Dermatology Santa Monica

Elizabeth Shim, MD

Dermatology Santa Monica
Contact Us

Address
1301 20th Street
 
Suite 520
Place
Santa Monica, CA   90404 
Landline
(310) 315-0171
E-Mail
eks999@yahoo.com
Website
www.skin-salon.com
Reservations
www.skin-salon.com

Description

Welcome to the office of Dr. Elisabeth K. Shim, a board-certified dermatologist in the Los Angeles area with offices in Santa Monica and Pasadena. Dr. Shim specializes in skin cancer surgery, skin cancer screening and cosmetic dermatology, including lasers, BOTOX® Cosmetic, wrinkle fillers such as Restylane® and Juvéderm®, removal of "lumps and bumps" and more. Our philosophy is to provide you with excellent care in a friendly, low-key environment. We believe good skin health begins with healthy living, a simple routine and screening for skin cancer. Cosmetically, Dr. Shim strives to achieve natural beauty through a gentle, conservative approach, gives honest advice and tailors your options to fit your needs and budget. For skin cancer patients, Dr. Shim, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, understands that surgery can be a frightening experience. We aim to calm your fears with open communication and a friendly, caring staff that can provide support during your day of surgery.

Keywords Dermatology, Botox, Skin Cancer Treatment.

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Products And Services

  • Mohs Surgery & Skin Cancer

    For more information on Mohs surgery, please visit our website mohssurg.com or mohscollege.org. What is Mohs surgery? Mohs surgery is a specialized technique of skin cancer surgery named after Dr. Frederick Mohs, who pioneered the special way in which the tissue margins are examined. Mohs surgery is recommended for: skin cancers on the head and neck aggressive skin cancers (morpheaform, sclerosing or infiltrative basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or Bowen's disease, melanoma-in-situ or lentigo maligna) cancers which have recurred after previous treatment large or unusual tumors (such as microcystic adnexal carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, eccrine carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma) Mohs surgery has the advantage of finding out the results the same day, rather than facing the risk of having to go back to take more tissue later if the cancer was not completely removed. For this reason, it is considered to be a tissue-sparing technique, only removing the cancer and sparing normal skin, leading to the smallest wound possible. Some doctors in other specialties state that checking margins is the same as Mohs surgery. It is not. For more information on this please visit mohssurg.com. Due to thorough examination of the tissue, Mohs has a superior rate of curing skin cancers compared to other methods. We and your referring doctor can explain the risks, benefits and alternatives and why Mohs is ideal for your case. Why our office for Mohs surgery? Our practice has special expertise and emphasis in Mohs surgery: Our office has a permanent laboratory and full-time experienced histotechnicians on staff (instead of rented lab and equipment) We are fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery (members of the American College of Mohs Surgery mohscollege.org) Mohs surgery is performed nearly every day in our practice. What a typical day is like We may see you in consultation before the surgery is scheduled, or we may consult with you the day of. After taking a history and brief physical examination, we will mark the biopsy site with you. Local anesthetic is used. Patients often ask why we don’t use topical anesthetic. This is time consuming, does not take away all of the pain of injections, and cannot be used on open wounds once surgery has begun. We take special measures to make the injections as comfortable as possible. The area is then excised with a small margin of surrounding skin. Bleeding is stopped and a pressure bandage is applied. It typically takes 1 to 2 hours for your result. During that time you may stay in our waiting room or leave and come back. If cancer was seen on the slides, it means that the edges or margins were not clear of cancer and another "layer" or "stage" of surgery must be performed. The process then repeats itself until the margins are free of cancer. This typically takes up to 2 stages for most patients, but may exceed this. It all depends on how extensive the skin cancer is. What about scarring? Once the cancer is removed, the next goal is the best cosmetic outcome. All surgeries are at risk of scarring. Nonetheless, we have a great deal of experience with wounds big and small in all locations. We will recommend the best options. Some wounds can heal naturally with proper wound care for 6 weeks. Some wounds will have a side-to-side closure, a skin graft (taking skin from another part of the body) or a skin flap (making incisions adjacent to the wound and sliding skin into the wound). We are often asked if we are plastic surgeons; we are not. As dermatologic surgeons, we have expertise in reconstructive plastic surgery techniques and have extensive experience as fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons. Less than 2% of wounds are referred out for reconstruction. We work with colleagues in plastic, head and neck, and oculoplastic surgery, and you may request this if so desired. Some scars may be improved with lasers or further minor touch-up surgeries. Most scars look very well after a tincture of time as they mature. Skin Cancer Screening We believe in preventative medicine. Skin cancer is the most common cancer of all cancers. Besides melanoma, which is the deadliest, there are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. These tumors can look like a normal skin growth. Therefore, a thorough skin exam becomes important to maintain skin health. We would be happy to perform this service as long as your regular dermatologist or doctor does not already provide this for you. For more information on skin cancer, click here or visit skincancer.org

