Basal cell carcinoma is not an uncommon cancer to occur on the lip. The lips are often overlooked when looking for non-melanoma skin cancers. However, given their highly visible location, the majority of lip cancers are easily detectable and treatable at an early stage. A raised pink or pearly bump on or around the lip can be a possible sign of skin cancer.

Cancer of the lips comprises approximately 0.6 percent of all cancers in the U.S. It is the most common malignant lesion of the oral cavity, constituting 25-30 percent of all oral cavity cancer cases.  Studies have shown that males are 3-13 times more likely to develop lip cancers, likely due to occupation-related sun exposure combined with greater alcohol and tobacco use. The lower lip is approximately 12 times more likely to be affected, because it often incurs more sun exposure. 

The best treatment in delicate areas like this is done with Mohs Micrographic Surgery. With Mohs surgery, less tissue is taken, and therefore there is usually less scarring. This form of treatment also offers up to a 99% cure rate, making it the most effective treatment available for basal cell carcinoma. 

If you've ever considered having a cosmetic procedure performed to enhance your natural beauty, you may have wondered what Dysport is and how it works.

Well, it is an advanced cosmetic product which helps in reducing wrinkles and signs of aging.  It gives a more vibrant and youthful appearance to the face.

In certain areas of the body, including the face the effects of hormones, sun damage and increasing years can lead to change we do not want.   Fortunately many of the signs which give away our years can be reversed.  To get a more youthful, happy and pleasant appearance Dysport was developed. 

It is a purified protein of Botulinum toxin which reduces the impulses sent down nerve endings to the muscles.   In doing so it causes a relaxation of the muscles which keeps them from contracting and forcing unwanted wrinkles to appear.   The product lasts about three to four months and then gradually wears off.  This allows for a very natural appearance so friends and neighbors notice improvements, but have a hard time identifying what was done.

The procedure has minimal discomfort and takes only a few minutes to perform.  At DermacenterMD Dysport and Botox injections are performed by Dr. Roger Moore.  As a board certified dermatologist he is expertly trained in the skin, aging and cosmetic procedures.   In addition to this he has gone to great lengths to advance his knowledge in these areas including advanced injector training courses only available to board certified dermatologists.   Dr. Moore’s pleasant bedside manner and excellent skills create many loyal clients.  

Call our office today at 574-522-0265  for your consultation and evaluation.   Looking and feeling your best can be only a phone call away!

Interestingly enough,  the realm of cosmetic dermatology has been one of the pioneers in enhancing smiles.  This can be done in several ways depending on what is desired.

One of the most dramatic methods to improve the smile is to change the downward turning corners of the mouth most get as aging sets in.  This down turn in the corners of the mouth can actually make others see us as grumpy, sour or unhappy, when in reality we are not.  To get others to see us for who we are, Dr. Moore can inject a filler substance into the skin near the corners of the mouth.  This can reduce the shadow in this area and give a more relaxed and neutral or positive appearance.  This technique is often described as the method of turning a frown upside down. 

Botulinum toxin protein can also be injected into the muscles around the mouth or some which pull down on the corners of the mouth.  This can also help relax the corners allowing the lips to have a more happy appearance.

The long term application of topical retinoids in cream form, such as Retin A, can also improve the wrinkles and roughness of the skin around the mouth.  This improvement can yield a healthier smile.  

Laser therapy with our top-of-the line advanced system form Sciton can also improve texture, color, wrinkles and lines of the skin giving a more youthful appearance.  This may be combined with some of the items listed above to get more significant improvement.

Dr. Moore can find the right method to improve your smile so others around you see you as the wonderful and positive person that you are.   

If you interested in improving your smile today, call Dr. Moore at 574-522-0265 to set up a consultation to determine which methods will give you a happy, healthy and beautiful smile. 

See results below of what injectable fillers can do to improve a smile: 

Before: 

After:

Dermatologists are the most highly trained skin specialists in all of medicine.

Board certified dermatologist often have a four year undergraduate degree, then they go through four years of medical school and finally complete a 4 year residency in dermatology  (most have completed 12 years of school).  The board certification process entails passing a rigorous examination as well as maintaining appropriate continuing education credits.

The dermatology residency program is one of the most competitive positions in the medical field, therefore a dermatologist is often one of the top students in the medical school academically.

The residency training to become a dermatologist is rigorous and challenging.  It consists of hands on time in the clinic and subspecialty clinics for dermatology, academic lectures, case presentations, research, skin surgery rotations and quite a bit of study time (as there are over 2,800 skin conditions).  

Dermatologists are trained in most every aspect of the skin, hair and nails.  

Requirements for mastery of topics include interpretation and diagnosis of skin diseases, the pathology of skin diseases and also diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.   Some dermatologists attain advanced training and certification in the most advanced treatment modality for skin cancer, termed Mohs Micrographic Surgery.  This advanced technique is used almost exclusively by dermatologists because it requires in-depth knowledge in pathology of the skin as well as advanced skin surgical training. 

No other area of medicine is as highly trained in diagnosis and treatment of skin problems or skin cancer.

At DermacenterMD we are proud to offer the services of a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Roger Moore, who is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology as well as the American Society of Mohs Surgery.  Dr. Moore is the first to provide Mohs Micrographic Surgery to Elkhart County and continues to be a leader in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology.   In addition, he has been volunteer faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine and hosted dermatology and family practice residents for lectures and rotations.   He is also the founder and president of Dermwise, Inc., a company designed to provide dermatology education to those who are not dermatologists. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Moore please give our office a call at 574-522-0265 today.

Meet DermacenterMD’s PA

Dr. Moore has chosen to include a PA as an integral part of his practice. DermacenterMD is currently home to one of the finest PAs in the area, Mariah Lefforge. Mariah works hand in hand with Dr. Moore to provide the best possible care for all patients seen at DermacenterMD.

Meet Mariah Lefforge PA-C

Mariah has been a part of the DermacenterMD team since 2007. She grew up in Bluffton, Indiana were she graduated valedictorian of her high school class. She was awarded a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship to the University of Indianapolis where she majored in chemistry. While at the University of Indianapolis, she volunteered at St. Francis Hospital and worked as a chemistry tutor and lab assistant, as well as a home health care CNA. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was in the top 10% of her class. She earned a Master’s of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of St. Francis where she served as vice president of her class. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Indiana Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA) and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA).

In her spare time, Mariah enjoys playing tennis, volleyball and is an active member at her local church. She is the resident office comedian and enjoys making everyone smile and laugh.

If you are interested in recieving quality, professional care from our dermatology PA, please feel free to give our office a call at 574-522-0265 to schedule an appointment today.