Elaborate, gorgeous earrings continue to grow in popularity, but the heavier they are, the more dangerous they can be to your skin. Constantly wearing heavy earrings can wreak havoc, and eventually lead to complete splitting of the earlobe. If you notice that your earring hole is starting to elongate and become more of a slit rather than a hole, then it is being stretched. Also, tension, pain or discomfort with wearing a particular pair of earrings can be a sign that stress is being applied to your earlobe.

An easy option would be to avoid heavy earrings. If this is not possible, perhaps try making statement earrings an occasional use versus an everyday thing.

Splitting of the earlobe is not solely caused by large, heavy earrings. Earlobes can tear when earrings are snagged or pulled, the former is common when sleeping with earrings and the latter commonly occurs when holding a baby

Fortunately, torn earlobes are easily fixed with a small procedure that takes about ten minutes. During this process, the old earring hole is closed up and left to heal. The earlobe can be repierced in a couple of months.

If you think that you may be a candidate for earlobe repair or have any other dermatological concerns, contact The Woodruff Institute today to schedule an appointment with our Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Sonne.

Is your appearance holiday ready? If you are looking for that special glow before the holiday festivities, our Ready, Set, Glow event is for YOU!
Join us on Friday, November 8th from 6:00 to 8:30pm
Stop by, grab a glass of wine, and find your holiday GLOW!

You know that look you see when you catch yourself in a mirror on a day where you’re overstressed, overtired and just angry at the whole world? It could be because you have what has been dubbed RBF, code for “resting bitch face,” and we’re all subject to it some of the time.

Luckily, there is a remedy for RBF that can change your look, your outlook, and how others react to you too. Botox and Dysport, known as toxins, with or without dermal fillers, are the usual combination treatment of choice, depending on the severity of the issue and the patient’s ultimate goals.

Not all wrinkles are equal and different wrinkles have different causes. For example, glabellar frown lines between the brows are due mainly to overactive muscles and are usually treated first with toxins to relax the muscles. In some patients who have residual creases in the glabella region after treatment with toxins, hyaluronic acid gel fillers like Restylane may be indicated to soften them. The procedure may take 20 minutes and can range anywhere from hundreds to thousands, depending on how intensive the treatment is. It is also not permanent, so you will need to check-in for touch-ups every 4-6 months to a year or more.

The end result of this treatment plan is that it can help to make you look less sad or cross and more refreshed. Contact us at 239-498-DERM (3376) to schedule your visit in Naples, Bonita Springs or South Fort Myers.

Take Control of Your Feminine Health on National Women’s Health & Fitness Day

September 25th is National Women’s Health & Fitness Day- the largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. As women, our vaginal health is an important part of our total well-being. The Woodruff Institute wants to help our female patients take control of their feminine health, which is why we now offer Femilift™ and the O-Shot™.

Femilift™ is a breakthrough technology using the Alma CO2 laser to deliver fractionated light and thermal energy to assist in vaginal mucosa revitalization, which can help reduce urinary incontinence, increase sensation during intercourse, improve vaginal soreness/dryness, and reduce infections. During the procedure, a laser sleeve is inserted into the vagina to stimulate collagen renewal with fractional CO2 laser energy pulses for a deep thermal effect without irritating or damaging sensitive surface tissue. The whole procedure is painless with no down time. Most women achieve optimal results in three separate treatments over a three-month period.

The O-Shot™ is a treatment designed for women who have difficulty achieving orgasm using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP has become a highly sought-after non-surgical procedure used in several fields of medicine to promote healing and cell growth. The O-Shot™ is PRP therapy that utilizes a patient’s own blood to stimulate new vaginal cell growth for the purpose of amplification and rejuvenation of orgasm-producing vaginal tissue and improved sexual function. For most cases, it is a painless experience. Most women start to notice results within weeks.

Combining Femilift™ treatments with The O-Shot™ produces enhanced orgasms, heightened sensitivity, increased lubrication, more muscle control and treats prolapse and incontinence

Ready to feel more confident about your sex-life? Call our office to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

Stand up straight! Shoulders back! Chin up! If you try to knock off the appearance of a few extra years (or pounds) with these tricks your mother always told you, but still have areas of concern… JuVaShape™ may be just what you’re looking for.

JuVaShape™  is a radio frequency laser that not only assists in destroying your fat cells, but also uses bipolar radio frequency to improve the appearance and the contour of your face and body. The Bipolar technology in JuVaShape™  destroys fat cells and reshapes problem areas of the face or body, by melting fat cells and cellulite. JuVaShape™  then forces your body to rapidly produce excess collagen to restore firmness back into your skin.

Unlike other painful body contouring treatments, JuVaShape™  feels like a hot stone massage and is tolerated so well that many of our patients fall asleep during treatment.

