Nancy Groves

Washington, D.C. - Despite the growing popularity of new modalities, the CO2 laser remains the gold standard for tissue tightening and contraction of the skin, said Sue Ellen Cox, M.D. However, the choice of therapy largely depends on the age and mindset of the patient, she added.

Philadelphia - Citing a paucity of reliable information on how much blood loss occurs during liposuction surgery, a Seattle-area cosmetic surgeon has devised a statistical model for predicting blood loss. Furthermore, the data from the ongoing study confirms that blood loss is related to factors other than just the total volume of aspirate.

San Francisco - Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (Varisolve, 1 percent polidocanol) has led to complete or near-complete resolution of vascular malformations in nearly three-fourths of the patients treated during a decade of therapeutic use and appears to be an effective treatment for Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome, according to Pedro Redondo, M.D., Ph.D.

San Francisco - Little scientific literature has been published about the use of alternative medicines for dermatologic purposes during pregnancy, but dermatologists need to be aware of at least two therapies that their patients may be using: a cream made from licorice root for the treatment of melasma, and a cream made from gotu cola that may prevent stretch marks, Scott M. Dinehart, M.D.. said.