9 Nutrients to Add to Your Diet to Help Prevent Skin Cancer

3 Minute Read:

The link between what we eat and cancer prevention has been well-documented, but how can diet affect our chances of getting skin cancer specifically?

While there are many ways to prevent skin cancer (most notably avoiding direct sunlight and UV damage to your skin), your diet can play a role in keeping your skin healthy and cancer-free. Several nutrients (especially antioxidants) found in food can help you prevent skin cancer.

Our body can produce many of the substances needed to keep us healthy, but not antioxidants, and the best way to get these nutrients are from the foods we eat.

Nutrients That Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk

The following nutrients are rich in antioxidants have been found to assist in the prevention of skin cancer:

• Beta-carotene – Boosts the immune system by converting itself to vitamin A, increasing its ability to fight disease.
• Vitamin C – Contains properties that are toxic to cancer cells.
• Vitamin D – Reduces cancer risk by boosting the immune system.
• Vitamin E – Helps protect cells from free radicals and UV light while acting as an anti-inflammatory. Improves the skin’s overall condition.
• Lycopene – Helps protect skin from the sun’s damaging effects. It has been linked to a lower risk of many cancers.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Reduces inflammation while inhibiting the growth of skin cancers.
• Polyphenols – Has tumor-inhibiting and anti-inflammatory components that help repair DNA damaged by UV light.
• Selenium – Helps to reduce the risk of several cancers.
• Zinc – An effective immunity booster that helps the body fight cancer and other illnesses.

Food That Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk

You can find the nutrients you need to lower your risk of skin cancer in the following foods:

• Beta-carotene – Orange fruits and vegetables like squash, carrots, yams, cantaloupe, mangoes, peaches, and apricots
• Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and leafy greens
• Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids – Fatty fish, like mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna, and salmon
• Vitamin D – Milk, cheese, and vitamin D-fortified orange juice
• Vitamin E – Almonds, peanuts, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, red bell pepper, sunflower seeds, pumpkin (also rich in beta-carotene), as well as safflower, soybean, sunflower, and wheat germ oil
• Lycopene – Red and pink foods like watermelon, papaya, guava, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and tomatoes
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Walnuts and flaxseed also contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids
• Polyphenols – Fresh-brewed black or green tea
• Selenium – Brazil nuts, seafood, organ meats, chicken, and red meat
• Zinc – Red meat, shellfish, poultry, baked beans, chickpeas, and nuts (such as cashews and almonds) — many breakfast foods are fortified with zinc

Staying Healthy and Helping to Prevent Skin Cancer Is a Win-Win

Increasing your consumption of the foods mentioned above will help you stay healthy and is far more effective than using supplements alone.

However, getting some of these nutrients in supplement form is better than not getting them at all, especially if you work outside, spend a lot of time at the beach, tan regularly, or worship the sun in any way.

Keeping your skin healthy takes a combination of protecting your skin from sun damage with hats, clothes, and sunblock AND being sure to eat a diet that can help you fight the risk of developing skin cancer.

Keeping Your Skin Cancer-Free in Newport Beach, CA

If you have any skin concerns, you can trust Newport Beach’s own Dr. Vincent Hung. He is triple board-certified in dermatology, plastic surgery, and internal medicine and the only plastic surgeon in the country board-certified in dermatology and trained for Mohs skin cancer surgery.

Call us today at our Newport Beach Office 949-574-8292 or Pasadena Office 626-432-5032 for a consultation — we’re here to help!

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 12th, 2022 | Posted in Skin Cancer.

2 Minute Read:

Dark spots, wrinkles, and loose skin all make us look older, and cosmetic treatments to combat these signs of aging are plentiful. However, when it comes to effective non-surgical procedures, finding the right one for you can be challenging.

The croton oil peel is a simple and straightforward option that can provide dramatic results by penetrating deeper into the skin to treat a wide range of skin blemishes and flaws.

What Is a Croton Oil Peel?

A croton oil peel — also referred to as a Hetter or modified phenol peel — is a cosmetic peel that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment provides superior facial skin rejuvenation for long-lasting results and was developed for the public after years of research and trials.

