MUSC Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dermatology

08/07/2025

What if stress could make cancer treatments stronger?

At MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, researchers are training T-cells to survive the harsh environment around tumors by exposing them to short bursts of controlled stress.

The result? Supercharged cells that fight harder and last longer.

And with support from the NIH, these ideas are moving closer to patients.

Learn more:
http://bit.ly/4fkDJbq

Hollings researcher Dr. Shikhar Mehrotra received two NCI grants to improve T-cells functioning against cancer.

08/06/2025

Big thanks to Regional Community Health for their generous gift to MUSC Health Orangeburg!

Their support will help us bring a TEG machine to the hospital, a game-changing tool that shows how a patient’s blood is clotting in real-time.

This technology empowers our care teams to make faster, more accurate decisions when it matters most.

08/06/2025

“As many as 1 in 12 pregnancies are affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy like preeclampsia.”

Amanda Pearsall, RN-SANE, saw an opportunity to make a difference, and now her Blue Bands Save Lives initiative is getting a boost through MUSC’s Employee Initiative Grant.

The program provides postpartum patients at risk for preeclampsia with a blue wristband to alert EMS and ED providers, plus home BP cuffs and education.

“I will work with our OB, ED and EMS providers to give our postpartum moms the best care possible in Lancaster and Chester," Amanda says.

Thanks for all you do, Amanda!

08/05/2025

“When you get my age, as a Southern lady, you speak your piece...Dying. I told him I was dying.”

At 83, Judy Jones was living with excruciating facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia, a rare nerve disorder that made it painful to eat, talk or even read. When medication didn’t help, she found her way to Dr. Jaime Martinez and the neurosurgery team at MUSC Health.

With a procedure called microvascular decompression, her pain is now gone, and she’s back to doing the things she loves.

Jones said the relief has been life-changing. “I don't have the pain chewing and talking and reading. And so yes, it was a very successful surgery.”

Read Judy's amazing story: http://bit.ly/3HkWizB

When Judy Jones met MUSC Health neurosurgeon Jaime Martinez, she didn’t mince words. “Dying. I told him I was dying.”

08/05/2025

Looking for a primary care team that truly puts patients first?

MUSC Health Primary Care Lancaster has officially been named an Advanced Patient-Centered Medical Home, a recognition that means patients receive care that’s more connected, more personalized and more focused on what matters most to them.

Whether you're managing a chronic condition or just keeping up with routine care, our team is here to support your health every step of the way.

08/05/2025

Born and raised in Chester, Dr. Courtney Wright always knew she wanted to give back to the place that raised her. Now, she’s doing just that, bringing compassionate, patient-centered care to MUSC Health Lowrys Primary Care.

“My heart is near and dear to medicine. I always knew that I wanted to help others, but I just felt a strong desire to come back and give to my community,” said Wright. “I feel like my community has sewn so much into my life and helped me to become the physician that I am today.”

Dr. Wright provides thoughtful, evidence-based primary care, including women’s health services and on-site diagnostic tools like point-of-care ultrasound.

She's now accepting new patients in Chester.

Learn more about Dr. Wright:
http://bit.ly/41kAGdw

Born and raised in Chester, South Carolina, Courtney Wright, M.D., always dreamed of becoming a doctor.

08/04/2025

Have questions about living with sarcoidosis?

Join us for the 1st Annual Sarcoidosis Patient Summit on Saturday, Sept. 6 — hosted by the Susan Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence at MUSC Health.

📍 In person at Hollings Cancer Center or join virtually
— 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
— Hear from experts in pulmonology, cardiology, neurology, psychology and nursing care, and get your questions answered in real time.

This is a free opportunity to connect, learn and feel supported. All are welcome.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3163764730454321

08/04/2025

“She is known for sitting with patients to color or play word games, using these quiet, creative moments to ease anxiety, lift spirits and build trust.” 💙

Congratulations to Madison Moore, BSN, RN, our May 2025 DAISY Award Honoree!

“Madison doesn’t just provide care, she delivers connection.” We’re proud to recognize the heart, compassion and leadership she brings to MUSC Health and to every patient and family she serves.

08/04/2025

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, you are not alone—and help is always available.

MUSC Health is the only medical facility in the Tri-county area that provides 24/7 emergency care for sexual assault survivors, including access to specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).

—Exams are *free* and can be *anonymous*
—Medication to prevent STIs and pregnancy is available if desired
—Located at the Adult Emergency Room at 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Downtown Charleston
—You do not have to report to police unless you choose to.

For more specific questions related to the exam, call the SANE office at 843-792-3391

We’re here to support you in whatever way you need.

08/02/2025

MUSC Health in Columbia's Workforce Development and Volunteer Services collaborated to organize a Student Healthcare Exploration event for summer candy striper students. This panel discussion offered students the opportunity to explore various careers, such as nursing, EEG technicians and radiology technicians. A heartfelt thank you to all the MUSC staff who took time from their busy schedules to engage in this panel.

