Welcome to the
April Issue
By Lori Helms
ith the last remnants of winter getting smaller and smaller in my rearview mirror, it feels great to finally spread my spring wings and look forward to all the prospects this season of renewal and growth brings. In all likelihood, I’ve probably donned one of my trusty, tried and true hoodies for the last time and have unearthed my lighter weight tennis and pickleball attire to wreak havoc on my opponents (or more likely, to just take a bruising beating to my ego).
More important than clothes, however, while chasing around a bright yellow ball on courts of various sizes, is the state of my health to even be able to try that. I’ll need to bang the rust off these stiff joints after so many weeks of being mostly sed-
entary, but I’ll also need to pay attention to the health of my body’s largest organ – my skin. More time on the court means more time in the sun, and my relationship with that blaring, burning ball of fire has never been very congenial. We’re pretty much mortal enemies – it gives not a wit about my fair skin and light eyes, and I couldn’t care less if it ever came out from behind a storm cloud again.
Given all that, there’s the reality of the situation – something that the doctors and specialists at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology know full well. Skin health is critical to overall health, and since I know the sun will not yield to my wishes for just a little pity, it’s good to know that should my skin’s health become an issue, the staff at PPSD has a plan for that. Turn to Page 10 to learn about their practice, their specialties and
their work to stay connected to their community.
I also spoke with some of the region’s skin care experts, to learn what they are experiencing with trends that are becoming all the rage and the ones that seem to be fading away. They taught me all about the trend toward more simplicity in daily routines as well as an increased reliance on regenerative treatments rather than invasive procedures. The article on Page 14 is an interesting look at some easy (and not always expensive) ways to care for your skin and put your best face forward. With spring – and the sun – staring us straight in the face, I think we’re all going to need that!
— LH
Lori Helms, Editor lori@lncurrents.com
on the cover
A commitment to excellence in care and the community
Compiled by Lori Helms
With spring now firmly planted on the calendar, what often goes hand-in-hand with its arrival is that inevitable sense of renewal and rejuvenation. There’s an intrinsic hope for better things ahead as we watch the weather improve (mostly) and the biome around us awaken from its long winter’s nap, showing off every stunning shade of nature’s rainbow.
It’s also a great time to take stock of our own renewal and rejuvenation, as well as our plans to take care of our “personal biome” – not just the appearance of our skin as we face yet another spring but its overall health and well-being. And as with every goal of that magnitude, it’s a good idea to have some folks in your corner who are experts in all of that.
Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology (PPSD) in Hickory offers cosmetic surgery, dermatology and skin cancer treatments, as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments and esthetician services. It also offers medical grade skincare products that patients can use at home to extend the effectiveness of the surgical interventions and other treatments that the physicianowned practice provides.
Photos by Shane Green Photography
Melanie Herman, Licensed Medical Esthetician
Mohs Surgery: Highly Effective in Treating Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that nearly 10,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. This translates into more than three million people in America every year who have nonmelanoma skin cancer. Fortunately, Dr. Charles Johnson, a board-certified Dermatologist and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon at PPSD, specializes in a highly effective treatment for that diagnosis.
He says Mohs surgery is 97% to 100% effective in treating nonmelanoma skin cancers. It is a specialized procedure that removes skin cancer and all of its roots layer by layer. The tissue is examined under a microscope to ensure that all the cancer is removed. This type of surgery removes cancer cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Dr. Johnson believes that patients can feel confident about having Mohs surgery with a board-certified surgeon because the surgeon who removes the cancer is “one and the same” as the pathologist who is also board-certified to read the skin pathology and determine when and if all the cancer has been removed.
Dr. Johnson has more than 25 years of experience in his specialty and emphasizes the importance of skin cancer prevention. He is well qualified, because for several years, he has been one of the first surgeons to be certified as a Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon, with expertise in Mohs Surgery and cutaneous oncology by the American Board of Dermatology. He has completed more than 40,000 cases of Mohs Surgery for skin cancer, enabling him to be part of the first group of highly qualified surgeons and skin cancer experts to take and pass the Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon exam.
Healthy skin that is cancer-free is attractive skin. PPSD’s empathetic, highly qualified professional staff can meet health needs as well as aesthetic goals and objectives for a beautiful appearance.
Aesthetics and Skin Care Products
Licensed Medical Aesthetician Melanie Herman has been with the practice since 2016. She focuses on educating patients about skin care as well as the services, procedures and products that can preserve and improve their appearance.
