News

Although the 5.4 percent Medicare pay cut for 2009 that had been slated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been averted, the challenge to reform the system that determines physician payments will be dumped in the lap of the new 111th Congress that takes office in January.

A device that undergoes substantial modification yearly probably has unsolved problems that require correction.

The first research on the "scent" of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) holds potential for the development of a rapid, noninvasive diagnostic test for skin cancers and possibly other skin ailments, researchers say.

When Reloxin (Ipsen) eventually hits the U.S. market to challenge Botox (Allergan) as the new 800-pound gorilla of the facial aesthetics market, then it will be accurate to report the arrival of a new product with potentially huge market impact, dermatology sources say.

Pamplona, Spain - A new technique in cell therapy is effective in treating chronic, localized and stable forms of vitiligo, according to Basque Research.

Madison, Conn. - Vascular Insights has announced that it has named three experts on vein disease to its scientific advisory board, according to MarketWatch.com.

World report - Research shows patients with atopic eczema saw significant improvements after applying creams with the harmless bacteria Vitreoscilla filiformis, commonly found in thermal springs and spas, the Telegraph.co.uk reports.

Napa, Calif. - Senetek has announced the launch of Pyratine-6, a skincare product for the correction of visible signs of aging, according to PRWeb.

National report - The Dermatology Lexicon Project (DLP) promises to provide the specialty with the foundation it needs to enter an age of computerized medical information. The multi-year project, taken over by the American Academy of Dermatology a few years ago, is the first-of-its-kind comprehensive dermatology terminology lexicon, created to support dermatology research, medical informatics and clinical care.

Questions about cheek augmentation and Botox safety

It took 10 years of listening to surgically endowed patients complain about ill-fitting, uncomfortable bras before David B. Brothers, M.D., F.A.C.S., a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia, took matters - and materials - into his own hands.

Sooner or later, it's likely to happen to you. There's something about your body that you would like to change. Maybe you're ready to get rid of your cellulite. Maybe you want to lose some weight, or have facial rejuvenation that won't keep you behind closed doors. What's a girl to do?

Thinking about getting rid of those smile lines, or perhaps other facial wrinkles or folds? A new product is on the market that's described as a "revolutionary form of collagen." Evolence (Glymatrix Technology) uses collagen, one of nature's fundamental building blocks, to replenish the strength, support and structure of the skin.

Seeing is believing - and where cosmetic surgery is concerned, that can be a problem in setting your expectations.

You want to change your look a little - maybe fill out your cheeks, plump up your lips or smooth out the profile of your nose - but you want to check the look out first before you commit because you want to be sure it's right for you.

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Researchers suggest Alpha-lipoic acid may help repair skin cells.

While cosmetic procedures may enhance yourself-image, they won't fundamentally change your life. So if you're thinking that a nose job might increase your chances for a promotion, you may want to reconsider your motivations

Keeping an edge in the workplace can require learning new technology, receiving software training or taking classes to remain a valuable asset.

Botox may be used to as an antidepressent due to research suggesting facial expression can lift mood.

With all of the anti-aging, anti-wrinkle products and procedures on the market, it's hard to know where to best invest your time and money.

Douglas N. Naversen, M.D., taught his daughter Laurel Naversen Geraghty that, more than a scientific endeavor, medicine was a human experience, rich with relationships.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American family earns less than $49,000. That translates to an income tax liability of less than 12 percent. Ninety-eight percent of American families will never be worth more than $2,000,000 and owe an estate tax. Lastly, the average American is an employee, not an employer.

One of the most challenging financial decisions you need to make these days is where to put your money. Whether your investment portfolio is large or small, you must choose from among mutual funds, individual stocks or bonds, or simply stashing away your cash in bank accounts, money market accounts or other cash equivalents.

Organ transplant patients are at risk for developing skin cancer from immunosuppressive medications given to prevent organ rejection. Better education is needed for both patients and organ transplant teams to encourage compliance with sun-protective measures.

Organ transplant patients must be particularly carefully examined and followed by their dermatologists, as this patient population is at an increased risk for developing multiple actinic keratoses in a short period of time. A recent study demonstrates that conservative treatment of these lesions with topical imiquimod is safe and effective.

As immunocompromised patients, and those with genodermatoses, have a significantly increased risk of developing skin cancer, physicians should carefully weigh their choices of therapy from the start, to avoid precluding future therapies when these patients may need them most.