Rosa Lin, M.D. at Westerville Dermatology takes a proactive approach to the skin care of all of her patients regarding aesthetic treatments as well as precancerous and cancerous skin issues. She is very earnest in her ongoing effort required to detect and treat suspicious areas of the skin of her patients.
Dr. Lin has diligently taken care of my wife and me regarding scheduled full body examinations of both of us for several years.
When we first saw her, she explained that the skin is the largest organ of the human body and most of her patients, when young and carefree, all to often subjected themselves to the dangerous and damaging infrared rays of repeated sunburns and/or tanning beds.
When younger, I really didn't feel much need to put sunscreen on and if I did, I certainly didn't feel it was necessary to reapply it for any reason.
As a result and because I had blond hair, blue eyes, and fair complexion, I just anticipated that I would burn each and every year (often it was many times in a year) I would have to put up with the pain of the burn, and spray whatever I could find to help ease the pain.
I am certain that many others have experienced this same summer ritual, although I used to envy, albeit abhor, those who were dark-complected with dark hair and who all summer displayed their tanned, bronze skin to all of us who suffered through our stupid attempts to tan.
Because my wife has a history of melanoma and squamous cell carcinomas Dr. Lin performs a full-body scan every six months as a precautionary protocol to evaluate any suspicious areas throughout her body. Although I am also under her blanket of care, the treatment plan for me is different; annual full-body exams.
However, to this date, Dr. Lin removed a large cyst from my chest, and excised some other precancerous lesions. (I am comfortable watching blood spurting from most anyone, including my wife, but, when it happens to me, it's a completely different story).
After the removal of the ping pong ball size cyst from my chest, I made the mistake of asking if I could see it and Dr. Lin graciously showed it to me . . . as a result of that experience, I ended up "staying for breakfast." In other words, I passed out, was revived and given some juice and crackers to restore my blood sugar levels.
Other incisions she's performed on me have been less traumatic.
Then, during my last examination Dr. Lin discovered that I had cancerous and precancerous lesions around my face, neck, and scalp. Her proposed treatment was to FREEZE a couple of areas with liquid nitrogen.
But, for the rest of the areas, she discussed a new protocol called Blu-U. This relatively new treatment uses a Photodynamic protocol.
After preparing for this treatment with nightly applications of Retin-A for one week, my skin became more light sensitive during this time and I had to try to reduce exposure to the sun and bright lights.
I was moved to the Blu-U patient room where Levulan Kerastick was applied to my face. I sat there for 1 hour and then put in front of the special Blu-U light for 14 minutes.
During which time, even while holding a cold air hose to my face at this time, I felt like was on fire!
After I left the office, I went into "Spy Mode." This is what I call a period of time when I'm undercover; (literally) under a light blanket and hat in the car going home, then I go under the covers in the bedroom to avoid any intense light sources; blackout drapes for the windows.
Each post session resulted in the same intense burning of my face for a period of time; lasting about 8 days.
However, the recommended Blu-U treatment seems to be very effective.
Dr. Lin was on top of the procedure all the way through to today's follow-up.
I highly recommend her services at Westerville Dermatology. read more