    Link: Mohs Surgery & Skin Cancer

  • Laser Treatments

    Dr. Shim has performed laser surgery for over a decade and has had special fellowship training in this area. Dr. Shim is the only person who will perform these treatments on you. Laser for Redness and "Photofacials" for Skin Rejuvenation Many patients complain about redness, broken vessels or capillaries, rosacea and brown splotching from sun damage that occurs on the face, neck and chest. The Diolite KTP laser is used for treating the above conditions, as well as for non-ablative (no downtime, non-wounding) skin rejuvenation. The "photofacial" is a laser treatment that evens out the complexion by minimizing red and brown pigmentation, building collagen and improving texture and tone. There are no side effects or downtime, and complications are extremely rare. For best results, at least 2 treatments are necessary, each performed 4-6 weeks apart. For wrinkles or sagging, the fractionated carbon dioxide laser (known as "Fraxel®" or the SmartXide DOT laser) is a better alternative. In addition, some brown spots do better with this laser as well. Click here to learn more about this laser. Lasers for Brown Spots Brown spots are caused by sun damage, sun freckles (lentigines), aging skin, growths (seborrheic keratoses) or a combination of these factors. These are treated in our office with the KTP laser, the fractionated CO2 laser or cryotherapy, depending on the types of lesions present. Most patients undergo 2 or more treatments. Melasma often responds better to a tailored topical skin care routine than lasers. Laser for Hair Removal Laser hair removal is ideal for dark hair. The darker, thicker and faster growing the hair, the better the lasers permanently remove hair, reduce their population or delay growth. Coarse hair, such as the armpits and bikini, generally responds very well. Fine, downy hairs, such as those on the mid upper lip and the outer cheeks, tend to be more stubborn. Lasers do not work on blonde or gray hair. An ideal candidate is a patient with fair skin and dark, coarse, fast growing hairs. Sun exposure is incompatible with laser treatments, so we discourage patients who love to tan or spend a significant time in the sun. This is because the lasers work by targeting melanin, the brown pigment in your skin. If a patient is tan, there is a higher risk of skin injury. The Lumenis LightSheer™ Diode laser is an excellent hair removal laser. If you have a dark skin tone, you may opt to find a provider with an Nd-Yag laser, which we do not have. We still treat darker skin tones with the LightSheer, but you will need to undergo multiple test spots and the risk of complications is higher than in fair skinned patients. Laser hair removal consults are free of charge. At the time of consultation, we will examine you, discuss expectations, side effects and possible complications, and perform a test spot. This test spot allows us to determine the right settings for you and to introduce how the treatment works. We will also quote you for the approximate cost of the treatments at that time. Some patients may have treatment the same day. Expect to have at least 5 to 7 or more treatments for the best results. Treatments are well-tolerated because the LightSheer™ has a cooling device. Laser for Scars Including Acne Scars Red, white or raised scars can often improve significantly with laser treatments and a "tincture of time." To treat red and raised scars, we use the Diolite KTP laser. For white scars, we use the fractionated CO2 laser (known as Fraxel®, or in our office, the DOT laser). Some scars need both lasers. Expect at least 2 treatments and minimal to no downtime. Laser for Acne For patients with stubborn acne or significant red lesions, laser treatments can be a great alternative to Accutane and chronic prescription medication. In our experience, we have observed reduced redness, breakouts and oiliness with KTP laser treatments. No one exactly knows why lasers help acne, but theories abound include antibacterial effects, reducing sebaceous gland activity, and decreasing redness and inflammation. Expect at least 2 treatments and no downtime. Lasers for Stretch Marks (Striae) The Diolite KTP laser can treat red or pink stretch marks. The fractionated carbon dioxide laser (known as Fraxel®, or in our office, the SmartXide DOT laser) treats white stretch marks.

