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As we age, our noses tend to look bigger because the ligaments loosen. Cosmetic surgeons can help create a more harmonious feature.

Vitamins for skin health

Vitamins are being talked about for their ability to help repair and reverse the signs of aging. Some vitamins are better for this than others, read on to find out which are best.

Nail services review

I receive many questions about how to bill for various nail services.

Preparation is crucial to patient flow. Poor preparation wastes time - and your time, after all, is your dermatology practice's most valuable asset.

Reviewing radiofrequency

Though this column typically focuses on lights and lasers, mentioning radiofrequency (RF) is clearly indicated for many reasons.

Given consumers' desire to look younger-and the recent resultant increase in the number of medical spas, for example-it would appear that dermatologists looking to expand their practice have an instant, built-in business solution: growth via aesthetics.

William D. James, MD, presented the Everett C. Fox, MD, Lectureship at the Summer Academy Meeting 2007. He discussed a series of interesting cases to illustrate the impact his interactions with patients and colleagues has had on teaching important practical lessons.

Fickle formulations

National report - Slight changes in the biologic manufacturing process can significantly alter efficacy and safety, manufacturers say.

Regardless of the fate of a committee-approved Senate bill outlining a regulatory pathway for approval of follow-on biologics, sources agree that it's just a matter of time before such drugs become reality.

National report - Results of a recently released study charting the startling increase in incidence of both community- and hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are no surprise to many dermatologists, who advise more thorough testing of patients for the presence of the potentially dangerous bacteria - and more care in prescribing antibiotics.

Little did June K. Robinson, M.D., know - when she was in charge of layout for her high school yearbook - that she would one day oversee the content of the oldest and, arguably, most powerful peer-reviewed journal in dermatology.

If you've ever been a victim of a mild case of computer fever, a patient record that you couldn't open, or a pre or post-operative media file that you or someone accidentally deleted, consider yourself lucky. Glitches like that pale in comparison to the ultimate computer disaster - a hard disk crash or a virus that wipes out all of your records including patient and billing files.

Banking on home equity

You've been thinking about expanding your practice, or perhaps you have a child entering college, or maybe you just have a heavy debt load, and debt consolidation looks like a sensible way to lighten it.

Consider public speaking

All dermatologists possess one important attribute that promises a sure-fire way to increase the size of their practice, according to one dermatologist. It's the ability to volunteer to speak to community, state and national groups.

Public relations 101

When attempting to position yourself as a media resource or cosmetic surgery expert, keep these tips in mind, according to Catherine Maley:

The cosmetic consultation is a one-on-one opportunity to present your practice as the resource for cosmetic dermatology and associated products. These meetings are a podium for dermatologists to cross sell services and cosmeceuticals. Done right, they can be the beginning of long, trusting and financially fruitful relationships.

Skincare product sales can be a natural fit for dermatologists, and patients need more guidance than ever in navigating the sea of cosmetic products. Here are some important guidelines to follow when venturing into the sales side of skin.

Advertising 101

Advertising can pay big benefits, from helping to brand a dermatologist and practice, to driving would-be patients in the door. But without guidance, dermatologists who embark on what can be expensive campaigns might also find they get nothing, or, worse, tarnish their reputations.

National report - The importance of vitamin D to a wide range of health issues - from bone problems to cancer to infectious disease - is highlighted in a review article on vitamin D deficiency that appeared in the July 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced proposed changes in regulations governing formulation, testing and labeling of over-the-counter sunscreen products claiming to offer protection from ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation.