Expert Care is a Call Away
When it comes to helping you look your best, the skin care experts at Associates in Dermatology take a personalized approach to deliver the utmost care.
|
With wedding season upon us once again and the holidays right around the corner, many people are eagerly looking forward to gathering with loved ones to celebrate in style. But spending time outside all summer soaking up the abundant Florida sunshine can take a real toll on your skin. As the fall and winter months arrive, you may want to visit with a skin care specialist who is able to not only check for suspicious skin lesions, but can also help give you what you really want this season—a youthful, healthy and vibrant look. For the simple fact that the skin is the largest organ in the body, it’s critical that the proper steps are taken to protect it or one puts themselves at risk for potentially dangerous outcomes. After all, one blistering sunburn more than doubles your chance of developing melanoma later in life: Skin damage accumulates with time, so proper skin care such as the daily use of sunscreen is of the utmost importance. And with thousands of new residents moving to Central Florida each week and adapting to the year-round warm weather, it’s crucial to identify a dermatologist who can help them stay on top of their health. Thankfully, Central Florida is blessed with a dermatology practice committed to offering experienced providers, cutting-edge treatment and the latest technologies. For over 36 years, Associates in Dermatology has been synonymous with high quality dermatological care in the local community. As the president and medical director of Associates in Dermatology, Dr. Michael Steppie has built a strong reputation thanks to his unrivaled passion for clinical, general and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Steppie is a board-certified physician who has completed residencies in internal medicine, dermatology and dermatologic surgery and is also a highly qualified MOHS micrographic skin cancer surgeon. He is also a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation and the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Dr. Steppie cautions that keeping a close eye on your skin can give you greater peace of mind, and if needed, helps improve your chance for successful treatment. “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,” says Dr. Steppie. “The biggest things to be wary of are newly formed moles, spots that have changed in appearance or unusual spots that consistently 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 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. With that expert guidance, it’s no wonder why so many area residents entrust Associates in Dermatology for proper diagnosis and treatment of their skin, hair and nails. And for those looking to put their best face forward this season and reveal a more youthful vibrant look, there are several options ranging from neuromodulators such as Botox or various Juvéderm filler options to minimize the appearance of volume loss and wrinkles. |
|
Other affordable alternatives, performed by a paramedical esthetician include micro-needling and medical grade chemical peels. “These options are very effective and deliver remarkable results,” says Dr. Steppie. “Their ability to improve fine lines and renew the skin texture addresses varying concerns a patient may have, including aging or acne scars.” Micro-needling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles. The purpose of these micro-punctures is to stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing processes, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production. These key proteins are responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity and tone. Fall and winter are the optimal seasons for micro-needling and chemical peels due to the reduced exposure to sunlight. Post-treatment skin can be highly sensitive to sun exposure, and overexposure could potentially slow down the healing process. During the cooler months, we tend to spend less time outdoors, hence minimizing the risk of sun damage. Aside from Associates in Dermatology providing the utmost in personalized care including cosmetic services, Dr. Steppie also offers his own line of premium skin care products that have been rigorously tested and provide visible results. Steppie MD-Ethereal Beauty line of products are designed to help restore radiance and achieve a flawless complexion. As 2025 begins to wind down, the expert team at Associates in Dermatology look forward to the new year and being able to provide patients with the top-notch care at any one of their 16 area locations, including Celebration, Clermont, Hunter’s Creek, Ocoee and Dr. Phillips. This allows patients to visit any number of centers that are close to home, work or otherwise. “Our focus is making patients feel like family and we use a personalized approach to their care that treats each individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Dr. Steppie. “This allows us to pinpoint a patient’s issues and devise the right treatment plan while helping them regain their confidence. “To make that kind of impact in a patient’s life is certainly one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession and it continues to motivate the practice to not only meet, but exceed expectations.” Associates in Dermatology |
