Blog Archives | Page 6 of 6 | Ingrid E .Trenkle, MD

Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation with the PicoWay Laser

Hyperpigmentation is a very common condition. Although it is usually harmless, people often do not like the way these dark spots look on their skin. Luckily, there is an effective and safe way to treat this condition. The PicoWay Laser uses a photoacoustic effect to treat from underneath the top layer of the skin. As a result, this is a gentle treatment that causes very little downtime.

The PicoWay Laser for Hyperpigmentation

Dark spots are also known as benign pigmented lesions. They can be the result of sun exposure. You may see them in the form of freckles, brown patches, or liver spots. These spots can show up in a wide variety of places on the body. Melasma is another form of hyperpigmentation that can be treated with the PicoWay Laser. These spots show up after dramatic hormonal changes and are common for women during or after pregnancy.

The ultra-short pulse laser that is used in this treatment helps to break down the unwanted dark spots. Once broken down, the pigment is so small that it is invisible to the naked eye. Your body can easily flush out these tiny pigment particles.

Why Choose PicoWay Laser Treatment for Your Hyperpigmentation?

There are several reasons that patients and doctors both are so excited about this treatment. Some of the main ones are:

There is less heat than other treatments, resulting in far less discomfort.
You see more improvements with fewer treatments.
The approach is very targeted, meaning you will not have a long recovery time.

The PicoWay Laser Treatment

This is an FDA-approved treatment that not only helps with hyperpigmentation, but also acne scars, wrinkles, birthmarks, unwanted tattoos, and age spots. Although topical numbing agents can be used, many patients find them to be unnecessary. When used for hyperpigmentation, there is no downtime associated with getting this treatment done.

Many patients see results after just one treatment but will need multiple sessions to get to their ideal look. It will ultimately depend on the location, depth, and size of the area being treated. The PicoWay Laser is considered safe because it can target the excess melanin pigmentation while not damaging the surrounding skin.

If you are interested in learning more about the PicoWay Laser, contact our office today. We will be happy to schedule a personalized consultation where we can answer all of your questions and create a personalized treatment plan. Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD has two offices conveniently located in Redlands and Sun City, CA.

What is a Total Body Check For?

Among the many forms of cancer in the nation, skin cancer is among the most prevalent. It is important to safeguard your health and address any serious problems before they start. That’s why a total body check is one of the best things you can do to get ahead of the game. With Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, you will receive a warm, thorough, and professional assessment of your situation. We are firmly dedicated to the well-being of our patients and will do our very best to help you prevent the onset of skin cancer.

A total body check is a thorough inspection of your skin from head to toe. Skin cancer can assume a number of different appearances, and our medical professionals will bring their expertise to the fore in detecting any potential red flags. We perform such checks on people from all walks of life regardless of age, gender, and skin type. With expertise that spans over 30 years, Dr. Trenkle and her team strongly emphasize the importance of a total body check to ensure optimal quality of life and health. We recommend opting for this particular examination at least once a year to stay on top of any developments that may arise over time.

An ancient proverb states that the best battles are won without being fought. By taking the initiative to get a total body check, you can make an early and prudent investment in victory. Such a high degree of foresight will not only serve your physical health but provide you with greater peace of mind for the future.

Don’t let the fear of cancer get under your skin. Take advantage of this preventative measure and do what’s best for your future self right now. If you think you may be due for a total body check, look no further than Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD! We will be proud to help you get ahead of the curb and tackle any potential signs of skin cancer early on. Our offices are located in Redlands and Sun City, CA. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Retain Facial Elasticity with Restylane

The aging process of the skin is influenced by internal and external factors. As we age, our skin loses collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin fibers. In addition, external factors, such as drinking, smoking, and exposure to the sun, can also cause your skin to look much older. Restylane® is an effective way to increase facial volume, retain elasticity, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

What Is Restylane®?

Restylane® is a facial filler that is made of hyaluronic acid. It is a clear gel and works by acting like hyaluronic acid that naturally occurs in the body.

How Is the Treatment Administered?