The main difference between other phenol peels and the croton oil peel is that the amount of croton oil is increased, and the phenol is decreased.

Medical science has proven that the key ingredient in effective chemical peels was the croton oil and not the phenol — this observation led to better outcomes with a shorter recovery period.

What Are the Benefits of a Croton Oil Peel?

Those interested in a croton peel can expect the following results:

• Significantly improved complexion
• Diminished sun spots and discoloration
• Tighter facial skin: 20 to 25% skin tightening
• Dramatic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, lips, forehead, and cheeks
• Less downtime than with a traditional deep phenol peel

Patients must prepare their skin for about four weeks prior to treatment with tretinoin, hydroquinone, phytic acid, or glycolic acid for the best results — ask your provider for their recommendation.

While the croton oil peel can tighten mild to moderately loose skin, a facelift may be the more appropriate procedure for you if you see significant sagging in your neck and jowls.

This Is a Versatile Deep Peel

A croton oil peel needn’t be applied to the entire face. Specific areas can be isolated and targeted without having to treat areas that don’t need it, further reducing recovery time.

How Is This Different From Typical Chemical Peels?

The peels you may receive at a spa can only treat the upper layers of skin, making them superficial.

The croton oil peel provides deep treatment and, because of this, may require general anesthesia. However, for the results it offers, it is considered a far less invasive procedure than cosmetic surgery.

Croton Oil Peel in Pasadena or Newport Beach CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is trained and board-certified in plastic surgery, dermatology, and Mohs skin cancer surgery. He offers the croton oil peel as an alternative to facelift surgery and recommends this treatment for patients with lines, wrinkles, age spots, and mild to moderate skin loosening.

Want to Learn More?

If you have any questions about the croton oil peel or other cosmetic procedures in Pasadena or Newport Beach, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach).

This entry was posted on Monday, April 11th, 2022 | Posted in Chemical Peels.

Whenever a patient undergoes skin cancer removal surgery, many worries can go through their minds. One of the first is about the success of the operation and whether all of the cancer will be removed.

But after the cancer is taken care of, patients’ worries usually move onto the lasting results and impacts on the body, including future hair growth if the skin cancer was removed on the head.

Many worry that they will be forever bald after Mohs surgery, unable to grow hair. Unfortunately, whether you will have permanent hair loss issues after skin cancer removal on your head is not an easy Yes or No answer.

The extent of hair loss depends on the size of the surgery, its location, and the method used for closure. Removing skin affected by cancer, especially when larger areas are excised, may lead to permanent hair loss. However, in many cases, hair loss is only temporary.

The specific degree of hair loss and whether it is temporary or permanent would best be addressed by your surgeon. They can provide the best insight into what you can expect regarding hair regrowth and what techniques and aftercare measures you can take to minimize hair loss related to Mohs surgery.

What Is the Most Common Skin Cancer Removal Method?

Medical science has come a long way in successfully treating skin cancer. Mohs surgery is now the most common procedure for removing skin cancer while causing as little aesthetic harm as possible.

What Is Mohs Surgery on the Scalp?

Mohs surgery is designed to preserve tissue and minimize scarring by removing the cancerous area one layer at a time. Each tissue layer is examined to check for any remaining cancer cells, and the process is repeated until none remain.

When performed on the scalp, tissue preservation is critical. This procedure follows the standard Mohs surgery technique but focuses on scalp lesions and preventing excessive scars from developing.

What Are the Methods for Repairing the Scalp After Skin Cancer Removal?

During Mohs surgery, your surgeon will remove as much of the cancerous tissue and skin as needed to make sure that you are cancer-free. While it is best to let the skin of the scalp heal itself naturally, this is not always possible.

Sometimes, skin reconstruction is necessary, especially if the surgical site is large or deep. In this case, there are two methods for repairing the scalp. The extent of the cancerous area (size of the cancer) plays a part in which repair method is best for you.

Skin Flap

A skin flap is used if the follicles are removed, but the skin cancer is contained to a smaller area on the head. A skin flap uses the tissue surrounding the Mohs surgery site to cover the surgical area and heal.

