Aesthetics

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While biologic drugs may not provide a first-line treatment for psoriasis, dermatologists are reaching for them somewhat more readily, an expert says.

San Francisco - Results from several studies performed with imiquimod 5 percent cream (Aldara, 3M Pharmaceuticals) suggest that the immune response modifier may have a role as a surgical adjuvant for improving local tumor control and/or to enhance scar appearance, says James M. Spencer, M.D., M.S., clinical professor of dermatology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York.

National report - Using lasers and other light sources in combination with traditional treatments helps clear acne faster, according to Michael H. Gold, M.D., of Gold Skin Care Center, and Advanced Aesthetics Medi Spa in Nashville, Tenn.

National report - Over recent years, the combining of various laser and other light-based therapies with existing topical treatments and systemics has become a trend in dermatologic practices - and one that's likely to continue.

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Although it remains the gold standard for skin rejuvenation, CO2 laser resurfacing is paradoxically losing favor due to drawbacks ranging from the risk of complications to increasing patient reluctance over downtime and concerns about the complications.

Like microdermabrasion, Vibraderm mechanically exfoliates the skin. The newer device, however, uses an exfoliating paddle with small, sharp blades. With high vibration frequency, the device polishes the top layer of the stratum corneum.

Irvine, Calif. - The Food and Drug Administration 's approval of the Juvederm gel (hyaluronic acid/HA, Allergan) product family could threaten Restylane's (Medicis) dominance of the dermal filler category while expanding the facial aesthetic marketplace, sources tell Dermatology Times.

Filling a niche

Arnold W. Klein, M.D., did not like the injection technique that Collagen Corporation promoted when bovine collagen was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981. So, rather than injecting collagen in the layers, as recommended, he developed a technique whereby doctors would inject it superficially, by serial puncture, a technique he developed and is now used worldwide.

National report - When it comes to lip augmentation, safety should be the cosmetic surgeon's top priority, advises Sydney R. Coleman, M.D. And fat grafting is the best choice, because the substance offers the most safety.

National report - Results of two parallel, prospective, open-label, North American studies demonstrate that treatment with the injectable filler consisting of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in a carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier (Radiesse, BioForm Medical) provides safe, immediate and relatively durable restoration of facial volume in patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy.

Vancouver, British Columbia - Dermatologists need to consider the range of characteristics to make a diagnosis of a rare or uncommon condition in children.

What's eating you?

National report - To itch is human and to successfully treat - divine.

San Francisco - Results from several studies performed with imiquimod 5 percent cream (Aldara, 3M Pharmaceuticals) suggest that the immune response modifier may have a role as a surgical adjuvant for improving local tumor control and/or to enhance scar appearance, says James M. Spencer, M.D., M.S., clinical professor of dermatology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York.