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Maximizing aesthetic treatments from head to toe requires paying attention to contraindications, treating conservatively and choosing the right cosmeceutical vehicles.

Acne vulgaris and its variants have been distressing adolescents for hundreds of years. The development of therapies such as benzoyl peroxides, topical retinoids and antibiotics has changed the course of acne for many patients, while others suffer a relentless course.

ReCell, a new spray-on skin-regeneration technology that uses the patient's own cells, has the potential to "alter the way we graft humans forever," a researcher says.

Dermatologists whose practices offer laser therapy for hair removal are finding the procedure is becoming increasingly popular among men. "I would say that there is more awareness about hair removal as an option," says Vera Chotzen, M.D., dermatologist and associate director, Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, Sacramento, Calif.

The identification of genetic mutations in melanoma has opened the door to targeted treatment of melanomas. Delivering a presentation at the 5th annual Canadian Melanoma Conference, Boris Bastian, M.D., chairman of pathology, Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, stated the importance of recognizing the existence of the distinct biological subtypes of melanoma in order to find effective avenues for treatment and prevention.

With all of the partisan bickering on Capitol Hill over the federal deficit, next year's federal budget and what to cut, it appears there may be a consensus building around the idea of finally resolving the Medicare reimbursement crisis. Unless Congress acts before Jan. 1, Medicare physicians will see a 29.5 percent reimbursement cut as a result of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that is now used.

Although azathioprine requires caution and ongoing patient monitoring, some say their side effects are less severe than many patients - and some dermatologists - think. Even some medically oriented dermatologists express the concern that "these pills will wreck your liver," which overstates the actual clinical risk, says Neil Shear, M.D.

Before investing in aesthetic devices, physicians need to do their homework and carefully weigh the pros and cons of each device and attend lectures focused on various aesthetic devices and technologies. This approach may help them ultimately choose an aesthetic device that is right for them and their patients.

I am a total proponent of the use of technology. As the owner of two single-specialty billing services, I know the value of using the latest technology to save time, optimize the use of human resources, increase efficiency, reduce errors and redundancy and keep the planet "green." But I want providers to have realistic expectations of what an EMR can offer with respect to billing for services rendered and getting paid by insurance carriers.

Joe Skin was unable to afford a $100 fee to see a local dermatologist, and left a pigmented lesion untreated until a seizure from metastatic disease ended with him having multiple surgeries at a cost of $350,000 to taxpayers. Unfortunately, Mr. Skin died anyway from metastatic melanoma. But does his dermatologist have any liability?

Dermatitis in children can be challenging to treat, particularly when commonly used treatment regimens fail. According to one expert, a multi-pronged treatment strategy is the best approach to help clear symptoms and control disease.

The use of topical imiquimod can be beneficial in the treatment and management of lentigo maligna (LM), but knowing the scenarios and settings in which to use the topical immunomodulator is key in achieving successful, safe treatment outcomes.

Among the various aesthetic device technologies used to treat skin laxity, cellulite and achieve circumference reduction, radiofrequency (RF) appears to be one of the most efficacious energy sources currently available.

Intraoperative fractional CO2 laser treatment of wounds resulting from Mohs micrographic surgery significantly improves scar cosmesis at two to three months postoperatively, according to the results of a randomized, split-scar study reported by David Ozog, M.D., at the 2010 joint annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery.

The number of men choosing to have cosmetic procedures surpassed 1 million last year, giving a shot in the arm to the field of cosmetic medicine. Alexander S. Gross, M.D., in Cumming, Ga., has treated male cosmetic dermatology patients for 15 years, but he says the number has increased from less than 5 percent to at least 10 percent of his cosmetic practice over the past five years.

One benefit of adding cosmetic dermatology to a practice is that procedures are usually performed on a fee-for-service basis, rather than relying on ever-diminishing insurance reimbursements for medical dermatology. It all sounds good, but what happens when a patient doesn't plan on paying in the first place?

The dramatic increase in the use of hair coloring, permanent waving and hair straightening has led to the need for haircare products that optimize the appearance of chemically treated hair. One of the new developments is a new category of shine-protecting haircare products.

Vera H. Price, M.D., encourages those she mentors to pursue detours and other opportunities whenever they arise - especially when those opportunities are with people who are respected in their fields. Some turns in the road might not seem like perfect fits, but they usually can broaden your horizons. Dr. Price is a renowned hair expert in dermatology because of an opportunity she did not anticipate and was not even certain that she wanted.

As patients take on more financial responsibility for their healthcare, dermatologists are finding themselves in a challenging new role - being a commodity in a marketplace where patients shop for services. Success in this new environment requires your dermatology practice to retain its current patients, and attract new ones.

One of the most commonly used and most controversial products recommended by dermatologists is sunscreen. I would argue that sunscreens are also the most misunderstood and misused skincare products.

Dermatologist Robert Nossa, M.D., entered the lottery for the 2010 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, expecting that he wouldn’t win one of the coveted spots in the internationally acclaimed endurance race. He was wrong.

As a CPA with more than 20 years of experience and an attorney lecturer to CPA groups nationwide, we are always surprised how few physicians have gotten any advice or even direction on asset protection from their CPAs. Ask yourself: has your CPA helped you shield your assets from unnecessary exposure? Likely not.

This is a difficult time for anyone trying to build a portfolio of savings and investments capable of providing a financially secure retirement. According to the Center for Retirement Research, more than half of the baby boomer generation will not be financially prepared for retirement even if they work until the age of 65.

A skin issue one soldier battled while serving in Iraq is the inspiration behind a new no-water-required cleanser by Innovative Skincare.

Results of a new study suggest that the beta-blocker propranolol is effective in treating infantile hemangiomas of the head and neck, MedPageToday reports.

Results of a new study suggest that severe psoriasis doubles the likelihood of metabolic syndrome, and that the prevalence of each syndrome component - including obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and elevated glucose - increases with severity of the skin disease, MedPageToday reports.

Stanford University researchers say they have developed a wound dressing that can significantly reduce scar tissue caused by incisions, Medical News Today reports.

Statistics released to coincide with Melanoma Awareness Month show that more than a third - 36 percent - of United Kingdom residents still neglect to use sunscreen, Medical News Today reports.

People who say they’ve experienced skin eruptions involving objects such bugs, worms, eggs and fibers - a condition some label Morgellons disease - generally register a clean bill of health following a medical exam, HealthDay News and Reuters Health report.

Australia’s solarium operators are unaware that their customers are being exposed to levels of UV radiation up to six times the strength of the midday sun’s rays, Medical News Today reports.