Aesthetics

Dermatologists are working to demonstrate physician competency through more rigorous recertification processes.

Santa Clara, Calif.--Inamed Health, a Santa Clara-based manufacturer of breast implants and cosmetic treatments, may be shunning one corporate suitor in favor of another.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

Hire, train and properly supervise a physician assistant.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

I am certain that most of you have heard the following comments made by a well-meaning patient: "I first saw a dermatologist for my problem. I then went to a doctor for further evaluation."

With three dermatologists in his office and about 15 patients on Accutane, Dr. Rusonis says it is going to be a lot of additional time and work for the office staff.

Las Vegas — Perhaps more than with any other kind of medical procedure using state-of-the-art technology, advancements in non-ablative cutaneous laser surgery seem to be frequent and many.

The best facial rejuvenation techniques can be diminished if the face appears to grow younger while the neck on down continues to look older.

East Grinstead, England — Researchers here have embarked on the first multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy of a spray-on skin technique in treating severe burns.

National report -- The annual number of skin surgeries performed has climbed 32 percent since 2001, with growth in minimally invasive procedures surging 58 percent, according to a recent survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

Hire, train and properly supervise a physician assistant.

By Beth Gilbert

New Orleans — A new plasma-based system (Plasma Skin Resurfacing/PSR, Gyrus Medical) appears effective for repeated treatments using nonablative energy parameters.

Seattle — For treating varicose leg veins, various lasers and one radiofrequency (RF) device have replaced vein stripping, one expert says, while foam sclerosants likewise are gaining popularity. However, he cautions that published reports tend to overstate the effectiveness and ease of these newer treatments.

Atlanta — The roster of fillers available to U.S. dermatologists is growing, and so are ways in which physicians can use the fillers for cosmetic enhancement.

Atlanta — Although many physicians remain skeptical about the use of injectable silicone, Stephen Mandy, M.D., of Miami discussed the benefits of using the synthetic polymer to treat acne scarring at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Meeting here.

Philadelphia - The emergence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and new approaches to treatment of various bacterial illnesses are capturing the interests of dermatologists.

Chicago — The use of dermoscopy can improve dermatologists' accuracy in diagnosing pigmented lesions, but only if it is done properly.

Atlanta — Facial rejuvenation has sparked interest in procedures that make other telltale signs of aging, such as wrinkled or bony hands, more youthful.

A new technique — called the TCA cross technique — for ice pick scars uses 60 percent to 95 percent trichloracetic acid to produce a scar within the ice pick scar to fill it in.

Philadelphia — Combination therapy with a topical retinoid and oral or systemic antibiotic represents first-line treatment for patients with inflammatory acne, but once adequate clearing is achieved, maintenance therapy with a topical retinoid alone is worth a try, says James J. Leyden, M.D., emeritus professor of dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

ALA-PDT, used in combination with laser or light sources, is a safe, effective and practical therapy for treating acne. And today, ALA-PDT has the additional benefit of working quickly compared to oral and topical medications.

The retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agent (RAMBA) Rambazole (Barrier Therapeutics) has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety as a novel oral treatment for acne in early clinical trials along with potential activity as a topically applied agent. Based on those results, this novel compound is about to proceed into further testing of its topical use in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study and for oral administration in a double–blind, dose-finding study.

Under normal circumstances, the body's immune system can work wonders in healing wounds, killing off pathogens and rebuilding tissue with little assistance other than a bandage for shelter while the body does its work.