Skin Cancer Screening, Mole Checking and Mole Removal Services

Whether you are concerned about a suspicious mole, or keen to keep a close eye on all your skin changes, our Nurse Consultant in Dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex can provide you with the reassurance that you will receive the correct diagnosis in a timely fashion. Appointments for skin cancer screening or mole checks can normally be booked within a few days. For the small number of patients diagnosed with skin cancer, a proactive approach is more likely to lead to less treatment and an improved cosmetic and overall outcome.

When should I get my moles checked?

If a mole has changed recently, or it has suspicious features, your GP will arrange referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has a special interest in skin cancer. This service is available in the NHS, although waiting times to be seen in a clinic can be many weeks, or privately if you have medical insurance or want to pay for treatment. Mole removal is advised if you have noticed a mole that:

• Has increased in size
• Has changed in colour
• Is over 7mm in size
• Has an irregular shape
• Has an irregular colour
• Is inflamed or oozing

Although the majority of moles that present with these clinical signs will not be cancerous, a small proportion will contain malignant cells and may require further treatment following initial mole removal. Black or dark brown moles may be a sign of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer that can result in patient mortality. If you have noticed any of the above features you should consider seeking medical advice.

Skin Cancer Screening

This service is for anyone with concerns about new or growing moles. This involves a detailed examination of your moles, and a complete skin examination, to give you peace of mind and ensure early detection of any problems.

One-Stop Mole Removal

This fast-track service is for anyone that wants a mole removing because it is suspicious of cancer or they feel it is unsightly. You can book an appointment at our Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex. Moles removed within the clinic will be sent to a pathologist for interpretation.

How do I book an appointment?

You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can book your skin cancer screening appointment by going to our online booking form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.

Profhilo – An Innovative Discovery for Bio-remodeling

As we get older, the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) that we all naturally have in our bodies decrease. Our skin looks drier, loses its firmness and its youthful glow, resulting in what skincare specialists call ‘skin laxity’. Profhilo has been voted ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ in 2016 and ‘Best Skin Enhancement Device’ in 2015 within the aesthetics industry.

Profhilo is a bio-remodelling and stimulatory product which works to remodel your skin. Although based on hyaluronic acid technology, it is not a volumising dermal filler. Profhilo uses their proprietary HydroLift® Action (bioregenerating effect in the epidermis & the remodelling action of the dermis) by integrating the levels of endogenous hyaluronic acid and it is able to optimise the HydroLift® Action thanks to a slow, long lasting release of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

As a stabilised product Profhilo lasts in the skin around 28 days. During this time the stimulation of 4 different types of collagen and elastin takes place by slow release of HA, at the same time it improves skin tone, texture, hydration and radiance. Profhilo counteracts skin laxity through a remodelling action of collagen and elastin fibres. It creates volume in the tissue where it is needed due to its high spreadability Therefore we cannot say that Profhilo is a skin booster as it also has a significant tightening / lifting effect on the tissue.

The product, once injected integrates within the tissue to:

• increase firmness and elasticity
• increase facial fullness with a tightening and lifting effect

In studies on Profhilo the following results have been obtained:

• After 4 weeks from treatment – improvement in lines & tightness of the skin
• After 8 weeks from treatment – definite lifting and tightening of the skin, more hydrated, in better health, increased firmness & elasticity

Why Choose Elan Medical Skin Clinic

Profhilo is registered as a medical device and as such, it should only ever be administered in a clinical environment by experienced medical practitioners. It should not be injected by beauty therapists or those claiming to be medical aestheticians.

Sue Ibrahim has over 30 years experience in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She opened Elan Medical Skin Clinic 20 years ago and has many years experience in injectable facial fillers. Take a look at what our patients are currently saying about us: Read our Reviews

Hair loss can cause embarrassment for men and women – and it can also affect children. Male pattern hair loss is well known but there’s a version that affects women and this can be a very upsetting condition, especially if the bald area cannot be disguised, says Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh Essex.

Patterned hair loss looks different in men and women. In women, there is widely spread thinning of the hair, mainly on the crown. The hairline often remains normal.

What causes female pattern hair loss?

Read More…

When it comes to skin conditions, leading skin expert Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex understands the emotional upset they can cause. And psoriasis is no exception.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting 2% of the population. It occurs equally in men and women, can appear at any age, and tends to come and go unpredictably. It is not infectious and it does not scar the skin although sometimes it can cause a temporary increase or reduction in skin pigmentation.

Psoriasis can affect the nails and the joints as well as the skin. About half of people with psoriasis have psoriasis affecting the nails. For people with moderate to severe psoriasis about one in three will develop psoriatic arthritis at some time.

Can I treat psoriasis?