This technique often allows for a smoother healing surface with similar coloration and texture and less chance of scar contracture (shrinking). This method preserves as many hair follicles as possible, though the pattern of the hair will change.

Skin Graft

While a skin flap offers many positives, especially in allowing hair to regrow, if the cancer excision site is large, a skin graft may be required.

While a skin flap maintains blood flow (since the skin is not removed from the body and reattached), a skin graft does not have continuous blood supply because it is skin that has been taken from another part of your body, moved, and attached to the Mohs surgery site.

A skin graft allows for more significant coverage and helps protect the surgical area; however, due to the nature of skin grafts, they usually do not allow hair to regrow in the reconstructed area without further treatment.

What Causes Hair Loss After Skin Cancer Removal?

Whether or not you will lose the ability to regrow hair after Mohs surgery depends on its effect on the hair follicles.

If only a few layers of cancerous tissue and skin were removed during surgery, the hair follicles can survive, and your hair should regrow without surgical intervention.

However, if the follicles were removed or directly affected during Mohs surgery (because the cancer was deeper and more layers of tissue and skin were removed), then the hair would not be able to grow back naturally, leading to baldness in that area.

It’s important to note that the nature of Mohs surgery is to preserve as much of the skin (including the hair follicles) as possible, but some cancers grow more deeply than others.

Is Losing My Hair After Mohs Surgery Like Alopecia?

Hair loss after Mohs surgery typically occurs due to the surgical removal of skin cancer and the subsequent closure of the wound. Alopecia, on the other hand, refers to various factors that cause hair loss, such as genetics, autoimmune issues, hormonal changes, or other health conditions.

Mohs surgery-related hair loss, in most cases, is localized to the area where the surgery was performed and is not related to the conditions associated with alopecia.

How Long Is Recovery After Mohs Surgery on the Scalp?

After Mohs surgery on the scalp, recovery timelines vary widely depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing abilities. However, you can expect the following sequence of events:

1. Immediately Following Surgery

Right after Mohs surgery on the scalp, the wound might be covered with a bandage or dressing. Mild pain, tenderness, and swelling around the surgical area are expected during the initial days.

2. During the First Week

It’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and possibly bruising for the first week after surgery. Stitches and other wound closure methods will dictate the care required. Patients are typically advised to keep the area clean, dry, and protected per the doctor’s instructions.

3. The Next Few Weeks

The scalp wound will gradually heal, and if non-dissolvable stitches or sutures were used, they will need to be removed.

4. Longer-Term Healing

Complete healing after Mohs surgery on the scalp can take several weeks to a few months, with the wound improving and scars fading over time.

5. Follow-Up Visits

You will be scheduled for follow-up appointments with your surgeon so they can monitor the healing progress and address any concerns about the surgical site.

Throughout the recovery period, following your doctor’s post-surgical instructions is crucial. This includes proper wound care, avoiding strenuous activities, protecting the area from direct sunlight, and directions to ensure optimal healing.

Want to Learn More?

Feel free to call 626-432-5032 to Dr. Hung in Pasadena, CA, if you have questions about skin cancer removal or how Mohs surgery will affect your hair growth. If his Newport Beach, California office is more convenient for you, he can be reached at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

The lips are one of our most important features. They are the central and focal point of our lower face, and we are naturally drawn to the lips and mouth when we talk with others. On top of that, your lips are really important — they’re responsible for nearly all actions on your face. 

But many people have damaged lips, resulting from an illness, such as skin cancer, or a previous injury. This leaves them with lips that make their face look distorted or even unnatural (a condition called the “uncanny valley effect”). 

But lip reconstruction surgery can help bring your lips back to a natural and beautiful look, allowing you to restore a more balanced facial appearance. 

Why Should You Think About Getting Reconstruction Surgery?

The driving purpose for any patient having plastic surgery is simply feeling better about the way they look. This is especially true if a life event — like skin cancer — changed any part of your appearance. 

