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The role of the dermatologist in diagnosing, managing advanced basal cell carcinoma
July 15th 2014Advanced basal cell carcinoma is a term whose frequency of usage has increased recently, in part, due to the introduction of the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, vismodegib. Advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC) is comprised of two subtypes of BCC associated with significant morbidity and mortality, locally advanced BCC (laBCC) and metastatic BCC (metBCC).
Psoriasis impact goes more than skin deep
July 14th 2014Many doctors, including dermatologists, would rather not address patients’ feelings about psoriasis. It’s part of how dermatologists protect themselves from bearing the burdens of patients’ woes, according to Richard Fried, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist and clinical psychologist in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
Teledermatology fraught with liability issues
July 10th 2014Telemedicine is a term that covers any use of electronic communication technology to convey medical information. It can be as basic as seeking a consultation or as advanced as robotic surgery. Teledermatology can be practiced in the role of a consultant or as a seeker of consultation. However, this practice is fraught with liability issues.
How, why to start a laser practice
July 10th 2014Laser and light device treatments are infiltrating cosmetic and medical dermatology, causing many in the specialty to consider starting or growing laser practices. While the decision to go into the laser side of dermatology works out well for many, it can be a costly mistake for those who don’t do their homework, experts warn.
Growing array of fillers expands options for facial rejuvenation
July 9th 2014Injectable fillers are used in a variety of ways to improve the appearance of the aging face. However, because not all fillers are alike, it is important for dermatologic surgeons to understand the features and benefits of each product in order to optimize its clinical use, says W. Philip Werschler, M.D.
Evaluating the realities of the Affordable Care Act
July 9th 2014There are no valid reasons, in my opinion, that everyone should not have access to high quality healthcare. Sadly, due to corrupt governments, geographic isolation, religious and ethnic conflicts, poor economies, inadequate education, ineffective leadership or a simple lack of will, much of the world’s population - especially those in Third World countries - has little or no access to healthcare. This is a gigantic problem with global implications that has no simple solution.
Electronic brachytherapy allows collaboration between dermatologists, radiation oncologists
July 7th 2014Electronic surface brachytherapy allows dermatologists to offer patients another safe, effective option for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), many experts say. And if the specialty doesn’t seize the opportunity, they add, it might lose some skin cancer treatments to radiation oncologists.
PODCAST: Strategies for managing leg ulcers
June 24th 2014Leg ulcers are a common and difficult management problem for all dermatologists. Robert Kirsner, M.D., professor and vice chairman, dermatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, director of the University of Miami Hospital Wound Center, elucidates the diagnosis and management of these challenging skin problems.
Things you didn’t know you could do with a needle
June 20th 2014Loss of volume is a significant cause of the appearance of facial aging, Jill Hessler, M.D., Palo Alto, Calif., said during her presentation at Vegas Cosmetic Surgery 2014. The resulting pseudoptosis can often be fixed using fillers to replace lost fat pad volume and restore natural contours to bony areas.
'Fat is unpredictable, overrated, has significant complications, can grow and even distort the face'
June 19th 2014Fat is a valuable tool in the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium. However, use it cautiously, says Val Lambros, M.D., Newport Beach, Calif. Take the time to build experience and get comfortable with fat behavior and the various complications that potentially come with this natural filler.
Specialized staff training offers many benefits
June 19th 2014Creating your own in-house training can benefit your staff and your practice in many ways, according to Jody Comstock, M.D., an aesthetic dermatologist in private practice in Tucson, Ariz. She walked attendees of the 2014 Vegas Cosmetic Surgery conference through the development of her staff bootcamp.