Is Sun Exposure the Only Cause of Skin Cancer?

3 Minute Read: 

Most people assume that skin cancer is only caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. It’s true, the sun’s UV rays are the leading cause of skin cancer; however, many other lifestyle factors can influence skin cancer development. 

Let’s look at lesser-known causes of skin cancer, so you can work to prevent it.

What Are the Common Causes of Skin Cancer?

Tanning

The leading cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by sunlight. 

However, the sun is not the only way to be exposed to UV radiation. Another is tanning beds. 

Like the sun, tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB rays. Both of these penetrate the skin, and both can increase your risk of skin cancer (not to mention premature aging, rashes, and even allergic reactions). 

To make things worse, since indoor tanning does not require good weather, people can use these devices year-round, increasing their exposure to harmful UV rays.

Genetics

Unfortunately, some skin cancer factors cannot be avoided. Your genetics play a huge factor, and there is nothing you can do to change that. This means that you will need to be vigilant and aware of warning signs. 

Although, skin cancer can affect anyone:

• Studies have shown that men are more prone to melanoma than women, and Caucasian men have a higher risk than other ethnicities. 
• Certain genetic disorders that affect the pigmentation of the skin make people more prone to skin cancer. 
• People with fair skin and freckles are more likely to suffer burns from the sun, increasing their risk of damage. 
• Additionally, people prone to moles have a higher chance of developing skin cancer than those with fewer moles.

Additional Factors

Some people develop skin cancer if they have been exposed to high levels of X-rays or have been in contact with chemicals, such as arsenic, which miners and farmers commonly use. 

Skin cancer can also be caused by hydrocarbons which are present in tar, soot, and oils.

How Can I Reduce the Chances of Developing Skin Cancer?

The best way to reduce the chances of developing skin cancer is awareness and proper sun protection. 

Ensure that you always put sunscreen on and don’t sit or lay in the sun for long periods — especially during peak hours. It’s also best to avoid visiting tanning salons, which can damage your skin and may cause skin cancer in the long run.

People with moles should consider making a mole map. That way, they can keep an eye on their moles and watch for any unusual changes in shape, size, or color.

For more information about how to identify a melanoma, read our blog here. 

Contact Dr. Hung Today!

If you have any moles that you are worried about or have recently noticed changes to your skin, it’s best to visit a doctor for a check-up. 

Skin cancer affects as many as one in five Americans; however, it is usually very treatable when found early.

If you live in Southern California, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Vincent Hung. The team can be reached at (626) 432-5032 for more information about skin cancer tests and treatment, including Mohs Surgery.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Skin Cancer.

3 Minute Read: 

Our world has changed drastically over the last year. There are so many things we once took for granted that we now debate the safety of — such as elective surgery.

So, after all this time, is it finally safe to undergo plastic surgery? 

While plastic surgeons did have to shut their doors initially during the onset of the pandemic, they have been open and performing elective surgeries safely for months now. 

And with COVID-19 vaccinations underway and our country finally opening back up, it is becoming safer to undergo the procedures you have been waiting to get. 

What COVID-19 Precautions Are Dr. Hung’s Office Taking? 

Dr. Hung and his team take COVID-19 very seriously. We understand the severity of the virus and work to make our office as safe as possible. 

Before walking in the doors, here’s what to expect: 

1. Masks 

We believe that face masks are an effective tool in slowing the spread of COVID-19. 

Because face masks are still mandatory indoors in California, all staff and patients must wear face masks while in the office, unless the patient is in surgery. 

In our office, we require everyone to wear their masks properly for the safety of our staff and patients. 

2. Constant Sanitation 

As always, examination rooms and medical equipment will be sanitized after every use. Additionally, high-touch items and surfaces in common areas will be thoroughly sanitized periodically throughout the day. 

We also provide various hand sanitizing stations throughout the office, so our patients and staff can keep their hands clean and free of germs. 

3. Socially Distant “Waiting Rooms” 

To maintain social distancing, we ask all patients to safely park and wait in their vehicle. Once parked, give our office a call — Pasadena 626.432.5032 or Newport Beach 949.574.8292 — to let us know that you have arrived. 

We will give you a call when we are ready for you. 

4. Healthy Employees 

Everyone is given a health screening before entering the office. To ensure the safety of everyone in our practice, we ask that our employees and patients stay home if they are feeling sick. 

We understand your eagerness to have your surgery, but our office will be happy to reschedule. 

How Will COVID-19 Affect My Surgery and Recovery? 