Read More…

Rosacea is not caused by consuming too much alcohol, explains Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh Essex, teetotalers are just as susceptible. Nor does it only affect people with very fair skin. Rosacea is now thought to be caused by the Demodex mite – and sadly this little bug isn’t fussy about skin tone, race or gender.

Sue, our nurse consultant in dermatology says there are newly licensed prescription creams to manage rosacea although they are not widely available on an NHS prescription due to the ongoing expense incurred. But Sue can prescribe them, if required and our rosacea phototherapy comes in handy for flare-ups.

Read More…

Despite being one of the most widespread skin conditions affecting teenagers AND adult men and women, acne is one of the most poorly understood. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding acne and its causes. In this month’s blog, our skin expert and nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim, helps separate fact from fiction.

Myth: A poor diet high in fat and dairy causes acne

Read More…

Most women will develop thread veins at some point in their lives, yet some can become so self-conscious and uncomfortable about the appearance of their veins that it can ultimately affect their self-confidence resulting in a low self-image and even social anxiety. However, simple yet extremely effective procedures such as Veinwave therapy – as featured on GMTV – can remove the appearance of thread veins completely with minimum discomfort and astonishing results.

What are Thread Veins?

Thread veins – also known as spider veins – are harmless, tiny broken blood vessels often found on the face and legs, and are characteristic of ageing skin. Celebrities including Linda Robson ‘The Birds of a Feather’ actress admit to using cosmetic treatments such as Veinwave therapy to remove the appearance of visible veins on her face and to enhance the look of their skin.

What is Veinwave Therapy and How Does it Work?

We have one of the first nurse practitioners that was trained to use Veinwave at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex. With over ten years experience using Veinwave technology, Sue Ibrahim is an expert in its application.

Veinwave technology uses a process called Thermocoagulation that can be used to treat spider veins, thread veins, (medically known as telangiectasia) including those on the nose, facial redness, blemishes and spider naevi.

The device uses a fine needle which is inserted into the vein to allow accurate application of the treatment whilst protecting the surrounding skin and tissue. As the needle used in the treatment is so small, most patients only report a mild discomfort during the treatment. A single thread vein may require just one treatment session in order for it to disappear. However, repeat sessions may be required.

Book a  Veinwave Appointment with Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex

Our Essex based skin clinic is in easy reach of Basildon, Southend, Chelmsford and Brentwood.

Pregnancy is normally a time when you are radiating with excitement, yes? But when your pregnancy complexion doesn’t always reflect that inner joy it can dampen your spirits.

Worry not, for most you will find that these skin issues resolve themselves following the birth of your baby.  Here are some of the most common skin problems women encounter during pregnancy—and what you can do about them.

Skin Sensitivity

Go easier on your skin now that you’re pregnant. You might get red more easily if you use a facial scrub, your normal facial might verge on painful, and the perfumed lotion you wear might irritate your skin (and make you nauseated, but that’s a different story). That’s why many mums-to-be switch to unscented products and start choosing products that do not contain harsh chemicals, preservatives and fragrances. “You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin,” says Sue Ibrahim, our dermatology nurse consultant.  “The more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include sodium laureth sulphate, parabens and fragrance.” These ingredients aren’t just potential irritants—some say they could pose health risks to baby. We say believe it, because (not surprisingly) a lot of products aren’t tested directly on pregnant women. If you are using prescription topicals on your face you need to tell your doctor that you are pregnant as most prescription creams are not licensed for use during pregnancy either. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we advise our patients to use our Elan Medical DermaCalm range during pregnancy, because they are free from fragrances and preservatives. They also contain mild anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe irritated skin.

Acne breakouts during pregnancy

During pregnancy your hormones are all over the place, and that might mean pimples like you had when you were a teenager. The cruel joke, of course, is that many of the treatments that are prescribed for acne cannot be used during pregnancy. Prescription medications like Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin (Roacutane(R)) and the anti-androgen hormone therapies are definite no-nos. And the jury’s out on over-the-counter creams, since they haven’t been tested specifically on pregnant women (yup, you find that a lot with products). Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be absorbed into the bloodstream, so they’re not worth the risk either. “You can safely use lactic acid and biosulfur to treat acne,” Sue Ibrahim says. Don’t touch, pick or squeeze pimples— just wash with a mild cleanser twice a day. “A lot of women find Acne Phototherapy beneficial during pregnancy and it is perfectly safe for both you and the baby.

Sun Sensitivity

Sorry, mums-to-be, but “pregnancy glow” does not refer to a bronzed, sun-kissed complexion. You should actually try to stay out of the sun as much as you can while you’re pregnant. That’s because your surging hormones make you susceptible to dark patches on your skin—known as melasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, which is triggered by sun exposure. So pull out the big floppy hat, find a beach umbrella and be diligent about wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. If you are unlucky and do get Melasma during pregnancy it may resolve on its own following the birth of your baby, if not then you will need the help of a dermatologist I’m afraid.

