We all have hopes of maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin for as long as possible. Sooner or later, this will likely require the experience of a skin specialist such as a dermatology physician assistant, whose role is to help you address any problems or concerns related to your skin, nails, and hair. Megan MacCarthy, PA-C and Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C of the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery offer dermatology services to patients in Appleton and Green Bay.
What is a Dermatology Physician Assistant?
Dermatology physician assistants are trained to help you maintain clear and radiant-looking skin, and help diagnose and treat underlying conditions ranging from eczema to skin cancer. It is important to note just how complex the skin is. This organ is your body’s first and best defense against disease. It safeguards your internal organs, helps regulate your temperature, and supplies external signals about your overall health and wellness. Our dermatology physician assistants are trained to understand this important organ, and provide treatments for thousands of different conditions that can impact your health and appearance.
Our Training
To gain considerable experience in how the skin functions, dermatology physician assistants seek advanced medical training. At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C and Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, have 34 years of combined experience treating various skin conditions. They both hold a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and are board-certified by the NCCPA. As dermatology specialists, they would love to talk with you about your needs and recommend a skincare treatment program just for you.
Dermatology Conditions
Our dermatology physician assistants can provide diagnosis and treatment for countless conditions involving the skin, nails, and hair. A few examples include:
- Skin Cancer Evaluation. Dermatology physician assistants can identify outward signs of skin cancer, recommending further assessment or treatment as needed.
- Mole Evaluation. While most moles are harmless, some can become cancerous. Dermatology physician assistants are trained in identifying moles that appear to be risky or malignant.
- Hair loss. Several factors can contribute to hair loss, ranging from unhealthy scalp conditions to autoimmune disorders to simple genetics.
- Acne. Acute acne breakouts can compromise your skin and impair your self-confidence. Dermatology physician assistants can develop comprehensive plans to get breakouts under control.
- Warts. Most warts are harmless, but you may wish to get rid of them to improve your appearance. Dermatology physician assistants can quickly and safely remove warts as necessary.
- Eczema. Eczema is an itchy irritation of the skin, usually resulting in a rash. The right dermatological care can help minimize these outbreaks and restore the skin to clarity.
- Rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that can lead to a red appearance, potentially leading to self-consciousness. Dermatology physician assistants can prescribe the most effective treatments.
- Melasma. This skin condition is characterized by brown or gray spots, often resembling freckles. There are various treatments to restore a clearer countenance.
- Psoriasis. While there is no cure for this chronic skin condition, dermatology physician assistants can recommend treatments to alleviate the symptoms and make them very manageable.
- Anti-aging skincare. With time, the skin loses its natural elasticity, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and hollowness. The right skincare routine can minimize these unwanted effects.
- Nail disease. Nails may become compromised in appearance or even functionality. Dermatology physician assistants are trained to treat conditions affecting the nails.
- Skin tags. Skin tags are harmless but can become irritated or painful when they rub against clothing. A dermatology physician assistant can safely remove any unwanted skin tags for you.
When To Consult a Skin Care Specialist
Often, skin conditions can be most easily dealt with through early intervention. For this reason, we recommend that patients seek care from a dermatology provider any time they notice anything unusual with their skin, whether that is a rash, a sudden outbreak of acne, or a mole or skin tag that appears irritated.
What Skincare Procedures Do We Offer?
Our dermatology physician assistants offer treatments to help you maintain your healthy skin. Here are some of the options available to our patients in Appleton and Green Bay.
- Photofacials. Photofacials can address wide-ranging concerns, including sun damage, pore enlargement, rosacea, and more using laser technology.
- Photodynamic Therapy. By combining light with photosynthesizing chemicals, we can help clear up a number of skin conditions, including acne.
- Microneedling. By creating tiny injuries in the skin, microneedling helps jump-start the body’s healing abilities, rejuvenating the skin.
- Chemical peels. Chemical peels can be used to remove unhealthy layers of the skin, revealing new, unblemished skin beneath.
- DiamondTome™ Microdermabrasion. This treatment gently sands away the outer layer of your skin, removing blemishes and imperfections.
- Extractions. Dermatology physician assistants can unclog pores using either manual or mechanical methods, extracting any unwanted build-up or debris.
- Skin Cancer Screening. Our team will assess your skin for any worrisome signs of skin cancer, recommending further treatment when necessary.
- Mole Removal. Most moles are harmless, but our specialists can evaluate you and recommend removing any moles that appear malignant.
- Psoriasis Treatment. We provide clinical treatment for psoriasis, allowing for clearer skin and improved self-confidence.
- Acne Treatment. Our dermatology team will help develop a comprehensive acne treatment to keep your breakouts in check.
- Rosacea Treatment. Rosacea can be treated with antibiotics, anti-acne treatments, and beyond.
Why Choose Us
Our team of experienced skincare professionals has a combined three decades of experience treating patients in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and the surrounding communities. We make a personal investment in each patient, and are always passionate about helping you meet your skincare goals.
To schedule a consultation, contact the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery at (920) 380-9890.