You may assume that undergoing a plastic surgery procedure during a pandemic would be inconvenient. 

However, having your surgery now may make the process a little easier. For starters, the office will not be as crowded, and since you will be one of the few people in there, our team will have more time to focus on you. 

Additionally, many people are still staying at home more. Use this time to properly recover so that when you finally leave the house, you can show off your new surgical results. 

Interested in Learning More?

If you are interested in learning more about the safety of plastic surgery, please contact Dr. Hung’s office by calling his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292. 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 | Posted in Plastic Surgery Safety.

3 Minute Read: 

Most skin cancer patients find Mohs surgery to be the optimal way to remove cancerous growths. While Mohs surgery is known for sparing as much non-cancerous tissue as possible, it can still result in significant surface injury that requires a skin graft. 

This graft is vital to the healing process and provides aesthetic benefits by covering the damaged area. 

Skin graft surgery is a reconstructive procedure that replaces the removed skin with donor tissue (harvested from your body). This skin graft guide will cover some of the things patients should know about skin grafting before undergoing Mohs surgery.

Table of Contents

What Are the Different Types of Skin Graft?

How Is Skin Grafting Performed?

What Are the Skin Graft Healing Stages?

Want to Learn More About Skin Grafts?

What Are the Different Types of Skin Graft?

There are two general types of skin grafts: split-thickness and full-thickness. Each type provides different results and benefits.

Split-Thickness Grafts 

Split-thickness grafts involve taking large swaths of the upper layer of skin from a donor site. Because these grafts only comprise the upper layers of skin, they may not look as natural as full-thickness grafts. 

These wider grafts are ideal for treating broader and more shallow injuries like burns or surface damage. However, these types of grafts are not as commonly used after Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery usually results in smaller but deeper incisions. 

You can learn more about the types of Mohs surgery incisions here. 

Full-Thickness Grafts

Full-thickness grafts use smaller pieces of skin to treat deeper wounds and surgical incisions. 

These grafts work because full-thickness grafts comprise both the upper and lower layers of the skin. This makes them far more effective at grafting into a wound and providing natural-looking results. 

This type of graft is ideal for smaller and deeper incisions or wounds. Full-thickness grafts are less effective the larger the target area is. 

Full-thickness grafts are commonly used after Mohs surgery to cover the incisions. Donor tissue can be taken from the abdomen, groin area, or arm. The smaller grafts, coupled with the thicker skin, make it more likely for the grafts to appear natural. This is important for patients whose incisions are in prominent locations, like the face.

How Is Skin Grafting Performed?

Skin grafting is usually performed using local anesthesia. The donor site and receiving site are identified, and each area is numbed.

Once the area is prepped, the desired amount of skin is excised from the donor area. The graft is then placed over the receiving site and sutured or stapled in place. Dr. Hung does his best to line up blood vessels between the graft and existing skin. This ensures the graft receives enough oxygen and nutrients during the recovery process. 

What Are the Skin Graft Healing Stages?

It can take up to 36 hours to know if a skin graft has taken or not. During the initial skin graft recovery period, Dr. Hung may place you under observation or ask you to come back for periodic checkups.

After 36 hours, if the graft has taken, you can return home. Dr. Hung usually prescribes medications to help manage the pain. The donor site should heal within a couple of weeks, leaving a small skin graft scar. The graft site may take up to four weeks to fully heal. 

You should avoid any activities that could stretch or strain the graft site for four to six weeks following the operation. 

Want to Learn More About Skin Grafts? 

If you want to learn more about skin grafting, how to treat skin grafts after surgery, or other related concerns, please contact our Pasadena office at 626-432-5032. You can also reach us at our Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hung.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 21st, 2021 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Many people wish for tanned, glowing skin; however, tanning, if not done correctly, can result in severe skin damage. 

This means that having tan, beautiful skin when you are younger may result in wrinkles and sunspots at an older age. 

In addition to displeasing aesthetic effects, excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to avoid harmful tanning, such as tanning beds and sitting in the sun, and switch to spray tans or tanning lotion to maintain your skin’s glowing, youthful appearance. 

How Can I Avoid Sun Damage? 

While the sun can damage your skin, it can also be healthy for you. The sun can provide vitamin D, improve sleep, improve mood, and even relieve stress. If you are going to spend time in the sun, you must take the proper precautions. 

1. Wear Sunscreen 

This may seem like an obvious tip, but it is surprising how many people do not wear sunscreen when they are in the sun. Even if you are not going to the beach or sitting by the pool, putting sunscreen on at the beginning of every day can protect you from the harmful UV rays you are exposed to throughout the day. 

