Melasma & Dark Spots

Melasma — brown patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip — is driven by hormones, heat and ultraviolet light, which makes the Texas climate a persistent challenge. Sun spots and post-inflammatory marks are simpler but share the same first step: rigorous protection. Our providers build a plan that typically combines prescription lightening agents, a mineral sunscreen regimen and, once the skin is prepared, in-office chemical peels, Moxi® or other gentle laser treatments performed by our aesthetic team. Aggressive treatment can worsen melasma, so we favor steady progress over quick fixes.

Mohs micrographic surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time. Each layer is examined under the microscope in our on-site laboratory while you wait, so we take only the tissue that contains cancer and spare everything else. It is the treatment of choice for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as melanoma on the face, ears, hands and other areas where every millimeter matters, and for cancers that are large, recurrent or aggressive. Dr. Patel completed advanced fellowship training in Mohs surgery and dermatologic oncology and performs the surgery, reads the slides and completes the reconstruction himself — a continuity of care that produces both the highest cure rates and the most refined results. For particularly complex reconstructions — especially those involving the nose — Dr. Patrick Pownell, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in Mohs reconstruction, is available on the same floor to work alongside Dr. Patel. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in our procedure suite; most patients go home the same day with a small, carefully closed wound. If you were referred by another physician, we will send a complete report and return you to their care for follow-up.