190 North Pointe Blvd #1,
Lancaster, PA 17601717-560-6444
Anatomy of the Skin
Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.
As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
Patient Instructions:
Pre-Operative Instructions:
Patient Post-Operative Instructions:
Post-Op Wound Care Instructions.pdf
Post-Op Instructions for Wound Seal Powder.pdf
After a Shave Biopsy Instructions.pdf
After a Punch Biopsy Instructions.pdf
Patient Instructions following Blu Light for Actinic Keratoses.pdf
Cosmetic Procedures:
Patient Instructions following Blue Peel.pdf
Post-Injection Filler Instructions.pdf
Microneedling After Care Instructions.pdf
Post-Op Sclerotherapy Instructions.pdf
Post Procedure Care Instructions for Intense Pulse Light.pdf
V-Beam Post-Op Instructions.pdf
Skin. It is the largest organ on the human body. It creates a protective layer against heat, light, the environment, injury and infection. It helps regulate the body's temperature; stores water, fat and Vitamin D; prevents entry of bacteria; and acts as a sensory organ. On average, an adult has between 18 and 20-square feet of skin, which roughly weighs six pounds.
There are three layers to skin:
Epidermis. This is the outer most layer that sloughs off dead skin cells and acts as a protective barrier against foreign bodies, infections and the sun. The epidermis also contains the cells (melanocytes), which are responsible for skin pigmentation.
Dermis. The middle layer of skin, the dermis houses hair follicles, sebaceous (oil) glands, sweat glands, capillaries (small blood vessels) and lymph vessels. It is held together by a protein called collagen. Sweat glands are part of the body's cooling system. The dermis also contains touch and pain receptors.
Subcutaneous. This is the deepest layer of skin containing larger blood vessels and nerves. It is made up of a network of collagen and fat cells and plays an important role in the manufacture of Vitamin D, protecting against injury and conserving body heat.