Aesthetics

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What, if anything, can dermatologists and other aesthetic practitioners do to use home aesthetic devices to their advantage? Physician experts offer their perspective.

Head space analysis

Why are so many fruit and floral type scent combinations popular, such as kiwi/vanilla or rose/melon or peppermint/lemon?

Although every scar tells a story, it is a tale better spoken by the dermatologist and plastic surgeon who can help to reduce its appearance. To do so, physicians today are using improved protocols in laser treatment and beyond.

Dermal pinning explained

Dermal pinning is a technique that goes by many different propriety names, including dermal poration and dermal needling. It is essentially the use of a roller device with many small needles that is pressed and rolled over the skin. It can be used with or without electricity.

There are two distinct processes by which skin aging occurs-intrinsic and extrinsic aging, Intrinsic factors are only responsible for only 10 percent of skin aging and based on DNA and gene expression.

Although the photoaging process affects each individual differently, certain general strategies for the prevention and treatment of the condition are available based on the physiologic changes of the skin. Two expert dermatologists shared with us the strategies and methods they use to help fight off and ameliorate the signs of photoaging in their patients, taking into consideration genetics, age range, lifestyle, and skin care.

True scientific evidence backing the use of supplements for the prevention of skin aging and sun damage is often shady, but bright spots sometimes shine through, for example, when the science and anecdotal evidence suggest swallowing a vitamin, extract or other ingredient does make a difference in patients’ skin.

How to fire problem patients

To fire a problem patient, an expert recommends remaining cordial, and communicating your intent in a letter that details why you're firing them, where else they can seek follow-up treatment and what could happen medically if they don't.

When is the last time you took a good look at what your waiting area is signaling to the outside world? It is after all, the first physical impression of your clinic. Perhaps it is time to make some changes, or improve on some already excellent practices.

Toothpaste selection is important in the treatment of dry mouth and dry lips, but the sensitive teeth formulations do not appear to be problematic.

The diagnosis of angiokeratoma circumscriptum should be supplanted with verrucous hemangioma, and the lesion should be treated with surgery in most cases, according to a retrospective case series presented at the annual meeting of the Canadian Dermatology Association.

Fragrances and masking fragrances are one in the same, but have a different purpose. Fragrances are designed to create a perceivable pleasant smell while masking fragrances are designed to mask a bad smell creating a neutral smell.

The current market scenario is entirely different from what it used to be a few decades ago when a dermatology practice would grow on the basis of word of mouth publicity alone. However, in the current digital market environment, patients are very willing to comparison-shop for dermatology and aesthetic skin care services the way they would do for any other retail product.

Pearl powder is another sea derived substance finding its way into high priced boutique products. Many healing and skin benefits are thought to be derived from pearls in the Orient.

A well-run dermatology practice maximizes the efficiency of staff and physician time and streamlines patient passage through the clinic. Many factors contribute to office efficiency. We have asked some of the industry experts for tips relating to patient flow and improving practice efficiency.

What’s right and wrong in terms of cosmetic procedures for teens is not black and white, experts say. There don’t seem to be formal guidelines to determine whether a teen should or shouldn’t have a cosmetic procedure. So, often, it’s left up to the discretion of the physician consulting with the patient.

The teen years are a time of mental and physical development according to Gia Washington, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Texas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston.

Thorough consultations are critical when assessing teenage patients seeking aesthetic procedures, experts say.

This is the second most difficult question to answer in dermatology behind how often should I wash my face. I am not sure that all dermatologists would agree on the frequency of hair washing, and perhaps this is due to the fact that shampoo is to wash the scalp and beautify the hair.