Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgery at The Woodruff Institute

One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. If you should get the news that you have skin cancer, the physicians and staff at The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery offer the highest quality skin cancer treatment available to the people of Southwest Florida.

Rebecca W. Lambert MD, one of the founding members of The Woodruff Institute, and Kathryn J. Russell MD are fellowship trained Mohs Surgeons. Mohs surgery is a surgical procedure designed to remove a skin cancer completely, yet leaving as much healthy tissue behind as possible. In fellowship-trained hands, Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate among all other treatments for skin cancer.

While any dermatologist may offer to perform Mohs surgery, only Fellows of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) have undergone rigorous fellowship training. Mohs Surgery Fellows are chosen through an extremely competitive selection process and are required to complete an intensive 1 or 2 year post-residency ACMS fellowship training program. Becoming a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery is a qualification earned by less than 8% of all dermatologists nationwide.

Jonathan E. Sonne, MD, also a founding member of The Woodruff Institute, is a fellowship trained and board certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon. Our patients receive the precision of a Mohs Surgeon and the aesthetic expertise of a Facial Plastic Surgeon for the treatment of their skin cancers to give the best possible results.

Our approach to skin cancer is proactive, preventive, and prescriptive. Our goal is to completely remove the tumor while minimizing the scarring. There are a variety of treatments available to patients for enhancement of reconstructed areas following skin cancer surgery. We will continue to work with patients after their surgery to minimize scarring. Click here to learn more about skin cancer treatment at The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.

The Woodruff Institute is Expanding to Fort Myers!

The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is expanding! We are pleased to announce our newest location in the Fort Myers area, conveniently located at 14440 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 102, in Fort Myers. Adding a new location will allow us to further expand our general and cosmetic dermatology services to the people of Southwest Florida.

Since 2004, The Woodruff Institute has offered Southwest Florida patients the region’s highest quality, state-of-the-art facial aesthetic surgery, dermatology and reconstructive surgery. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, quality care in an elegant environment, with services ranging from skin cancer treatment, psoriasis management, acne and rosacea treatment, to the latest in cosmetic procedures.

Plans for this state-of-the-art new facility include full service medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology, including Mohs Surgery performed by fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon, Kathryn J. Russell, M.D.

The design phase for the new facility has been completed, and construction begins soon! We plan to move in the Fall of 2016.

In addition to this exciting news, we are delighted to announce that Sarah M. Schloss, PA-C will be joining our practice. Sarah is a nationally certified Physician Assistant who has been specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology since 2007. She obtained her Master’s of Medical Science at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and is an affiliate of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Sarah specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adult and pediatric dermatology disorders. She is also certified and trained to perform both cosmetic and medical laser procedures.

Please follow us on Facebook for more information and up-to-date announcements.

We are excited to be joining the Fort Myers medical community and look forward to caring for all of your dermatological concerns.

Selfies are more deadly than SHARKS?!

People have fallen down the steps of the Taj Mahal, fallen off bridges, and been electrocuted in an effort to take the perfect selfie.

In fact, there have been more selfie-related deaths this year (12) than have been deaths from shark attacks (8).

The selfie obsession has reached such a point that some governments have introduced measures to reduce the risk of accident. In Australia, a 16 story rock that resembles a wedding cake has been cordoned off because despite warnings it could collapse at any time, people continued to take photos on it.

In Russia, a poster was released warning the public of the dangers of doing such things as taking a selfie while holding a gun. Good advice because a teenager died when he shot himself while taking a selfie.

The moral of the story seems to be not only that fatal shark attacks are far less common than you might think, but to think twice before you do something reckless in the hope the photo will win you some approval online.

So for this “Tips Tuesday” please think before you take an unnecessary risk to get the perfect selfie… what a waste of all that time and effort you put in to making your skin healthy & beautiful!

Forget dry shampoos… Try Botox for Scalp Sweating!

Forget dry shampoos or simply putting hair in a ponytail. When it comes to avoiding excessive sweat during pre-work or midday workouts, some women are turning to Botox injections, dubbed ‘blowtox’ in the scalp to save their hair days and their blowouts.

Dermatologists have used Botox scalp injections for years to ease migraines. Botox is also being used to treat patients with excessive sweating under the arms that can be socially embarrassing, or for those with excessive sweating on the palms.

In small doses Botox blocks the nerves that supply the sweat glands, leading them to stop producing sweat. But whether it’s the armpits or the scalp for a blowtox injection, the results are only temporary.