For people struggling with this problem, reconstruction surgery is the way that they can return themselves to how they looked before that life event. And many people choose to take action and surgically correct these issues; in fact, in 2020, nearly 7,000,000 people underwent some form of reconstruction surgery. 

For the lips, many people have lasting side effects from such issues as lesions, defects left from Mohs surgery for cancer removal, or lacerations and scars from facial injury or previous lip surgery. 

All of these issues can be addressed with cosmetic surgery, allowing you to feel confident in who you are and the way you look.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon

Deciding to undergo any form of plastic surgery is the first step in attaining the look and feel you’ve always wanted. 

But the second step is just as important, and that is choosing the right plastic surgeon for your procedure(s). You want to make sure that the doctor is trustworthy and will put your safety and best interests first. Dr. Vincent C. Hung is that doctor. 

Lip reconstruction surgery is a very tricky procedure. Since the lips lack any clear fibrous framework, it can be challenging for many plastic surgeons to keep the lips symmetrical and natural looking. Additionally, the color, texture, and elasticity of the lips need to be maintained. Luckily, Dr. Hung is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and he has years of experience with reconstruction procedures. 

With Dr. Hung, you will be in great hands and know that you will receive the results you’re looking for. 

Other Reconstruction Surgeries Offered

In addition to the lips, other parts of the face affected by previous injuries or other life events can look fresh and revitalized with reconstruction surgery. Dr. Hung is proud to offer reconstruction surgery options for ear correction and scalp reconstruction. 

Whatever your concerns with your facial appearance, there’s a corrective surgery that can help you feel comfortable with your reflection in the mirror.

Find Out More

For more information about lip reconstruction surgery, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or filling out our online contact form. 

Dr. Hung performs reconstruction surgery for patients in Pasadena and Newport Beach, California.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 | Posted in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

4 Minute Read: 

Skin cancer treatment on your extremities can leave your legs and arms with cosmetically unappealing marks. Scars from previous surgical procedures or injuries on your extremities can also make your skin less attractive. 

Unfortunately, these issues can hurt your self-image and self-confidence. The good news is that you can improve the appearance of your legs and arms by going for skin reconstruction surgery. 

But what does skin reconstruction surgery on legs and arms entail, and what can you expect from it?

When Is Skin Reconstruction on Arms and Legs Needed?

Treating skin cancer involves removing the affected tissue and cells through Mohs surgery. 

The primary goal of this procedure is to ensure that all affected cells (including clean margins) are removed. Unfortunately, this can leave you with large wounds that could affect your appearance.

Since going through skin cancer treatment is tough enough, you do not want these scars to constantly remind you of the ordeal. To improve the appearance of these scars, you will need skin reconstruction surgery.

Options for Skin Reconstruction on Arms and Legs

Skin reconstruction on legs and arms after removing cancer can be quite difficult because the skin in these areas is taut. 

Besides, the skin of your lower legs is under immense stress due to the weight that your legs have to carry. This means that it is not always possible to close the wound on these areas in a straight-line fashion. 

As such, your surgeon will need to get skin grafts from your thighs or other parts of the body to cover the area with lost or damaged skin. Other options include flap surgery and tissue expansion. 

The goal of all these options is to improve the appearance of the scars left after removing skin cancer surgically.

What Should I Expect From Recovery After Skin Reconstruction on Arms and Legs?

After skin reconstruction surgery, you will be left with two surgical sites to take care of: the graft site and the donor site. The wounds will remain dressed for as long as your surgeon recommends. 

You will be required to avoid strenuous physical activities for up to four weeks. 

Of course, you will experience pain for a few days after the surgery, but you will be given medication to manage it. You will also be required to avoid smoking and ensure that you visit your surgeon for follow-up visits. The donor site should heal faster than the graft site, but you should be okay to go back to your daily routine after about six weeks.

Interested in Learning More About Mohs Surgery or Reconstruction Afterward?

If skin cancer removal left your legs with unsightly scars, you can improve the appearance of the scars through skin reconstruction surgery. 

