Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology of Issaquah, Inc.

01/21/2026

This post is really to serve as awareness as to the importance of scheduling an annual skin exam with a board certified dermatologist.

There are many reasons to have the exam, with an emphasis on those that are genetically at higher risk, had multiple sunburns, grew up in a sunbelt area, or are mature in age.

Skin cancer can take years to develop and the incidence is higher in people over 60, but it’s important to understand anyone at any age can get it. Young people in their teens and 20’s are more susceptible to melanoma, so if you’re a parent look out for or help educate your kids what this might look like.
Melanomas can be small and even present in hidden areas of the body.
Any mole that changes color, is larger than a pencil eraser, bleeds, itches, or grows should be evaluated.

What to expect: skin exams are fairly quick exams. In our office we are very efficient & experts as we do many, many exams a year.
There is always a potential a biopsy is necessary for anything “suspicious.” If time allows we may be able to do it then and there, but it can require a returning visit.
If surgery is needed, it’s done in our surgical suite by Dr. Michalak.

It’s always a good idea to understand your insurance plan prior to scheduling. Patients often assume we know more than you, set fees, deductibles and so on. Insurance plans are chosen by either you or offered via your employer with agreed upon deductibles and RX plans.
Insurance plans between carriers are vastly different and even more confusing in 2026.
We will always provide fees prior to surgery.
We do take most insurance including Medicare.

If any of this sounds like you, please consider getting a skin exams. If your in or around , we are taking new patients.

☎️425-391-2500

01/20/2026

Some great info from The Skin Cancer Foundation regarding UVA and UVB light and it’s effects on the skin.

Understanding the relationship between ultraviolet light and skin cancer may help provide motivation and awareness when it comes to sun protection.

UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun. On the electromagnetic spectrum, UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light, so your eyes can’t see UV, but your skin can feel it. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation. UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen.

Two types of UV light are proven to contribute to the risk for skin cancer:
* Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength. It is mainly associated with tanning and skin aging but can also lead to sunburn.
* Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength. It is mainly associated with sunburn.�

While UVA and UVB rays differ in how they affect the skin, they both do harm. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. UV rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.

Learn more about UV radiation: https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/

01/20/2026

The Fresh Start Card is something CSDI has offered for several years to incentivize patients interested pursing aesthetic treatments.

15% off can add up quickly for a nice reduction in higher priced treatments. It’s something we offer ongoing also. The only disclaimer is it must be a first time treatment with us, unless otherwise stipulated.

01/15/2026

A good read for anyone who has used a tanning bed, thinking about it, or continues to use one.

Indoor tanning is bad for you skin, and despite the warnings people still use them.

We all already know that tanning beds are bad and that soaking up faux sunshine puts you at higher risk for skin cancer. Those of us who participated in the tanning salon craze of the 2000s (guilty), have been reckoning with that for years. But a new study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco reveals that the cancer risk from tanning beds is even worse than we ever knew—uniquely bad, in fact.

01/08/2026

This quiz is quick and surprisingly informative (even a little tricky).

It’s worth the 5 minutes to test your knowledge. Skin cancer and sunscreen misinformation was at an all time high in 2025.
It’s important to keep this in mind.

Misinformation is everywhere online, and when it comes to skin cancer, believing the wrong information can be dangerous -- even deadly.

How strong is your skin cancer knowledge?
Take our quiz to test what you know, spot common myths and learn the facts that can help protect your health. It's tricky, so answer carefully. If you want, let us know your score in the comments!

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/

01/06/2026

Happy New Year! January can feel like a time of renewal, kicking old habits to the curb.

Make 2026 the year you actually make the changes for better health and wellness.

If we could offer a little advice in relation to dermatology:

Start with a self skin check. This should be part of everyone’s routine and not only helps you to get a baseline for what’s normal, you might be surprised to see skin changes you didn’t know were there.
Especially over 40. Spots start popping up seemingly overnight.

Evaluate your skincare. Is your stuff old or expired? Not working anymore? Skincare has grown exponentially in recent years for the better. Derm endorsed basics, like a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are key to healthy skin.

Retinoids, and Vitamin C, do help.

So do advanced treatment for issues that do not go away like scars, pigmentation, wrinkles.

While this is a choice, and yes some more costly, you’d be surprised what a difference a few peels, a laser treatment like Fraxel or VBeam can do to change your skin. There’s nothing that helps with red spots for instance like a laser.
This can also be applied to spots like actinic or seborrheic keratosis, that can really bother people as they age.

Overwhelmed with the choices? Consultations are a an excellent way to learn how about treatments and get to know your provider. When the treatment, safety, and trust in your provider come together, Is the best.

*Disclaimers
The Fresh Start Card is for anyone new to Fortified Fraxel or Fraxel Facial, chemical peels, Ultherapy, Botox, Microneedling, and Dermal Filler.

☎️425-391-2500 to schedule.

12/31/2025

This is a great list from The Skin Cancer Foundation to kick off 2026.
Healthy habits are at the top of the resolution list and skin health should be part of that.
It’s empowering to take control and implement new habits now.

We can’t emphasize enough to incorporate a self skin exam if you haven’t done so, and make it a mission to find a sunscreen you’ll use consistently.

The other thing for skincare users, is to review your products, throw out the expired stuff, or what you don’t use.

Healthy, clear, glowing skin, is achievable, and compliments a healthy lifestyle and self esteem!

Here’s to the best year ever!

12/30/2025

We hope you are having a great start to the last few days of 2025.
We have adjusted our hours this week with a reduced staff so if you are trying to schedule be aware we are closing early on Wednesday the 31st. and closed the 1st.
1.2 will are in normal business hours.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

CSDI

12/24/2025

Please be aware we have adjusted our business hours this week so our hard working staff can have some much needed time off.
We are closed Friday in addition to Christmas Day.

Wishing everyone a wonderful, safe, holiday.

Dr. Michalak and the entire CSDI staff.

12/19/2025

Need a last minute Dermatology appointment?

Give us a call and we might be able to accommodate you between now and the end of December.

For aesthetic appointments with Leslie Carney, Licensed Master Aesthetician book in December and have your treatment in January. This applies to all aesthetic treatment she offers including our extended December Specials.

☎️ 425-391-2500

Happy December! 🎄

12/16/2025

If you haven’t heard, the FDA, after 25 years approved a new sunscreen ingredient, called bemotrizinol.
This comes after many years of being available in Europe.
The dermatology community is excited about it, and we are well overdue for an alternative.

We hope to see it start rolling out later in 2026. If you’re reading this it’s also a good time to revisit your own habits when it comes to sun protection. Misinformation on social media hasn’t helped for those who shy away from sunscreens.
Perhaps something new in the market will help.

Dermatologist are committed to educating on using proper protection against UV exposure to help mitigate skin cancer risk, and premature aging is the skin.

Review your profile in our search tool for the public, which helps patients find board-certified dermatologists.

12/09/2025

Good advice from the American Academy of Dermatology, know how to choose age appropriate products for your tweens and teens!
Social media can be so influential trying to convince young people they need to try everything.

As she points out, young skin can be more sensitive and doesn’t need corrective products.
While some acne products can help, so does establishing good habits, abstaining from tanning beds or excessive sun exposure, and good sun protection.

Persistent acne or other skin concerns are best treated early by your dermatologist.