    Link: Laser Treatments

  • BOTOX® Cosmetic

    BOTOX® Cosmetic for Wrinkles and Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) BOTOX® Cosmetic (Allergan) injections treat forehead, brow and crow's feet wrinkles and vertical lines of the neck. BOTOX® works by inhibiting involuntary muscle contraction, which worsens these wrinkles. Patients with excessive sweating can see a significant temporary reduction of their condition due to an inhibition of sweat gland secretions. There is a reason why BOTOX® is so popular: it works well and can give dramatic improvement. Patients are often scared of BOTOX® due to bad publicity; however, it is a very safe treatment for cosmetic purposes. For decades, BOTOX® has been used safely for eye conditions. In addition, Dr. Shim has performed BOTOX® safely for over ten years. The following addresses common fears: "BOTOX® is deadly…" The bad BOTOX® stories involved use of unofficial botulinum toxin or very large quantities for non-cosmetic indications. We only purchase BOTOX® Cosmetic from Allergan and are very conservative in our usage. We are very careful where we inject BOTOX® and take our time doing so. Common side effects include a hive-like reaction at the injection sites, which can last for several hours. Complications for dermatologic use are extremely rare and temporary. "BOTOX® will make me look frozen…" The "frozen" look is often caused by too large of a dose or inappropriate placement. We strive to give you a natural look and use conservative dosing. "BOTOX® doesn't last…" It is true that BOTOX® usually lasts for three to four months. However, in our experience, we have observed longer results in many patients, particularly after multiple treatments. Many patients have wrinkles that never return to as bad as they were previously. Most of our BOTOX® cosmetic patients come in twice a year. Please avoid usage of aspirin or non-steroidal inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen), Vitamin E or fish oil supplements for at least one week before treatment to avoid unnecessary bruising if it is deemed safe by your primary care doctor. For 48 hours following your injections, we recommend avoiding massage, facials, vigorous exercise that involves bending over (yoga) or jostling (such as jogging).

    Link: BOTOX® Cosmetic

  • Wrinkle Fillers

    Wrinkle Fillers: Restylane®, Juvéderm® Injectable Gel and Fat Transfer Many patients are fearful of looking overdone. Dr. Shim strives to give you a natural look. Injectable wrinkle fillers are treatments used for: Reducing and softening fine to deep wrinkles Filling in hollows under the eyes or in the cheeks and temples Raising depressed scars such as those from acne or surgery Enhancing the lips, cheekbones, chin, nose bridge and jawline Improving the look of aging hands The most popular fillers, Restylane® and Juvéderm®, are both hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the middle layer of the skin. It is a thick clear soft gel that attracts water and helps build collagen. Results from these fillers often last 9 months or longer. Hydrelle™ is a new hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine to minimize discomfort. Fat transfer is another option which can be discussed with Dr. Shim.