First, the area that will be treated is disinfected. A small about of the product will be injected into the skin with a small needle or micro-cannula. This will fill fine lines and wrinkles and restore elasticity. After the injection is administered, the area may be gently massaged to even out the results. When it is administered in the lips, a local anesthesia may be given before the injection to help ease discomfort. Restylane® injections are also beneficial because it typically doesn’t take long to administer. Injection time will depend on which area is being treated, but it usually takes 15-45 minutes to administer the product.

How Long Does Restylane® Last?

Restylane® will not yield permanent results. Over time, the product will subtly diminish, which is why many individuals have it administered every six months. However, results can last from 12 to 18 months.

Who are Ideal Candidates for Restylane®?

Restylane® is beneficial for anyone who wants to restore elasticity in their face to achieve a younger looking appearance. It is usually administered on individuals between the ages of 35 to 60. Although the treatment is safe, it isn’t recommended for those who are under the age of 22, pregnant, or breastfeeding. In addition, Restylane® may not be a suitable treatment for those with bleeding disorders.

Recovery

There may be slight swelling at the injection site, but this will subside after two to three days. You can resume normal activities immediately after the injections. However, you should avoid the sun and always use an SPF of at least 30.

Contact the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD today to schedule your consultation! We are conveniently located in Redlands and Sun City, CA.

Skin Cancer: What To Look For

There are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Skin cancer most commonly occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body but may also develop in areas that rarely see UV rays. Skin cancer typically takes the form of a lump, bump, nodule, a sore that won’t heal, an unevenly shaped mole, or a discolored patch of skin. It is often painless, but some lesions may hurt or itch.

Here are three types of skin cancer to look out for:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma occurs primarily in areas that are exposed to a lot of sun, such as the face and neck, but can appear elsewhere. It may look like:

A flat, firm, flesh-colored or yellow scar-like lesion
A pearly or waxy growth
Itchy, raised reddish patches
Growths with raised edges and a lower area in the center
Open, non-healing sores

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas commonly appear on the face, ears, and hands, but may also appear on the genitals. In people with darker complexions, they may appear in areas that do not see a lot of sun. They may look like:

A red nodule
A sore that won’t heal
Oozing or crusted lesions
Wart-like growths
Rough, red scaly patches

Malignant Melanoma

Most moles and brown spots on the skin are harmless, but malignant melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Melanomas most commonly occur on sun-exposed areas of skin but they can also appear in nail beds, the palms of the hand, the soles of the feet, the whites of the eyes, and in other areas.

The ABCDE rule can be used to identify suspicious lesions. This acronym stands for Asymmetrical, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. Melanoma typically looks like:

Asymmetrical: It is unevenly shaped, and/or one half of the mole does not match the other.
Border: The edges are irregular, blurry, or uneven.
Color: The color is not the same all over. The mole may be mottled or have different shades of brown and black, and sometimes pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: It is wider than a pencil eraser.
Evolving: It is changing appearance, including color, shape, or size.

Any unusual, new, or changing bump, nodule, non-healing sore, or discolored patch of skin, should be shown to a medical provider as soon as possible. If you have any concerns, call or visit us here at the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle MD, located in Redlands, CA and Sun City, CA.

Eliminate Your Double Chin with KYBELLA

Anyone who has ever lost weight knows that one of the final things to go is the double chin. Simply stated, double chins are persistent and sometimes may never go away no matter how much someone sweats or diets. Some people are genetically predisposed to a double chin no matter what actions they take. Some resort to expensive and arduous plastic surgery to rid themselves of double chins without knowing that there are other viable options out there to accomplish the same ends. Now, there are injections called KYBELLA® that have been shown to be successful in removing a double chin.

KYBELLA® has been gaining in popularity since 2015, the year it was approved by the FDA to treat double chins. After clinical studies of over 1600 patients, the FDA unanimously approved KYBELLA®. The treatment has proven to be so successful that Allergan purchased the company that manufactures KYBELLA® for over $2 billion shortly after FDA approval, based on the estimates of future success.

