Associates In Dermatology

This is my second review of Associates in Dermatology (see my first one by viewing their Westlake location’s Unilocal page).
I kinda feel like I’m writing a dermatologist office saga, but — GASP — there’s no skin cancer in the plot line. Thank goodness. Hopefully none in the future either. But, if there was it would be covered by HIPAA and nobody would know about it. And, I still wasn’t visiting for Botox. Sad face. Ok, I digress.
So, allow me to share a bit of helpful tidbits regarding this office and its fabulous Dr. Styron.
My second visit to Associates in Dermatology was prompted by the results of my first visit (to the Westlake location). Some kind of mild nonmalignant /​possibly one day might be malignant spot on my person which required some extra TLC, otherwise known as an «excision.» Yeah, I was FREAKED. And, with me of course there was no hiding this. I was nervous for days and days beforehand, really ever since I got the call to schedule my follow-​up appointment. I was able to live in a semi-​state of denial for a month (which was the first time they could get me in for this procedure in Middleburg — Side Note: Dr. Styron is only at the Westlake location on Fridays, most other days you can find her at the Middleburg Heights location; however, I believe she is off on Mondays) but on the very last day before my procedure I had to call them up with a few questions.
My call to the office was a little bit all over the place, I explained my paranoia to the nurse and asked for details on the procedure, amount of time, and various other gory (not really) details. They didn’t have my chart from the other office yet and were unable to answer a few of my more specific inquiries so to assuage my fears further she said she would have the other office fax over my chart and give me a ring back. Fast forward about an hour: I received another call and got my questions answered. Kudos for actually following up when you say you will Associates in Dermatology — you have a fabulous, caring, and helpful staff.
The afternoon of my procedure I arrived at the building — it’s pretty easy to get to off of 71 (exit on Bagley) or come down through Olmsted Falls/​Berea if you like the scenic route a little better. The parking lot wasn’t packed we were able to find a spot and head right in. My first impression of the building: looked straight 80’s from the outside (is that possible for a building? either way, it was a boring façade), then when I stepped foot inside and jumped on the elevator I was hit in the face with the smell of, get this — wet dog! How bizarre. Maybe there’s a vet on another floor? I’m not sure but it was not pleasant. The hallways were a bit claustrophobic for me, but once I got to the office, I was met with a bright and inviting waiting area. The front desk staff again (like their Westlake counterparts) failed at customer service — and spent ten minutes of my time trying to get a copy of my insurance card because the woman didn’t know how to fix a paper jam.
Once that debacle was over with, I was called back to the exam room and met with a seemingly brand new nurse, she seemed a bit nervous. She then asked me a few questions — the same I was asked the last time about my supplements, etc. And then was told the doctor would be in shortly.
When Dr. Styron arrived I immediately apologized for the amount of questions I was going to ask and immediately started the barrage of how, what, when, why, and how muches. She was very patient and understanding. She was also very thorough with her replies and ensured that my fears were assuaged before the procedure began. She is just a fabulous doctor, very smart and personable. (Side Note: Dr. Styron is a pediatric and adult dermatologist — children would love her.) Once the procedure started Dr. Styron and the nurse were concerned with my comfort and ensured that I felt as little pain as possible. Before I knew it, it was over and the nurse was placing the bandage over my skin. Dr. Styron gave me tips on caring for the incision (keep it covered in Vaseline — which helps with scarring — and don’t let it rub on clothing). The nurse was very helpful and gave me some extra bandages to take with me.
The routine is the same as last time — the results are given to patients within 10 to 14 business days, good or bad. And now that it’s been that long — I already know the news — NO skin cancer, phew.
Like I said before, I’ll be back one day — first and foremost for my next mole check, but also for a chemical peel, some Botox — or another filler like Dysport.
Thanks very much, Associates in Dermatology and Dr. Styron for being fabulous — again!