If you are looking for a Mohs surgery plastic surgeon who also performs skin reconstruction on arms and legs, Dr. Vincent C. Hung’s plastic surgery facility may be ideal for you. Contact us via 626-432-5032 for more information about skin reconstruction surgery.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 3rd, 2022 | Posted in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Skin Cancer.

3 Minute Read: 

One of the greatest certainties in life is that time will never go by unnoticed, and, as we age, time leaves its defining mark on our skin in the form of sagginess, wrinkles, jowls, and loss of definition in our features. 

When this starts happening to you, you may start wondering if it’s time to get a facelift that will help you gain a more youthful appearance.

One thing you should keep in mind when considering facial restoration surgery is whether your reasons for wanting a facelift are the right ones. 

So, let’s take a look at the reasons why you could be a good candidate for facial restoration and why it might be a better idea to wait a bit.

What Are the Main Reasons Why People Choose to Get a Facelift?

While each case is different, and the final decision is ultimately your own, there are several issues common to all those who opt for a facelift to remove the signs of aging. 

To name a few:

• A facelift removes wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance.
• People who choose a facelift always say they want to look younger.
• A facelift helps tighten lax skin and remove jowls and sagging left behind by age or weight loss.
• Facial restoration can repair poor jaw or neck definition, which can be one of the most unsightly signs of aging.
• After a facelift, a person looks more alert and less tired, helping them achieve a more defined appearance.

Aside from the physical and aesthetic reasons for wanting to get a facelift, there are emotional ones too. As people age, the change in their appearance can cause them to feel saddened and dissatisfied with how they look. 

Getting a facelift can provide a much-needed boost to their self-esteem and the way they see themselves.

Are There Any Reasons Why I Shouldn’t Get a Facelift Right Now?

Most people who choose to have facial restoration surgery are between the ages of 40 and 60, with the best results being achieved in those around 50 years old. But, choosing this procedure may not be right for you (at least yet), especially if you fall into one of the following assumptions:

• You are not ready for surgery and need more time to consider it. If this is your case, you can talk to Dr. Hung about any non-surgical options, such as laser or chemical peel treatments that may be a better fit for your specific needs.
• You are not prepared for the time it takes to recover. We get it, life gets in the way of things sometimes, and you may be too busy at work or taking care of your family to invest the time you need to recover from a facelift. If this is the case, putting the idea of facial restoration on the back burner for some time may be the best thing for you to do.
• You are not sure if your appearance is the real issue. No matter how old you are, peer pressure is always an issue. Just because somebody you know got a facelift, it doesn’t mean you should feel pressured into getting one too. If you aren’t sure about your reasons for having facial restoration surgery, it’s always best to wait a bit before you do.

Interested in Learning More?

Are you ready to start your path to a more youthful appearance? If so, contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment today!

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 | Posted in Facelift.

3 Minute Read: 

Gynecomastia is a prevalent issue in the male population. The condition, which causes enlarged male breast tissues, has a reported prevalence of up to 36 percent. 

Notably, men with gynecomastia often feel ashamed and embarrassed over their condition. Fortunately, gynecomastia surgery can help reduce breast size in men while flattening and enhancing their chest contours. Patients who have undergone the surgery experience increased confidence as a result of their more masculine chest appearance.

While most men would agree that the results make gynecomastia surgery well worth it, a common concern is how to hide the signs they had surgery on their chest. 

Although the procedure is fast and done with minimal scarring, you may still have to accept some scars. Read on for tips on how to take care of your scars so that they become lighter and fade faster.

What Should I Expect After My Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery results take time to become visible, often finalizing within three to six months of the operation. As you recover, the satisfaction with your new image will grow as your post-surgical swelling diminishes and incisions fade. 

While surgical scarring lightens with time, there is no way to guarantee that the scars will be eliminated completely. Your plastic surgeon will do everything in their ability to place these incisions in your chest’s natural contours; however, some scarring will occur and will likely be permanent.

You can help minimize the visibility of these by following several easy steps. 

How to Minimize Gynecomastia Surgery Scars

Even with the highest level of surgical precision, it is impossible to avoid scarring around the areola or in the liposuction site. Fortunately, most scars heal to a level where they can be barely visible.

