Living in Southern California means spending a lot of time under the sun. That’s great for your mood. But it’s not always great for your skin. Sun damage can lead to serious skin cancers over time. And at the same time, years of sun exposure can also cause wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. So here’s a question most people in Laguna Hills don’t ask until it’s too late: can you deal with both problems at the same place? The answer is yes. Whether you’re looking into squamous cell carcinoma treatment Laguna Hills CA or exploring botox treatment Laguna Hills CA, Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery offers care for both. This guide breaks down what each treatment involves, why timing matters, and how you can approach your skin health in a smart way.

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Why Should You Care?

Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, is the second most common type of skin cancer. It starts in the upper layers of the skin, called the epidermis. The good news is that most cases of SCC can be treated when caught early. But ignoring it is not an option. If left untreated, SCC can spread to lymph nodes, organs, or other tissues. That’s when things get serious.

SCC usually shows up on areas of the skin that get the most sun. Think about your face, ears, neck, hands, arms, and legs. People who have spent years working outdoors or spending long afternoons at the beach are at higher risk. In a sunny place like Laguna Hills, CA, that risk is even more real. The ultraviolet rays from the sun are the main cause of this type of cancer.

So how do you know if something on your skin might be SCC? It often looks like a red, scaly patch or a firm, raised bump. It might not go away on its own. If you notice something like this, the best move is to get it checked by a dermatologist right away. Early detection makes treatment much simpler and more effective.

How Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Actually Treated?

There are several ways doctors treat SCC. The right option depends on the size, location, and stage of the growth. Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery uses a range of methods to make sure the cancer is fully removed while keeping your skin looking as good as possible.

One common approach is excisional surgery. In this procedure, a doctor uses a scalpel to cut out the growth along with a small area of skin around it. This helps make sure no cancer cells are left behind. Another well-known method is Mohs micrographic surgery. During this procedure, the cancer is removed in very thin layers. After each layer is taken off, it’s checked under a microscope. The surgery stops once all the cancer is gone. This method is precise and removes as little healthy skin as possible.

For smaller or less deep growths, doctors may use electrosurgery. A curette is used to scrape away the tumor first. Then an electrocautery needle applies heat to destroy any remaining cancer cells and stop bleeding. Cryosurgery is another option. In this case, the growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen. Within a couple of weeks, the treated area falls off on its own.

Not every case requires surgery. Radiation therapy can be used when surgery isn’t the best fit. Photodynamic therapy uses light and a special medication to kill cancer cells. Topical medications are also available for certain cases. A good dermatologist will walk you through each option and help you pick the best one for your situation.

Why Botox and Dysport Are So Popular in Laguna Hills

While dealing with skin cancer is about protecting your health, many people in the area also want to address how their skin looks. Years of sun exposure don’t just increase cancer risk. They also cause wrinkles, crow’s feet, and expression lines. That’s where Botox and Dysport come in.

Both Botox® and Dysport® work by relaxing the muscles under your skin. When those muscles stop moving so much, the wrinkles above them smooth out. The results look natural when done by an experienced provider. Most people don’t even need to take time off work after their appointment. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. No anesthesia is needed either.

So what’s the difference between Botox® and Dysport®? Both are neuromodulators, which is a fancy way of saying they work on the nerves that control muscle movement. Botox® was approved by the FDA back in 1989. Dysport® came along in 2009. Both are effective, but one may work better than the other depending on your face and your goals. That’s why a consultation is so important. The team at Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery evaluates your skin and helps you figure out which treatment fits your needs best.

These treatments work well on areas like the forehead, the space between the eyebrows, the corners of the eyes, the nose, the lips, the chin, the neck, and even the angles of the mouth. Most patients see results within 3 to 7 days. And those results typically last between 4 and 6 months before a touch-up is needed.

What to Expect After Botox or Dysport Injections

The recovery from Botox® or Dysport® is pretty simple. Most people feel fine right away. Some patients notice slight bruising or redness at the injection sites. But these side effects are minor and usually clear up within a few days. There’s no need to stay home or skip your normal routine.

One thing to keep in mind is that results aren’t instant. You won’t walk out of the office looking different. Give it a few days for the treatment to take full effect. Once it does, the change is noticeable. Wrinkles soften. Your face looks more relaxed and refreshed. It’s one of the most popular cosmetic treatments out there for a reason.

Can You Get Skin Cancer Treatment and Botox at the Same Practice?

This is a question a lot of people in Laguna Hills have. And the answer is yes. Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery handles both medical dermatology and cosmetic procedures under one roof. Their team includes board-certified dermatologists and a board-certified plastic surgeon. The doctors there trained at institutions like Stanford, Yale, UCLA, UCI, and UCSD. Together, they bring over 45 years of experience in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Having one practice handle both types of care makes things easier for patients. You don’t have to drive to one place for a skin cancer check and another for wrinkle treatment. Your doctors already know your medical history. They can see the full picture of your skin health and make better decisions because of it.

This is especially important when you think about how sun damage connects to both problems. The same UV exposure that causes SCC over time also creates the wrinkles that Botox and Dysport are designed to treat. So it makes sense to address both with a team that understands the connection.

Tips for Protecting Your Skin in Laguna Hills

Living in Southern California is wonderful. But your skin needs some extra care because of the constant sun. Here are a few simple habits that can help keep your skin healthier in the long run.

Wear sunscreen every single day. Not just on beach days. Even on cloudy days, UV rays get through. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Put it on in the morning and reapply every two hours if you’re outside. Wear hats and protective clothing when you can. Avoid being out during the midday hours when the sun is strongest. And get a skin check at least once a year. Catching anything early makes all the difference.

These steps won’t stop every problem. But they do reduce your risk of skin cancer. And they can slow down the signs of aging too. Think of sun protection as one of the best investments you can make for your face and body.

The Verdict: Taking Care of Your Skin Inside and Out

Skin health isn’t just about how you look. It’s about catching problems before they become dangerous. Squamous cell carcinoma is treatable when found early. But it can cause real harm if you wait too long. At the same time, wanting your skin to look its best is a perfectly normal goal. Botox and Dysport offer a safe, fast way to do that.

Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery in the Orange County area gives patients access to both types of care from experienced, board-certified doctors. Whether you need a skin cancer screening, a treatment plan for SCC, or a quick Botox appointment, their team is set up to help. You don’t have to choose between protecting your health and feeling good about how you look. You can do both. If you’re ready to take the next step, visit their website at Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation today.