Consider keeping sunscreen in your car or your purse for quick access and reapply as needed. 

2. Limit Sun Exposure 

We are constantly exposed to the sun during the day, even if it may seem cloudy outside. However, you should significantly limit your exposure to the sun during its peak hours. This usually occurs in the middle of the day. If you choose to go outside when the sun is brightest, consider wearing sunscreen or protective clothing to protect your skin. 

3. Wear Sunglasses 

The sun not only affects our skin but our eyes as well. Constant exposure to the sun can cause damage to the cornea, which can eventually cause blurriness and loss of vision. 

4. Wear Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants 

In many situations, we cannot avoid being out in the sun. In cases where you spend a significant amount of time in the sun, sunscreen may not be enough to protect you. Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs can help protect against sun damage. Additionally, wearing a hat can block the sun from reaching your face. 

5. Ask Medical Professionals About the Medications You Take 

Believe it or not, certain medications can increase sunlight sensitivity. This means that you are more likely to burn and experience the harmful effects of sun exposure. If you notice the sun is affecting you more than normal, your medication could be to blame. 

Please talk to your doctor to see if your medication is increasing your sunlight sensitivity. 

How Is Skin Cancer Treated? 

Thankfully, when caught early, skin cancer is treatable. 

Dr. Hung offers Mohs micrographic surgery to remove skin cancer and leave as much healthy skin as possible. 

If you have been recently diagnosed with skin cancer, please call Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292 to schedule a consultation for Mohs surgery. 

This entry was posted on Friday, April 30th, 2021 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Skin Cancer.

3 Minute Read:

Skin cancer on the nose is an unpleasant experience at best and potentially deforming at worse.

Mohs surgery allows for cancerous growths to be removed with a minimal amount of tissue lost. Unfortunately, that still means that many people with skin cancer on their nose will end up with open wounds on its surface.

To correct this, Dr. Hung offers a series of nasal reconstruction options that can reduce the risk of complications and create a new and improved nasal appearance.

What Are Common Nose Reconstruction Techniques?

Nasal reconstruction is based on the specific needs of the patient. No two reconstruction operations are ever the same because no two cancer removal procedures are ever the same.

This means the techniques described below are general techniques applied to most nasal reconstruction operations; however, they may or may not line up with your own.

1. Direct Linear Closure

Direct linear closure is a surgical technique that uses the lax skin above and below the wound to seal the injury. This technique is one of the simplest when it comes to repairing large wounds.

The main issue with it is that it requires a certain amount of skin laxity and can result in a scar larger than the original wound if the skin is not quite right.

2. Local Flaps

Local flap reconstruction stretches nearby skin to cover the open wound. This technique is ideal for patients with smaller open wounds on the nose. This technique’s main advantage is that it begins the healing process faster than most other reconstruction options on this list.

The main disadvantage of this reconstruction option is that it requires the wound to be small. It also requires the skin near the wound to have enough elasticity to cover the wound without damaging the skin itself.

This means that local flaps are not always a viable option. However, when available, this technique is usually a good go-to option.

3. Full-thickness Skin Graft

A full-thickness skin graft is one of the most challenging and complex forms of nasal reconstruction. It takes a segment of skin from another area of the body and grafts it over the open nasal wound. When performed well, this technique can treat the largest post-cancer wounds and help a nose look natural, even after losing significant amounts of tissue. This option is rarely a go-to, but it offers a viable reconstructive solution for patients with larger wounds.

The main downsides to a full-thickness skin graft are its complexity and need for a donor area. Most patients prefer their nasal reconstruction not to require a new wound to be opened elsewhere.

The extra complexity of this procedure can also cause the operation to take longer. This technique is still far better than not getting a nasal reconstruction, but other options are usually recommended first if viable.

4. Distant Flaps

This technique partially removes tissue from the forehead to cover the open wound on the nose and restore lost tissue. This technique is often seen as the go-to option for people with wounds too large for direct linear closure.

It can provide some of the most natural results of all the reconstructive options and is less complicated than a skin graft.

The main disadvantage of this technique is the potential for scarring on the forehead. Ideally, this will not be a concern. However, some patients prefer to choose other options rather than risk an unsightly scar arising due to unforeseen complications.

Want to Learn More?

