Cosmetic Dermatology FAQ

Have Questions for Our Cosmetic Dermatology Specialists?

Tru-Skin Dermatology Offers Body and Facial Treatments

Are you bothered by an embarrassing skin condition, such as acne, rosacea, or depigmentation? Tru-Skin Dermatology’s cosmetic dermatology specialists may be able to help. We keep up-to-date on the latest facial and body treatments to minimize the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. From chemical peels and facials to eyebrow shaping, skin tightening, laser hair removal, vein care, and body contouring, we offer various treatments to turn back the clock. Below, you’ll find frequently asked questions concerning our cosmetic dermatology services. Please feel free to reach out to us any time with additional questions or concerns. We have seven convenient clinic locations in Central Texas to serve you.

Does Microdermabrasion Hurt? Are There Any Side Effects?

If you desire smoother, more even-toned skin, microdermabrasion offers superior results for many patients. Microdermabrasion only affects your skin’s surface layer, with minimal downtime and a very low risk of adverse skin reactions. You may experience redness, acne breakouts, or skin sensitivity after treatment. If these minor side effects don’t subside within a few days, please contact our office. We suggest using gentle cleansers or mild moisturizers until your skin feels normal. You should also stay out of the sun and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily.

What Injectable Do You Recommend for Removing Wrinkles?

Has aging or constant sun exposure caused excessive facial wrinkles? Tru-Skin Dermatology would be happy to discuss the benefits of injectables to eliminate unwanted wrinkles. Cosmetic fillers containing hyaluronic acid work best to remove frown or worry lines, crow’s feet, and other wrinkles around your mouth, eyes, and nose. We typically recommend Juvéderm® or Restylane®, although we’ll go over all of your available options during your cosmetic dermatology consultation. Facial treatment results will vary by person and skin type.

What Causes Bags Under My Eyes Other Than Lack of Sleep?

We all know that lack of sleep or temporary illnesses can cause dark circles under your eyes. However, aging, hormonal fluctuations, fluid retention, and undiagnosed medical conditions can also cause unwanted bags under the eyes. Sometimes, genetics is the culprit. Some people may experience excessive melanin production around their eyes. Whatever the cause for the dark circles under your eyes, Tru-Skin Dermatology would be happy to help you minimize their appearance with treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about the use of injectables, such as Juvéderm® or Restylane®, to minimize the effects of aging, our professional skincare specialists would be happy to meet with you. We offer face-to-face consultations at our Central Texas clinics, as well as Telehealth appointments virtually.

What Treatments Are Available to Correct Uneven Skin Tones?

The most effective way to correct an uneven skin tone is to get to the root cause. Is your blotchy skin due to hormonal changes during menopause, excessive skin oil production, or prolonged sun exposure? Our dermatologists will examine the most likely causes for your uneven skin tone before recommending the best skincare treatments. Treatment could be as simple as a facial cleanser and exfoliation products to remove dead skin cells and other pore-clogging elements. We may also suggest a Tru-Signature Facial for superior exfoliation and toning treatment to leave your skin with a healthy glow or Fraxel® laser treatment to correct uneven skin pigmentation or redness over multiple sessions for optimal results.

How Likely Is a Mole to Develop into Melanoma or Cancer?

Most moles aren’t cancerous. Be on the lookout for one that changes size, color, or diameter. Cancerous growths are also usually asymmetrical with uneven or blurred borders. The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma, often caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays or hereditary issues. If you have a suspicious mole or growth, it’s better to be safe than sorry and schedule a free skin cancer screening at Tru-Skin Dermatology. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce or eliminate the health risks. Even if your mole isn’t likely to cause skin cancer or melanoma, our dermatologists would be happy to remove it for cosmetic reasons if you desire.

My Severe Sunburn Blistered. Will I Develop Skin Cancer?

There is no evidence to link one severe sunburn with the immediate development of skin cancer or malignant melanoma. However, the more exposure to the sun and severe sunburns you experience within your lifetime, the higher your risk for developing precancerous moles or basal or squamous cell carcinomas. Too much sun also causes the skin to age prematurely with excessive wrinkles and freckles.

What Facial Cleansers Are Best for Acne Treatment?

Do you suffer from frequent acne breakouts? Facial cleansers with aloe vera, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid can help you prevent or control acne. However, facial cleansers can dry out your skin, causing redness or flaky skin. Our dermatologists often recommend other types of acne treatment, including chemical peels, cortisone shots, topical and oral medications, or laser skin treatments. You deserve to feel comfortable in your skin without worrying about acne.

Do Over-the-Counter Products Work to Remove Age Spots?

Over-the-counter skincare products may only provide temporary results. They also may not be the safest method of treatment available. Often, the creams advertising the removal of age spots contain bleaching agents that could be harmful to your skin pigmentation. We recommend consulting a professional dermatologist to discuss other types of treatment that may be more effective.

How Does Body Contouring Work? Will I Lose Unwanted Fat?

Do you have excess fat pockets that don’t go away no matter how much you diet or exercise? Don’t despair. Tru-Skin Dermatology’s body treatments include body contouring. You can lose the excess fat cells around your midsection without resorting to a tummy tuck. Body contouring is non-invasive with minimal downtime to help you banish that muffin top in no time. We utilize Vanquish body contouring devices to heat and break down problematic fat cells without causing any damage to adjacent muscles.

What Is Microneedling? Does This Procedure Hurt?

Microneedling utilizes a device capable of penetrating deep into the epidermal and dermal layers of your skin. It creates uniform micro-wounds to promote your skin’s natural healing process. We apply a topical numbing cream to minimize patient discomfort during the procedure. Microneedling sessions are brief, so any discomfort you experience will subside quickly. Side effects will vary by skin type and the patient’s skin sensitivity. You may notice mild to moderate skin redness, dryness, itching, burning, or sunburn side effects after treatment. Minor acne breakouts are another common side effect. We may recommend using a hydrating serum or moisturizer to reduce any light peeling you may also experience.

Do Chemical Peels Hurt or Cause Any Side Effects?

Chemical peels are often used on the face, neck, or hands to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, freckles, and mild scarring. Many patients experience slight stinging or burning sensations during chemical peel treatment. Depending on your level of skin sensitivity and the type of peel being used, the intensity of these sensations may increase. You may also notice mild to moderate skin redness for a few days after treatment, as well as visible skin peeling. The amount of peeling will vary by peel and skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may notice more peeling than someone with oily skin. We suggest applying a gentle cleanser or mild moisturizer to reduce dryness or skin irritation. Should you notice scabbing or blistering, you should contact our office immediately.

Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dermatology Services?

Most insurance providers do not cover services they don’t deem medically necessary, although this may vary according to your provider and plan. We recommend checking with your specific provider before scheduling our cosmetic dermatology services to ensure you know upfront what’s covered and what’s considered out-of-pocket expenses. We post our pricing (*subject to change without notice) on our website to keep you informed about our costs. Our dermatology clinics accept most major insurance plans and methods of payment, including third-party financing from CareCredit. We also run monthly specials to help those seeking cosmetic dermatology services that may be on a tight budget.

Contact us today to request more information or to schedule an appointment for a cosmetic consultation with one of our providers. We have seven local dermatology clinics in Austin, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Hallettsville, La Grange, and Round Rock for your convenience.