Aesthetics

Barcelona - Hair transplantation can be a viable treatment option for cicatricial (scarring) alopecia and should be considered for patients who have suitable donor areas.

San Francisco - Several recent studies have demonstrated some interesting phenomena in the area of pediatric dermatology. Howard B. Pride, M.D., an associate in the department of dermatology at Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., presented some highlights.

San Francisco - Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (Varisolve, 1 percent polidocanol) has led to complete or near-complete resolution of vascular malformations in nearly three-fourths of the patients treated during a decade of therapeutic use and appears to be an effective treatment for Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome, according to Pedro Redondo, M.D., Ph.D.

More and more dermatologists are providing some level of cosmetic service to their patients. The menu of services available to dermatologic patients is wide ranging from high-end anti-aging skin products to liposuction. Botox injections, chemical peels using new drugs, and biologics provide huge opportunities for dermatologists to get on the "cash" bandwagon.

Austin, Texas - The macroimplant Bioplastique (Uroplasty BV, Netherlands) biphasic copolymer is one tissue augmentation substance that has brought both benefits and complications to the European market, where it is currently available, Robert A. Ersek, M.D., said.

Chicago - Although botulinum toxin cannot be considered a cure for scleroderma, it may improve the cutaneous manifestations of the disease in selected patients, Claudia Hernandez, M.D., said at Academy '03.

Several months ago I was invited to give a talk about "Botox for Pain" at the Summer Session of the American Academy of Dermatology, in Chicago.

San Francisco - Using submental skin as the full-thickness skin-graft-donor tissue may allow for reconstruction of large facial defects and simultaneous rejuvenation of the aging neck, Roberta D. Sengelmann, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - One of the basic tenets of medical dermatology is that the skin serves as a window into the internal parts of the body and internal diseases. Visual examination of the skin can reveal signs of systemic disease, including gastrointestinal disease such as GI polyposis syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, GI malignancy, hepatobiliary disease, nutritional deficiencies, and other disorders, according to dermatologist Amit G. Pandya, M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

Chicago - Hair transplant surgeons, as a group, are somewhat frustrated due to the lacking comprehension from both the public and their dermatologic colleagues regarding the advanced approach to hair transplantation that has resulted in its success today, Dow B. Stough, M.D., said at the summer meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - As dermal filler options continue to expand, choosing products and techniques best suited for each individual application becomes more challenging.

San Francisco - When treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), dermatologists will want to tailor their treatment to the stage of the disease, according to Madeleine Duvic, M.D., who spoke at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Having recently returned to my "roots" to assume the position of professor and chief of dermatology at my alma mater, the University of Arizona, I'm struck by the fact that, although many changes have occurred during the 30 years I've been away pursuing other academic positions and activities, much remains the same. Predictably, the campus has grown and

Anaheim, Calif. - The nonsurgical treatment of photoaging has come a long way in the past decade, Gary Lask, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Nashville, Tenn. - The new injectable product Radiance FN (BioForm Inc.) is being used for facial soft-tissue augmentation with long-lasting results and high patient satisfaction, Thomas L. Tzikas, M.D., said at the Combined Otolaryngological Spring Meeting (COSM).

San Francisco - Ablative laser resurfacing procedures can result in a range of complications, including some that are serious; therefore, careful patient selection and preparation, attention to treatment technique, and close postoperative observation are critical for optimizing safety, Tina S. Alster, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mediators of itch has led to some novel and promising approaches to its successful treatment, Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Several exciting systemic therapies approved for the treatment of various neurologically mediated disorders now show potential in the treatment of itch.

San Francisco - Low and ultra-low doses of isotretinoin are an effective therapy for many acne patients. This safer and cheaper solution can even be used continuously.

San Francisco - Strategies for assuring adequate tissue oxygen delivery can be important for facilitating healing of chronic wounds, Harriet Hopf, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Many issues surrounding Tx of condition still up in air

San Francisco - A randomized, two-center study conducted at the University of Cincinnati and Oregon Health & Science University suggests that topical bexarotene gel (Targretin) 1 percent monotherapy may be a promising new treatment for severe chronic hand dermatitis.

San Francisco - Injected silicone may not be as safe as many physicians believe. Long-term complications are popping up, even in patients who were treated appropriately by trained physicians using good techniques and clean, unadulterated material.

San Francisco - Physicians require proper training in order to inject botulinum toxin appropriately. The treatment can be a safe and relatively straightforward way of treating fine lines, but in the wrong hands, results may be far from satisfactory.

San Francisco - The evaluation and management of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) on the lower extremities mandates particular attention to the potential for those malignancies to arise at sites of other comorbidities, their increased risk for recurrence and metastasis, and problems with wound healing, according to Pamela K. Phillips, M.D.

San Francisco - Topical ALA (5-aminolevulinic acid HCl) photodynamic therapy using a nonlaser blue light source is a safe and effective treatment for multiple actinic keratoses when applied to a 25 cm2 area of skin or scalp containing lesions, according to a Phase II multicenter study.