Aesthetics

Chicago — As the array of laser and light sources for hair removal continues to grow, so does their efficacy and safety, according to Vic Narurkar, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine (and president-elect of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery).

National report — Photodynamic therapy using the topical photosensitizer methyl aminolevulinate 16 percent cream (Metvix, Galderma) is a non-invasive, well-tolerated, effective treatment for Bowen's disease, offering excellent cosmetic results, according to the findings of a multicenter, randomized, active- and placebo-controlled study, says Colin A. Morton, M.D., consultant dermatologist, Falkirk Royal Infirmary, Falkirk, Scotland.

How does Captique (Inamed) fit into the mix of fillers?

National report — The use of facial fillers to help counteract the effects of facial aging is becoming more widespread, with new techniques and products springing up regularly. In a recent seminar, Paul M. Friedman, M.D., comprehensively covered the topic of facial fillers, with a focus on the hyaluronic acid products.

While permanence may have yet come to fruition among plastic surgeons, they are recognizing that fillers and other non-surgical modalities are now an important part of their practices.

Chicago — As physicians increasingly use injectable fillers and botulinum toxin as complementary treatments for facial rejuvenation, success depends on educating patients thoroughly and injecting products cautiously, says Seth L. Matarasso, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.

Chicago — Patients seeking safe and effective fat removal procedures presently must stick to dermatologist-performed tumescent liposuction, according to an expert.

Chicago — Traditionally used to treat unwanted veins in the legs and thighs, sclerotherapy can provide an effective tool in other areas as well, according to David Green, M.D., a Bethesda, Md.-based private practitioner and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Chicago — Patients seeking upper-face rejuvenation have never before enjoyed as many safe, effective alternatives as are now available, says Kenneth Beer, M.D., director, Palm Beach Esthetic Institute, and clinical instructor of dermatology, University of Miami.

Why is the incidence of sensitive skin increasing in my patient population?

New Orleans - A new procedure releases skin attachments of deep wrinkles, scars and folds notoriously difficult to correct with traditional techniques, says to Miles H. Graivier, M.D. The subcision or release of skin attachments is performed with a braided wire attached to two long, straight needles (Nutec International) and takes little time for a plastic surgeon to learn, Dr. Graivier adds. He presented this technique at the Aesthetic Meeting 2005 sponsored by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), here.

The two commercially available formulations of botulinum toxin type A - Botox Cosmetic (Allergan) and Dysport (Ipsen/Inamed) - produce similar "action halos" when injected into the frontalis muscle under identical conditions to treat horizontal frown lines, says Doris M. Hexsel, M.D., private practitioner in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and former professor of dermatology, University of Passo Fundo School of Medicine, Brazil.

Chicago - Patients seeking full facial rejuvenation can now choose from an unprecedented array of nonsurgical options, according to William P. Werschler, M.D.

Chicago - The latest trend in facial rejuvenation is the move toward non-invasive tissue-tightening techniques.

Chicago - According to one expert, new suture lift techniques represent the most intriguing advance among nonsurgical facelift and skin tightening procedures.

Kissimmee, Fla. — With recent developments in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, Dr. Roger Ceilley, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Iowa and past president of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, provided further insight into the management of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Chicago — Researchers are making progress but still have a long way to go in the field of bioengineered-assisted wound healing, according to some experts.

National report — Treating wounds is a delicate mixture of new tools and tried-and-true wound healing basics, according to Mark D.P. Davis, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Curcumin has been manufactured in a variety of vehicles, including oral capsules, topicals, as well as intravenous and subcutaneous injections.

Topical retinoids, namely tretinoin and adapalene, have been used successfully for acne vulgaris for years.

Chicago — Completing the puzzle that is psoriasis treatment demands that all of the pieces fit precisely into place.

Chicago — As psoriasis often affects persons during their reproductive years, dermatologists are often faced with decisions regarding management of patients who are pregnant or who want to have a child.

While the FDA approval trials were completed over a year ago, work continues on two additional trials to determine the minimum dose to maintain efficacy.

A Brazilian immunologist reports that he has developed a cancer treatment using dendritic-cell/tumor-cell hybrid vaccinations.

Philadelphia — For reasons not fully understood, some of the lighter resurfacing peels are achieving results nearly equivalent to CO2 resurfacing, without the long list of complications.

Chicago — Cutaneous optical imaging, nonablative light rejuvenation, endovenous laser treatments and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation techniques represent some of the most significant advances in the rapidly changing field of dermatologic surgery, according to one expert.

Burlington, Vt. — The continually expanding array of new products for dermatologic surgeons includes several modalities that are particularly noteworthy because of their potential for enhancing efficacy and/or safety, says Glenn D. Goldman, M.D.

National report — The medical spa industry's rapid expansion has created an environment in which patrons don't always know what they're getting — and many providers don't know what they're getting into.

Two-way communication also is crucial. In this regard, Dr. Bock recommends soliciting patient feedback at various points.

Vienna, Austria — Dermatologists have cautioned people for decades to use sunscreen to reduce sun exposure, yet some researchers continue to debate whether these products can really protect against melanoma.