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Chicago — The popularity of botulinum toxin type A injections for correcting wrinkles of the upper face has increased dramatically over the past few years. The extent of its popularity as a cosmetic procedure is obvious when this statistic is considered: The number of botulinum toxin type A procedures rose 157 percent from 2002 to 2003; the next highest increase was chemical peels, which rose a relatively sparse 48 percent over that same period.

In Dr. Baumann's experience, Sculptra is safe and effective for off-label cosmetic use alone or in combination with other fillers. The nature of the product makes it suitable not just for filling wrinkles, but for changing the structure of the face.

CARF meeting a success

The Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF) convened its first patient conference in late August.

Dr. Ferrara's work provided a basis for a major breakthrough in cancer research — the development of an antibody against VEGF in the treatment of lung and colorectal cancer.

New York - In what is believed to be the first product collaboration between a cosmetics company and a drug, Elizabeth Arden Inc. and Allergan Inc., the pharmaceutical firm that markets and distributes Botox, have teamed up to market a reformulated version of Allergan's anti-aging product, Prevage.

Chicago — Patients seeking safe and effective fat removal procedures presently must stick to dermatologist-performed tumescent liposuction, according to an expert.

New Orleans - Results of a study comparing the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the dual-mode long-pulsed erbium:YAG laser for ablative facial resurfacing demonstrated that patients in the erbium:YAG laser group experienced less scarring and fewer pigmentary changes, according to John L. Burns, M.D., of Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, Dallas.

Sacramento, Calif. - As the array of ablative, nonablative and other options for facial rejuvenation continues to expand, doctors say the key to achieving optimal results is in knowing when to use which technology.

National report - Even as new techniques, devices and pharmaceutical developments for facial contouring and wrinkle refinement proliferate for dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, two trends are gaining momentum - one for the better and one for the worse, according to dermatologist David H. McDaniel, M.D., and his colleague, cosmetic surgeon Kyle S. Choe, M.D.

Chicago — As the array of laser and light sources for hair removal continues to grow, so does their efficacy and safety, according to Vic Narurkar, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine (and president-elect of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery).

National report — Photodynamic therapy using the topical photosensitizer methyl aminolevulinate 16 percent cream (Metvix, Galderma) is a non-invasive, well-tolerated, effective treatment for Bowen's disease, offering excellent cosmetic results, according to the findings of a multicenter, randomized, active- and placebo-controlled study, says Colin A. Morton, M.D., consultant dermatologist, Falkirk Royal Infirmary, Falkirk, Scotland.

National report — The use of facial fillers to help counteract the effects of facial aging is becoming more widespread, with new techniques and products springing up regularly. In a recent seminar, Paul M. Friedman, M.D., comprehensively covered the topic of facial fillers, with a focus on the hyaluronic acid products.

Chicago — As physicians increasingly use injectable fillers and botulinum toxin as complementary treatments for facial rejuvenation, success depends on educating patients thoroughly and injecting products cautiously, says Seth L. Matarasso, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.

Chicago — Patients seeking safe and effective fat removal procedures presently must stick to dermatologist-performed tumescent liposuction, according to an expert.

Chicago — Traditionally used to treat unwanted veins in the legs and thighs, sclerotherapy can provide an effective tool in other areas as well, according to David Green, M.D., a Bethesda, Md.-based private practitioner and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Chicago — Patients seeking upper-face rejuvenation have never before enjoyed as many safe, effective alternatives as are now available, says Kenneth Beer, M.D., director, Palm Beach Esthetic Institute, and clinical instructor of dermatology, University of Miami.

New Orleans - A new procedure releases skin attachments of deep wrinkles, scars and folds notoriously difficult to correct with traditional techniques, says to Miles H. Graivier, M.D. The subcision or release of skin attachments is performed with a braided wire attached to two long, straight needles (Nutec International) and takes little time for a plastic surgeon to learn, Dr. Graivier adds. He presented this technique at the Aesthetic Meeting 2005 sponsored by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), here.

The two commercially available formulations of botulinum toxin type A - Botox Cosmetic (Allergan) and Dysport (Ipsen/Inamed) - produce similar "action halos" when injected into the frontalis muscle under identical conditions to treat horizontal frown lines, says Doris M. Hexsel, M.D., private practitioner in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and former professor of dermatology, University of Passo Fundo School of Medicine, Brazil.