Aesthetics

NEW DOSAGE OK'D

Newest generation of fillers sees oneas 'ideal', but future troubles forecast for others

Washington - Dermatologists need to keep cosmeceuticals under the magnifying glass and identify the science supporting their efficacy so that they can better advise patients about over-the-counter skincare, said Patricia Farris, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Washington - The number of potential dermatologic uses for botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic) continues to increase, but the already sizable list probably only represents the tip of the iceberg, says Seth L. Matarasso, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology

Several infrared lasers have also been used to treat acne by targeting the sebaceous gland.

Seasickness changes career direction for dermatologist; now devoted to science behind cosmetic dermatology

Israelis decode gene

Face 'cradle' helps speed recovery after surgery

Better understanding of treatment options helps patients feel involved

Dermatitis' can be catch-all label for unexplainable skin conditions

Injections manage painful postherpetic neuralgia, keloids

Maui, Hawaii - Next-generation botulinum toxin treatments promise to improve problems ranging from smokers' lines to sweaty palms. However, such treatments aren't for novices - be they dermatologists or patients. "As Botox is now becoming more widely accepted and we're becoming more used to its application, we're finding new uses for it," said Kevin S. Pinski, M.D.

Thermage, Inc., announced the availability of a new treatment tip that deploys radiofrequency (RF) energy into the skin at a faster speed. The fast treatment tip reduces RF delivery time by 64 percent without affecting the clinical outcome. The Thermage method uses non-invasive RF technology to smooth wrinkles around the eye by tightening loose skin. During treatment, a cooling spray protects the skin's top layers while the treatment tip delivers RF energy into the deeper skin layers.

Botox injections may help ease stubborn pain in the neck and upper back when other treatments fail, preliminary research shows. A study of 25 patients whose chronic pain had resisted other therapies found that a single round of Botox injections coupled with physical therapy brought pain relief within a month.

New terms to begin in 2005 and 2006

May inhibit secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor, which stimulates tumor progression

Data on new lesion development during follow-up shows drug is effective in simultaneous control of both conditions

Orphan Drug Status

New Melanoma Model

Foot Cream for Diabetes

Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin injections or iontophoresis might be covered by insurance, but receiving reimbursement depends on obtaining pre-certification and using the correct billing codes, said Dr. Ramsey F. Markus, M.D.

Santa Barbara, Calif. -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration late last month granted approval for Inamed Corp.'s Hylaform (Hylan-B gel). The hyaluronic-acid-based dermal filler is indicated for injection into the deep dermis for correction of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds. The move, while expected, adds a few wrinkles of its own to the growing U.S. market for dermal fillers.

As presidential election kicks in, derms join debate over national healthcare plan proposals

Washington - Intradermal botulinum toxin type A (Botox) for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis produces a durable effect, with nearly half of patients requiring only one treatment over a one-year period, according to study data released at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology here.

Washington - A number of different lasers covering a wide range of wavelengths can be used to treat a variety of pigmented lesions, but certain lasers work better than others and similarly, response varies by lesion type, said Jeffrey S. Dover, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology here.