Dr. Maria Garcia Cardona, MD

Dr. Maria Garcia Cardona, MD is a board-certified Dermatologist specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery - Palm Harbor, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Cardona is committed to creating personalized prevention plans, coordinating vital screenings for early skin cancer detection, and managing skin, hair, and nail conditions to ensure your overall well-being for years to come. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (727) 786-5100 to schedule.

Dr. Cardona's commitment to preventive care stems from her extensive training and experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, and completed her dermatology residency at the same institution. Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Cardona's approach to patient care is comprehensive and compassionate. She understands the importance of proactive health management, recognizing that your dermatologist is your primary partner in lifelong skin health. She serves all ages and offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Cardona's passion for dermatological care extends beyond the clinical setting. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and treats all skin, hair, and nail disorders. Her deep understanding of medical and cosmetic dermatology, including procedures like dermal fillers, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and vein therapy, allows her to address a wide range of patient needs. Dr. Cardona is eager to partner with you in achieving and maintaining optimal skin health.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Maria Cardona is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Maria Cardona can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Maria Cardona provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Lupus: Because lupus can manifest on the skin with rashes and lesions, proactive healthcare and prompt treatment are vital for preventing disfigurement and minimizing the impact on your appearance and well-being.
• Hypertrophic Scar: Hypertrophic scars, while not cancerous, can impact quality of life; taking care of injuries and seeking early medical attention can minimize their severity.
• Ringworm: Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin that can be prevented with good hygiene practices and early treatment helps avoid spreading and long-term complications.
• Molluscum Contagiosum Infection: While often harmless, molluscum contagiosum can be itchy and uncomfortable; prompt identification and treatment can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications such as scarring.
• Dermatomyositis: Protecting your long-term health means being aware of dermatomyositis, an inflammatory condition affecting muscles and skin, and seeking medical attention if you experience related symptoms.
• Contact Dermatitis: By learning about the substances that cause your contact dermatitis and actively avoiding them, you can prevent flare-ups and improve your overall skin health.
• Acanthosis Nigricans: Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition causing dark, velvety patches, often indicating an underlying health problem, so early detection through regular skin checks is crucial for timely management.
• Hair Loss: Hair loss can signal underlying health issues, so early detection and addressing the root cause are crucial for preventing further complications and preserving overall well-being.
• Acne: Managing acne effectively prevents scarring and long-term skin damage, promoting healthy skin throughout your life.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Understanding your risk factors for herpes simplex infection and taking preventative measures, such as avoiding contact with infected individuals, is crucial for long-term health.
• Pemphigoid: If you experience itchy, blistering skin rashes, seeing a dermatologist for a pemphigoid diagnosis can help you start treatment promptly and reduce the severity of this condition.
• Intertrigo: Regularly checking skin folds for signs of intertrigo helps with early detection and timely treatment, lessening the risk of long-term skin damage and secondary issues related to chronic inflammation.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Maria Cardona offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• HydraFacial: A HydraFacial provides a deep cleanse and exfoliation, allowing for improved visualization of your skin, making early detection of potential skin cancers or other problems easier.
• Skin Resurfacing: As a proactive measure, skin resurfacing can help improve the early detection of skin abnormalities by revealing underlying lesions or skin changes.
• Acne Scar Removal: Acne scar removal is a cosmetic procedure that can restore a more even skin tone and texture, improving your self-image.
• Dysport Injection: For a noticeable reduction in forehead lines and crow's feet, consider Dysport injections – a preventive measure to maintain a more youthful look and enhance your self-image.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: This treatment effectively removes cancerous skin lesions, contributing to a healthier and safer future for you.
• Non-Ablative Laser Skin Rejuvenation: Non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation helps improve skin texture and tone, promoting a healthier complexion and potentially reducing the appearance of early skin damage.
• Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: Protecting your skin's health, excision of a benign lesion offers a quick and effective way to rule out any concerns and maintain healthy skin.
• Fractional Non-Ablative Laser Treatment: Enhance your skin's overall health and appearance by proactively seeking fractional non-ablative laser treatment; it's a valuable tool to improve skin texture, reduce pore size, and promote a healthier complexion.
• Dermal Filler: Dermal fillers are a non-surgical way to address aesthetic concerns, allowing you to prioritize preventative dermatologic care like mole checks and early cancer detection screenings.
• Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment: Pulsed dye laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that can improve the appearance of vascular lesions and certain skin discolorations, promoting healthier-looking skin.
• Excision of Skin Cancer: For early detection and effective treatment, excision is a vital step in managing skin cancer and safeguarding your overall well-being.
• Melanoma Screening: Early detection is key in fighting melanoma. Melanoma screenings provide peace of mind and facilitate early intervention if needed.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Dermatologies in Florida.

Dr. Maria Cardona is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By diligently following a proactive skin care plan, a patient successfully managed early signs of lupus, preventing further skin manifestations and maintaining a positive outlook on their well-being.
• By addressing a skin injury early and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient minimized the formation of a hypertrophic scar, restoring confidence and a positive outlook on their well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Dermatological care with Dr. Maria Cardona:

What is a Dermatologist?

Dr. Cardona is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. She is expertly trained to prevent, detect, and treat skin cancer, and manage a wide range of skin diseases.

How often should I get a full-body skin exam?

For average-risk individuals, an annual skin exam is recommended as a vital preventive measure. However, for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Cardona may recommend more frequent screenings for early detection.

What is the best way to prevent skin cancer?

Protecting your skin from the sun is key. Simple habits like daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. Avoiding tanning beds is also important for lifelong skin health.

I'm experiencing hair loss. Can a dermatologist help?

Yes, dermatologists are experts in hair and scalp disorders (trichology). Dr. Maria Cardona can perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose the specific type of hair loss (alopecia) and recommend effective treatments to prevent further loss and encourage regrowth.

Can you treat warts?

Yes, warts are common skin infections caused by a virus. While some resolve on their own, Dr. Cardona can treat persistent warts with effective in-office procedures like cryotherapy to prevent spreading or pain.

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a simple, quick in-office procedure. Dr. Cardona will numb the area and remove a small skin sample, which is sent to a lab for microscopic examination to provide a definitive diagnosis.

What is Mohs surgery, and why is it used?

Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to remove certain types of skin cancer, most commonly on the face and neck. Its key advantage is that it removes all cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue, leading to the highest cure rate and smallest possible scar.

What are Botox® and dermal fillers used for?

Botox® is a neuromodulator that relaxes muscles to smooth out dynamic wrinkles like frown lines. Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm® or Restylane®, add volume to restore contours and fill in static lines.

Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery - Palm Harbor
4132 Woodlands Pkwy
Palm Harbor FL 34685
Phone: (727) 786-5100

Dr. Maria Garcia Cardona, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1982895298

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Dermatologies like Dr. Maria Cardona are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your dermatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.