    Link: Wrinkle Fillers

  • Mini Facelift

    Some patients require only minimal surgery to obtain improvement of sagging jowls and cheeks. Patients with mild to moderate sagging are ideal candidates for a mini-facelift. The mini-facelift provides the advantage of less extensive surgery and quicker healing times. Unlike the full facelift, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and involves a shorter incision and less stretching and pulling of the skin. The mini-facelift involves an excision of tissue in front of the ear, sometimes extending into the hairline and behind the ear. Sutures are usually left in for 7 to 10 days. Patients may experience around one to two weeks of minor bruising and swelling. Neck and jowl liposuction is a natural complement to this procedure and is often performed in conjunction. Dr. Shim is a dermatologic surgeon, not a plastic surgeon. Due to her extensive experience with large skin cancer reconstructions, the mini-facelift is a natural extension of her skills and she is pleased to offer this to her patients. Other procedures that patients may consider in addition to, or instead of the mini-facelift, include wrinkle fillers and the fractionated carbon dioxide laser (DOT laser). Please visit these pages on this website for further information

    Link: Mini Facelift

  • Other Services

    Removal of Moles, Cysts, Lipomas, Skin Tags, Age Spots and Other Lesions Dr. Shim has much experience removing a variety of skin lesions, both large and small. These include, but are not limited to: moles, skin tags, cysts, lipomas, seborrheic keratoses, sebaceous hyperplasia, milia and syringomas. Depending on the types of lesions present, a variety of techniques may be used, including shaving, light electrocoagulation (burning), cryotherapy (freezing) and laser. Cysts and lipomas are excised with as small of an incision as possible. Leg Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy) with Asclera® Many patients are bothered by spider or varicose veins and put off treatments for years. Nonetheless, safe, effective treatment is available. The gold standard for treating spider veins of the legs remains sclerotherapy, or injections. Spider veins are treated in our office with at least two treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After treatment, you should expect to wear elastic bandages (which may be removed off and on) for one week and minor bruising and discoloration for 4 to 6 weeks. Most patients, therefore, plan treatments accordingly, especially in the winter months. Expect eradication of some vessels, improvement of others and some non-responsive vessels. Non-responsive vessels often respond better during the touch-up treatments. If you have leg pain, diabetes, poor circulation, poor healing due to underlying medical conditions or susceptibility to bleeding or infection, you may not be a candidate for this procedure. Tumescent Liposuction Liposuction is a safe, effective treatment for patients with mild excessive fat of the neck, arms, stomach, back, male chest, thighs and buttocks. Dr. Shim has specialized fellowship training in liposuction. Dermatologists use tumescent techniques during liposuction to provide safe, effective anesthesia. This involves a large amount of diluted anesthesia, which is directly injected into the treated area, providing control of bleeding and a safe plane to aspirate the fat. Patients are not "put to sleep." Mild oral or injectable sedation may be used. Tiny incisions are made and blunt cannulas are used to remove fat. An elastic binder will be required to be worn for most of the day for at least a week. Prior to the procedure, a general medical examination may be required. Patients with underlying medical conditions including, but not limited to, heart disease, diabetes and connective tissue disease may not be candidates for this procedure. Verdure® Skin Care, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and other options Dr. Shim created Verdure Botanoceuticals, a skin care product line that is the first dermatologist-developed line using effective natural ingredients to address the needs of aging and acne-prone skin. Verdure® is formulated for sensitive skin and is paraben- and propylene glycol-free. Verdure® has been featured in magazines such as Allure, Lucky and Audrey, internet blogs such as splendora.com, makeupalley.com and New Beauty, and spa magazines such as Les Nouvelles Esthetique and MedEsthetics. To learn about these products and where to buy them, please visit verdureskin.com. Your skin care regimen will be tailored to your skin problems, current routine and budget. Suggestions often include over-the-counter products. Other considerations for skin care include glycolic acid peels, microdermabrasion and Retin-A or Renova® cream. Dr. Shim can discuss the best options for you.

    Link: Other Services

Categories

Dermatology
(310)315-0171 (310)-315-0171 +13103150171

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