acne

Skin Bumps: The Ultimate Guide

October 9, 2024 by The LASSI Leave a Comment

What are those skin bumps? Find out when to worry, when to seek dermatologic care, and how we help you achieve smoother skin with expert procedures and products.

Skin bumps can be a cause for concern or nothing to fret about at all. For peace of mind, proper care, and smoother skin, seeking diagnosis and treatment from a board-certified dermatologist is key.

What Are Skin Bumps?

Skin bumps can appear for many reasons. While some are purely cosmetic, others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. Here are some common types of skin bumps:

Acne: Pimples, blackheads, and cysts caused by clogged pores, excess oil, and bacteria.
Moles and Skin Tags: Harmless growths that can sometimes interfere with comfort or aesthetics.
Cysts and Lipomas: Non-cancerous lumps under the skin, often painless but sometimes bothersome.
Warts: Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these bumps are typically rough and raised.
Keratosis Pilaris: Also called “chicken skin,” these bumps often appear on the arms and thighs.
Actinic Keratosis and Other Pre-cancerous Lesions: Scaly patches that could develop into skin cancer without intervention.
Skin Cancer: These bumps come in many forms and colors but can be raised bumps with irregular borders.

Your skin’s health is important, and a professional evaluation is the first step to understanding and addressing these bumps.

How Are Skin Bumps Diagnosed by a Dermatologist?

At the LASSI, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing skin bumps. You’ll benefit from the expertise of board-certified dermatologists who specialize in identifying and treating even the most challenging skin concerns.

Examination: During your consultation, we’ll examine the bump’s appearance, texture, and location while discussing your medical history.
Dermatoscopy: This specialized tool allows us to look deeper into the structure of a bump, helping us differentiate between benign and potentially harmful growths.
Biopsy: If necessary, we may take a small sample of the bump to confirm its diagnosis and ensure no underlying issues are overlooked.

Our diagnostic process is designed to give you clarity and confidence about your skin health.

Treatment Options

Treating skin bumps depends on their type and severity. At the LASSI, we offer advanced treatments to address a wide range of conditions:

Acne: Customized acne treatment plans that include prescription medications, medical-grade products, and light or laser treatments.
Moles and Skin Tags: Removal options like shaving, cryotherapy, or excision.
Cysts and Lipomas: Simple outpatient removal procedures for comfort and aesthetic concerns.
Warts: Effective options like cryotherapy, laser treatment, or prescription topical solutions.
Keratosis Pilaris: Treatments to smooth and soften skin, including medical-grade exfoliants and moisturizers.
Suspicious Growths: Prompt removal and follow-up care to prevent and treat potential skin cancer.

With minimally invasive procedures and state-of-the-art technology, we focus on restoring your confidence and comfort.

Why Choose the LASSI for Your Skin Bumps?

Choosing the right dermatology center in Indianapolis can make all the difference. At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, you’ll experience:

Specialized Expertise: Our board-certified dermatologists bring years of experience to every diagnosis and treatment.
Cutting-Edge Tools and Techniques: From advanced laser treatments to precision diagnostics, we utilize the latest technology for optimal results.
Personalized Care: Your skin is unique, and we create treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and concerns.
Trusted Reputation: Conveniently located in Indianapolis, we’re proud to be a trusted leader in dermatological care in Indiana.

You don’t have to live with uncertainty or discomfort—the LASSI is here to help.

Take Control of Your Skin Health Today

Skin bumps can be a source of worry, but the experts at the LASSI are here to provide clarity, solutions, and peace of mind. Let us help you rediscover smooth, healthy, and vibrant skin.

Schedule your consultation with the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana today!

The Problem With Pimple Popping

June 15, 2021 by The LASSI Leave a Comment

Pimple popping is so tempting! The satisfying release of pressure and fluid, from an itch or pain. But it’s short term reward in exchange for long-term problems. Popping your own zits has many risks – including scarring, infection, and worst of all, leaving behind bacteria deep under your skin where it can’t be reached with topical treatments. This blog post will discuss the consequences of popping pimples at home and what to do instead.

So what are the risks of pimple popping at home?

Infection: Pimple popping can introduce bacteria into the open wound, leading to infection. This is especially a problem if you have acne, as this skin condition already puts you at risk for infection.
Scarring: Pimple popping can lead to permanent scarring, appearing as darkened spots or affecting skin texture with bumps and dips in your skin.
Spreading: Pimple popping can cause acne to spread, leaving you with a larger outbreak than before! Best case scenario? Your pimple will be bigger than it was when you first popped it.

What should I do if I have a pimple?

Don’t pop it! If possible, visit your dermatologist for help in getting rid of the pimple – they may be able to extract it or inject a steroid to reduce swelling without scarring your skin.

If you are unable to visit a dermatologist, use a pimple cream or gel until it goes away. Continue cleansing and moisturizing as usual, and be sure to wear sunscreen.