If you are still unsure if JuVaShape™  is the right treatment for you, ask yourself a few of these questions:

• Are you interested in taking advantage of the latest and most advanced beauty technology to help improve the appearance of problem spots on your face or body?
• Do you want to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles on your face, revealing your naturally radiant beauty?
• Are you interested in noninvasive treatments that fit into your busy schedule, requiring little to no downtime and minimal discomfort?
• Does cellulite get in the way of your confidence despite a healthy lifestyle, clean diet and commitment to overall wellness?
• Are you interested in preventative, anti-aging treatments?

If you answered yes to even one of the questions then JuVaShape’s non-invasive, painless approach to achieving your goals is something to seriously consider.

At The Woodruff Institute there are Certified JuVaShape Technicians waiting for your contact us TODAY to setup a free consultation!

Did you know that September 22nd is the first official day of the Fall season? Even though we live in sunny Southwest Florida, we still feel the effects of the change in weather. Along with adjusting your wardrobe and latte flavor to match the season, this is a good time of year to make a few adjustments to your skin care routine. Here’s what’s on our fall skin care checklist.

Fall (at home) Skin Care Routine
The basic steps of a skin care routine are a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. Yet after the summer months of sweat, sunscreen, and excess oil, skin gets bogged down under a layer of cellular debris. When you exfoliate, you are ensuring that cells, specifically skin cells, are turned over optimally. Often, we will add a nighttime Retinol such as SkinCeuticals Retinol, which promotes cell turnover to help improve the look of skin that has been affected by the aging process. If you are looking to manage hyper pigmentation, ask your skin care physician about an appropriate skin care regimen such as the Obagi Nu-Derm® System, which includes a product that exfoliates (Exfoderm or Exfoderm Forte), products with prescription 4% hydroquinone to lighten skin, a moisturizer that hydrates, and a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum sun protection. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that is essential in any skin care regimen, as it helps your body repair damaged skin cells. We recommend adding a daytime Skinceuticals Vitamin C because their patented formulations deliver advanced environmental protection and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brightens skin’s complexion.

Just be sure to add one product at a time to prevent over dryness and/or irritation. Plus, when you see results you will know which product is working for you. We understand that finding the best skin care routine for your skin’s needs is challenging, this is why our aestheticians are available for complimentary consultations. Book yours today to learn more.

Book a Professional Aesthetic Treatment
You may be surprised at how, after a few weeks of getting down these basic steps, your other skin concerns calm down. But if they don’t, your next steps will depend on your skin’s specific needs. Our aestheticians can help assess and repair any summer skin damage by tailoring facials and treatments to your skin’s specific needs. Aesthetic treatments, like deep cleansing facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and micro needling with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), are the perfect way to clear away the build-up of cellular debris, sunscreen, and pollutants from summer buildup and outdoor activity. It’s also an excellent way to start the season fresh and prepare your skin for the cooler months ahead.

When Should you see a Dermatology Provider?
If you’re trying to address a specific skin concern (like acne or hyperpigmentation) and you’re not seeing any improvements with your at home routine or regular aesthetic treatments, a dermatologist can help figure out the issue and possibly prescribe a stronger medication or in-office procedure that may be more effective. Tretinoin is a retinoid prescription medication that’s widely used to treat acne and reverse many of the visual signs of aging. We dispense this medication right from all our offices. IPL, also called a Photofacial, is an excellent way our providers can safely and effectively treat sun damage, age and brown spots, freckles, rosacea, and wrinkles in one comprehensive treatment.

We also recommend a yearly comprehensive full-body skin examination. Your dermatologist will not only be looking for skin cancer and pre-cancers but can also diagnose and treat common skin conditions such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, nail fungus, and psoriasis.

Don’t Put Away Your Sunscreen!
Most people want to ease up on sunscreen in the winter months because they feel the sun is weaker, but we urge you to keeping using sunscreen because the sun’s damaging rays are still hitting you. Sun protection should be part of your daily routine to protect your skin from sneaky photo-damage that can happen even when you’re just out running errands or on your way to work. The EltaMD line of physician-dispensed sunscreens offers a wide variety of sunscreens for all types of skin types and needs. EltaMA is zinc-based and provides UVA/UVB protection and hydration in light, non-greasy, non-comedogenic formulas for all skin types. Don’t forget the back of your hands and ears!

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant?
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but wasn’t sure what route I wanted to take. One day, I accompanied my mother to an appointment, and met a PA for the first time. I instantly realized that I wanted to be a PA.

I love Dermatology because of the wide variety of ways I can help patients. Whether it be detecting a skin cancer, helping a patient regain his/her self-esteem by treating acne, helping to clear a mysterious rash, or helping a patient look naturally refreshed with cosmetic injections, I’m always excited to help.