Left to right: Michael Sabol, PA-C | Dr. Charles Johnson | Dr. George Magel | Dr. Gregory Swank | Zachary Greer PA-C
“I enjoy watching wonderful changes for the better in my patient’s skin health,” Herman says, adding that patients get their best results when they become “more knowledgeable so they not only receive treatments at the clinic but can continue skin care at home.” When she’s not discussing the latest treatment options with her patients, such as microneedling with exosomes, she takes time to participate in the Wellness and Career Day event at Catawba Valley Community College.
Ashley Abernethy is the Product Specialist at PPSD in Hickory. She has been in the medical field for more than 20 years and has been with the practice since 2019.
“Beautiful skin starts with great skincare and sunscreen,” says Abernethy. “Do not forget to reapply!” Regarding new or particularly effective products that patients should consider, she highlights three, including an all-in-one, anti-aging moisturizer that is good for thinning, sagging skin — Revision DEJ Face. Another is Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 36 which offers a natural, sun-kissed glow. As a treatment for thinning eyelashes, Abernethy says they can become thicker and shinier in as little as eight weeks with Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhacing Serum.
Dermatology Treatments and Services
In addition to skin cancer treatment and prevention with professional sunscreen products, PPSD also offers dermatology treatments for skin conditions. The practice provides treatments to improve appearance, such as irregular pigmentation, acne and dry skin. People with warts and moles may not have cancerous conditions, but that does not mean they aren’t of concern for health or appearance. PPSD offers treatment that can improve these conditions, as well.
Dr. George Magel says the professionals at PPSD want people in Hickory and the surrounding communities to think of PPSD first when they have any skin conditions or concerns. “We want our practice to be associated with being expert in all aspects of skin,” he says, adding that the practice treats people like family.
“We are experts in the care of your skin,” says Dr. Magel. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. In addition to experience in skin cancer surgery and prevention, Dr. Magel is an expert in complex skin conditions. He is also an expert in complex cosmetic dermatology, including skin rejuvenation, laser surgery and skin peels. He focuses on an individualized, natural look for all his patients.
Left to Right: Dr. Dori Hunt | Dr. Bethany Bergamo | Jessica Curtis-Yount, PA-C | Danielle Shuler, PA-C
Caring and Professional
At PPSD’s offices, you will be greeted by caring medical professionals who pride themselves in offering a personal touch. Dr. Rosiane Alfinito Roeder (MD, MPH, MBA), a Plastic Surgeon at PPSD, is one such physician. Her areas of expertise include breast reconstruction, Mohs reconstruction, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer care, cosmetic surgery (facelift, breast surgery and body contouring), and she is double boardcertified in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and General Surgery. But beyond her extensive qualifications, Dr. Roeder specializes in a patient-centered approach.
“Foremost, I listen to what my patients want,” she says. “Then, I advise them on options to help them achieve their goals and, together, we devise a plan to safely meet their expectations. Most importantly, if I am not the most experienced or qualified to deliver the results a patient is trying to achieve, I get them to a trusted surgeon who can.” Dr. Roeder’s perspective on treatment comes not just from being a surgeon, but also as a plastic surgery patient herself and the family member of one, as well.
“Because of that, I want all my patients to feel that their individuality and dignity are respected during the entire time they are under my care,” she says. “Honesty, kindness and humility are the cornerstone of my practice.”
Caring for Community
The physicians and staff at PPSD care not just for their patients but for the broader community. Locally, Dr. Roeder is a supporter of the Women’s Resource Center and the Hickory Museum of Art. She also serves on the board of directors for Access Health Africa, a non-governmental organization that takes surgical teams to Malawi to provide free surgical care to patients. She says as a practice, PPSD contributed financially to Hurricane Helene relief efforts in western North Carolina, while also contributing time and supplies to the affected areas. In addition, the practice annually supports Catawba County’s American Heart Association.
PPSD’s commitment to excellence in cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, dermatology, skin care and esthetics is clear, as is its caring presence within the Hickory community and beyond. There is no time like the present to care for your skin and health, and with spring in full swing, it just might be time to care for a healthy, rejuvenated new you.
Hickory/Tate Blvd. Building 200 828-328-3500 www.ppsd.com learn more
Hickory/Tate Blvd. Building 100 828-325-9849
Dr. Gregory Swank
Ashley Abernethy, Product Specialist
Put Your Best Skin
Forward
A few trends to know, and a few best to forget
By Lori Helms
As we move further along through the spring and the weather continues to improve, our thoughts rightly turn to wanting to put our best skin forward as we’ll soon be baring more and more of it. Being kind to our body’s largest organ should obviously be top of mind, so I reached out to some of our area’s most knowledgeable skin care experts to find out what they are seeing as far as skin care trends on the rise you might want to know about, as well as the ones that are starting to fall off our care regiment radar.