If you are interested in more information about nasal reconstruction surgery or cosmetic nasal surgery, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 12th, 2021 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Valentine’s Day is a time for many couples to reaffirm their love and look forward to a romantic evening. To prepare for such an event, many women go all out, picking the best outfit, planning what makeup to use, and more. Some women even consider cosmetic treatments. 

Unfortunately, many women do not think about more impactful cosmetic treatments until it’s too late to recover in time for Valentine’s Day. 

What Are My Cosmetic Options for Looking Younger?

For many women, taking years off their facial appearance is not as easy as they wish it were. Makeup has its limits, and it takes effort and skill to use it well. 

Fortunately, other options are available to let you look younger—for longer—without worrying about your skill with a makeup brush.

Rejuvenate Your Skin With Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a good starting choice for women looking for that youthful glow. These treatments rejuvenate your skin and create a healthier, younger-looking face with a more even skin tone and texture. Peels work by removing damaged and dead cells on the surface of your face, revealing the newer, healthier skin below. This creates a youthful radiance that can last for months. 

The best part of chemical peels is that they require minimal downtime and offer quick results. You will experience a few days of skin peeling, but your new appearance will shine through after that.

Dr. Hung specializes in the croton oil peel, which can treat mild to moderate wrinkles on the lower face in addition to the benefits mentioned above. This can reduce the appearance of aging to a significant degree.

Make Your Eyes Glow

One of the places where aging is most apparent is around the eyes. Wrinkles, puffiness, and bags under the eyes can all make you look older. Fortunately, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for the upper or lower eyelids can correct these issues and make you look young again. 

The main issue with blepharoplasty is the need to plan ahead. Blepharoplasty needs some time to recover from, usually a couple of weeks. So, if you want to look your best for your romantic night, you should undergo surgery at least a month before.

Restore Your Youth With a Facelift

If you really want to turn back the clock and look years younger, a facelift is a great option. Facelift surgery gets a bad rap because the media only reports on celebrity facelifts that go wrong. In reality, most people who get a facelift look years younger than before with natural-looking results. 

Most people only notice that you look better and don’t question why. Others sum it up with a good night’s sleep, a new diet, and general happiness.

A facelift can tighten loose skin, remove wrinkles, and reposition sagging facial tissues and muscles. When combined with liposuction on the neck, a facelift can adjust your facial contours to a surprising degree. This can make your facial expressions more open and inviting.

Facelift surgery offers the most impressive amount of improvement for your face but also requires time to recover from. If you plan on looking your best for Valentine’s Day this year, get a facelift as soon as possible. The benefits will last years with proper skin care. 

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information about facial improvement or other plastic surgery procedures, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 12th, 2021 | Posted in Facelift, Facial Rejuvenation.

3 Minute Read: 

When thinking about getting plastic surgery, it can be difficult to know when you should make the jump from thinking about it to planning for it. Here, we will discuss some factors that can help you decide whether you are ready to commit to a plastic surgery procedure. 

What Type of Expectations and Goals Should I Have?

The first step in preparing for plastic surgery is figuring out what you want. You need to set your goals so that you know where to focus your research. Do you want a smaller belly? A smoother face? Larger breasts? 

Each of those goals will change what sort of surgical procedures you look at. 

Determine Your Expectations

The second step is doing your research to determine your expectations. That may sound odd at first, but it is important to manage your expectations when planning cosmetic surgery. If you are interested in breast enhancement, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift, it is good to get an idea of what breast enhancement procedures can actually accomplish. Don’t expect to go to a plastic surgeon and ask for a single surgery to make you look like a movie star. 

For most people, such dramatic changes are not realistic. By managing your expectations, you can figure out if plastic surgery is worth it to you, given what your realistic results will be.

When Should I Get Plastic Surgery?

Once you know you want plastic surgery and are pleased with your potential results, the next step is planning your operation. 

Patients usually start talking with surgeons and arranging consultations when they have an idea of what they want. 

Depending on the procedure(s) you are interested in, it is prudent to plan for a recovery time ranging from one to six weeks. This means that you should carefully pick when you want to undergo surgery. Many people choose to do plastic surgery in the winter so they can recover during the colder months and be fully healed by spring. Others choose to undergo surgery in the summer to be ready for the start of the school year. Some patients like to use less invasive procedures (like chemical peels or laser resurfacing treatments) in the spring in preparation for the summer beach weather. 

Choosing a surgical time depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how long your recovery will take. 

How Do I Find the Right Surgeon?

The last step in planning for a plastic surgery procedure is finding the right surgeon for your specific needs. Some surgeons are more skilled than others or specialize in the procedures you want. 

