Skin Care & Laser Dermatology Clinic | Dr. Derek Jones : Los Angeles, Beverly Hills

Skin Care and Laser Dermatology Clinic, led by Dr. Derek Jones, offers a wide array of services in general and cosmetic dermatology. Contact our dermatologists in Los Angeles and book a consultation today!

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Skin Care & Laser Physicians Looks Forward to ESKATA™

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Good news for patients looking to treat their seborrheic keratoses: On Dec. 15, the U.S. FDA gave its approval to Aclaris Therapeutics’ ESKATA™. This represents the first FDA-approved topical, noninvasive treatment for a cosmetic problem that is still not fully understood by the medical community.

Dermatologists are not entirely sure what causes seborrheic keratoses—sometimes known as age spots or barnacles of wisdom—to appear, though ultraviolet radiation, genetics, and the passage of time all seem to play a part. The growths appear in a range of colors, often have a waxy or scaly look, and can grow anywhere on the body, though they often show up on the face and other visible areas, especially in middle age and beyond.

That said, ESKATA™ has proven to be effective at clearing up these non-cancerous, raised growths. In trials leading up to the FDA approval, ESKATA™ was found to be more effective than placebos in treating four SKs over a course of two sessions spaced three weeks apart.

The solution itself has a hydrogen peroxide base, used in high concentrations to specifically attack seborrheic keratoses. ESKATA™ is delivered via a pen-like device, available from healthcare providers as an in-office treatment. Patients can expect some redness, itching, swelling, and related side effects, but the overall treatment has been found to be less painful than other current SK treatments, including lasers, freezing, and electrodessication.

The physicians at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills—Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black—were all advisors working with the product as it was developed, so they are particularly enthusiastic about its FDA approval and pending availability for the general public. The treatment should be widely available in the spring of 2018.

Find out more about ESKATA™ in the Los Angeles area, as well as seborrheic keratoses and other skin conditions and treatments available at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Visit the practice’s Contact Us page, or call 310-246-0495.

A Look Back at 2017’s Highlights

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TIME Magazine kicked off a year of dermatological highs with a cover story on BOTOX® at the start of 2017. For the team at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, recognition for the wrinkle-smoother—the most popular cosmetic treatment in the world—came as no surprise. The article set the tone for 365 days marked by innovation, development, and breakthroughs, both around the world and at the practice. Here are just a few more highlights:

• Early in the year, the physicians added new applicators for CoolSculpting treatments to the Beverly Hills practice, making a noninvasive fat-reduction session more accessible and speedy. The CoolAdvantage Plus™ was designed to impact the fat cells throughout the entire abdominal area in 45 minutes—a welcome improvement for our patients with busy schedules.

• As spring buds began to bloom, Juvederm® announced a new filler joining its lineup: Vollure™ XC. Built on the same hyaluronic acid backbone as the other fillers in the family, Vollure™ XC added six months to the longevity of the company’s nasolabial fold-reducing results. Patients who choose this filler can enjoy up to 18 months of younger-looking skin in the treated areas.

• One of the most innovative products the Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills team has seen came to the practice in 2017: Restorsea™. The fish-derived treatment harnesses the natural power of hatching salmon to gently remove dead skin with reduced sensitivity and side effects. Best of all (aside from the refreshed look): No fish are harmed by the collection of the main ingredient.

• Toward the end of the year, Dr. Derek Jones presented his work as lead author with a team to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, raising awareness of the need for increased research into aesthetic treatments applied to men. Pointing out a discrepancy between female and male dosing needs, the study called for a better understanding of male facial and skin characteristics, as well as willingness from doctors to tailor their treatments for the good of the patient.

What news does 2018 have in store? Follow along with Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills throughout the year to see. Happy new year!

Get to Know Our New Fraxel® Technology

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Later in the year, the Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills team welcomed some new technology to the practice: Fraxel® DUAL. While the Fraxel® laser technology has long been on the menu of services, DUAL represents a step forward with its two primary benefits (as the name implies). Actually, it may better be described as a laser that focuses on two elements of the skin: the surface and below.

Since laser light can penetrate the surface, delivering heat energy to deeper layers, Fraxel® DUAL works as a multi-purpose treatment by creating tiny columns in the skin. The skin’s natural repair response kicks in to address each small channel by triggering new collagen growth. This structurally supportive molecule not only heals the miniscule injuries made intentionally by the laser, it improves the surrounding skin, too. Wrinkles and blemishes can smooth out and fade, leading to younger, healthier-looking skin.

While a single treatment is generally enough to begin to generate results, most patients find that the results they want appear after multiple treatment sessions, with the look of the skin improving more on each subsequent visit. Though it’s not a magic wand that freezes time, Fraxel® DUAL gives patients a fresh start, which can best be maintained by staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, eating well, exercising regularly, and generally following a healthy lifestyle plan.

Fraxel® DUAL is just one of numerous laser- and light-based treatments available at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Contact the practice by calling 310-246-0495 or visiting the Contact Us page to learn more about this and other options, or to set up a consultation.

