Aesthetics

Men with skin of color often have unique skincare needs. Thiis month’s special report features insight and clinical pearls from three industry experts on some of the best practices for caring for this group of patients.

Treating existing scars can help dermatologists and other core aesthetic specialists build lasting relationships with patients, says an expert who spoke at Cosmetic Boot Camp.

Informed consent is a critical element of a strong physician-patient relationship. It is both a legal requirement and an ethical obligation that supports the physician in the face of litigation and protects the patient's autonomy in the decision-making process. An expert panel discusses what specific items are on their consent forms and how often they have patients re-consent when returning for aesthetic fillers or neuromodulators.

Many of those differences between men and women come into play in how men behave and are treated in dermatologists’ offices.

Eight experts discussed their views on the counterfeit market at the recent Vegas Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology meeting in Las Vegas. Susan Weinkle, M.D., Bradenton, Fla., who moderated the panel, summed up the group’s consensus by stating, “Patient safety needs to be first and foremost. We need to use products that have been evaluated, that companies have put their research dollars behind to have data to support using them safely in our patients.”

Merz Pharma Group has entered into an agreement with Neocutis to acquire its cosmetic, prescription and over-the-counter skincare products.

Several experts shared their techniques and strategies for working with lasers during the 2013 Vegas Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology meeting here in Las Vegas.

Nearly everyone uses the Internet, and it’s a wealth of untapped potential patients for your practice. But online ads are worthless if you're marketing to the wrong audience.

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems should be considered the digital foundation of a medical practice, allowing practitioners to streamline everything from marketing to scheduling.

Filler procedures have become a staple in the dermatologic armamentarium for the treatment of numerous cosmetic indications, allowing physicians to perform sophisticated soft tissue augmentation procedures in their patients, safely and effectively. Though the correction of nasolabial folds was the first and perhaps the most popular indication for fillers, nontraditional areas where these cosmetic tools can be implemented are ever growing.

What are the different types of hand sanitizers? Which is the best one for the dermatologist to use in the office?

Botulinum toxin injections are more popular than ever in aesthetic medicine and have become a staple in the everyday armamentarium of the cosmetic physician.

The PicoSure laser (Cynosure) is proving to be a major breakthrough in tattoo removal by helping to clear notoriously stubborn colors quicker and more effectively then other laser technologies, according to an expert.

For photodynamic therapy (PDT), an expert says, heating the skin during incubation increases porphyrin synthesis, improving results and potentially cutting incubation times.

Choosing between noninvasive fat treatments often requires a point-by-point comparison, keeping in mind the physical and other constraints of one’s practice, says an expert who spoke at the Cosmetic Surgery Forum.

Knowing the specific characteristics of a filler and the potential complications that can arise, and how to deal with those problems, is crucial in performing effective and safe filler procedures, says Joseph E. Hkeik, M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P., F.F.M.A.C.C.S., D.P.D.

Multiple changes in the skin and underlying tissues contribute to the appearance of periocular aging, and several options rejuvenate the eyes without performing incisional surgery. Often, the best outcome depends on a combination approach, but the plan should be individualized based on findings from the physical exam and factoring in any budget limitations the patient may have, says Rhoda S. Narins, M.D.

Stem-cell-based cosmeceuticals do not contain stem cells, but rather stem cells are used for the preparation of the plant extracts used in the formulation.

Although hyaluronic acid (HA) has proven to be a versatile dermal filler in a variety of formulations, special circumstances may require other materials, says an expert who spoke at the Cosmetic Surgery Forum.

Home-use aesthetic devices are proliferating and improving, according to an expert. Joel Schlessinger, M.D., says that, increasingly, patients want to know if home-use dermatologic devices work. Many such devices probably provide some benefit, he says, though they are generally geared toward cosmetic rather than medical indications.

Solta Medical will acquire Sound Surgical Technologies for $25.5 million in stock and $5 million in cash, the company announced.

Skin poration is a not a new concept, but rather the application of acupuncture techniques to skincare. In East Asia, rollers coated with sharp needles have been used for a variety of purposes, from pressure point release for muscle pain to the rejuvenation of skin to a method of penetration enhancing topical products.