Four Reasons to Get A Skin Exam

At O’Neill Plastic Surgery, we do more than make sure your skin looks good; we also want to make sure your skin is healthy. This is the perfect time to ensure your skin is in good shape as we enter the summer months. We’re sharing our top reasons to get a skin exam to keep you healthy and protected as the weather warms and the sun gets stronger.  

What you need to know about skin exams 

Annual, full-body professional skin exams are recommended once per year to check for signs of skin cancer. If you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, you may want to see a dermatologist more than once a year. Risk factors include:

  • Blonde or red hair
  • Light eye color
  • Skin that freckles or sunburns easily
  • Family history of melanoma
  • Personal history of sunburns
  • History of unusual moles
  • Tanning bed use
  • More than 50 moles
  • A suspicious-looking mole

The most important thing to remember is that early skin cancer detection is the key to getting the most minimal and cost-effective treatment with the highest chance of a cure.

Reasons to get a skin exam

Early detection

As we previously mentioned, early detection is fundamental when it comes to the quickest treatment plan and the most positive outcomes. When you stay up to date on your skin exams, you’re putting yourself in the best position to catch skin cancer or other skin conditions before they have a chance to get worse. Not only do we know what to look for, but we will also pay close attention to the areas that you may not be able to see very well when you do your self-checks. Skin cancer can be found anywhere, including on your scalp, back, behind your ears, and even between your toes.

Recommendations for any skin problems 

While the primary purpose of a skin exam is to check for any signs of skin cancer, it’s also a time when you can discuss any other problems or concerns you have with your skin. Maybe it’s a suspicious mole, some bumps on your skin, or dryness; one of our knowledgeable team members can provide a recommendation or referral for you. 

Peace of mind

Even if you don’t have any risk factors or particular areas of concern, skin exams are still a low-lift way to stay healthy and have peace of mind heading into the summer months. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and if you’ve had more than five sunburns in your life, your risk of developing melanoma doubles, so it’s worth it to carve out some time for a skin exam in your schedule. Ultimately, skin exams are non-invasive and generally pretty quick, so you can enjoy peace of mind with very little effort. 

Education 

At O’Neill Plastic Surgery, we’re here to help educate and inform. During your skin exam, we’ll share relevant information based on your needs, risk factors, skin type, and more. The more you know, the better decisions you can make for your health. 

Schedule A Skin Exam Today 

Whether you’re concerned about a new spot you’ve noticed on your skin or want some peace of mind heading into the summer months, our team is here to help you schedule your annual skin exam today. Give us a call at (843) 881-2130 for more information. 

A picture of Patrick J. O’Neill, MD wearing his doctor attire.

About the Author

Upon completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Dr. O’Neill completed nine years of residency training. These nine years included a full general surgery and a plastic surgery residency, both at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Dr. O’Neill has extensive certifications, training, skills, and knowledge that make him a successful physician who can carry out your next plastic surgery procedure. His expertise and technique will result in the beautiful and natural look you desire post surgery.

Board Certified:
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Sub-Certification in Hand and Microsurgery

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