Doctor subtracts years from faces

Milford n In an office located just beneath The Pike County Courier’s in Milford, there is a doctor named Richard E. Buckley who is changing the face of our area. Actually make that faces. A dermatological specialist, Dr. Buckley views what he does -- subtracting up to 10 years from people’s appearances -- as an art form rather than something medical. It’s this philosophy that sets him apart from others who inject Botox, Restalyn, collagen, Juvederm and the like. “After you discuss the person’s individual concern areas, you have to look at the person and their facial muscles,” Dr. Buckley said. To this end, he photographs his patients’ faces to study their features before and after treatment. Appointments start in a consultation room. There, Dr. Buckley and his patients discuss areas they want to “improve” as well as Botox, which relaxes muscles to eliminate lines, and “filler” options. The fillers he uses include the new Juvederm, made popular in France, Restylyn and collagen. After that, it’s off to the treatment room where the patient is photographed in the pictures instantly zapped into Dr. Buckley’s computer. From there, he carefully studies the patient’s face both on the computer screen and straight on as he administers the treatments. “I’ve learned different techniques from different experts all over the years,” Dr. Buckley said. He doesn’t copy one style, but rather has melded the techniques of those with whom he’s trained into his own style of expertise. Dr. Buckley, along with his wife, Dr. Marina Buckley, with whom he shares the office, also specialize in laser skin treatment and procedures to address spider veins, skin cancer, sun damage, age spots, acne scars and a host of other skin ailments. A hot subject the doctors address frequently this time of year is prevention of skin cancers. “Prevention of skin cancer depends on preventing the genetic mutations that lead to the cancer,” Dr. Richard Buckley said, “We know that sun exposure leads to DNA breakage and increases the chance of mutations. Therefore, avoid sun exposure, especially during the brightest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.). You don’t even have to see reddened skin in order to be sustaining damage from the sun’s rays.” He and his wife advise people to cover exposed areas of the skin when outside and use skin care products with high levels of SPF (such as 30 and up). Another important key to the prevention of skin cancer is screening. The doctors recommend a combination of careful self-examination and getting your skin checked for precancerous or suspicious areas by a physician who is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. “In this way, if something requiring attention is discovered, you can receive early, simple treatment.” From helping people guard against skin cancer to treating it if its already there to continuing to subtract years from faces around the area, the Buckleys practice, Advanced Dermatology Pocono Medical Care, has established a superb reputation.