Some of the techniques to reduce the appearance of the scars caused by the surgery include:

• Higher level of hygiene: Proper hygiene on a healing wound can help keep out unwanted germs and debris to prevent risks of infections. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on washing the surgery area and how to keep it moist to prevent dry skin from suffering discoloration and redness.
• Protection from the sun: Healing incisions are more susceptible to sun damage. You can apply sunscreen to the scar to protect it from the effects of UV rays. Ensure you are using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Prescription medicine: Your surgeon can also prescribe medications that help fade the scars. These can include ointments, supplements, and skincare medicines that quicken the healing process.
• Silicone sheets and scar gels: You can apply silicone sheets or scar gels on the surgery area to reduce the pigmentation and the size of scars. These also help to prevent keloid or hypertrophic scars.
• Laser treatments: After the scars are completely healed, the scars can be lessened with microscopic lasers targeting the upper and middle layers of the skin. This technique is ideal for reducing or eliminating deep scars.

Don’t Suffer From Male Breasts Any Longer! Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation Today!

Notably, gynecomastia surgery scarring occurs in each patient uniquely. Choosing the right plastic surgeon can be the most effective way to minimize or eliminate noticeable scars from the surgery. 

At the offices of Vincent C. Hung, M.D., F.A.C.S., our highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon will equip you with the necessary knowledge on the most effective method to approach your healing process. 

After your procedure, our team will instruct you on treating the wound when you can resume regular activity and exercise. If you have further questions about gynecomastia surgery, contact us today by calling (626) 432-5032 or filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 | Posted in Gynecomastia Surgery.

2 Minute Read: 

Are you considering plastic surgery, skin cancer treatment, or reconstructive surgery after skin cancer? You probably have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to find a good plastic surgeon. Picking a surgeon is one of the most critical aspects of the surgical process. 

When you envision face or body enhancement or reconstruction, you want to be sure you choose a top-level plastic surgeon who is experienced and qualified to perform your procedure.

Why Should I See Dr. Hung?

Dr. Vincent C. Hung is a world-renowned triple board-certified plastic surgeon in California with years of experience specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has a highly respected reputation within the aesthetic surgery industry, being one of the few plastic surgeons in the U.S with training and board certification in dermatology and Mohs skin cancer surgery.

With the highest form of training in reconstructive surgery, he uses reliable, time-tested techniques to deliver exceptional aesthetic and naturally balanced results. His attention to detail, knowledge, and meticulous approach to every procedure he performs has earned him an impeccable reputation not only among his patients but peers as well.

Dr. Hung runs a full-time private practice in Pasadena, California (Pasadena Plastic Surgery Center) that offers cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to help patients restore their ideal body image and rejuvenate their appearance. He has been in practice for more than 20 years and demonstrates exceptional skill, personal warmth, compassion, honesty, and care for every person he treats.

As a uniquely trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in skin cancer removal and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Hung has worked with many patients to provide the best possible outcome. 

He is affiliated with multiple hospitals around the area, including Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and Huntington Hospital.

An Experience Like No Other

In addition to having years of experience and having performed numerous surgeries, we pride ourselves on high-quality surgical work and consistent results in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Our practice is committed to patient comfort, satisfaction, and outstanding surgical outcomes. Dr. Hung and his entire medical team focus on your health and well-being and will support your experience with clear communication, compassion, and knowledgeable care.

From the consultation stage to follow-up care, your journey is guided by our highly trained staff for a positive experience from the moment you walk in the doors of our practice. We continue to strive for the highest standards of excellence in patient care and consistently positive outcomes.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are interested in a facelift, cosmetic breast surgery, skin cancer treatment with Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery following skin cancer removal, or another procedure, Dr. Hung can help. Contact us at 626-623-7135 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation and learn more.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 1st, 2021 | Posted in Choosing a Surgeon, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

2 Minute Read: 

Any cancer diagnosis can be disorienting and frightening. Over 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. However, there is good news. Most cases of skin cancer are treatable, especially if they are caught early.

When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?