The way KYBELLA® works is easy. As opposed to going to a plastic surgeon for multiple visits, including consultation, pre-op appointments, surgery and follow-up, one simply makes an appointment with a dermatologist. There are many physicians who have become trained in how to administer the procedure.

KYBELLA® relies upon a synthetic type of deoxycholic acid to accomplish its aims of melting a double chin. Once at the doctor’s office, the dermatologist determines how many treatments will be necessary to achieve a successful result. Some patients may only require one treatment to achieve their aims, but many patients will require multiple treatments.

Results from the treatment occur quickly after the injection. Patients should notice a reduction in their chin within a day or two after the initial injections. The patient will then return to the doctor for a follow-up appointment after a month or so. At that point, the doctor will determine if further treatments are necessary and can administer additional injections at that appointment if necessary. Some doctors will want to administer a second treatment even if the first treatment has been successful just to make sure that the treatment achieves its desired results.

The success rate of KYBELLA® has been estimated at over 80 percent, which is a high success rate for such an easy treatment. Patients can melt away that double chin without having to undergo liposuction and not even miss any work time beyond a few speedy visits to the dermatologist.

Contact Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD today to schedule your consultation! We are conveniently located in Redlands and Sun City, CA.

Put Your Past Behind You with Tattoo Removal in Redlands, CA

Laser tattoo removal is on the rise in Redlands, CA. There are a number of reasons why people fall out of love with their tattoos. Tattoos are relatively easy to get. However, they represent a permanent decision that can have a long-term effect on the way you view yourself and the way you are viewed by others.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Help?

Laser tattoo removal is a practice that uses lasers to target the ink that sits right underneath the skin. Laser tattoo removal should only be performed by a trained professional who has experience in operating these high-powered lasers safely. Contrary to what some people believe, laser tattoo removal is not a treatment that involves burning the ink off a person’s skin. Instead, laser tattoo removal uses quick bursts of heat to cause the metals that are in the tattoo ink to expand and contract. This in turn leads to the ink breaking down into smaller particles that your body’s immune system is able to attack and eventually remove. The closer a tattoo is to your heart, the better results you will see from tattoo removal.

Laser Tattoo Removal a Process That Requires Patience

Tattoo removal allows you to put your past behind you. However, it is not something that happens all at once. Even after the first treatment, the tattoo is still visible. For some people, it’s actually a relief because their tattoo is connected to something that was emotionally important to them. It’s hard for them to let go of that, so they are happy to put the past behind them slowly.

Most people will see maximum results after between eight and ten sessions. The sessions are usually spaced six to eight weeks apart. This allows your immune system to act, removing the particles of tattoo ink that have been shattered.

Different colors of tattoo ink require different wavelengths of light. The darker the ink, the easier it is to remove. Does your tattoo represent something that you would like to banish to the past? If so, learn how tattoo removal at the offices of Ingrid E. Trenkle in Redlands, CA can help you put the past behind you. Contact us today and schedule your initial consultation.

How to Check For Skin Cancer

Skin cancer should never be taken lightly. While it is typically treated with high success rates, it can lead to major problems when it is not addressed early on. Disfigurement from skin cancer can be severe. Skin cancer can become invasive, spreading to other parts of the body. Melanoma is most alarming of all. It is deadly if it isn’t caught early on. To avoid the risk of complications you can check your skin regularly. This will help you to be on the lookout for anything unusual on your skin.

What to Look For
Skin cancer could be a bump on your skin that won’t go away. You might see a waxy or shiny lump that is strange, one you never noticed before. Any spots that are scaly or refuse to heal are a warning sign. Cancerous growths on your skin may crack and bleed. They will only get worse over time. Other signs of skin cancer include any spot on your skin that changes. Pay close attention to moles. Everyone has some moles. Some people are born with them. However, it is a concern when moles show up after the age of twenty. If many moles suddenly appear, this is red flag. Watch for moles that are asymmetrical. If a mole has a ragged border or it is several different colors, it could be melanoma. Moles that become larger or change are a concern.

