Aesthetics

New Orleans - Tremendous progress in photobiology research has led to a better understanding of skin mechanisms, permitting the development of effective sunscreens, Michele Verschoore, M.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

A new silicone wound dressing provides room with a view - and patientswho use it heal faster than those who have had conventional wound care.That's the finding of a study on a new silicone occlusive dressing (Silon-TSR;Bio Med Sciences).

Orlando, Fla. ­ Wide acceptance of blepharoplasty performedwith a carbon dioxide laser is due to the instrument's ability to allowthe surgeon to incise tissue in an almost bloodless fashion, coagulate vessels,and ablate fat without clamping, David T. Harvey, M.D., F.A.A.D., F.A.C.P.,said at the Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgeons meeting.

Atlanta - Two recent studies suggest that the 308nm excimer laser may be the first device effective in the treatment of hypopigmented facial scars, striae, and hypopigmentation caused by resurfacing with the CO2 laser. Both studies were presented at the 22nd annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Geneva - Providing patients with the best long-term skin rejuvenation means integrating a full range of corrective and preventive treatments on an ongoing basis, according to Luigi L. Polla, M.D.

Los Angeles - Preliminary results from a split-face, double-blind study are further substantiating the efficacy of a unique topical product containing growth factors and antioxidants for improving photodamaged skin and indicate that its effects persist and increase even after treatment is stopped, Richard E. Fitzpatrick, M.D., reported at the annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology.

New Orleans - Sedating patients is a serious business, and dermatologic surgeons need to be well aware of the progressive levels of sedation and ensure that patients are monitored appropriately to prevent complications, J. Lance Lichtor, M.D., said.

Atlanta - Older tattoos are removed faster and more completely after laser treatment compared with newer tattoos, according to the results of a preliminary study presented by Erick A. Mafong, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Atlanta - Physicians may be able to expand the uses of the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser, used to treat telangiectasias and small reticular veins in the lower extremities, by also applying it to the treatment of facial telangiectasias, said David J. Goldberg, M.D., J.D., director, Skin & Laser Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey.

Atlanta - A new radiofrequency energy device that can nonablatively change the morphology of the dermis and allow the physician to put a high amount of energy into the skin is a huge step forward in the treatment of cosmetic conditions, said Karl Pope, director of research, Thermage, Hayward, Calif. Thermage is developing an RF device for treatment of skin in dermatology and plastic surgery applications.

Atlanta - Treatment of rosacea with an intense pulsed light laser not only eliminates telangiectasia but reduces background redness and the severity and frequency of flushing episodes.

New Orleans - As the direction of cosmetic dermatology moves toward nonablative rejuvenation, physicians need to understand the current state of the science and continue to pursue new nonablative modalities, Robert A. Weiss, M.D., said.

Tazarotene, a topical retinoid used to treat psoriasis and acne, alsohelps heal photodamaged skin, according to new research by Sewon Kang, M.D.,associate professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan MedicalCenter in Ann Arbor. Like Retin-A, the prescription cream fades hyperpigmentationand fills fine lines, too. Self, May 2002

Las Vegas - Destruction of veins by a sharp-tipped needle maybe a more effective approach to leg telangiectasias than sclerotherapy,according to Linda Woodson, M.D. She views this new modality as an appropriatestrategy for sites that have been resistant to sclerotherapy, rather thanas a first-line therapy.

New York ­­ A few procedural developments stood out amongmyriad presentations at the 8 th International Symposium of Facial PlasticSurgery, according to sources.

Future of wound healing lies in gene therapy and target-specific deliveryof therapeutic agents in high concentrations

Maui, Hawaii - Shoe-related allergic contact dermatitis is commonlyoverlooked in the differential diagnosis of foot dermatitis, mainly becausepatients are not patch tested, according to James S. Taylor, M.D. at theSkin Disease Education Foundation's 26th Hawaii Dermatology Seminar.

In future, sensitivity tests may be performed on individual chemicals;better labeling a possibility

Contact Allergen Replacement Database helps patients avoid antigen exposurein skincare products

For more than a decade and a half, dermatologists have been stronglyadvocating the use of sunscreens and urging people to avoid sun exposure- yet skin cancer is still the most common cancer in the United States.It affects about a million Americans every year and is responsible for about2 percent of all cancer deaths, with melanoma accounting for about three-quartersof all skin cancer deaths.

Irvine, Calif. - Turf battles over who should administer botulinumtoxin injections erupted within the first month after the April 15 FDA approvalof Botox Cosmetic.

New Orleans - Temporal alopecia that can occur following facelift procedures appears to be prevented by topical minoxidil.

New Orleans - Bexarotene gel (Targretin) appears to be both effective and well tolerated for long-term use in early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, according to a poster presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting.

New Orleans - Niacinamide, the active form of vitamin B3, is a safe, nonirritating cosmeceutical ingredient with a broad-range of benefits for improving the appearance of aged and photodamaged skin, according to findings from a series of research studies.

Charleston, S.C. - The diamond laser scalpel offers a degree of surgical precision not possible with a laser beam or steel scalpel, according to Harley Freiberger, M.D., director of the Charleston Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Center.

New Orleans - A small study combining commercial tanning bed therapy and acitretin has provided big results for patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis. In addition to rapid clearance of skin disease, the treatment is far more accessible for most patients and much less expensive than more traditional forms of light therapy,

New Orleans - Topical tazarotene gel 0.1 percent (Tazorac) can improve the appearance of epidermal nevi and may be worthwhile to consider as an effective and generally well-tolerated modality in children with lesions that are large and present in cosmetically important areas, or for patients who do not wish to have surgery,

Many women commit beauty mistakes regularly. Here is a list of commonfoibles and the little fixes that can improve looks.

The plastic surgery party is a quintessentially L.A. event. The menuincludes food, drinks and treatments with the popular wrinkle-zapper, Botox.Debra Luftman, M.D., holds the exclusive, invitation-only plastic surgeryparty at

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