One pimple isn’t the end of the world. Everyone gets them, even the skin care experts. Resist the urge to pop and instead wait it out.

If you start to see pimples with regularity, or you see several which cause inflammation, pain, or you’re just tired of seeing them so much, book an appointment with a dermatologist. You may need new skin care products; you may also benefit from routine facials and peels to keep the breakouts at bay.

How we help in our Indianapolis dermatology practice

acne treated at the laser and skin surgery center of indiana — *individual results will vary

Whether it’s a pimple here and there or a severe cystic acne breakout, our team of dermatology and aesthetic providers can help with routine facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and light treatments. These keep your pores clear, introduce nutrient-rich ingredients to maintain healthy skin, and reduce the occurrence of breakouts.

One of our most popular treatments is the HydraFacial, an all-in-one skin system that cleanses, extracts, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. It’s customizable for your skin needs and aesthetic goals. It’s one of our favorite skin treatments!

We also work with you to develop the right at-home skin care routine. If you aren’t using the right products at home, your skin will suffer. We’ll walk you through a step-by-step morning and evening routine and recommend high-quality skin care products that will help keep your skin clear and healthy.

In more severe cases, our dermatology providers will prescribe topical and oral medications, like antibiotics and retinoids, to treat acne.

Finally, for those “emergency” situations, such as a sudden large pimple right before a major event, we can offer you blemish injections to quickly diminish the appearance of bumps.

We’re here to help you look your best and feel great about how you look!

Book an Appointment Today

Schedule a facial consultation with one of our aestheticians or, if you suspect severe acne, you can be seen by one of our dermatology providers. Either way, we’re here to help and take a team-based approach to your skin health. Contact us today to get started.

Cystic Acne 101

May 20, 2021 by The LASSI Leave a Comment

Inflammation, redness, pain, and pustules — cystic acne is a painful, frustrating condition that can make you feel self-conscious and hopeless.

…but there’s hope, with the help of a board-certified dermatologist

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne, and it can be difficult to get rid of. It typically starts with cysts that form under the skin. These cysts are filled with pus, which causes more inflammation and pain from bacterial infections. If the cysts break open, without proper treatment, the bacteria spread, leading to worsening breakouts.

What Treatments Work Best?

There isn’t one definitive answer when it comes to treating cystic acne – what works for one person might not work for another. However, some common treatments include antibiotics, topical creams or gels, and oral medications such as isotretinoin (Accutane). Sometimes, a dermatologist may need to drain the cysts in a controlled environment to prevent the bacterial spread and worsening symptoms.

Prescriptions and Products

Oftentimes cystic acne is resistant to topical creams and can require a prescription medication. The most common types of prescriptions are antibiotics, retinoids, and isotretinoin.

Antibiotics kill cystic bacteria, reducing pain and inflammation and improving skin quality and health.
Isotretinoin (commonly known by its brand name Accutane) is a powerful prescription that clears up the worst cases of acne. However, it also causes dryness and irritation, so it’s important you follow your dermatologist’s instructions carefully when taking this drug.
Retinoids help exfoliate the skin which helps promote better cell turnover that may prevent future breakouts from forming under the surface of your skin. Like Accutane, retinoids can cause other issues if instructions aren’t carefully followed. Many patients get excited about seeing results and will use too much, causing dryness and other symptoms. Follow the instructions; don’t be in a hurry.

Dermatology Treatments for Cystic Acne

In addition to prescription oral and topical medications, a dermatologist may recommend medical-grade skincare products and aesthetic dermatology procedures to treat your acne, such as extractions and blemish injections. Routine facials, chemical peels, photo rejuvenation/light-based treatments, and microdermabrasion are also useful in treating cystic acne and maintaining healthy skin after acne clears.

Don’t Try to Treat Cystic Acne at Home

Over-the-counter products and self-extraction often make your condition worse, increasing pain and inflammation and the risk of scars. It’s incredibly important that you seek support from a board-certified dermatologist who can assess and treat your cystic acne correctly. This helps you avoid a lot of pain, wasted time, and wasted money on remedies that won’t actually work.

Why Choose the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI) for Cystic Acne Help?

The LASSI is an Indianapolis dermatology practice that combines medical and cosmetic treatment for acne relief.

In addition to delivering treatments for improved skin health and appearance, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. C. William Hanke, and our staff of dermatology professionals have conducted clinical trials for acne remedies. Dr. Hanke is well regarded in dermatology and has served on many national boards and associations, including the previous president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Book a Consultation at the LASSI

Do you want to get rid of your cystic acne and regain your confidence? Today is the day to schedule an appointment at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. Dr. Hanke and our team of expert dermatology specialists are here to help you look and feel great.

Lastly, don’t forget about self-care–take time out every day for yourself no matter how busy life gets! You deserve some “me time” so be sure to not neglect yourself.

