Aesthetics

Eckley M. Keach's article in the June 2006 issue of Dermatology Times ("Successful malpractice defense lies in body of evidence") provides tips for dermatologists to reduce the risk of malpractice liability from treating high-risk melanoma patients.

Providence, R.I. -- A Brown University Medical School study says that "mole mapping" can prove valuable in helping people spot melanoma.

Winston-Salem, N.C. - One night, Dr. Steven Feldman woke up in a hotel bed and had a "Eureka!" moment.

Amit Pandya, M.D., uses his knowledge of medicine and dermatology to carry out his life's missions.

Philadelphia - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are just two examples of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Scottsdale, Ariz. - For dermatologists interested in the in-office dispensing of cosmeceuticals, three agents in particular - ferulic acid, idebenone and human growth factors - are gaining prominence, but is there evidence to back them up?

Paris - Botulinum toxin type A and fillers have become a mainstay in cosmetic interventions and a very powerful tool in anti-aging procedures worldwide.

Winston-Salem, N.C. - One night, Dr. Steven Feldman woke up in a hotel bed and had a "Eureka!" moment.

Cleveland – Dermatology Times has won a Gold Triangle Award from the American Academy of Dermatology for the article, "Bogus Botox sounds wake-up call" appearing in the February 2005 issue. The article, written by Senior Staff Correspondent John Jesitus, explored the proliferation of knock-off Botox and its untoward effects on patients. The article included dermatologists' opinions on the problem and how Allergan, Botox's manufacturer, was helping keep pure product in the market.

Stem cell research is among the "one or two paradigm-changing medical breakthroughs" that may occur in a lifetime, and it's vitally needed to bring hope to millions, says Ron Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Reagan addressed the Friday morning plenary session at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy '06, couching in impassioned and often stinging political commentary his plea for support for stem cell research.

When dealing with topical treatments, dermal fillers and botulinum toxin, an expert advises sticking to products backed by rigorous science and minimizing patients' risks wherever possible.

Treating leg and foot ulcers irrespective of the etiology has always been a mountain to climb for physicians and patients alike.

Using a dermoscope can help dermatologists diagnose melanomas that don't exhibit classic warning signs, says an expert

While biologic drugs may not provide a first-line treatment for psoriasis, dermatologists are reaching for them somewhat more readily, an expert says.

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New York - Hyaluronic acid (HA) products' success rests on the ability of this compound to provide effective, long-lasting treatments, says an expert.

San Francisco - Results from several studies performed with imiquimod 5 percent cream (Aldara, 3M Pharmaceuticals) suggest that the immune response modifier may have a role as a surgical adjuvant for improving local tumor control and/or to enhance scar appearance, says James M. Spencer, M.D., M.S., clinical professor of dermatology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York.

National report - Using lasers and other light sources in combination with traditional treatments helps clear acne faster, according to Michael H. Gold, M.D., of Gold Skin Care Center, and Advanced Aesthetics Medi Spa in Nashville, Tenn.

National report - Over recent years, the combining of various laser and other light-based therapies with existing topical treatments and systemics has become a trend in dermatologic practices - and one that's likely to continue.

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Although it remains the gold standard for skin rejuvenation, CO2 laser resurfacing is paradoxically losing favor due to drawbacks ranging from the risk of complications to increasing patient reluctance over downtime and concerns about the complications.

Like microdermabrasion, Vibraderm mechanically exfoliates the skin. The newer device, however, uses an exfoliating paddle with small, sharp blades. With high vibration frequency, the device polishes the top layer of the stratum corneum.

New Orleans - Dermatologists rarely use any facial rejuvenation procedure in a vacuum.

Irvine, Calif. - The Food and Drug Administration 's approval of the Juvederm gel (hyaluronic acid/HA, Allergan) product family could threaten Restylane's (Medicis) dominance of the dermal filler category while expanding the facial aesthetic marketplace, sources tell Dermatology Times.

Arnold W. Klein, M.D., did not like the injection technique that Collagen Corporation promoted when bovine collagen was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981. So, rather than injecting collagen in the layers, as recommended, he developed a technique whereby doctors would inject it superficially, by serial puncture, a technique he developed and is now used worldwide.