Clear, healthy skin is coveted by everyone. Dr. J. Nicole Flandry Fussell and her staff at Riverside Dermatology & Aesthetic Center can help you reach any and all of your skincare goals.
BY ANDREA HAYES

What attracted you to Dermatology? I have wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. During my first year of medical school, I found dermatology appealing for a number of reasons. I initially thought I would be a surgeon, but it seemed that often times the doctor/patient relationship was short-lived.

In dermatology, I often see patients on a regular basis and have the opportunity to see their family members as well. You really develop a relationship with your patients. Not to mention I do perform excisions which satisfies the surgeon in me.
My days vary drastically from seeing patients with potentially life threatening melanoma skin cancers to those wanting to freshen up with a cosmetic procedure, such as Botox or a laser treatment. There is never a dull moment at Riverside Dermatology!

What are your most popular procedures? What are the procedures you recommend most? Fractional resurfacing, laser hair removal, photofacials, and injectibles (i.e. Botox and fillers such as Juvederm and Radiesse) are our most popular appointments.
Our Palomar Icon System addresses a variety of common skin concerns including age spots, wrinkles, skin tone and texture, surgical and acne scars, and is also the only FDA approved device for improving the appearance of stretch marks.

Fillers help to restore volume and give a more youthful appearance to an aging face. Botox/Xeomin injections can soften wrinkles and even prevent the formation of some deep set wrinkles. Many patients report that they look refreshed after these services.

Columbus gets very hot during the summer, what is your overall advice for sun safety? Find a sunscreen you like and WEAR IT! It is unrealistic to expect people to stay out of the sun completely, especially in the South.

With as many skin cancers as I see, especially in young patients, I always recommend that people be smart about sun protection. Wearing sun protective clothing, reapplying sunscreen every few hours, and seeking shade during peak hours are a few ways to keep your skin healthy, not to mention wrinkle free in the future! Sunscreen is definitely one of the most important parts of any anti-aging regimen.
Riverside Dermatology carries several different sunscreens/sunblocks that are non-irritating, non-greasy, and safe for children and patients with sensitive skin.

Is there a way to reverse skin damage from the sun? Damage from the sun is cumulative in nature. Many problems caused by the sun do not show up for many years after the damage has already been done. We can treat some of the effects of sun damage to the skin. Laser treatments can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, broken blood vessels, and brown spots caused by the sun. There are some topical medications that can help with fine lines and improve texture of the skin as well, but they work slowly.

Though treatments can improve the appearance of the skin, the risk for skin cancer is still present. The best option is to prevent the damage before it occurs by using an SPF of 30 or more on a daily basis. It is never too late to be smart about sun protection! I recommend sunscreen to the face, neck, and back of the hands daily to all of my patients. We are all exposed to more sun than we think driving in our cars or sitting by windows.

We’ve been told about the dangers of tanning beds for decades. Help us set the record straight: are tanning beds safe or should they be avoided? There is no question tanning beds should be avoided completely. Tanning beds often emit ultraviolet A (UVA) light which is more carcinogenic (cancer-causing) than ultraviolet B (UVB). Not only are you increasing your risk of skin cancer in tanning beds but also are prematurely aging your skin. People who use tanning beds often have increased wrinkles and sometimes an undesirable leathery appearance to the skin.

Apart from skin cancer I have also treated several skin infections that came from tanning bed use when the beds were not cleaned properly. There are some skin conditions that do benefit from ultraviolet light, but these treatments should only be done under the supervision of a doctor and preferably in a medical grade device that has narrow band UVB light. If you want that healthy glow, I highly recommend self-tanners or spray tanning. There are several places in town that offer these services, not to mention a variety of self-tanners that can be applied in your own home.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday when you are not working? I am thrilled to be back in Columbus. I have really enjoyed spending time my son, Jackson, reconnecting with old friends, and discovering the new and exciting things Columbus has to offer. There are so many new restaurants, shows at the theater, and outdoor activities on the river to take advantage of… it’s wonderful!