Aesthetics

Not really, says Dr. Zoe Draelos in this month's Cosmetic Conundrums. Toners are present in most commercial skin care products, but originally it was intended as a cleanser.

Injectable aesthetic products recently FDA-approved or in late stages of development include polycaprolactone, a new hyaluronic acid and multiple neuromodulators.

The microbiome is one of the most popular areas of skin research at present. Many dermatologic diseases are accompanied by abnormal microbiomes beginning with atopic dermatitis, says Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos in her monthly column, Cosmetic Conundrums.

Avoiding and treating vascular compromise with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections requires understanding the subtleties of underlying facial anatomy and keeping a well-stocked arsenal of treatments for impending necrosis.

Litigation is largely due to a practitioner’s lack of training and the lack of informed consent for the patient.

Participants at the Aesthetic Academy named Kevin Sadati, D.O., a facial plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, Calif., Best Aesthetic Doctor at its recent program.

Hologic’s Cynosure division announced the launch of an advanced radiofrequency device that has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to facial fine lines and wrinkles, tighten skin through soft tissue coagulation, and improve the appearance of cellulite.

Cartessa Aesthetics has signed an exclusive deal with Italian corporation DEKA M.E.L.A. to introduce a laser hair removal device to the United States.

Dermatologists will need to understand new device technologies and incorporate them judiciously into disease treatment where appropriate.

The FDA has proposed regulating the cosmetic industry, says Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos in her monthly Dermatology Times column, "Cosmetic Conundrums." This month Dr. Draelos examines three key questions about cosmetic safety.

Soap has probably done more to improve world health than any prescription medication, says Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos in her monthly Dermatology Times column, "Cosmetic Conundrums."

With the internet being available at everyone's fingertips and seemingly endless advertising for a variety of skincare and cosmetic products, the average patient may come to an appointment with misinformation and questions.

Cosmetic safety is very important since these products are used by millions of people worldwide. Think of all the cosmetic products in your bathroom and how many of them have caused problems through years of repeated use.

Another way cosmetics insure their safety is by adhering to a list of substances known as GRAS ingredients. GRAS stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe” and indicates ingredients that are currently widely used in the marketplace without safety issues.

Cleansers are routinely tested prior to commercial release for mildness with the Forearm Controlled Application Technique (FCAT).

Hypoallergenic fragrance is a term that may actually have some dermatologic relevance. Since the term literally means reduced allergy, not the absence of allergy, it can be used loosely.

While there is an increasing interest among men in cosmetic procedures, there is little research in this area to guide physicians. Experts say that customization is best for tough cases.

Many facial serum formulations claim to nourish the skin; however, the term has no scientific meaning.

One of the most commonly used terms is “sensitive skin.” It is important for the dermatologist to understand the value of such terminology and the associated implications.

BPA is found in food containers, dental fillings and vitamin gel capsules. It also is found in milk, butter and meats, just like phthalates, and is also considered a hormone disruptor.

Dermal fillers that include physicochemical properties proved to be effective in reducing acne scarring without compromising natural facial dynamics, researchers reported ASDS 2017.

The HARMONY study puts objective data behind the aesthetic and psychological improvements delivered by a panfacial approach to facial rejuvenation. It’s also the first study to use video analysis, and online photo ratings from a representative sample of Americans, as outcome measures.

The consult can make or break your success. Listen to and question concerns. Show you care.

One of the most concerning group of chemicals are phthalates, which are used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability and longevity of plastics

Increased firmness is commonly used to describe the beneficial effects of moisturizers. This is confusing to the dermatologist who considers firm skin indicative of scleroderma.

Many of the newer facial serums claim to improve radiance immediately after application. How is this claim substantiated?

“Luminosity,” is often used to describe facial appearance after applying facial foundation. What is luminosity?

Resurfacing lasers pose a threat to the cornea and ocular surface. Ocular injuries associated with lasers include misshapen pupils, iritis and vision loss. Expert suggests against performing micro-focused ultrasound treatments within the orbital rim. Standard ocular shields do not provide effective protection against focused ultrasound.

Conduct evidence-based pretreatment assessments prior to procedures to identify vulnerable patients. Vulnerable patients are at risk for ill-advised or opportunistic treatment from undereducated aesthetic providers.

A recent study found that cosmetic treatments performed on presumed benign pigmented lesions later found to be lentigo maligna (LM) is not an uncommon occurrence, underscoring the need for individuals performing cosmetic procedures to be more vigilant in thoroughly investigating suspicious lesions.