Without fail, they each mentioned how the consumer seems to be turning toward more regenerative therapies and away from the instant gratification of “magical” treatments that have little down time following their applications. Some say the consumer is feeling a bit of “filler fatigue” while also tiring of treatments pitched to them that don’t come through with the promised results.
What has clearly become popular is the successful and safe rising trend of microneedling – a minimally invasive procedure used to stimulate circulation and collagen production, which in turn helps the body naturally promote healing and regeneration. Similarly, the use of exosomes is increasingly popular for enhancing skin and even aiding in the treatment of acne and hyperpigmentation.
“Exosomes are redefining the future of beauty — delivering powerful regenerative benefits that accelerate healing, boost collagen production and restore a youthful glow,” says Grace McLaurin, DMSc, PA-C, with Vitality Anti-Aging Center in Hickory. And she knows of what she speaks –with more than 20 years as a PA, she founded the center in 2006 to pursue her passion for a more integrative approach to health and wellness. “At Vitality Anti-Aging Center, we realize that it’s not just skincare; it’s skin regeneration at a cellular level.”
Another trend on the rise is a more simplified skin care routine and a turn away from the complicated, multi-step, product-heavy regimens so frequently popularized (until lately) on social media. Tracey Bare, the owner of La Bella Donna Spa in Hickory, says what she has seen during her time in the skin care industry supports that shift from something that requires multiple products and too much time each day to complete to the simplicity of a pared down routine.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that less is more,” Bare says. “Keep your skin care simple with a daily gentle cleanser, exfoliate a couple of times a week and use an appropriate moisturizer,” adding that an important ingredient for healthy skin is a good sunscreen.
Grace McLaurin with Vitality Anti-Aging Center is an expert in skin regeneration.
But beyond that, there seems to be a bit of “push-pull” relationship we have with fillers. While there are reports that consumers are experiencing “filler fatigue,” Bare definitely believes there is a place for them considering the presence of another strong trend – the use of injections for weight loss rather than more invasive procedures such as liposuction surgery.
“A new trend I’ve seen lately is the GLP-1 injections for weight loss,” she says. “While this treatment works wonders for weight loss, it sometimes can leave your face hollow and lax. A combination of laser treatments along with HA dermal fillers can help rejuvenate your face and add back that needed volume. On the other hand, if you’ve had facial fillers injected prior to your weight loss and you now notice your fillers don’t look proportionate, you may need to consider having some of that filler dissolved for a more natural look. There needs to be a balance,” she says.
Vitality Anti-Aging Center is at 74 8th Street SE, Hickory. Learn more at www.vitalitymedicalspa.com or call 828.322.1498. La Bella Donna Spa is at 1208 N. Center Street, Hickory. Visit www.belladonnalasers.com for more information or call the spa at 828.267.7263.
Tracey Bare, RN, consulting for a dermal filler treatment at La Bella Donna Spa.
Preparing for Your Wedding with Vitality Anti-Aging Center Bridal Beauty:
Your wedding day is one of the most photographed, cherished and memorable moments of your life. Every bride (and groom!) deserves to look and feel their absolute best as they walk down the aisle. At Vitality Anti-Aging Center, we specialize in enhancing your natural beauty with customized pre-wedding skincare and aesthetic treatments, ensuring your glow is nothing short of radiant.
A TIMELINE FOR BRIDAL RADIANCE
6+ Months Before:
This is the perfect time to start your skincare journey. Our medical-grade facials, laser treatments and collagen-boosting therapies help improve skin texture, even tone and enhance overall luminosity. If you’re considering injectables like neurotoxins or fillers, starting early allows time for natural-looking, flawless results.
3-4 Months Before:
As your big day approaches, we fine-tune your treatment plan with deeper hydration and rejuvenation. Treatments like microneedling, Hydrafacials and gentle resurfacing procedures such as Tixel work wonders for fine lines, acne scars and dullness.
1-2 Months Before:
Focus on maintaining a hydrated, dewy complexion. We recommend a series of Hydrafacials, Diamond Glow or gentle chemical peels to smooth and brighten your skin. Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport or Daxxify) can also be refreshed for a lifted and youthful look.
1-2 Weeks Before:
Time for finishing touches! A final facial or light exfoliating treatment will enhance your glow without irritation. Lip hydration treatments and last-minute touch-ups ensure every detail is perfect.
The Final Days:
Stay hydrated, relax and trust in the expert care of Vitality Anti-Aging Center. Your skin will be ready, and all that’s left is to walk down the aisle with confidence.
Coolsculpting® Elite is the new and improved cool way to reduce stubborn fat! It is FDA-cleared to eliminate fat up to 20-25% for good in 9 different areas! Dual applicators can target two areas at once and delivers a more comfortable treatment in less time with less suction.
