injury from a car accident, a dog bite, or someone unintentionally pulling your earrings. You may also wish to address the earlobe appearance after enlarging your piercings with gauged earrings to restore them to their original state. Additionally, keloid scars can form on the earlobe after piercing, resulting in itching and discomfort.
How Do We Conduct an Earlobe Repair?
The procedure is performed using a local anesthetic. The tear is evaluated, and pre-operative instructions are reviewed. On the day of your treatment, your ear will be numbed with a topical and injectable lidocaine, ensuring your comfort throughout the duration of the procedure. Scar tissue will be removed, and the earlobe will be sewn back together. The entire process takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes per earlobe. Stitches will be in place for 2 weeks.
Why Choose Dr. Gabriella Vasile at Réforme Dermatology?
Dr. Gabriella Vasile is double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery. Along with her advanced training, Dr. Vasile is equipped with the most advanced information and tools on the market, which significantly helps her mission to offer regenerative, preventative, and integrative medicines to her patients. As her patient, you can trust that she consistently implements the most research-based techniques in her surgeries. Additionally, Dr. Vasile’s meticulous eye for detail allows her to achieve desirable medical and aesthetic outcomes.
From the moment you contact Réforme Dermatology, you become our priority. Dr. Vasile and her highly trained team will take the time to answer your questions and ensure your comfort and preparation for your treatment and procedure. They will guide you through all pre- and post-op instructions to ensure a successful, quick, and smooth recovery.
Ready to Schedule Your Consultation?
Dr. Vasile and her expert team look forward to working with you to bring your medical and cosmetic goals into reality. To schedule your consultation, contact Réforme Dermatology by phone at (843) 974-1230 or contact us directly through our website.