As we start a new year, many people are thinking about making a positive change in how they look and feel. As one example, cosmetic surgery can improve exterior appearance as well as improve confidence and an overall sense of well-being.

Our skin is the body’s biggest organ and keeping it healthy is crucial to our overall health and well-being. In addition, keeping our skin looking healthy and vibrant also improves our appearance and provides a boost in confidence and wellness.

Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Hickory offers cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and skin cancer treatments, as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments and esthetician services. They also offer medical grade skincare products that patients can use at home to extend the effectiveness of the surgical interventions and other treatments that the physician-owned practice offers.

Mohs Surgery: Highly Effective in Treating Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that nearly 10,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. This translates into more than 3 million people in America every year who have non-melanoma skin cancer.

Fortunately, Mohs surgery is 97% to 100% effective in treating non-melanoma skin cancers, Dr. Johnson said. Mohs Surgery is a specialized procedure that removes skin cancer and all of its roots layer by layer. The tissue is examined under a microscope to ensure that all of the cancer is removed. This type of surgery removes cancer cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Dr. Johnson also explained that patients can feel confident about having Mohs Surgery with a board-certified surgeon because the surgeon who removes the cancer is “one and the same” as the pathologist who is also board-certified to read the skin pathology and determine when and if all the cancer has been removed.

PPSD’s Dr. Charles Johnson has over two decades of experience as a board-certified Dermatologist and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon. Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of skin cancer prevention as well as treatment with me. He is well-qualified, because for several years, he has been one of the first surgeons to be certified as a Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon, with expertise in Mohs Surgery and cutaneous oncology by the American Board of Dermatology. Dr. Johnson has completed over 40,000 cases of Mohs Surgery for skin cancer, enabling him to be part of the first group of highly qualified surgeons and skin cancer experts to take and pass the Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon exam.

Healthy skin that is cancer-free is attractive skin. PPSD’s empathetic, highly qualified professional staff can meet health needs as well as aesthetic goals and objectives for a beautiful appearance.

Aesthetics And Skin Care Products
Esthetician and Product Specialist Melanie Herman has been with the practice since 2016. Melanie focuses on educating patients about skin care as well as the services, procedures, and products that can preserve and improve their appearance. She said that patients get their best results when they become “more knowledgeable so they not only receive treatments at the clinic but can continue skin care at home.”

Ashley Abernethy is the Product Specialist at PPSD in Hickory and has been with the practice since 2019. She said, “Beautiful skin starts with great skincare and sunscreen. Do not forget to reapply!” When I asked her about new or particularly effective products that patients should consider, she highlighted three, including an all-in-one anti-aging moisturizer that is good for thinning, sagging skin, Revision DEJ Face. Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen has SPF 36 and offers a natural, sun-kissed glow. Thinning eyelashes can become thicker and shinier in as little as 8 weeks with Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhacing Serum.

Dermatology Treatments and Services
In addition to skin cancer treatment and prevention with professional sunscreen products, PPSD also offers dermatology treatments for skin conditions. The practice offers treatments to improve appearance, such as irregular pigmentation, acne, and dry skin. People with warts and moles may not have cancerous conditions, but it still does not mean they aren’t of concern for health or appearance. PPSD offers treatment that can improve these conditions as well.

Dr. George Magel told me that PPSD wants people in Hickory and the surrounding communities to think of PPSD first when they have any skin conditions or concerns. “We want our practice to be associated with being expert in all aspects of skin.” And, he said, the practice treats people like family. “We are experts in the care of your skin,” he said. Dr. Magel is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. In addition to experience in skin cancer surgery and prevention, Dr. Magel is an expert in complex skin conditions. He is also an expert in complex cosmetic dermatology, including skin rejuvenation, laser surgery, and skin peels. He focuses on an individualized, natural look for all of his patients.

PPSD: Caring, Professional, Serving Patients
Visiting PPSD’s offices, you will be greeted by caring medical professionals who pride themselves in offering a personal touch. Dr. Rosiane Roeder, a Plastic Surgeon with PPSD is one such physician. She is extremely glad she has been able to return to North Carolina to practice plastic and reconstructive surgery, having graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Bachelor of Science degree before continuing to medical school and performing her residencies in general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Roeder believes that the best results for patients are always achieved when surgeon and patient work together. She exemplifies PPSD’s commitment to excellence in cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, dermatology, skin care, and esthetics. With a new year, it may be time for a new you, and it is also always time to care for your skin and health.

315 19th St. SE, Hickory, NC 28602
ppsd.com

Building 100: 828.325.9849
Charles Johnson, MD; Gregory Swank, MD, FACS; Steven Siciliano, MD; Rosiane Roeder, MD, FACS; and Jessica Curtis-Yount, PA-C

Building 200: 828.328.3500
Dori Hunt, MD; Bethany Bergamo, MD; George Magel, MD; Zachary Greer, PA-C; Danielle Shuler, PA-C; and Michael Sabol, PA-C