DSI Opens New Location in Barrington

The field of dermatology continues to grow, and this doctor is expanding his practice to keep pace. Find out what separates this practice from others in the area and learn how it continues to evolve.

Dr. Vic Khanna with Certified Physician Assistants: (Left to Right) Marianne Rao, Mallory Jones, Jenna Raju.

One of the fastest-growing fields in health care is the practice of dermatology, and Dr. Vic Khanna has seen many changes and advances in the field over his more than two decades of treating patients. As founder of Dermatology Specialists of Illinois (DSI), Dr. Khanna has locations in Algonquin and Woodstock, with a recently added office in Barrington.

“For many, there is the concept that, when you hear the word dermatologist, you think skin cancer surgery, moles, lipoma, skin rashes or acne,” he says. “Though that is a significant part of dermatology, our practice has grown to include a broad range of cosmetic dermatology treatments that include spa services such as Botox, injectable fillers, chemical peels and laser hair removal. In addition, we offer CoolSculpting, MiraDry, EmSculpt, IPL Photofacials and CO2 Laser Resurfacing.”

The practice has evolved throughout the years and is complimented by Dr. Khanna’s medical philosophy in treating patients. He believes in supporting the “feel good” part of health care, the idea that, when someone feels better about their appearance outwardly it helps them feel better inwardly as well.

Regarding skin cancer, he believes advances in dermatology technology and treatment have provided better prognosis even for advanced-stage skin cancer patients.

Dr. Khanna offers Mohs surgery, considered one of the most effective treatments for the removal of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell, the two most common skin cancers. The procedure is done in stages, removing layers of tissue, which are examined under a microscope until all cancerous cells are removed. The process spares healthy tissue and leaves the smallest possible scar.

“Yes, of course we see a fair share of patients with skin cancer, some serious like melanoma,” he says. “The key is to educate patients about sun exposure and protection, heredity factors and the importance of yearly body skin screenings. Catching all types of skin cancers early is often the key to recovery.”

All medical, surgical and cosmetic procedures are done at all three DSI locations. Additionally, the Barrington clinic offers vaginal rejuvenation. Some post-menopausal women have struggled with weakened vaginal muscles due to pregnancy and menopause, and they may experience urinary incontinence. For some women, this has affected so much of their life that they fear embarrassment of urinary incontinence and limit their daily activity, says Dr. Khanna. Vaginal rejuvenation offers these women a new lease on life.

Dr. Khanna trained at some of the most prestigious schools in the country, graduating graduating from Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, completing an internship in Internal Medicine at Emory University Graduate School of Medicine and finishing his residency in dermatology at Case Western Reserve University – one of the institutional leaders in the field.

In addition to the supportive staff at the DSI locations, the team also includes the practice’s certified physician assistants and Dr. Khanna’s wife, Ruby, who is a chiropractor. Besides running her own practice, Ruby spearheads the day-to-day operations of all three DSI locations. The Khannas’ three children are active Bollywood dancers, continuing an important part of their Indian ancestry.

“We are committed to making Dermatology Specialists of Illinois a place where patients know they will be cared for in a warm and compassionate setting,” says Dr. Khanna. “Our patients are the cornerstone of our growth. It is why we continue to grow our practice and offer options for innovative solutions and care.”