Aesthetics

New York - For severe forms of psoriasis, dermatologists should choose treatments based on efficacy and rapidity of response more so than potential for chronic toxicities, according to Kenneth B. Gordon, M.D.

As physicians who care for large volumes of patients of all ages, dermatologists develop bedside manners and communication skills to a high level

Columbus - When it comes to the regulation of office-based surgery, Brett Coldiron, M.D., has plenty to beef about in the Buckeye State. He even has a popular rally cry:

San Francisco - People do not just want to look younger, they actually want to be younger and to live longer, healthier lives. While that may not be a chronological possibility, it does give a boost to the newer interests of anti-aging medicine discussed at the Anti-Aging Symposium, held here.

Anew oral retinoid has been FDA cleared for the treatment of psoriasis. It has been shown to be safer than all previously available retinoids. Dr. Doe learned that this medication has been used safely in Europe for the prevention of acne in pre-adolescent teenagers. He has a large adolescent practice and is excited about using this medication on his young patients. Recognizing that the drug does not have FDA clearance for his intended use, he asks parents of prospective patients to sign a consent form allowing him to use this potentially miraculous drug on their children. Is the consent of the parent valid?

A decade has passed since the FDA prohibited the use of injectable silicon for cosmetic purposes after complaints were made that leaking silicone breast implants caused a variety of autoimmune ailments, and that the migration of silicone in facial cosmetic use caused granulomas and permanent swelling.

Paris - New technologies for evaluating physical and biochemical aspects of chronic wounds are being looked at for their potential to enhance assessment of tissue repair and the management needs of a given wound, Marco Romanelli, M.D., Ph.D., said at the World Congress of Dermatology.

San Diego - Low-level (wattage) lasers hold great promise for accelerating wound healing, Douglas Dedo, M.D., said at the American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery meeting.

Paris - Some drugs can play a role in the management of ulcers due to venous insufficiency, but surgical and physical interventions remain the mainstays for treating the chronic wounds, Mieke Flour, M.D., said at the World Congress of Dermatology.

New York-The pharmacologic use of growth factors already FDA approved and useful in treating recalcitrant diabetic leg ulcers shows promise as an off-label therapy for other wounds that heal slowly, Chris Arpey, M.D., associate director of dermatologic surgery, University of Iowa, said.

Chicago - Early results from a pilot study suggest pretreatment with a topical melanin-containing solution might allow effective laser-assisted removal of non- or lightly pigmented hair, Elizabeth A. Tanzi, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Chicago - Experience using botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Botox Cosmetic) over the past few years has taught dermatologists that its utility is not equivalent across its range of potential applications, Richard G. Glogau, M.D., said.

Now that many of us have been online for a number of years, we are getting as many as 200 e-mails a day from friends, family, business associates, and spanners.

Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., clinical associate professor, department of dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and William P. Coleman III, M.D., editor, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, discuss advances in dermatologic surgery.

Paris - Follicular unit hair transplantation using the frontal forelock concept followed by oral finasteride (Propecia) treatment can be a useful approach for achieving excellent final cosmetic results after a single transplantation session in men with androgenetic alopecia, said Ki-Hoon Song, M.D., at the World Congress of Dermatology.

Marlton, N.J. - Results from a national survey of dermatologic surgeons support the conclusion that liposuction performed with a conservative approach using local anesthesia and with removal of smaller volumes of fat is a very safe procedure, Naomi Lawrence, M.D., said.

Bethesda, Md. - Tazarotene 0.1 percent cream (Avage) is a significant advance in retinoid treatment for photodamaged skin, Emil A. Tanghetti, M.D., said.

Paris - Used clinically since 1999, the long-pulse Nd:YAG lasers effectively and safely treat pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) in skin types IV, V, VI, according to a study presented by E. Victor Ross, M.D., staff physician at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego.

Paris - Researchers investigating the effect of acitretin (Soriatane) on the development of keratotic skin lesions and squamous and basal cell carcinomas on renal transplant patients have found the retinoid is effective.

Agents may find effectiveness by acting as nuclear hormone receptor ligandsPhysician: Kund Kragballe, M.D.

Paris - Botulinum toxin for cosmetic treatment is outstandingly safe, but it is a potent therapy and deserves respect, Alastair Carruthers, M.D., said at the World Congress of Dermatology.

Atlanta - A radiofrequency device for aesthetic and therapeutic applications has the potential to revolutionize cosmetic surgery, but pain control measures must be a high priority for the device to be used at an effective fluence, said Richard E. Fitzpatrick, M.D., of Dermatology Associates/Cosmetic Laser Associates of San Diego County.

Chicago -- Prescription and nonprescription forms of vitamin cosmeceuticals are gaining in popularity among patients. While research is lacking in this unregulated industry, available studies and experience seem to indicate that some vitamin ingredients show more benefit than others, Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., said at the International Symposium on Aging Skin.

New Orleans - Restoring the primary structural arcs of the face through facial fat rebuilding is a more effective alternative to conventional cosmetic surgery of the aging face, Lisa M. Donofrio, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Atlanta - Treatment of leg veins and telangiectasias with a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser is slightly more comfortable using an instrument featuring dynamic cooling compared with one having contact cooling, but either type of system is a good choice for safe and effective vessel clearance in patients with light as well as darker skin types, Leyda Bowes, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.