
Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM – Sat: Appointment Only – Sun: Closed
May
A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Melanie L. Adams, and our team in Columbia serve the greater Hanover, Odenton, and Ellicott City, Maryland area with complete skin care solutions. These solutions are generally characterized as “medical dermatology” or “cosmetic dermatology,” with some natural overlap. Our team is happy to delve into four similarities and differences between these two branches of dermatology.
Treatments in the cosmetic or aesthetic dermatology category are generally not “medically necessary.” For this reason, they are typically not covered by insurance plans. However, that does not minimize the importance of these services and procedures. Dr. Adams and our team intimately understand how the appearance of the skin affects how you feel. The skin is hard to miss; when it looks radiant and healthy, we feel good about ourselves; when it is dull, dry, lined, spotted, and otherwise damaged, our skin can dramatically negatively affect our confidence, well-being, and overall quality of life.
No procedure, even invasive surgeries like facelifts, can stop the clock. However, we can give your skin a fresh start. Many reasons patients reach out to Dr. Adams for her cosmetic dermatology expertise are seeing fine lines, wrinkles, persistent dark spots, and lax skin for the first time. Or, what were once early signs of aging have become undeniable – these signs may be much more pronounced. Whatever the case, Dr. Adams evaluates and discusses your concerns to provide information about the most appropriate options to smooth skin, even tone, and boost overall skin quality.
Time and time again, research demonstrates that sun exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging. It’s estimated that UV exposure accounts for 80% to 90% of visible aging. Sun damage shows up on our skin as dark spots or hyperpigmentation. It also hastens the effects of changes that occur deep within the skin. These and other environmental factors contribute to the breakdown of structural components like collagen and elastin, making existing wrinkles and sagging skin look worse.
When your skin is healthy, it shows! So, when we effectively treat and manage skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis with medical dermatology services, there is an obvious cosmetic benefit alongside easing the inflammation, pain, itch, and irritation — your skin is clearer, smoother, and generally more radiant. Likewise, guidance on skincare products tailored to your needs helps to promote a healthy skin barrier and protect from external threats to your skin’s attractive appearance.
Regardless of your needs, Dr. Melanie L. Adams’s office is certain to have a skin solution that is right for you. Call (410) 910-2366 to schedule a consultation at our Columbia, MD office, which is proud to also serve the greater Hanover, Odenton, and Ellicott City areas.