Q. What are your specialties?
I have over 4 years of experience in Pediatrics, and love seeing patients of all ages from infants to elderly. I enjoy in all aspects of Dermatology including skin cancer checks, acne, psoriasis, eczema, warts, rashes, hair loss, and cosmetic procedures.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career?
I would say the most memorable highlights of my career have been when I diagnosed melanomas on patients that were not obvious. The fact that they were caught early and were able to be removed before they had spread was so rewarding.

Another highlight was when I treated a teenager with scarring acne. The patient went from always looking at the floor and mumbling to having great eye contact and the biggest smile because he regained his self-esteem.

One time a lady told me that she felt like she looked so tired and old. Her daughter was getting married in a few months, and she felt embarrassed to be in the photos. After filler and Botox treatments, she felt like I had taken 10 years off her face. She was so excited to be in her daughter’s wedding.

Q. What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
Sunscreen, moisturization, and retinoids.

Q: Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
The easiest way to prevent signs of aging is to protect your skin from the sun. Sunprotective clothing, stylish wide-brimmed hats, and the Elta MD line of sunscreens are my favorites.

Q. What do you include in your own skin care regimen?
I start each day by cleansing my face with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. I use Elta MD Tinted Elements sunscreen, and Jane Iredale BB cream for makeup. At night, I cleanse my face with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, followed by Elta MD PM Therapy and tretinoin 0.05%.

Q. What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
I perform full skin exams, biopsies, cryotherapy for warts/precancers/keratoses, Botox/Dysport injections, fillers, skin tag removal, blue light treatment, allergy patch testing, keloid treatments, and laser treatments (IPL, ndYag, resurfacing) for dark spots/broken blood vessels/scars/unwanted hair.
I most commonly recommend full skin exams since people often have skin cancers or dangerous moles that have gone unnoticed.

I also often recommend Botox/Dysport injections because it’s the easiest way to prevent wrinkles from etching in or worsening.

Q. What inspires you most in life?
My faith inspires my everyday life. I’m so grateful for all of my blessings, and am eager to pay it forward by taking care of patients.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
Growing up as the daughter of a retired Air Force officer, I’ve always loved traveling and trying new foods. My husband and I will (and often do) travel for food and coffee. I also enjoy running, photography, and exploring the outdoors with my husband and two young boys.

Q. What do you like most about working at TWI?
All the providers are experienced, intelligent, and ethical. The patient’s health always comes first. The staff is great. Everyone is kind, caring, and works hard as a team to take care of the patient’s needs. It is also an all-encompassing practice complete with Dermatologists, PAs, Mohs surgeons, a plastic surgeon, and aestheticians.

Q. What’s one thing that everybody needs to know about you?
I give all of my patients my full attention and respect. I consider my profession a privilege to be a part of, and work hard to solve my patient’s Dermatological problems.

Q. What makes you want to head to work every day?
I look forward to seeing the smile on a patient’s face whether it’s because I’ve helped to control a rash that’s been plaguing them for years, removed a growth that’s been painful, or helped them feel more confident with a cosmetic procedure.

Q. What do you do in (Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers), Florida for fun?
I love spending time on the water with my family (with sunscreen of course) whether it be watching a beautiful sunset, splashing around at the beach, hunting for seashells, or kayaking. It still amazes me that we can see so much beautiful wildlife every day. There are also so many beautiful running trails sprinkled throughout the area. I enjoy trying new restaurants with my husband since we are foodies.
Recently, I started to learn how to play golf. Definitely a Naples must.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Juvashape technician? Working in the Dermatology and cosmetic field inspired me to learn something new.

Q. What are your specialties? Juvashape- A radio frequency based, non-invasive treatment for volume loss and skin tightening.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career? The best part of my job is happy patients. I love comparing patients before and after pictures and seeing their face light up once they see the results.

Q. What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin? Wear SPF to prevent sun damage, use an anti-oxidant serum to help brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, Hydrate! The more water you drink, the happier your skin is.

Q: Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune? Protect your skin from the sun!!!!!!

Q. What do you include in your own skin care regimen? Mornings: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF and Elta MD Elements. Evenings: Obagi Tretinoin .025%, SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter and Obagi Elastidem eye cream.

Q. What do you like to do for fun? Off-roading in my Jeeps and four wheelers with my son.

Q. What do you like most about working at TWI? The family feel of our practice. Some places can  feel too corporate, but not here at TWI.

Q. What’s one thing that everybody needs to know about you? I love animals!!!

Q. What makes you want to head to work every day? My patients. During the Juvashape treatment process, I really get to know them and look forward to hearing about their lives.