Total Body Skin Exam (TBSE)
Is it time for a total body skin exam?
Whether you’re a diligent sunscreen wearer or not, a regular total body skin exam is an important way to protect yourself against skin-related health problems. Doctors recommend getting a TBSE at least once a year to determine what treatments you might need. Give your largest organ a little love and book an appointment with one of our specialists today.
What is a total body skin exam?
A total body skin exam is exactly what it sounds like. Your dermatologist checks your skin’s surface for any irregular conditions including rashes, dry patches, irregular moles and warts or skin tags. He or she will thoroughly check the hard to reach areas of the body like your scalp and behind your ears that you can’t effectively monitor.
Why is it important to get a TBSE?
While aging and sun exposure will take their toll on your skin, early detection of potential issues can minimize long-term damage. Almost all skin cancers are curable if caught early, so an annual checkup could not only improve your skin health, but it could also save your life.
Self-examination tips
Doctors recommend completing a self-examination of your skin once a month. The best time to do a self-examination is after a shower, when you’re unclothed. Check your entire body, focusing on areas that might be easily overlooked like between your fingers and around your hairline. Make note of any rashes and moles that seem to have changed in shape or color so you can point them out to your dermatologist during your next total body skin exam.
Book an appointment now- Do a self-examination every month
- Pay special attention to moles and recurrent rashes
- Check in often overlooked areas like your scalp and between your toes
How to prepare for a TBSE
To make sure your total body skin exam is as thorough as possible, refrain from wearing any makeup or nail polish and keep your hair loose. If you have any specific concerns, relay them to your dermatologist at the beginning of your appointment. Be prepared to answer questions about your family history of skin cancer and provide a list of medication you’re taking.
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Frequency: Annually (more frequent for high-risk patients)
Start with an appointment
What happens next?
If your dermatologist has concerns about a particular rash or mole, he or she may take a sample of your skin for further testing and schedule a follow-up appointment to develop a treatment plan. A total body skin exam is covered by most insurance plans because it is considered preventative. Our experienced staff is here to guide you through the process from initial exam to treatment and procedure options.
Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Ronea Chambers
Ronea Chambers, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist. She received her medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine. She completed her internship in internal medicine while serving in the U.S. Air Force at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, in the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. After completion of dermatology residency training at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., Dr. Chambers continued her military service as Chief of the Dermatology Element at Andrews Air Force Base, MD. She has several articles published, has been featured in many publications/media and has traveled nationally for lecturing engagements. Throughout her career, she has continued to mentor and/or train resident physicians, medical and physician assistant students. The prevention and treatment of skin cancers are of particular interest to her. “My goal for each patient is to help them achieve their healthiest skin possible. It’s rewarding to use my creativity and skill to educate, equip and empower my patients so that we attain this goal together.”
Location: Charlotte - Ballantyne
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Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Heather Lampel
Heather Lampel, M.D., MPH, is double board-certified in Dermatology and Occupational Medicine. She received her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed her Dermatology Residency at the University of California, Irvine. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh while completing an Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency. Dr. Lampel is a fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. She is a speaker at national medical conferences and has authored numerous dermatology publications. She has an interest in skin cancer detection and treatment. “I greatly enjoy the “sleuthing” challenge of medicine and, more importantly, applying this skill to improve patients’ lives. Whether it is through finding skin cancer or making a challenging dermatologic diagnosis, I am grateful for the privilege to be a part of my patients’ lives and health.”
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Raleigh – North Raleigh
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Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Heather Reagin
Dr. Heather Reagin grew up in Oklahoma, but as the saying goes, she got to Texas as fast as she could! She earned her medical degree with Honors from the University of North Texas Health Science Center where she graduated Valedictorian. Dr. Reagin earned numerous awards for her academic achievements as well as for her commitment to community service. She completed her internship in internal medicine at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado. After her internship she returned to Fort Worth to complete her dermatology residency training. During residency, she held many leadership roles, including serving as Chief Resident. Dr. Reagin completed her baccalaureate studies at the University Oklahoma, where she met her husband, a DFW native. She earned her Master of Science from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and was awarded Outstanding Student of the Year. Her clinical interests include psoriasis, acne, hair loss, skin cancer prevention and treatment, as well as cosmetic dermatology. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and member of American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Texas Dermatological Society, and Fort Worth Dermatological Society. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, photography, and watching OU football.
Location: Dallas - Fort Worth
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Featured Medical Staff
Dr. Carol A. Trakimas
Dr. Carol A. Trakimas is a board-certified Dermatologist with 20 years’ of experience. In addition to her Doctorate in Medicine, she holds Bachelor and Master Degrees in science. Dr. Trakimas completed her internship and residency training at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, where she provided medical and dermatology care to our troops and their families. Dr. Trakimas is a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and member of the North Carolina Dermatology Association and other medical societies.
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Raleigh – North Raleigh
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Featured Medical Staff
Shane O'Neil, PA-C
Shane O'Neil is a board-certified Physician Assistant from Binghamton, NY with 5 years of dermatology experience. He is married to his wife KC, who is also a physician assistant. Shane's hobbies include exercise, playing and watching sports, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Having recently relocated from the Washington, D.C. area, Shane is happy to now call Charlotte home. "I strive to provide easy access and excellent care so my patients can leave our office with a smile on their face."
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Charlotte - Lake Norman & Ballantyne
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Featured Medical Staff
Tarsha Rivens, PA-C
Tarsha Rivens is a board certified Physician Assistant with eight years of experience, who specializes in acne, eczema, scalp issues and addressing hair loss. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Augustine’s College and a Master’s Degree from East Carolina University, where she focused on Physician Assistant Studies. She is a member of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistant, as well as the American Academy of Physician Assistant. It is Tarsha’s passion to provide compassionate, thoughtful, and in-depth dermatology evaluations to patients with a wide variety of skin maladies.
Location: Sona Dermatology & MedSpa of Raleigh – Cary
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If you know Sona for laser hair removal, Botox, CoolSculpting, or any of our other services, you know that we are dedicated to providing a full-service experience that focuses on convenience, quality, and efficacy. We’re very excited to announce the addition of medical dermatology to our suite of services, now available in select locations. Now Sona offers complete care for the health and beauty of your skin.
“The staff at Sona MedSpa is very informative, courteous, and made me feel a part of the Sona team. Not to mention, the results are amazing! For Laser Hair Removal, I wouldn’t recommend anywhere else, but Sona MedSpa!”
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