MUSC Health is committed to guiding students in the Midlands as they consider their future paths in healthcare. Attendees learned about the patient care technician training program at MUSC Health in the Midlands, with several students expressing interest in applying next year.

MUSC Volunteer Services

08/02/2025

Coffee, snacks, and a little kindness can go a long way. ☕💙

Anna Jordan, HR Generalist and Volunteer Service Coordinator at MUSC Health Lancaster, launched the Cups of Care cart to bring peace and comfort to patients and families in our waiting areas.

With help from volunteers, the cart has already served more than 600 people this year and, thanks to an MUSC Employee Initiative Grant, this effort is just getting started.

"Our goal is to bring peace to patients and families as they wait,” says Jordan. “This has truly been a light in our community.”


MUSC Volunteer Services

08/01/2025

Proud to spotlight our incredible OB/GYN physicians, nurses and Women’s Pavilion leadership at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center. From prenatal visits to labor and delivery, this dedicated team is committed to providing expert, compassionate care for women across the P*e Dee. 💙

05/15/2025

So easy to celebrate these amazing derm nurses! 🫶🏼🥳🤍 (Just missing a few!)

08/06/2024

MUSC's Emergency Management team, MUSC, and MUSC Health leadership teams continue to carefully monitor the path and potential impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.

All ambulatory facilities in the Charleston area will be closed on Wednesday, August 7. Appointments will be conducted virtually, if possible, or rescheduled. Please check your MyChart for updates on currently scheduled appointments.

Virtual urgent care will remain available throughout the storm. Please monitor our website for updates.

08/05/2024

MUSC's Emergency Management team, MUSC, and MUSC Health leadership teams continue to carefully monitor the path and potential impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.

All ambulatory facilities in the Charleston area will be closed on Tuesday, August 6. Appointments will be conducted virtually, if possible, or rescheduled. Please check your MyChart for updates on currently scheduled appointments.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Virtual urgent care will remain available throughout the storm. Please monitor our website for updates.

07/14/2024

☀️🌊🏖️⛵️ PSA: Have fun this summer & wear your sunscreen….but remember, you can always Fraxel in the fall! 🤪
❕Not only will it clean up sun spots and discoloration, but a recent clinical study showed that a Fraxel treatment can reduce the incidence of skin cancer❕
Call or Email for a Fraxel appointment with Dr. Antonovich!
📱843-792-3021
📧cosmeticderm@musc.edu

05/07/2024

Tomorrow @ 12pm, is offering an exclusive Mother’s Day gift card! Get $50 off a $150 Alle gift card that can be redeemed towards Botox, Juvederm or Coolsculpting! (While supplies last, so set your alarms!)
📲Alle.com/mothersday

05/06/2024

.MELANOMA MONDAY.
Melanoma can come in many shapes, shades and sizes.
📚Learn the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma:
* Asymmetry: One half not matching the other half.
* Border irregularity: The edges can be ragged, notched or blurred.
* Color: The pigmentation is not uniform. Different shades of tan, brown or black are often present. Dashes of red, white, and blue can add to the mottled appearance.
* Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
* Evolving: The mole or skin lesion looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
⚠️ Increased risk factors:
- Excessive UV exposure (indoor & outdoor)
- Family history of melanoma
- Many moles (>50)
- Fair skin
- Weakened immune system
- History of other skin cancers

💡Being familiar with your skin and monitoring for changes, can make a difference in catching things sooner!👏🏼😊🔎🔬

❕Skin cancer screenings with a board certified dermatologist are important, especially if you have risk factors.

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04/17/2024

❕FDA Alert: 
Counterfeit “Botox” use resulting in injuries affecting 19 people, in some instances resulting in hospitalization. This counterfeit product was obtained from unverified sources and administered in non-medical settings (homes and spas).
⚠️Safety First:
while neuromodulators such as Botox are used for cosmetic purposes this is still a medical procedure and should be performed in a reliable medical setting by a licensed injector with expertise in the treatment.
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/04/16/health/counterfeit-botox-what-to-know

04/17/2024

❕FDA Alert: 
Counterfeit “Botox” use resulting in injuries affecting 19 people, in some instances resulting in hospitalization. This counterfeit product was obtained from unverified sources and administered in non-medical settings (homes and spas).
⚠️Safety First:
while neuromodulators such as Botox are used for cosmetic purposes this is still a medical procedure and should be performed in a reliable medical setting by a licensed injector with expertise in the treatment.

03/15/2024

‼️This is a good reminder to be diligent with sun protective measures‼️
🧴🧢😎👕⛱️

02/06/2024

Ahhhh… the JOY that LASER season brings! ☺️🪄✨

01/04/2024

🥳💥🎊✨

Get BOTOX® Cosmetic

12/25/2023

Happy Holidays! 🎄🎁✨
♥️Love Dr. A & Ashten