Stretch marks

Now you’ve got another big skin concern: stretch marks. Anytime someone’s body grows quickly, they’re at risk for stretch marks, so the fact that baby is growing exponentially in there puts you right in the high-risk zone. Of course, not every mum-to-be gets stretch marks. “For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition,” says Sue Ibrahim. But you can do your best to head them off by gently exfoliating and thoroughly moisturising your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs as much as you can. As for what moisturizer to use, it’s hard to make a recommendation. “A lot of products make claims,” Sue Ibrahim says. “Some may help but aren’t really proven to prevent stretch marks.” If you are left with troublesome stretch marks following the birth of you baby, it is worth looking into the skin tightening treatments we offer at Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Skin rashes during pregnancy

If you’ve got red, itchy skin, it’s important not to ignore it. Itchy feet and hands could be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, a scary complication that can cause liver problems for baby. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to make sure that’s not causing your rash. Another common pregnancy rash is PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), which often starts in the abdomen and spreads from there. PUPPP is actually harmless to baby, but it will be completely aggravating for you. Book in for a Dermatology Consultation if you are concerned.

Ageing skin is one of the most common concerns that we see at Elan Medical Skin Clinic. If all those expensive serums and cosmetic creams did what they claim to do then why do the women that use these products still complain that their skin is dry, dull, blotchy and wrinkled?

Let’s understand what causes ageing skin

Many things cause our skin to age. Some things we cannot do anything about; others we can influence. One thing that we cannot change is the natural ageing process. It plays a key role. With time, we all get visible lines on our face. It is natural for our face to lose some of its youthful fullness. We notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. Our genes largely control when these changes occur. The medical term for this type of ageing is “intrinsic ageing.”

We can influence another type of ageing that affects our skin. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. The medical term for this type of ageing is “extrinsic ageing.”

• The sun – UVA and UVB rays are present 365 days per year. USA rays can penetrate through four inches of glass. So think about this when you are sitting next to a window in the office or driving in your car.
• Smoking –  I know, we are all told how smoking is bad for your health but smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion. Why, because the toxins in cigarette smoke replace the oxygen content of your blood.
• Alcohol – Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older. So drink alcohol in moderation and for every alcoholic drink, drink two glasses of water. This will help to re-hydrate you.
• Unhealthy diet – Findings from a few studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin ageing. Findings from research studies also suggest that a diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate ageing.
• Lack of exercise – Findings from a few studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
• Over Moisturising – Believe it or not, over moisturising the skin will send your skin cells to sleep. When your skin is slightly dry, your skin cells react by producing more collagen. If you over moisturise the skin, you will be inhibiting your own collagen production. Use a sunscreen in the morning instead! Mind you, it needs to be a UVB and UVA Sunscreen of at least factor 30 for it to really protect your skin.
• Skin Scrubs –  Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin ageing process. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin. Some anti-ageing products prescribed by a dermatologist may burn or sting. When using a prescription anti-ageing product, this can be okay.

Even people who already have signs of premature skin ageing can benefit from making lifestyle changes. By protecting your skin from the sun, you give it a chance to repair some of the damage. Smokers who stop often notice that their skin looks healthier. By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of ageing has on our skin.

There is so much conflicting advice out there

If signs of ageing skin bother you, you may ask a beauty therapist for advice. However, this may result in you spending a lot of money on treatments and cosmetic creams that make no difference to your skin at all.  Why not consult a dermatologist instead? Yes, you will have to pay for a consultation, but you may end up spending a lot less money in the long run. Why? Because prescription skincare contains the right amount of active ingredients that are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin. New treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin, and improving one’s complexion are giving many people younger-looking skin.

If you are worried about the effects the ageing process is having on your skin, then why not book in to see Sue Ibrahim. With over thirty years working within the medical and cosmetic dermatology sector, Sue has helped thousands of women and men improve the texture and appearance of their skin. Her professional but friendly approach is well known throughout the industry. Sue will never sell you any treatment that you do not need. As a Nurse Consultant in Dermatology she has won a number of industry awards and constantly receives a string of positive reviews about the treatment and service she provides.

Book your consultation today!

 

Find out more about PRP skin rejuvenation and Silhouette Soft thread lifting at our open evening

You and a friend are welcome to join our lovely team at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex for an informal social evening on October 31^st 4pm – 8pm.

Our Open Evening is an ideal opportunity for you to meet Sue Ibrahim and her team and have a chat with our new award-winning GP, Dr Alex Tran and Amy, our laser therapist.

You will be able to find out more about our new, highly effective facial rejuvenation treatments, PRP stem cell injection therapy and Silhouette Soft Thread Lifting.

There will also be a free prize draw to win a selection of our exclusive DermaActive products.

There’s no need to book – we look forward to seeing you at our intimate and cosy Rayleigh skin clinic.