When considering a plastic surgeon, you should consider whether they are board-certified, double board-certified, or even triple board-certified (like Dr. Hung). Surgeons with more certifications and experience are more likely to provide optimal results. Even so, you should look at doctor reviews and photos of prior surgeries and read up on their experience before deciding.

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information about plastic surgery procedures, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 29th, 2021 | Posted in Body Contouring, Preparing for Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

When planning for plastic surgery, one of the requirements almost every board-certified plastic surgeon will mandate is that patients refrain from using all nicotine products for three to six weeks before and after surgery. 

There are very good reasons for this near-universal stricture. Nicotine and other chemicals found within cigarettes damage the lungs, yellow the teeth, and age skin, but these factors are unlikely to directly impact plastic surgery operations. What will affect these procedures is nicotine’s vasoconstriction effects. 

What Are the Effects of Nicotine on Your Body?

Nicotine causes veins and arteries to contract, restricting the amount of blood that can pass through them. This dramatically increases the risk of complications during surgeries, especially plastic surgeries that affect a broad area of surface tissue like facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) or tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). When a plastic surgeon removes a section of tissue on the surface, it is kept alive through blood vessels in nearby tissue. If a patient has nicotine in their system, these blood vessels are too constricted to provide adequate blood flow. 

This means that patients who do not stop smoking are at a much higher risk of tissue necrosis during plastic surgery.  

What Is Tissue Necrosis?

Tissue necrosis is when tissues die while still attached to the body. This condition can be dangerous and, in some cases, lead to gangrene—a potentially lethal condition. The effects of nicotine and the risks of tissue necrosis do not go away during the recovery period. Even if patients who smoke make it through the surgery without complications, there is still a higher risk of tissue necrosis and excessive scarring during recovery. 

What Are Other Smoking Risks?

• In addition to the vasoconstriction effects, smoking also decreases blood’s ability to carry oxygen by adding carbon monoxide to the bloodstream. This increases the risks mentioned above. 
• Nicotine inhibits collagen production, causing the skin to age faster and heal slower. This can make recovery times longer and increase the risk of complications.
• Smoking can increase the risk of certain skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. 
• Smoking also causes wrinkles and other skin concerns that are difficult to reverse while toxic chemicals continue to do more damage. 

How Should I Prepare for Surgery?

If you plan to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, it is vital that you honestly discuss your smoking habits with your surgeon. You should have a frank discussion about your ability to refrain from smoking before and after your operation. 

It is critical that you do not lie to your surgeon about your nicotine consumption, as this may endanger you.

If you truly feel unable to quit smoking for at least 12 weeks, you should not undergo surgery. If, for any reason, you consume nicotine during that window (before or after your surgery), you should contact your surgeon right away. 

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information on the risks of smoking regarding your plastic surgery procedure, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 | Posted in Facelift, Plastic Surgery Safety, Tummy Tuck.

3 Minute Read:

You might be surprised—or comforted, depending on where you stand—that nearly 50 percent of all men experience gynecomastia at some part in their lives.

So, what is gynecomastia?

More commonly found in young teens and older men, gynecomastia is the presence of excess or enlarged tissue that mimics the appearance of female breasts.

Gynecomastia is not caused by being overweight, but rather, an imbalance in hormones that causes the development of excess tissue. This is why losing weight through exercise may only partially solve the issue. This is also why more men are considering gynecomastia surgery to resolve the issue permanently.

Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Many young men start to develop gynecomastia during their teenage years. While adolescents may benefit from the surgery, in most cases involving young men, the issue is resolved by the time of adulthood.

The ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men who are experiencing extreme discomforts such as chafing or rubbing of the skin, suffer from a lack of confidence, and men who have tried less invasive methods and failed.

Gynecomastia may also be associated with hyperthyroidism, low testosterone levels, or other health complications. Be sure to speak with your primary physician to ensure you are not experiencing symptoms of other medical conditions.

Great candidates are also those who have realistic expectations, good physical health, and a relatively healthy weight.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are options for providing complete comfort for patients, and your doctor will suggest the best option for you.

If your gynecomastia is more like pseudo gynecomastia (excess fat), then liposuction will be used to eliminate fat deposits around the chest.

For glandular tissue and excess skin, a series of excisions will be made to remove tissue and reposition and contour the body to its most natural and flattering angle.

What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?

For many men, masculinity is often defined by how you look. Restoring your self-image to the one you once had or the one you desire can have an exponential impact on your lifestyle and confidence.