Can Treat 9 Areas:
• Below the Jawline
• Under the Chin
• Back Bra Fat
• Upper Arm
• Back Fat
• Side Flank
• Abdomen
• Under the Buttocks
• Thighs-Outer, Inside and Above Knees
Follow your Coolsculpting® Elite treatment with Cooltone® to tone, firm, and strengthen muscles in the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared to treat visible fat bulges in 9 areas of the body. Some common side effects include temporary numbness, discomfort, and swelling.
CoolTone® is FDA-cleared to strengthen, tone, and firm the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Common side effects include muscle, joint or tendon pain, muscle spasm, and skin redness.
The safety and efficacy of CoolSculpting® and CoolTone® in combination have not been evaluated by the FDA.
The Laboratory Story
The Laboratory Mill in Lincolnton has a rich and diverse history. It was the first successful cotton mill in the South, built in 1818. Burned during the Civil War, the remnants of the mill continued to use waterpower to serve as a laboratory during the Civil War, where medicines were created for Confederate soldiers. After the war, it was rebuilt in 1887, regaining its use as a cotton mill, and it continued operating as such until the late 1990s. In 2007, Cyndi and John Dellinger, the current owners, purchased the mill from North Carolina Preservation, and undertook a significant renovation project. Their efforts transformed the historic mill into the beautiful wedding and events venue it is today, blending its storied past with a vibrant new purpose.
The Laboratory Mill is a timeless and historic wedding venue that offers couples the perfect blend of charm, elegance and rich history for their dream wedding. With its beautifully
renovated spaces, original architectural details and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, the mill provides a unique and unforgettable setting. From its historic roots to its transformation into a modern event space, the Laboratory Mill offers a one-of-akind backdrop, and capacity for up to 500 guests for couples seeking a venue that combines classic beauty with a deep sense of history. The Laboratory Mill is an ideal location for celebrating love and creating lasting memories. For More information The Laboratory Mill: 704-240-4718 | info@thelaboratorymill.com
Timeless Elegance for Your Dream Wedding
Set along the scenic South Fork River, The Laboratory Mill combines rich history with Southern charm. With a stunning waterfront backdrop and fully climate-controlled spaces, it ensures a beautiful, stress-free celebration— no matter the weather.
Summer Camps!
We all know they will fill up fast.
The Hickory area offers a huge variety of summer camps for kids of all ages and interests. Now’s the time to reserve their place in camp and avoid the dreaded “I’m bored!”.
JOIN US FOR SUMMER 2025
2025 CAMP DATES
Wk 1 - 06/02 - 06/06
Wk 2 - 06/09 - 06/13
Wk 3 - 06/16 - 06/20
Wk 4 - 06/23 - 06/27
Ages: 6 - 12
Wk 5 - 07/07 - 07/11
Wk 6 - 07/14 - 07/18
Wk 7 - 07/21 - 07/25 Wk 8 - 07/28 - 08/01
Cost: $285 WWW.TREETOPALH.ORG/CAMPS
June 9-13
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Fee $375 Scholarships Available
Information at: https://www.lr.edu/public-events/kids-in-college Email: Christopher.Gordon@lr.edu or 828.328.7190 625 7th Avenue NE | Hickory, NC 28601 | www.lr.edu
At Y day camp, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day.
Camp locations across Burke, Catawba, and Lincoln Counties.
Have a blast exploring the “National Days” and learn about how and why they are celebrated!
Traditional Summer Camp
Ages 5-12 Years Old (Must have completed kindergarten)
Campers will enjoy 12 weeks of activities, including crafts, outdoor games, cooking, 4-H, Master Gardening, swimming & more in the safe and nurturing environment that Sipe’s Orchard Home has provided for over 80 years!
WEEKLY CAMP FEES:
$30 Registration Fee (non-refundable)
$10 Reservation Fee Per Child (non-refundable)
$130 Per week for the 1st child
$125 Per week for the 2nd child
Note: Reservation fee will be deducted from weekly fee and is non-refundable if children do not attend. Second child discount only applies if both children attend traditional camp.
We provide breakfast, lunch and snack each day at no additional cost for all summer campers.
Registration begins in March! Check our website for details!
For a better us® Online at
ACE campers will go on off-campus adventures 4 days of the week, participating in community service projects, and learning about the environment.
Ages 11-13 Years Old WEEKLY CAMP FEES:
$150 Per Week 1st child
$145 Per Week 2nd child
Note: Traditional camp registration and reservation fees also apply. Second child discount only applies if both children attend ACE camp. SPACE IS LIMITED! ONLY AVAILABLE ON CERTAIN WEEKS! Visit our website to check availability & to register!