Mohs surgery is recommended for certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Other factors that make Mohs surgery the best option include aggressive or large cancers and cancers affecting areas with very little underlying tissue, such as the eyelids, noses, ear, scalp, genitals, hands, or feet. 

Previously treated cancers that reoccur may be eligible for Mohs surgery too.

What Happens During Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for treating skin cancer, named for the surgeon who first developed it. The technique has evolved and improved over the years and is now considered one of the most advanced skin cancer treatments available.

The Mohs Surgery Procedure

A surgeon removes visually cancerous cells first, then carefully removes very thin layers of skin, one at a time. Each layer is examined to detect any sign of cancer. 

The person undergoing surgery is usually awake and alert, and the surgical site is numbed by anesthesia. 

Most procedures take place in a doctor’s office or clinic. The wound is bandaged after each layer of skin is removed while the surgeon examines the skin under a microscope. The procedure continues until no signs of skin cancer are present.

Surgical Goals

Surgeons undergo fellowship training in Mohs surgery to read slides of skin layers and coordinate microscopic results to the surgical site. The overarching goal of Mohs surgery is to minimize the risk of cancerous cells growing back while preserving as much healthy skin and tissue as possible.

How Is the Site Treated After Surgery?

The preservation of healthy tissue helps surgical sites heal quickly. Some sites don’t even need stitches. Other sites may need stitches, but the wound heals quickly. 

Sometimes the risk of scarring is greater if the surgical site is in a delicate area, such as under the eyes or around the nose and mouth.

Skin Grafts and Wound Care

Skin grafts may minimize scar tissue formation. People with large wounds may be placed under the supervision of surgeons that specialize in wound treatment. Specialized wound care may also be recommended for people with diabetes or other conditions that could complicate healing.

Interested in Learning More About Mohs Surgery?

You can contact Dr. Hung’s office in Pasadena at 626-432-5032 or the Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292 to learn more about Mohs Surgery and possible reconstruction options post-surgery. You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Skin Cancer.

2 Minute Read: 

Sun damage used to mean the occasional burn and a few freckles. But we now know more about the devastating effects of the sun on unprotected skin. Not only does exposure accelerate aging and cause fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also lead to unattractive skin abnormalities and even skin cancers. 

Now, parents are encouraged to slather children in sunscreen, and older adults are advised to avoid direct sun altogether. Even the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) strongly recommends the regular use of sunscreen for all ages to prevent skin cancer and reduce skin damage.

What Damage Does Sun Exposure Do to the Skin?

At the cellular level, DNA is altered when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. 

Even though you might not notice the effects of sun exposure right away, damage in the deeper layers of the skin accumulates over time. 

Without sunscreen, skin regularly exposed to the sun will eventually begin to show irreversible damage. This will manifest as wrinkles, sunspots, and cellular irregularities, such as skin tags and, potentially, cancerous growths.

What Are the Different Types of Sunscreen?

There are many formulations on the market when it comes to sunscreen and sunblock. The AAD suggests checking labels for products that offer this bare minimum: broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or higher (some products go up to 60 SPF), and water resistance. 

Sunblocks are less discreet but equally effective, blocking UV rays with a physical barrier made from minerals like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. However, they are a bit more difficult to use than sunscreen creams and gels absorbed by the skin.

How to Use Sunscreen for Maximum Benefit

Sunscreen will protect you better if you use it correctly. 

Following these few tips from dermatologists may help:

• Apply sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before heading outside — it takes a bit of time to start working
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours — one application will not help you much for an entire day in the sun
• Don’t rely solely on sunscreen for protection — seek shade, wear a brimmed hat, and stick to clothes that cover (many fabrics have UV protection built in these days)
• Don’t forget these parts of your body when applying sunscreen: your ears, tops of feet, and the tip of your nose

Interested in Learning More?

Concerned that your skin has been sun damaged or that you may have developed skin cancer? 

Get in touch with the friendly professionals at the California clinic of Vincent C. Hung, MD, specializing in dermatology and plastic surgery. Call our Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or our Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292, or use the contact form to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 | Posted in Skin Cancer, Sun Damage.