As pioneers in the field of skin care, Dr. Michael Steppie and the providers at Associates in Dermatology take an expert approach to provide the proper treatment.

Summertime in Central Florida means a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, whether that’s taking in the natural beauty of the area, visiting one of the many local attractions or spending an afternoon on the golf course. Of course, all of that time soaking up the sunshine comes with a lot of risk, and can ultimately lead to serious skin damage and dangerous outcomes.

Skin cancer rates are steadily rising in the United States where more than 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year, equating to more than all other cancers combined. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one out of every five people will develop a form of skin cancer by the age of 70. On the surface, those figures may seem daunting, but thanks to advancements in technology and treatment protocols, there’s never been more ways to combat the disease.

Here in Central Florida, expert care can be found nearby at Associates in Dermatology, founded 36 years ago and proudly continuing to deliver an unrivaled level of care to communities across the region. Its president and medical director Dr. Michael Steppie has been lauded for his highly influential work and unparalleled effort to educate patients about life-saving dermatologic solutions. Over the course of his remarkable career, he has earned a mantle full of prestigious awards and recognitions, including being named a Top Physician by Orlando Family Magazine for the past eight years. Relying on his vast expertise, Dr. Steppie remains as motivated as ever to make a difference in his patients’ lives.

“I feel my most important goal,” he says, “is to help patients avoid the effects of overexposure to the sun, premalignant growths and skin cancer.”

And while sunshine as at its highest during the summer, Dr. Steppie knows full well that the battle against the disease is a prolonged fight. “Regularly practicing good skin care habits is important because Florida’s near year-round high temperatures puts us at an increased risk for cancer,” he says. “By taking simple and responsible measures to protect yourself, you can make a real impact in protecting the largest organ in the body.”

Just ask reality TV personality Teddi Mellencamp, who was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in 2022 after a suspicious mole was discovered on her back. She underwent surgery to have the disease removed and also had several follow-up procedures. But, earlier this year, a MRI revealed that Mellencamp had developed new tumors in her brain and lungs, and that her cancer has evolved to stage 4 melanoma. While sharing her cancer journey so publicly, Mellencamp has been vocal encouraging others to get routine skin checks and be aware of any suspicious spots that may appear.

“Keeping a close eye on your skin can give you greater peace of mind, and if needed, improves your chance for successful treatment,” Dr. Steppie adds. “Most importantly the daily use of sunscreen and other forms of UV protection can greatly reduce your risks of developing precancers and skin cancer.”

The first line of defense always begins with the patient, who must remain vigilant with their skin care, including being continuously on the lookout for noticeable changes that may require professional consultation. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Big See campaign was designed to help educate the public on how to spot irregularities. The biggest things to be wary of are newly formed moles, spots that have changed in appearance or unusual spots that continuously itch, hurt, crust or bleed for more than three weeks.

Having that self-awareness can go a long way to preventing skin cancer from forming, but ultimately your best chance for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan would be to schedule an appointment with a professional.

“Like with most diseases, early detection is crucial and can lead to simple and straightforward treatments. But the longer someone waits to get examined, the skin cancer can eventually metastasize and become a life-threatening situation,” says Dr. Steppie.

At Associates in Dermatology, the highly skilled team of experts is focused on proper diagnosis and treatment. The practice specializes in MOHS micrographic surgery, which has a cure rate of up to 99% for most skin cancers. “At the end of the day, it’s important to regularly go for routine skin checks because the results can be more surprising than you might expect,” Dr. Steppie says.

And now with kids heading back to the classroom or perhaps leaving the nest to attend college and experiencing life living on their own for the first time, it’s important for families to have serious discussions about sun safety and to ensure children are taking the necessary precautions even when they are not under the watchful eye of their parents.

Speaking of family, as the kids get older and leave the house, it’s the perfect opportunity for Mom to get a little “me time” to help them look as young as they feel. For those wishing to look their very best this season and reveal a renewed, vibrant look, Associates in Dermatology offers several options ranging from neuromodulators such as Botox or fillers such as Juvéderm to minimize the appearance of volume loss and wrinkles.

“These proven techniques and treatments are known to achieve desired results and thanks to our expert team of providers who are well-versed in treating a variety of conditions, our patients are able to stress less knowing that their skin will appear more youthful with a fresher skin tone, texture and glow,” Dr. Steppie says.

With such a stellar reputation for excellence, it’s no wonder why so many area residents entrust Dr. Steppie and Associates of Dermatology no matter their skin care needs. And the unrivaled level of care is always close by thanks to the practice’s 16 convenient area locations, including in Celebration, Clermont, Dr. Phillips and Ocoee. This allows patients to visit any number of centers that are close to home, work or otherwise.

“Being accessible to our patients is a hallmark of the practice and it gives them comfort to know that they don’t have to travel great lengths to receive the expert care they are accustomed to,” says Dr. Steppie. “Associates in Dermatology will always go above and beyond to offer the utmost in personalized care for all our patients. Expert care is just a call away.”

Associates in Dermatology
16 locations in Central Florida including:
Celebration | Clermont | Dr. Phillips | Hunter’s Creek | Ocoee
(800) 827-7546
DermOrlando.com