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Genesis Dermatology

FAQ’S

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Patient Questions

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About Our Practice

6
Are your dermatologists board-certified, and are they also certified in Mohs surgery?

Yes. Dr. Shawna Flanagan and Dr. A. Caresse Gamret are both board-certified dermatologists and trained Mohs surgeons. Dr. Flanagan is also board certified by the American Board of Mohs Surgery, and Dr. Gamret completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery and skin cancer at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

What professional affiliations or accolades does your practice hold?

Genesis Dermatology holds Allergan Diamond Status, Allergan’s highest partner level. Dr. Flanagan is president of the Florida Academy of Dermatology and was named 2023 Surgeon of the Year by the Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. Our physicians are also members of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist at your practice?

Most patients don’t. Some HMO and Medicare Advantage plans do require one, so check with your insurance plan before your visit, or call us and we’ll help you find out.

How experienced are your providers with both medical and cosmetic dermatology?

Very. Dr. Flanagan founded Genesis Dermatology in 1998 and has nearly 30 years of experience across medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Our medical training shapes our cosmetic work, so treatments are safe, precise and natural-looking.

Can the same provider treat both a skin condition and give me a cosmetic treatment?

Yes. Our providers handle both, and in many cases we can address a medical concern and a cosmetic treatment in the same visit.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications and any past skin biopsy or treatment records. You can save time by filling out our intake forms before you arrive.

Skin Cancer & Screenings

4
How often should I get a skin cancer screening, especially living in Florida?

For most adults in Florida, we recommend a full skin check once a year. If you’ve had skin cancer before, have many moles or have a family history of melanoma, your provider may suggest every six months.

What does a skin cancer screening actually involve?

It’s a quick, painless head-to-toe exam. Your provider checks your skin, scalp and nails for any spots that look new, unusual or changing, sometimes with a handheld magnifying light. Most screenings take about 15 minutes.

What are the warning signs of melanoma I should watch for?

Use the ABCDEs: Asymmetry (one half doesn’t match the other), Border that is irregular or blurred, Color that varies, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving size, shape or color. Also watch for any spot that itches, bleeds or doesn’t heal. If you notice any of these, call us for an exam.

Is a skin biopsy painful?

Most patients feel only a quick pinch from the numbing injection. After that, the biopsy itself takes a few minutes and shouldn’t hurt. The area may be a little tender for a day or two, and the small wound usually heals within one to two weeks.

Skin, Hair & Nail Conditions

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I have persistent acne as an adult — is that normal, and can it be treated?

Yes, adult acne is very common, especially in women, and it’s often linked to hormones, stress or skincare products. It’s very treatable. Depending on your skin, options include prescription creams, oral or hormonal medications, chemical peels and laser treatments.

What’s the difference between eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis?

“Dermatitis” is a general term for inflamed skin. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes dry, very itchy patches and often starts in childhood. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to something that touched your skin. Psoriasis is an immune condition that causes thicker, scaly plaques. They can look alike, so an accurate diagnosis is the first step to the right treatment.

Is hair loss something a dermatologist can actually help with?

Yes. Hair loss can come from genetics, hormones, stress, thyroid issues or nutrition, and a dermatologist can help find the cause. Treatment may include prescription medications or PRP, depending on what’s behind it.

What causes rosacea, and can it be managed?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but common triggers include sun, heat, alcohol, spicy foods and stress. Rosacea can’t be cured, but it can be well controlled with prescription treatments and laser therapy for redness and visible vessels.

Are skin tags and moles dangerous, or just cosmetic?

Skin tags are harmless, and most moles are too. A mole that is new, changing or looks different from your others should be checked. We can also remove skin tags and moles that bother you.

What’s actually causing the redness on my face, is it rosacea, sensitivity, or something else?

Facial redness can come from rosacea, broken capillaries, sun damage, a reaction to a product or another skin condition. An exam is the best way to find the cause. Many types of redness respond well to laser treatments such as Excel V and BBL.

Cosmetic Treatments

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Can you actually get rid of brown spots and sun damage, or just fade them?

Many brown spots can be cleared significantly with treatments like BBL, Halo or chemical peels. New spots can form with sun exposure, so daily sunscreen helps keep your results.

What’s the difference between fine lines and deeper wrinkles, and does that change the treatment?

Yes, it does. Fine lines usually respond to lasers, microneedling and skincare. Lines from facial expressions, like frown lines and crow’s feet, respond to Botox, Dysport or Daxxify. Deeper folds from volume loss are often best treated with dermal fillers.

Will my skin look “frozen” or unnatural if I get Botox?

Not with our approach. We use conservative, carefully placed doses so you look refreshed and can still move your face naturally.

I have large pores and rough texture, is that something skincare can fix, or do I need a procedure?

Medical-grade skincare, especially retinoids, can help. For more noticeable improvement, treatments such as microneedling, Clear + Brilliant, chemical peels or laser resurfacing usually work better.

Can anything be done about a double chin or loose skin without surgery?

Yes. Kybella permanently reduces fat under the chin, and Ultherapy uses ultrasound to lift and tighten mild to moderate loose skin. Your provider will recommend the best option for you.

