Aesthetics

Chicago — Cutaneous optical imaging, nonablative light rejuvenation, endovenous laser treatments and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation techniques represent some of the most significant advances in the rapidly changing field of dermatologic surgery, according to one expert.

Burlington, Vt. — The continually expanding array of new products for dermatologic surgeons includes several modalities that are particularly noteworthy because of their potential for enhancing efficacy and/or safety, says Glenn D. Goldman, M.D.

National report — The medical spa industry's rapid expansion has created an environment in which patrons don't always know what they're getting — and many providers don't know what they're getting into.

Two-way communication also is crucial. In this regard, Dr. Bock recommends soliciting patient feedback at various points.

Vienna, Austria — Dermatologists have cautioned people for decades to use sunscreen to reduce sun exposure, yet some researchers continue to debate whether these products can really protect against melanoma.

Theoretically, the use of these immune response modifiers could lead to cancer control and regression of tumors.

Medical therapies have a lower efficacy than traditional surgical therapies for treatment of NMSC.

A rapidly growing trend in medical practices is the expansion into ancillary services. The rising costs of operating a medical business have forced physicians to take a look at how they can expand and better serve their patients.

Sacramento, Calif. — A new skin rejuvenation modality using high-energy plasma (Portrait PSR3, Rhytec) improves the appearance of photoaged skin in a procedure that is well-tolerated, appropriate for all skin types and associated with minimal downtime, says Suzanne L. Kilmer, M.D.

New Orleans — Botulinum toxin treatments in the lower third of the face and the neck require caution because these areas offer far less forgiving terrain than does the glabellar complex.

Various types of botulinum toxin — including A, B, C and E — function in different ways at a molecular biology level. Specifically, the different types of Botox (Allergan) act by enzymatically cleaving one of several proteins in the SNARE complex, which normally allows the release of acetylcholine neurotransmitter from nerve terminals to cause muscle contraction.

New Orleans — As researchers learn more about botulinum toxin, clinicians continue to refine techniques for treating the upper face, especially in male patients.

New Orleans — Lateral infrabrow injection of botulinum toxin type A (Botox/Botox Cosmetic, Allergan) may be considered as a less invasive alternative to blepharoplasty in patients seeking treatment for mild-to-moderate dermatochalasis, says Joel L. Cohen, M.D.

The broad range of fillers available today allows dermatologists to target any depth of the skin and treat an array of cosmetic defects. Now, according to Kevin Pinski, M.D., the emphasis is on indications, and analyzing the skin of each patient to determine which fillers would be best and then tailoring a treatment plan that's just right for that person.

As of late, there has been a renewed interest in estrogens through the phytoestrogens contained in soy.

Chicago — With the marketing push manufacturers are putting behind cosmeceutical products, patients need dermatologists to help them separate helpful innovations from hype.

Bethesda, Md. — A variety of funding opportunities are available for research into improving the processes of wound healing. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting clinical research that is interdisciplinary, multi-phased and translational — going from bench to bedside.

Vienna, Austria — In a continuation of a decade-long debate, the importance of the immunoprotection factor (IPF) and its role in sun protection is again central among the world's photobiological research community who advocate revising the current sun protection factor (SPF) rationale with the reality of its ineffectiveness.

National report — More than a year into reviewing its sun protection guidelines, the American Cancer Society is now pondering the possible impact of new information about vitamin D.

One doctor wasn't sure what his legal status would be if it were known that he did use imported medications in his office.

Chicago — Dermatology Times has received a Gold Triangle Award from the American Academy of Dermatology for its September, 2004 supplement, "The medical, emotional and financial impact of psoriasis."

The current focus on cosmetic dermatology has spurred interest among dermatology residents and practicing dermatologists about how to master this growing subspecialty.

National report -- Medical-device developers and manufacturers Thermage Inc. and Syneron have reached an agreement that resolves lawsuits claiming that Syneron infringed certain patents held by Thermage and that Thermage infringed a patent held by Syneron.

National report -- A survey conducted among female and male executives reveals that more than 25 percent of women respondents and 20 percent of the males would consider cosmetic surgery as a means by which to improve their career aspirations.

San Antonio - A small study suggests that cold air anesthesia in combination with lidocaine outperforms lidocaine alone in patients receiving Restylane (hyaluronic acid, Q-Med) and Botox (botulinum toxin A, Allergan) injections.

New Orleans — Hyaluronic acid is a satisfactory alternative for correction of tear trough deformity in a diverse cross section of people, and an excellent choice for tear trough volume restoration in select candidates. The best candidate is a younger person who has thicker skin and minimal to moderate volume loss, according to New York City cosmetic surgeon Haideh Hirmand, M.D., plastic surgery clinical assistant professor of surgery, Cornell Medical College.

National Report - Pooled results from two phase 3 clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy and safety of an investigational acne treatment combining clindamycin and tretinoin in a hydrogel base (Velac, Connetics), James J. Leyden, M.D., reported at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Diego — For cosmetic facial problems, Botox (botulinum toxin A, Allergan) is no longer a stand-alone, one-size-fits-all treatment. Increasingly, doctors are modifying doses based on individual patient needs and combining Botox with soft tissue fillers.

Dallas - Most patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are best treated with a combination of topical, phototherapy and/or systemic agents that can be used in a variety of sequences, says Alan Menter, M.D., chairman, division of dermatology, Baylor University Medical Center.

National report — A variety of options are available to treat HIV facial lipoatrophy, but, currently, off-label use of highly purified, medical grade 1000-centistoke silicone oil (Silikon 1000, Alcon Laboratories) as a permanent filler material seems to best fulfill the need for persistent, safe, cost-effective and natural-appearing correction, said Derek H. Jones, M.D., at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.