Aesthetics

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.

National report — Three new methods of treating varicose veins appear to offer better outcomes for patients, along with fewer side effects than traditional treatments including surgery.

(The PDA has) been working actively to increase scientific knowledge about pigmentary disorders, encourage well-designed research, and promote physician awareness and understanding to enhance patient care.

Walnut Creek, Calif. — Advances in phototherapy are bringing greatly needed new options for the treatment of hypopigmentary conditions in patients with ethnic skin, says Min-Wei Christine Lee, M.D., M.P.H., a dermatologic surgeon and director, The East Bay Laser and Skin Care Center, Walnut Creek, Calif.

Atlanta — There is a spectrum of modalities available for clearing solar lentigines, but management of those pigmented lesions should be individualized based on patient-related factors and be integrated into a general skincare program that simultaneously addresses comorbid features of photoaging and prevents future damage, says Jonathan S. Weiss, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, here.

National report — Prevention of photoaging is the ultimate approach to a growing problem, yet a population persists in which more than 90 percent of actinic damage can be attributed to long-term sun exposure. The use of non-invasive methods, often preferred by patients, can reverse the obvious signs of aging.

Preferably, PDL treatment should be initiated within the first two to four weeks after scar development.

White Plains, N.Y. -- Rhoda S. Narins, M.D., is doing it all.

To make patient visits as efficient as possible, Dr. Greenbaum recommends establishing up-front what's reasonable to accomplish in the allotted time.

National report — Accumulating data is adding evidence to support a role for topical imiquimod 5 percent cream (Aldara, 3M Pharmaceuticals) as a secondary alternative to conventional excisional or Mohs micrographic surgery for treating various types of skin cancers in patients who are poor surgical candidates — or refuse surgery — says M. Shane Chapman, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H.