Top 7 Acne Treatment Options

February 20, 2018 by The LASSI

Acne is more than just another aesthetic skin concern. Acne can have real medical consequences that affect a patient’s self-esteem and overall wellness. Inflammation, infection, and pain can require antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and visible scars. Thankfully, patients have more options for acne treatments that can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and destroy bacteria. Sometimes, you may not even require a prescription. Every patient is different, and that’s why we provide so many acne treatment options here at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana.

Acne Treatment Options You’ll Love at the LASSI

The aestheticians at LASSI, the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, are proud to offer patients a wide range of acne treatment options to help clear up active acne, reduce the number of breakouts, and maintain clearer skin. In addition to providing these aesthetic acne treatments, our practice is also a dermatology and dermatologic surgery center. Owned and operated by board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. C. William Hanke, our acne patients can feel more confident knowing that a physician with training and expertise in skin care is in charge of both their medical and cosmetic acne treatment solutions.

Our aesthetics clinic, LASSI Skin, provides acne patients with the following aesthetic acne treatments that are not only effective but also something that our patients look forward to:

IPL Photofacial for Acne

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. An IPL photofacial uses different wavelengths of light to correct uneven pigmentation in your skin and kill the Propionibacterium that contributes to acne. IPL also causes the sebaceous glands in the skin to shrink. These glands produce fats and oils that lubricate your skin and hair but also feed bacteria when they are clogged with dirt and oil.

You will probably need about three to six IPL treatments before you see results. The sessions last about 20 minutes. There’s no downtime, so you can go back to school or work right after your treatment. Your skin may be a bit more red than usual after an IPL treatment, but that goes away after a couple of days.

Blu Light Therapy

Blu Light therapy kills the bacteria that causes active acne. It uses a fluorescent blue light that is completely painless. We recommend that most patients come to our clinic a couple of times per week for best results. All you have to do is put on eye protection and sit or lie in front of an arrangement of U-shaped light bulbs. Each Blu Light session lasts about a half an hour and can be very relaxing.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a treatment that stimulates your body to produce collagen and elastin, which are springy and stretchy materials found in the lower layers of your skin. During a microneedling session, you are given a topical anesthesia followed by a skin care product. The aesthetician then uses micropen to glide across the skin while the spring-loaded action makes microscopic punctures in the skin. The body considers this a microscopic injury and sends collagen and elastin to the area to heal it. At the same time, your skin absorbs the topical skin care product. Microneedling lasts about 20 minutes, and patients have between three and six sessions to see the best results.

Another benefit of microneedling is that it will simultaneously reduce the appearance of any acne scars you may have developed, giving you even clearer skin.

Acne Peel

An acne chemical peel is a gentle, superficial peel that exfoliates the very top layer of skin. The peel formula has materials that reduce inflammation and control secretions from the sebaceous glands. It’s often recommend that you combine an acne peel with an acne facial (see below) for best results.

HydraFacial

HydraFacial is the newest form of microdermabrasion that combines several skin care treatments in a single procedure. Also called hydradermabrasion, the Hydrafacial system cleanses and exfoliates the skin while infusing it with nourishing ingredients designed to treat and hydrate your skin. The best part is that we are able to customize the treatment to your needs.

Acne Facial

Facials are one of the most pleasurable treatments we provide here at the LASSI. Your aesthetician will first cleanse your skin, followed by a series of masks, steam, and massage to exfoliate and hydrate your skin. As you can imagine, this treatment is not only not painless but relaxing. Following your acne facial, you will have an opportunity to discuss the products used and be able to purchase skin care products right in our practice to help you improve and maintain your results at home. Your aesthetician will happily guide you through the process of selecting the right products for your needs.

Blemish Injections

If you have cysts, papules or nodules, your aesthetician may give you a cortisone shot directly into the lesion. This destroys it within 24 hours. It is the solution if you have a date or an important event to attend and need your skin to be clear in a hurry.

What if I need a prescription acne treatment?

If you need a prescription, LASSI’s board-certified dermatologic surgeon can prescribe medications such as retinoid creams, antibiotics, isotretinoin, and others. There’s a long list of prescription topical and oral medications that can help clear up acne. The prescription(s) recommended for you will be determined by the type of acne you have, what other acne treatments you’ve already tried, how often or recently you’ve taken antibiotics, and if you’re a woman who is pregnant or nursing.

Why Choose LASSI Skin for Acne Treatment?

Our staff and aestheticians are experts in treating all kinds of skin problems with aesthetic services at LASSI Skin. LASSI is an accredited clinical trials facility. We are recognized and licensed by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which means the staff follows the highest standards for patient care. The LASSI was founded by the award-winning dermatologist Dr. C. William Hanke, who also lectures and teaches other physicians on how to diagnose and treat skin conditions.

Schedule a Consultation at the LASSI in Indianapolis for Acne Treatment Today

Ready to say goodbye to acne flare-ups? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanke or one of our other skilled dermatology and aesthetics providers to discuss acne treatment options to reduce flares while soothing and calming your skin.

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