How Often Should You Check for Anything Suspicious on Your Skin?
You can keep an eye on your skin at least every three months, paying extra attention to your moles. If you want to be cautious, check once a month. You will need to ask someone to help you when you are trying to check your scalp and your back. You should see our dermatologist at least once a year to evaluate your skin. If you are at risk or there is a concern, our doctor will call you in more often to evaluate any spots that are suspicious. Mole mapping is a common procedure used to track any moles on your body. Our dermatologist will know if anything new has appeared.

Don’t Ignore Anything Unusual
If you have any spots that are a concern, make sure you talk to our doctor. You can never be too cautious. Our dermatologist will determine if you need a biopsy to check anything that could indicate cancer. Don’t panic if you come back with a positive diagnosis. Skin cancer can be treated in a variety of ways, including freezing it off, topical creams, or simple removal. Our dermatologist will point you in the right direction. Take care of your skin with sunscreen and protective clothing. Watch for changes and be in open communication with our doctor. If you have ever had skin cancer, be vigilant to avoid problems in the future. Skin cancer can be easily treated the earlier you catch any type of growth.

Contact Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD’s office today to schedule your consultation! We can help further educate you on skin cancer and what to be on the lookout for, as well as checking you ourselves and offering treatment if cancer is detected. We are conveniently located in Redlands and Sun City, CA.

Psoriasis Treatment: What Are My Options?

Our doctors are usually able to diagnose psoriasis in a very straightforward manner. They will examine your medical history, your skin, your nails, and your scalp. In some instances, our doctor may take a sample of your skin for a biopsy. The skin is examined under a microscope with the goal of identifying the type of psoriasis you have as well as ruling out other disorders that might mimic the appearance of psoriasis. This can help us determine which psoriasis treatment is right for you.

Psoriasis Treatment Options

The goal of psoriasis treatment is to minimize inflammation and clear up the skin. There are three primary types of treatments available. They are topical, light therapy, and medication.

Topical treatments can be very effective in treating psoriasis when it is a mild or moderate case. As the disease progresses, your doctor may recommend a combination of topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy.

Topical corticosteroids are some of the more popular medications prescribed for addressing moderate or mild cases of psoriasis. These medications can help alleviate itching and minimize inflammation and can be used in conjunction with other treatments.

If psoriasis is affecting your face, a mild corticosteroid ointment is normally what our doctor will recommend. They may also recommend mild corticosteroid ointments if you have large patches of damaged skin.

If you have smaller patches of psoriasis that are harder to treat, our doctor may recommend a stronger corticosteroid. These are usually used on parts of the body that are not as sensitive as the face.

Our doctor will monitor your use of corticosteroids. With time, corticosteroids can cause your skin to thin. For this reason, our doctor will likely only prescribe the use of strong topical corticosteroids for a short period of time, usually when you are experiencing extreme flare ups.

Moisturizers may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Moisturizers on their own do not heal psoriasis. However, they can minimize the itchiness, the dryness, and the scaling of your skin. You want a heavier ointment based moisturizer as opposed to lighter creams or lotions. For best results, you should apply these moisturizers to the affected parts of your skin as soon as you get out of the shower or the bath.

Light Therapy

Light therapy treatments use natural light or ultraviolet light. At times, our doctor may simply recommend exposing the affected parts of your skin to controlled bursts of natural sunlight. At other times, artificial UVA or UVB light may be used in conjunction with medications.

When your skin is exposed to the UV rays of sunlight, your skin cell turnover rate slows down. This reduces scaling and inflammation. If you are briefly exposed to small amounts of sunlight every day, you may be able to improve your psoriasis symptoms.

Oral Medications

If you are diagnosed with severe psoriasis or if you have psoriasis that resists other types of treatments, our doctor may recommend using oral medications or even injected drugs. These are referred to a systematic treatments because they affect the entire system. Usually, oral medications are used only for a brief amount of time because of potential side effects.

Contact Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD’s office to learn more about psoriasis treatment options or to schedule your consultation! Our team of professionals will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you tackle your psoriasis. We are conveniently located in Sun City and Redlands, CA.