Off-Label Uses for BOTOX® Cosmetic

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The FDA has approved BOTOX® Cosmetic for two very specific uses: addressing frown lines on the forehead and crow’s feet next to the eyes. At Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, BOTOX® Cosmetic is sometimes used to treat other areas as well in what are known as “off-label” uses.

Working off label simply means your doctor is applying BOTOX® in a way that is not officially approved for interstate marketing. Many such applications are well studied and documented by doctors all around the United States and world—it’s just that advertising those specific uses around the country hasn’t yet been given a green light by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Derek Jones is intimately familiar with the FDA and its processes, having served as an investigator in numerous trials, including the one that landed BOTOX® its approval to be marketed for treating crow’s feet, known clinically as lateral canthal lines.

At his practice, he also uses it for the FDA-approved frown lines (glabellar lines), as well as off-label to reduce the amount of upper gums visible when some people smile, to provide a subtle lift to the upper lip as desired, and to soften patients’ jawlines.

Only doctors who are familiar with the product they use and well-versed in its safety and applications should use it off label. Any patient who wants to know more about what an FDA approval does or doesn’t mean, as well as the safe application of injectables, can ask detailed questions during a consultation. No treatment should be administered unless the patient is totally satisfied with the answers received and the decision to move forward.

At Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, dermatologists Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black work together to provide their patients with services that are both effective and safe. For more information or to arrange a consultation, visit the practice’s Contact Us page or call 310-246-0495.

Women and Hair Loss: PRP Can Help

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While hair loss is often portrayed as a problem faced by balding men, the reality is that up to 40 percent of the people suffering from hair loss in the United States are women. While men tend to experience what is known as androgenic alopecia in the form of receding hair lines and growing bald patches farther back on the scalp, women with the problem of genetic hair loss frequently find that their hair is more generally thinning. At Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, PRP can help.

Platelet-rich plasma, made from a patient’s own blood that has been collected and processed to concentrate the most beneficial elements, has been shown to stimulate follicles in the scalp, encouraging new hair growth where density has been dwindling due to a hereditary condition.

While there are facilities that offer treatments that remove grafts from healthy areas of the scalp and transplant them to areas experiencing thinning, this requires hair to be closely cropped—resulting in a look not all women are eager to show off. It can also be a time consuming and costly process, making PRP injections an appealing alternative.

Women may understandably be reluctant to discuss hair loss, which is why the Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills works with discretion and care. The dermatologists at this physician-only practice work with each patient to determine the apparent root cause of the hair loss and make a recommendation for treatment.

Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black are all board-certified dermatologists. To contact them at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills and learn more about PRP for hair loss, visit the practice’s Contact Us page or call 310-246-0495 to arrange for a consultation.

Don’t Take Acne Worries Back to School

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Students may be excited about starting a new school year, but not so excited about a new pimple that pops up on Picture Day. While a single spot is to be expected (but never picked at), some young men and women deal with a more widespread problem when it comes to acne. Beverly Hills dermatologists Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black are experienced in acne treatment, blending cosmetic and medical skin care to help people struggling with the common problem get clearer skin and maintain it into the future.

The good news, they like to tell their worried patients, is that virtually any case of acne can be treated. It may require a combination of therapies, but the team is prepared to tackle anything from pesky pustules to more severe cysts and nodules.

In the meantime, remember:

• Don’t poke, prod, or pick a pimple. This can lead to a worsening infection and more visible bumps on the skin, as well as potential scarring.

• Keep your face clean by washing it every day, but avoid harsh cleansers that strip away everything beneficial on the face—and don’t scrub too hard.

• Get plenty of sleep, nutritious food, and water to maintain a healthy body.

If acne worsens and does cause scarring, don’t despair: That can be addressed, too. Laser skin resurfacing is available to reduce the appearance of acne scars (and other cosmetic problems).

Above all: Keep a positive outlook. Acne doesn’t define you, and it’s certainly not forever.

Learn more about treatment by reaching out online or calling 310-246-0495.

Is Your Skin Ready for Fall Weather?

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In the Beverly Hills area, people like to pretend that warm weather will last forever. Thanks to movies and TV shows that depict the region as a never-cloudy paradise populated by nothing more than movie stars and surfers, the rest of the world may even believe in an Endless Southern California Summer, but autumn does come to us all. Even Los Angeles. Dermatology experts—like Drs. Derek Jones, Naissan Wesley, and Jeanette Black—frequently remind their patients and the population at large that just because a day might be overcast, it’s not time to ditch the skin protection or daily care routines.

That nose you use to sniff out pumpkin spice everything as soon as it’s available? Keep covering it up with sunscreen. If you read this blog faithfully, you’ll know that this is a common bit of advice—because it’s so important for your skin beauty and health. Gray skies are not shields against ultraviolet radiation, so stay just as vigilant about blocking out those sneaky rays, even when local stores start decorating for Christmas.