Click here to watch a video of a patient who underwent this in-office treatment with Dr. Kathryn Russell. Call us today to find out if Botox Scalp Treatments are right for you!

Are Microneedles the New Lasers?

For years, we’ve been told to break habits that hurt our skin such as don’t pick at scabs. A new treatment shows that hurting our skin actually make it look better.

Microneedling is a non-surgical procedure, which uses tiny needles to puncture the skin and create “micro injuries.” Those small wounds trigger the skin to repair itself by producing new collagen. More collagen, of course, means plumper, smoother, and healthier-looking skin. This has inspired the use of microneedling to address a multitude of common skin issues, including fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and enlarged pores

What to Expect
A topical anesthetic and human growth factor serum are applied. A patient’s face is then thoroughly cleaned before treatment. The needling itself typically feels like a slight vibration, sometimes a slight tingling, on the skin. All told, the procedure takes less than an hour. Depending on the depth of the microneedling some redness can occur lasting from a few hours to a few days.

The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is excited to offer the Collagen P.I.N. microneedling system. Collagen P.I.N. activates cellular regeneration to help tighten and lift skin, while minimizing common skin problems such as acne scars, fine lines, photo-aging, dull skin, poor texture, stretch marks and body scars.

What do you think—would you try micro-needling? Contact The Woodruff Institute today to see how you can benefit from microneedling. Call us at 239-498-DERM (3376)

Staff Spotlight: Q&A with Debbie Wallace, Physician Assistant

What inspired you to pursue a career as a PA?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been interested in anything medical. For one reason or another, I did not choose medicine initially – I chose computer programming. While I made a lot of money in Information Technology (IT), it was not a career in which I thrived or enjoyed.

Years ago, while living in southern California and working in IT, I was working for a company who mandated all employees be trained in CPR and Basic First Aid. After 3 weeks of becoming certified in CPR/BLS, I was driving down the 405 freeway in southern California and noticed there was an auto accident. Apparently, a man had been ejected from his vehicle and was lying on the side of the road. I was the first responder and immediately assessed the man who had no pulse and was not breathing. Even though I had only been recently certified in CPR, it seemed like I had been born to do this, and I began performing one-rescuer CPR. Just as the EMT’s arrived, the man began breathing, his pulse was regained, and he began mumbling to me!! And as they were loading him into the ambulance, I decided at that very moment, that THIS is what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives – not just a company’s bottom line.

I continued home that night and when I told my husband what had just happened, he encouraged me to go back to school to follow my dream of being in medicine. And this is exactly what I did…..

In retrospect, I don’t feel that I really saved that man’s life – I think he actually saved my life!! He saved me from being in a career in which I was unhappy, and he was the catalyst who helped to set me on the right path to medicine. I will be forever grateful to him, even though I do not even know his name….

What are your specialties?
I really love doing full body skin examinations. These exams are critical in the prevention and early detection of skin cancers including melanoma. While I am performing them, I always educate patients on the types of lesions I see on their skin, what constitutes a “good” sunscreen, and ways to improve their skin (e.g., moisturizing daily on damp skin).

I also enjoy hand rejuvenation, which includes lasers and fillers. Many people are cognizant of rejuvenation of the face and neck, but most people do not realize that the hands are an easy way to tell someone’s age. How do YOUR hands look? Could they use some rejuvenation? Ask me more about it!!

What are some of the highlights of my career?
Certainly, the event mentioned above was the pivotal point to begin my career. Since then, it’s very rewarding to see a patient with rosacea, who struggled with facial redness for years, then have a series of IPL laser treatments, and be simply amazed at the significant reduction in redness on their cheeks and nose. Additionally, there are the patients who come in with acne scarring and are suffering from low self esteem due to the scarring. I counsel them on different ways to treat acne scarring including laser resurfacing with Pixel, microneedling, and chemical peels. After such treatments, the patients are delighted at the reduction in amount and severity of acne scarring.

What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
A. A sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater, with either zinc or titanium as active ingredients (products like Elta MD sunscreens are EXCELLENT!! I use Elta MD Daily (tinted) every day.
B. Sun protective clothing, including wide brimmed hats and SPF shirts like Bloq UV.
C. Moisturize skin daily but always on damp skin (i.e. after your shower, apply a moisturizing cream like CeraVe). ALWAYS moisturize on damp skin – NEVER on dry skin!!

Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
Yes!! A “good” sunscreen as mentioned above. Any of the Elta MD sunscreens are amazing…just ask me about them!!

What are your most common procedures you perform? Which ones do you most commonly recommend?
I perform full body skin exams on a daily basis. I also do a lot of laser treatments using IPL (for freckles and rosacea redness), Pixel (for laser resurfacing to treat wrinkles, crepy skin around the eyelids, laser resurfacing, stretch marks and scars), laser hair removal, and Clear Lift for skin tightening of the face and neck. Additionally, I do a lot of cosmetic injections including the neurotoxins Botox and Dysport, and facial fillers including Restylane Lyft, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk, Voluma, Juvederm Ultra, and Juvederm Ultra Plus. I also perform hand injections using Radiesse, for hand rejuvenation.

I commonly recommend any of the above depending on what bothers you!

What inspires you most in life?
My life long hobbies have been scuba diving and underwater photography, and I’ve been blessed to have traveled to many remote parts of the world. Since I have no children, my underwater photos are my “kids” so when you show me photos of your kids/grandkids, I’ll show you my “kids!!”

What do you like to do for fun?
My work is really fun for me! I have wonderful patients to care for, and I also have a great staff here at the Woodruff Institute who help me care for them!! It’s really fun (and NOT work) if you do what you love…

What do you like most about working at The Woodruff Institute?
The wonderful patients we care for, and our amazing staff who works so cohesively as a team to achieve a common goal of excellent patient care.

Kybella is Now Available!

It’s here, it’s here! We have been anticipating the release of Kybella (deoxycholic acid) for months and we finally have this new medication available. Kybella is a non-surgical treatment for the stubborn fat pad below the chin, affectionately known as a “double chin”. The injection is derived from a naturally occurring digestive molecule that breaks down fat. The treatment consists of a series of injections into the area under the chin. Most patients require 2-6 treatments spaced about a month apart and the treatment itself is fairly quick, around 15-30 minutes. People tolerate the procedure well and describe a burning feeling that usually resolves in 15 minutes. After each treatment, patients can expect some swelling and bruising of the area for about 3-7 days. It takes several months to see the full effects but the results are long lasting. Kybella may be a great treatment option for someone looking to improve their “double chin” but wants to avoid liposuction or surgery.

Now I know what you are thinking… an injection that dissolves fat?!? Kybella is strictly FDA approved for the submental region, also known as under the chin. The safety and efficacy of the treatment in other body areas has not been studied. However, we foresee and are hopeful that a similar product for other areas will be released in the next few years. Now, that doesn’t mean stop your diet and exercise regimen. Like most cosmetic procedures performed, Kybella combined with a healthy lifestyle will yield the greatest results.

Staff Spotlight: Q&A with Nicole Habib, Physician Assistant

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant?
I’ve always loved science and medicine and when I learned what a Physician Assistant was I knew it was perfect for me. I really do love my job and I feel very lucky to be doing what I love.

Q. What are your specialties?
I love doing cosmetic treatments such as Botox and fillers, as well as I have a soft spot for acne and I enjoy treating acne and seeing how it affects someone’s self-esteem.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career?
I remember feeling such happiness and a sense of purpose when I saw that I had treated a young girl’s acne and it went from severely scarring to almost clear. She looked like a completely different person and it was a very rewarding to see her results.

Q. What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
The very first thing I would make sure to do is prevent UV damage by applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every morning. I highly recommend the Elta MD UV daily because it feels great and is a superior protection. The second thing would be to add a vitamin C serum such as the Skinceuticals Phloretin CF because that is going to help prevent damage by neutralizing free radicals. And the last thing I would focus on is restoration at night be adding either an over-the-counter retinol or a prescription strength Retinoid.

Q: Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen. Did I say sunscreen?

Q. What do you include in your own skin care regimen?
I think the better question here is what do I NOT do. My morning routine includes washing my face with a gentle cleanser such as CeraVe hydrating cleanser and patting my skin dry. I then apply my Skinceutical Phloretin CF vitamin C serum to dry skin. I follow that with my Elta MD UV clear sunscreen and allow that to dry. Then I mix my Aczone acne medication with CeraVe cream and apply that to my face and neck. My nightly routine includes washing my makeup off with SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel and every 3 to 4 days I will also exfoliate with my Clarisonic brush. I then pat my skin dry and apply my SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum. Following that, I mix CeraVe cream with my Retin-A cream and apply that to my face, neck and chest.

