Aesthetics

Successfully treating melasma requires a correct diagnosis and, increasingly, combination therapy, an expert says.

For a chuckle, people turn to David Letterman’s Top 10 List. For some clinical pearls, dermatologists can look to Dialogues in Dermatology, a discussion at a recent meeting of the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.

Part one of our series on starting a laser practice went into the business nuts and bolts of launching a laser business - the how and why. Once dermatologists have determined there is a need for laser services at their practices and why, they’ll have to decide which lasers to purchase or lease.

Seaweed and oceanic extracts are the ingredients of the moment. Why? Because raw material suppliers have decided to put their efforts towards growth in this area.

Doctors and other healthcare providers should stop subcutaneous injection use of Expression by Enhancement Medical LLC, the Food and Drug Administration has announced. The product is not approved as a dermal filler.

A graphic for patients that explains what parabens are, where they come from and why they are used in various products.

Nanotechnology has been used by the largest cosmetic companies for decades. Nanotechnology can help change the texture of otherwise goopy ingredients, such as the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide used in sunscreens, as well as their bright chalky white appearance on the skin.

Food and Drug Administration regulations specifically prohibit or restrict use of certain ingredients in cosmetics.

Two comprehensive resources that allow users to search for factual, scientific information on personal care product ingredients.

Experts explain what we know and don’t know about some of today’s most controversial inactive OTC skincare and haircare ingredients.

Four sources that discuss paraben safety.

Popular consumer research destinations and what they have to say about inactive skincare and haircare ingredients.

Johnson & Johnson is phasing out certain controversial preservatives and other materials from its products. The move is in response to consumers’ concerns.

Expert offers talking points for when patients ask about preservatives in skincare and haircare products.

The depth of color is created by the amount of DHA applied and the amount of protein present in the skin. In areas where the stratum corneum is thicker, such as the palms, soles, elbows, and knees, the brown color appears darker.

Patients will bring to me on a weekly basis tubes of slimming cream for evaluation. The question from the concerned consumer is always the same. Is it wise use of my money to purchase this product again and what exactly does a slimming cream do? The honest truth is that I am not sure what benefit a slimming cream delivers.

Fillers injected to enhance beauty have an ugly side effect, which is tricky - at best - to prevent and treat, according to a study published recently.

Laser and light device treatments are infiltrating cosmetic and medical dermatology, causing many in the specialty to consider starting or growing laser practices. While the decision to go into the laser side of dermatology works out well for many, it can be a costly mistake for those who don’t do their homework, experts warn.

Injectable fillers are used in a variety of ways to improve the appearance of the aging face. However, because not all fillers are alike, it is important for dermatologic surgeons to understand the features and benefits of each product in order to optimize its clinical use, says W. Philip Werschler, M.D.

Hawaii has passed legislation that prohibits minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning, according to a news release. The bill is effective immediately.

Aesthetic practices must consider the importance of developing a strong brand image, according to Cheryl Bissera, consultant and co-author of “The Patient-Centered Payoff”. She spoke to attendees Friday at the 2014 Vegas Cosmetic Surgery meeting, emphasizing the importance of communicating luxury and all of the elements that go into your brand identity.

Loss of volume is a significant cause of the appearance of facial aging, Jill Hessler, M.D., Palo Alto, Calif., said during her presentation at Vegas Cosmetic Surgery 2014. The resulting pseudoptosis can often be fixed using fillers to replace lost fat pad volume and restore natural contours to bony areas.

“Can we improve acne with Ultherapy?” It’s a question Michael Gold, M.D., Nashville, Tenn., asked during his presentation, “Micro-focused Ultrasound and RF for Skin Tightening: New Clinical Concepts,” at Vegas Cosmetic Surgery 2014 recently.

Fat is a valuable tool in the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium. However, use it cautiously, says Val Lambros, M.D., Newport Beach, Calif. Take the time to build experience and get comfortable with fat behavior and the various complications that potentially come with this natural filler.