In fact, all of the regular rules for your skin apply, no matter the season: Eat well, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep. Staying healthy does wonders for a youthful complexion—but remember that if L.A. can’t stop the seasons from turning, neither can you. You can expect some sagging and wrinkling to happen as you get older, even if you’re vigilant about skin care, but that’s why there are dermal fillers and other options available. Many of today’s highly studied and safe products are ideal for small corrections that can leave you looking refreshed and subtly younger, with no obvious puffing or tightening. Check out, for instance, Vollure™ XC and other “next gen” fillers from Allergan.

Face the turning of time confidently. Contact Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills online or by calling 310-246-0495.

Beyond BOTOX®: More Treatments Tailored for Men

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Our team regularly highlights the benefits men can enjoy in using BOTOX® Cosmetic. Beverly Hills-area patients looking for a distinctly masculine approach to nonsurgical cosmetic treatments are growing increasingly familiar with the injectable, known for its ability to selectively target key muscles to give patients a more relaxed appearance.

But BOTOX® is not the only option. Studies have shown that men looking to maintain or improve their appearance also tend to opt for laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dermal fillers, with hyaluronic-acid-based products like Juvederm® being the most popular. In fact, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and dermal fillers all increased in popularity in recent years, as did laser skin resurfacing.

The upward trend could be attributed to several factors, including the increasing acceptance of men choosing cosmetic treatments for themselves, a corresponding increase in providers tailoring their treatments for a masculine clientele, and overall growing awareness of an ever-expanding roster of brands and lines available to smooth out wrinkles, even skin tone, and provide a refreshed look.

Some have even suggested that as more and more women turn to treatments that knock years off of their appearances, husbands are finding that they don’t want to be left behind—looking significantly more advanced in years than their wives. That said, a desire to turn back the clock seems to be less intense in men, who state a preference for treatments that make them look less stressed, while still mature enough to command respect.

Dermatologists Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black offer a variety of treatments for men, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. For more information or to arrange a consultation, visit the practice’s Contact Us page or call 310-246-0495.

A Dermatologist Asks: Are You Properly Applying Sunscreen?

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We just recently wrote about summer skin care tips for anyone enjoying the weather in Los Angeles. Dermatologists may start to sound like sun-focused broken records for how often the subject of proper protection comes up, but as far as anyone knows, our primary source of heat and light isn’t going away anytime soon. We all have to learn how to live with it in a way that will keep us healthy long into our later years.

We’re raising the subject again now, because research presented to the British Association of Dermatologists at their annual conference in early July indicated that people miss about 10 percent of their total facial skin when they put on sunscreen.

That 10 percent may sound small, but is a potentially bigger problem since—the University of Liverpool reports—the neck and head, including the face, is where more than 90 percent of all BCC forms. That’s basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the most common and significantly avoided facial area when it comes to sunscreen are the eyelids and the region that encompasses the bridge of the nose, extending to the inner corner of either eye. Many bottles come with warnings against getting the product in, on, or near the eyes, which can explain the average person’s reluctance to rub the protection in there.

There is, however, an easy fix: sunglasses.

More than a set of lenses designed to protect open eyes from harsh glare, sunglasses can also filter out UV rays that can damage skin cells in the eyelid, where up to 10 percent of all skin cancers occur.

While modern treatments for skin cancer are incredibly effective, prevention remains the best strategy in protecting against both skin cancer and the negative cosmetic effects of the sun.

Learn more about skin cancer, sun protection, and more from Los Angeles dermatologists Dr. Derek Jones, Dr. Naissan Wesley, and Dr. Jeanette Black at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. For more information or to arrange a consultation, visit the practice’s Contact Us page or call 310-246-0495.

Self-Perception and Kybella: Beverly Hills’ Dr. Derek Jones Notes New Study Results

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How do you feel about the area of your neck just under your chin? If you’re anything like the people who responded to a recent survey on self perception, there’s a good chance you don’t like it—and that the source of your dislike is a double chin. Long familiar with submental fullness-fighting Kybella® injections, Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Derek Jones, who worked as an investigator in the product’s FDA trials, noted with interest the survey results, presented earlier this year at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in Orlando, Florida.

According to the survey commissioned by Kybella® maker Allergan, 47 percent of the women and men surveyed noted that they were bothered by the appearance of their under-chin area.

The number even grew slightly to 49 percent when the survey participants, all between 18 and 65 years old, were asked whether they felt that the look of their submental area negatively impacted their appearance.

Other notable numbers from the survey of almost 2,000 people:

  • 45 percent felt that other people specifically noticed the look of their under-chin area
  • 35 percent claimed that they stay away from cameras and keep off-screen for videos because of self-consciousness due to a double chin
  • 29 percent of the men admitted growing a beard to hide their neck
  • 78 percent noted a greater likelihood of spotting a woman’s double chin, as opposed to a man’s

Around when Kybella® was first approved for the public in the spring of 2015, results from an American Society for Dermatologic Surgery survey revealed a higher number, with 70 percent of the adults surveyed expressing frustration over a double chin.

Dr. Derek Jones offers Kybella® in Beverly Hills, alongside fellow dermatologists Dr. Naissan Wesley and Dr. Jeanette Black at Skin Care & Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. For more information or to arrange a consultation, visit the practice’s Contact Us page or call 310-246-0495.