Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States today, and due to Arizona’s geography and weather, Valley residents are at high risk—especially following a long, hot summer like this one.
Fortunately, the days of invasive, scarring skin cancer treatments can now be left in the dust thanks to an innovative new treatment offered at La Peau Dermatology.
Superficial Radiation Therapy uses radiation to penetrate the skin and safely eliminate non-melanoma skin cancer cells in approximately 13 treatments—leaving no open wound, no scarring and no need for aftercare, with the full treatment taking less than 10 minutes from beginning to end.
“The appointment is about 10 minutes, and they can go about their day,” said owner and skin cancer specialist Dr. Zaina Rashid. “They can swim. They can clean. They can go to the gym. There are no restrictions.”
However, with the surgical way, there are always restrictions. “Limited mobility is involved, and there is a scar, a possibility of infection because their skin has been invaded, and then they have to do the wound care afterward versus with ours, there is no wound care required,” Dr. Rashid said.
The treatment, offered by very few dermatology practices in the area, provides a revolutionary and safer approach to skin cancer treatment.
Dr. Rashid encourages everyone to have their skin checked once a year per the Academy of Dermatology to ensure there are no skin cancer lesions, abnormal looking moles or poor skin texture that might indicate a problem.
Even those whose skin appears normal may find that the summer sun has taken a toll on their skin, leaving it looking less than its best.
Dr. Rashid is able to help create an individualized plan to help clients look their best, with facials and chemical peels to remove layers of damaged skin. She also offers a regimen of products to help prevent and improve the lines of wrinkles and even Botox.
Facials especially can help in improving the look of the skin in just a few weeks, helping clients prepare their skin to look its best for the upcoming holidays.
“Facials help in diminishing pores, and they also help with collagen and wrinkles,” said Dr. Rashid.
The end of summer also is a great time for teens to see a dermatologist to prepare for back-to-school time and address acne and other skin issues.
“If they have acne, they need to be on an acne regimen,” said Dr. Rashid. “Doing a mild chemical peel helps with pores being open, while also reducing superficial bacteria, redness and blemishes.”
Dr. Rashid also recommends teens struggling with acne cleanse their face with a good cleanser and apply a treatment twice a day. During a visit, she is able to determine the type of acne with which a teen is struggling to create an individualized plan.
In addition to La Peau Dermatology’s individualized approach to skincare and innovative treatments, like cutting-edge Superficial Radiation Therapy, the practice also provides patients with appointments within two weeks of scheduling. This is practically unheard of in the field, where many other offices may require more than a month for scheduling.
La Peau Dermatology is located at 5424 E. Southern Ave., Suite 103. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (480) 396-2300.