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Most people have between 10 and 40 moles on their body, and the vast majority are completely harmless. However, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and distinguishing a normal beauty mark from a potential threat like melanoma or basal cell carcinoma isn't always easy to the untrained eye.

Understanding the "early warning signs" and knowing when to transition from a self-check to a professional screening can be a life-saving decision.

The ABCDEs of Self-Detection

While nothing replaces a professional exam, a monthly self-check is an important first line of defense. When looking at your skin, follow the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious lesions:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
• Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
• Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

When to Transition from Self-Checks to Professional Care

Not every suspicious spot follows a perfect pattern. Some pre-cancerous skin lesions may appear as persistent dry patches, while others may look like a common wart or a non-healing sore. Because skin cancer can take many forms, including melanoma and various carcinomas, having a specialist provide a precise diagnosis is essential for your health and confidence.

If you notice a spot that is itching, bleeding, or simply stands out as different from the rest of your skin, it is time for a professional medical evaluation.

What Happens During a Professional Screening?

A professional skin cancer screening is a thorough, non-invasive process where a specialist examines your skin, hair, and nails with care and precision.

• Precision Diagnosis: Providers use specialized expertise to identify pre-cancerous skin lesions and other growths before they become dangerous.
• Comprehensive Care: If a suspicious spot is found, a biopsy may be taken to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
• Specialized Surgical Treatment: For confirmed cases, the team offers advanced interventions including Mohs surgery, a high-precision technique used to remove skin cancer layer-by-layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Why an Annual Exam is Essential

Early detection remains the most critical factor in successful skin cancer treatment. Whether you have a history of significant sun exposure or simply haven't had a professional skin check in over a year, a screening offers the peace of mind that comes with expert medical care. By identifying potential issues early, the team can ensure you receive the most effective, least invasive treatment options available, such as Mohs surgery.

For decades, the standard for reversing facial aging was a definitive, surgical choice. It was a process of subtraction - removing excess skin to pull features tight. However, a major shift is occurring in 2025. The goal is no longer just "tighter," but healthier, stronger, and more resilient skin.

This is the era of regenerative medicine, where the focus moves from the scalpel to advanced technology that teaches the body to repair itself.

Why "Restored" is Better Than "Pulled"

The primary drawback of traditional surgery is that it often overlooks the biological cause of aging: the loss of volume and the degradation of collagen. Modern treatments now prioritize dermal remodeling - strengthening the skin’s foundation from the inside out.

By using targeted energy and specialized injectables, it is possible to achieve a refreshed look that maintains natural facial expressions while providing a significant "snap" back to the skin.

High-Tech Tools for Natural Tightening

The revolution in non-surgical aging is led by three key modalities that offer deep results with minimal interruption to daily life:

• Non-Surgical Laser Facelifts: Groundbreaking laser procedures, such as the Fotona 4D, utilize four distinct treatment "dimensions" to contract collagen through the full thickness of the skin. This provides a lifting and volumizing effect without a single incision or injectable.
• Radio Frequency Microneedling (RFMN): This combination of microneedling and thermal energy is the gold standard for improving texture and laxity. It triggers an intense healing response, making it highly effective for smoothing wrinkles and firming the jawline.
• Erbium Resurfacing: For those dealing with age spots, fine lines, and scarring, both ablative and non-ablative resurfacing allow for precise dermal remodeling. These lasers strip away damage while encouraging the growth of fresh, organized collagen fibers.

The Role of Fillers in Modern Facial Rejuvenation

While technology can tighten, Hyaluronic Acid-based fillers are essential for restoring the structural support we lose as we age. These fillers are designed to mimic the body's natural substances, safely re-creating volume in the cheekbones and softening deep lines around the mouth or under-eye hollows.

When combined with neuromodulators like Botox or Daxxify, which soften the muscle movements that cause deep wrinkles, the result is a balanced, "rested" appearance rather than a "done" one.

The Long-Term Advantage

The beauty of regenerative medicine is that the results are not just aesthetic; they are biological. Unlike surgery, which can actually thin the skin over time, these treatments build "collagen bank" reserves. This approach ensures that the skin remains thick, hydrated, and youthful-looking for years to come.

To My Dear and Faithful Patients,

It is with mixed emotions and with heartfelt thanks to you that I am announcing my retirement from the practice of dermatology. For the last 21 years, it has been my greatest professional privilege to serve this community and be entrusted with your care. The relationships I have built with you and your families are what I will cherish the most as I begin this new chapter.

My highest priority has always been to ensure you receive the best possible care. That is why I have dedicated considerable time and effort to finding the right physician to continue the mission of Divine Dermatology. It is with immense confidence and enthusiasm that I introduce you to Dr. Neha Chandan, an exceptional dermatologist whom I have personally chosen to lead the practice. I am confident that she possesses the exceptional skill, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication required to continue the legacy of superior patient care and service you have come to expect from us.

I know that you will be in the most capable and caring hands with Dr. Chandan. Allow me to share a little more about her

Dr. Chandan is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and brings a wealth of specialized expertise. She completed her rigorous dermatology training in Chicago, where she gained extensive experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is highly trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Reconstruction, ensuring our practice can continue to offer the highest standard of care for skin cancer detection and treatment. She also specializes in cosmetic surgery including fillers, neuromodulators, and lasers. While Dr. Chandan brings world-class training from Chicago, she is thrilled to be setting down roots in our community, as her husband is a proud Florida native.

Dr. Chandan and I will be working closely together during this transition period to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted handover of your care. Your care will continue seamlessly at our same location with the same familiar staff you are accustomed to seeing in the office, and rest assured, your medical records will remain securely with the practice. Dr. Chandan, together with our 3 other mid-level providers that you have come to know at Divine Dermatology over the years, Allie DNP, Aleece PA-C, and Gunj PA-C, will remain here at your service.

The goals for patient care at Divine Dermatology will remain: service first, providing kind medical care, saving lives, and refreshing natural beauty. We warmly encourage you to come for your annual skin exams, wear your sunscreen daily, and be well.

It is a true privilege to have you as a patient, and we thank you for your continued trust in Divine Dermatology.

Farewell with love,

Carol Sims-Robertson, M.D Founder of Divine Dermatology

A note from Dr. Neha Chandan:

I am incredibly honored and thrilled to be joining the Divine Dermatology family and becoming a part of this wonderful community. It is my sincere promise to you that I will build upon the incredible legacy Dr. Sims has created. I am committed to upholding the same high standards of excellence and fostering a warm, welcoming environment for every patient. I am excited to add additional services to the practice to best serve you, including Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Superficial Radiation Therapy for skin cancer treatment. I humbly look forward to getting to know you and continuing to be an active, positive part of the community Dr. Sims has so lovingly cultivated.

With Gratitude,

Neha Chandan, MD, MPH, FAAD