Q. What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
I perform a lot of full skin exams, but I also do a lot of laser treatments for brown spots and quite a bit of Dysport treatments and filler treatments to add volume to the cheeks and lines around the mouth. I would say, I do a little bit of everything, which I love!

Q. What inspires you most in life?
Traveling and being able to see the world has been such a great inspiration. I love seeing new things, and experiencing and learning about different cultures. I’ve been lucky enough to visit over 20 countries and I’m always trying to plan my next adventure.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
I love photography and photographing people and places. I also love spending time with family and friends.

Q. What do you like most about working at The Woodruff Institute?
The people! Feels like a family here!

Staff Spotlight: Q&A with Amy Buzzell, Licensed Aesthetician

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as an aesthetician?
I have always loved skin, makeup, hair, beauty since I was a kid. I can remember as a small child playing with my mother’s rouge and will forever love the smell of Noxzema.

Q. What are your specialties?
Skincare – It is always a great feeling when I am able to help a patient transform their skin. My patient rapport, education and passion for what I can offer my patients, drives me to perform effective facial treatments and design appropriate skin care regimens for home use. This is all accomplished in a relaxed spa-like setting, where the patient’s needs and comfort come first. I have an abundance of treatments available to customize for all patient concerns.

Makeup – Training with Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics has given me the ability to enhance my patient’s beauty while nourishing and protecting their complexion from UV and free radical damage. My passion for creating a look is evident whether we are doing a natural everyday application or giving the little extra oomph!

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career?
Working in the salon and spa industry gave me the opportunity to expand my career into Makeup Artistry. I have worked with many brides creating their most important look for their special day, everyday women who want to enhance their beauty through cosmetics and free-lanced events around Southwest Florida for Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Some of the best highlights would be the shows I have done from traditional fashion shows to extreme hair and makeup shows.

Q. What is the most important thing a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
Sun protection is the most important thing a patient can do to maintain a healthy complexion. On a daily basis, I prefer to use and recommend the EltaMD Daily or Clear Tinted for the face and EltaMD Lotion for the body. If water resistance is needed my favorite is the EltaMD Sport and if chasing after your kids is your challenge the EltaMD Aero (spray and water resistant) is great!

When it comes to anti-aging and overall balancing the skin, I feel it is best to seek a professional opinion on different facial treatments and home regimens for each individual skin type.

Q: Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
Preventing signs of aging doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I feel that antioxidants are very important when talking about prevention. Although antioxidants may be pricey to purchase, if they are stable, quality products, then they will be worth the cost. With that being said, when purchasing anti-aging products be sure to do your research to make sure you are getting the best for your skin.

Q. What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
The most common procedure I do is a SkinCeuticals Micropeel with Dermaplaning. This is a great treatment because it combines multiple exfoliating procedures along with Antioxidant therapy and a wonderful massage that relaxes contracted muscles, improves blood and lymphatic circulation, eases sinus pressure and headaches and leaves you with a rested, radiant look!

Q. What inspires you most in life?
What inspires me most in life? Lilly and Jaelyn!! My children. I strive every day to not only provide for them but to show them how strong and successful you can be if you continue to work hard and go after what you want in life.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
Family time is most fun for me. I love playing with the kids, boating, hiking, cooking etc. And for just “me time” I like to go to the gym!

Q. What do you like most about working at The Woodruff Institute?
There are so many reasons I love working for The Woodruff Institute. I have always wanted to work with a distinguished dermatology practice. I was very warmly welcomed into this team and everyday is a learning experience. The talent is very widespread in our offices and the patient service is top notch!

Botox Treatment for Scalp Sweating

Botox is a very effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in areas like the armpits, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. But did you know that Botox is starting to be used for treatment of excessive sweating of the scalp too?

Botox scalp treatments are rapidly becoming popular, especially among women who sweat excessively while exercising, yet want to avoid over shampooing and styling their hair. These patients find that typical dry shampoos are not effective and are trying Botox to help prevent buildup of sweat and oil.

The treatment is relatively simple and painless. The process involves cleansing the scalp with alcohol first, then administering small injections into the scalp and around the hairline. Most patients need around 100 to 200 units of Botox initially. The treatment takes only a few minutes and typically lasts up to 6 months.

Click here to watch a video of our patient who underwent this in-office treatment with Dr. Kathryn Russell. Call us today to find out if Botox Scalp Treatments are right for you!