Lift and Tighten the Skin with Ultherapy

We’ve all had that moment when we wake up in the morning, look at ourselves in the mirror, and are unpleasantly surprised to see that we’ve aged. Maybe you noticed it creeping up on you or maybe you were taken by surprise, but either way, it happens to all of us eventually. Time and gravity take their toll, as well as the fact that aging means our skin produces less collagen and elastin proteins, so it doesn’t hold up as well as it used to. You may not be at the point of needing a facelift, which is why we are proud to offer Ultherapy® to lift and tighten the skin without surgery.

How Ultherapy® Works

When your skin starts to develop wrinkles and begins to sag, Ultherapy® is an option that is proving effective again and again. We can use an ultrasound device to view images of the sub-layers of your skin. We do this to determine where we need to focus our efforts to obtain the best possible results to return the youthful appearance of your face and neck. Next, using ultrasound energy to penetrate deep into the sublayers of your skin, we let these targeted sublayer regions heat up significantly.

After the treatment, your body is going to start producing more collagen and elastin proteins again. This production will continue for some time after the treatment. This will help to tighten and fill the sub-regions of skin. The result will be a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and areas where sagging has occurred.

Ultherapy® is Quick and Easy

Perhaps the best part about Ultherapy® is that you can have it done and be back to work on the same day. With Ultherapy®, there is no real downtime or lengthy recovery period. It’s entirely non-surgical and convenient.

Make an appointment at the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, a Dual Board-Certified Dermatologist, to learn more about this popular treatment. Our offices are located in Redlands and Sun City. Contact us today to set up a consultation!

Restore Lost Facial Volume with Juvederm

A loss of facial skin thickness is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging. Factors like sun exposure, genetics, pollutants, and aging can cause gradual skin thinning and the development of fine lines and wrinkles that leave you looking older than your actual age. Recent years have seen tremendous advancements and innovations in the field of cosmetic dermatology. We can now significantly reverse the signs of facial aging without the need for surgery thanks to injectable treatments like Juvederm®. This means that you will require no sedation, have fewer complications, and need little to no downtime.

Causes of Facial Volume Loss

Before getting to your best treatment option for fine lines and wrinkles, it may be helpful to understand what causes the loss of facial volume. Your skin contains various substances that lead to the formation and maintenance of healthy, youthful-looking skin. Unfortunately, growing older eventually results in a deficiency of these substances and subsequent volume loss. If you have sunken or hollow areas on your face, you are likely suffering from volume depletion due to the loss of these substances.

The good news is that facial volume loss can be corrected with a simple injection treatment that is safe and long-lasting. We can correct an age-related deficiency of something called hyaluronic acid with simple injections of Juvederm®.

Juvederm® for Lost Facial Volume

Juvederm® treatment works through the injection of a gel containing hyaluronic acid. Once the product is injected, it goes to work immediately to thicken your skin and increase skin hydration. This has the effect of smoothing away fine lines and wrinkles, similar to how a balloon becomes smoother when it is inflated.

A Note About Hyaluronic Acid

One of the main causes of facial volume loss is the age-related depletion of hyaluronic acid, a special substance that attracts moisture into your skin. Skin that is moist is fuller and displays fewer wrinkles. When you get older, you begin losing hyaluronic acid, and the result is skin that shows signs of aging.

Juvederm® restores your hyaluronic acid levels. We are reversing the main cause of your lines and wrinkles by promoting an increase in skin thickness and hydration. Of course, your skin will continue to age normally after your treatment, but repeat injection treatments are quick and convenient.

Contact Us Today

Are you ready to restore lost facial volume? Make an appointment at the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, with offices in Redlands and Sun City, to get all the facts about Juvederm® and our other injectable treatments. Contact us today to book your consultation!

The PicoWay Laser for Hyperpigmentation

Why Choose PicoWay Laser Treatment for Your Hyperpigmentation?

The PicoWay Laser Treatment

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Malignant Melanoma

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