Is it true that non-surgical treatments can help with bladder control or pelvic floor issues?

Yes. EMSELLA is an FDA-cleared treatment that strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. You stay fully clothed and simply sit on the device during each session.

How do I know which cosmetic concern to address first?

Start with what bothers you most. During a consultation we’ll look at your goals and budget and suggest a plan, often in stages, so each step builds on the last.

What’s the actual difference between Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify?

All three relax the muscles that cause expression lines. Botox is the most widely used, Dysport may start working a little sooner, and Daxxify is designed to last longer for many patients. Your provider will help you choose the best fit.

How is dermal filler different from Skinvive?

Dermal fillers add volume and shape to areas like the cheeks, lips and jawline. Skinvive places tiny amounts of hyaluronic acid in the skin to improve hydration, smoothness and glow without changing your features.

What can Kybella do that diet and exercise can’t?

Some fat under the chin doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. Kybella is an injectable that permanently destroys fat cells in that area. Most patients see their best results after two to four treatments spaced about a month apart.

What’s the difference between EMSCULPT NEO, EMSELLA, and EMFACE?

They use related technology for different areas. EMSCULPT NEO reduces fat and builds muscle on the body, EMSELLA strengthens the pelvic floor, and EMFACE tones facial muscles and improves the skin, with no needles.

Is Ultherapy the same as a facelift?

No. Ultherapy is a non-surgical ultrasound treatment that stimulates collagen to lift and tighten mild to moderate loose skin, with no incisions or downtime. Results develop gradually over a few months. A surgical facelift is better suited to more advanced laxity.

Mohs Surgery

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What is Mohs surgery, and why would I need it instead of a standard excision?

Mohs surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time, and each layer is checked under a microscope while you wait. It removes all of the cancer while keeping as much healthy skin as possible, which makes it ideal for the face, ears, nose, hands and other sensitive areas.

Is your Mohs surgeon specifically trained and certified for this procedure?

Yes. Dr. Flanagan is board certified by the American Board of Mohs Surgery, and Dr. Gamret completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery and skin cancer at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Is Mohs surgery painful?

The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you’re awake and comfortable. Most patients feel only pressure. If you’re anxious, ask about Pro-Nox for extra comfort during your procedure.

How long does a Mohs surgery appointment take?

Plan for two to five hours. Most of that time is spent relaxing while each layer is checked in the lab. The exact time depends on how many layers are needed.

Will I need reconstruction after Mohs surgery, and do you do that yourselves?

Often, yes. Our surgeons repair the area themselves, usually the same day, with the goal of the best possible cosmetic result.

What’s recovery like after Mohs surgery?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days. You’ll care for the wound for about one to two weeks and avoid strenuous exercise while it heals. We’ll give you clear aftercare instructions before you go home.

What’s the cure rate for Mohs surgery?

Mohs has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment: over 99% for skin cancers that haven’t been treated before, and about 94% for cancers that have come back.

Will I have a visible scar after Mohs surgery?

There will be some scarring, but Mohs removes as little healthy skin as possible and our surgeons repair the area carefully. Scars continue to fade for up to a year.

Insurance & Payment

6
Do you accept Medicare?

Yes, we accept traditional Medicare for medical dermatology. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by Medicare.

What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage when it comes to coverage here?

Traditional Medicare is accepted for medical care. Medicare Advantage plans each have their own networks and rules, so please check with your plan, or call us and we’ll help you confirm your coverage.

Are cosmetic treatments ever covered by insurance?

Generally no. Some treatments with a medical purpose may be covered, and we’re happy to help you check before your appointment.

Do you offer financing for cosmetic treatments?

Yes. We offer flexible monthly payments through Cherry and CareCredit.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, as well as financing through Cherry and CareCredit.

Will I get a bill for a “routine” visit that turns into a biopsy or procedure?

Possibly. Procedures like biopsies are billed separately from the office visit, so you may see more than one charge. If you’d like, ask us for an estimate before anything is done.

Your Visit

7
Where are you located, and do you serve patients outside of Jupiter?

We’re at 600 Heritage Dr., Suite 101, Jupiter, FL 33458. We welcome patients from across Palm Beach County and the surrounding area, including Tequesta, Juno Beach and Palm Beach Gardens.

How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?

Routine visits can usually be scheduled within a couple of weeks. If you’re worried about a spot or possible skin cancer, call us and we’ll do our best to see you sooner.

Do you offer same-day appointments for urgent skin concerns?

When possible, yes. We do our best to see urgent concerns the same or next day. Please call us at (561) 296-5222.

Can I message my provider or manage my appointments online?

Yes. Our Patient Portal lets you message the office, view appointments and access your records.

What should I expect at my very first visit?

You’ll check in, review your history with our team, and talk with your provider about your concerns. For a full skin check you’ll change into a gown. Your provider will explain any findings and next steps before you leave.

Do you have online reviews I can read before booking?

Yes. You can read patient reviews on our Reviews page and on Google.

I’m nervous about my first dermatology visit, is that normal?

Completely normal. Our team will explain each step, answer your questions and make sure you’re comfortable. You can stop and ask questions at any time.

Still have questions?

Our team is here Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.