Surgery may also improve your ability to enjoy the clothes you wear and correct your posture. Feeling comfortable in your skin is just one step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life, and gynecomastia surgery can help you remove the ‘man boobs’ that might be holding you back.

What Are My Alternatives to Gynecomastia Surgery?

Because a hormonal imbalance causes gynecomastia, hormone balance treatments may fight against male breast development or at least minimize its visibility.

In turn, removing anything in your life that might cause this hormonal imbalance may be beneficial. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Steroid use
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Antibiotics and medications
• Lack of exercise

Now that you have considered what causes gynecomastia, take time to research these non-surgical items that might prevent its formation:

• Hormone Therapy or Testosterone Replacement Therapy
• Breast reduction medication (please ask your doctor for more information on FDA-approved medication)
• Herbal supplements, yoga, acupuncture, and other holistic treatments ( these have said to have been able to cure gynecomastia by restoring hormonal balance to the body)
• Proper diet and exercise that promotes testosterone stimulation

Want to Find Out More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Newport Beach?

To learn more about the causes of gynecomastia and how to prevent it or to see if gynecomastia surgery is right for you, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Gynecomastia Surgery.

3 Minute Read:

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), nearly 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States.

While these statistics encompass all forms of skin cancer—including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma—they also include melanoma, a severe form of cancer that can spread throughout the body and have serious, if not deadly, consequences.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the cancer of the melanocytes—the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is responsible for giving our skin its tan or brown color.

Every person has a different level of melanin, making some patients more susceptible to melanoma.

Even though melanoma can occur in anyone, Caucasian men over the age of 50 are thought to be at the highest risk.

What Causes Melanoma?

The most common cause of skin cancer—including melanoma—is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays damage your skin cells and affect the way that your melanocytes grow and divide.

But while sun damage is the primary cause, it is not the only cause of melanoma.

Additional causes include:

• Your skin type: Fair-skinned individuals are at a higher risk
• Use of tanning beds: Like natural sun damage, these beds deliver a dangerous amount of UV radiation
• Your moles: Individuals with a higher number of moles are more likely to get skin cancer.

What Are the Signs of Melanoma?

Since melanoma is often painless, it can go unnoticed if you are not vigilant. The most common sign of melanoma is a visible change to the appearance of your skin or moles.

Every person has moles on their bodies, and more often than not, these moles are harmless. A normal mole is:

• Evenly colored (brown, black, or tan)
• Round or oval
• Smaller than six millimeters
• Flat or raised (but consistent)

However, a potentially cancerous mole is:

• Shaded with various colors
• Irregular in shape
• Larger than six millimeters
• Changing in shape or color

When you are on the lookout for melanoma, consider your A.B.C.D.Es and your E.F.Gs.

• A: Asymmetry (moles that have one half that is larger than the other)
• B: Border (moles that have a ragged or uneven border and shape)
• C: Color (moles that have more than two shades)
• D: Diameter (moles that are larger than six millimeters)
• E: Evolution (new or changing moles

• E: Elevated (newly raised moles)
• F: Firm (moles that are hard to the touch)
• G: Growing (moles that are growing and changing rapidly)

Melanomas can have all of the above irregularities or only have one or two. You want to be careful and mindful of your moles.

How Is Melanoma Treated?

Melanoma is a quick-spreading cancer, and you need to act fast if you notice any irregularities in your moles or skin.

You have several treatment options for melanoma, including Mohs surgery.

Mohs surgery is a tissue-conserving method that removes cancerous cells layer by layer. While this approach eliminates the visible tumor as well as a thin rim of tissue around the cancer, it is a conservative approach that preserves more healthy tissue than traditional skin cancer treatments.

Mohs surgery not only causes less unnecessary trauma, but it also ensures the best aesthetic result. Following Mohs surgery, the area may only require the closing of the area, or it may require a skin graft.

How Is Melanoma Detected?

A melanoma diagnosis is achieved through a biopsy. This takes a sample of tissue and tests that tissue for cancerous activity.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Melanoma is very dangerous when it is not identified but very treatable when it is found early.

To ensure that you get the earliest treatment possible, perform self-skin checks every three months. During these checks, you should examine all of your moles.

Some individuals find it beneficial to make a map of their moles.

Watch out for any change in the size or look of your moles and get treatment as soon as possible, if necessary.

Are You Interested in Learning About Mohs Surgery?

If you are interested in learning more about skin cancer or Mohs Surgery in the Los Angeles or Orange County area, contact Dr. Hung by calling our Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, our Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery.