Aesthetics

National report — A proposed $3.2 billion merger of Botox-maker Allergan and breast-implant maker Inamed would ultimately benefit dermatologists, an Allergan official says.

National report — Every eight seconds, a member of the baby boom generation turns 50 — and an increasing number of these baby boomers are looking to turn back the clock.

Rather than being a one-time treatment, she adds that Fraxel's anufacturer — and most doctors who use the technology — recommend a series of three to five treatments.

National report — As baby boomers get older, they are fighting a valiant battle against aging. But while they want to look younger, they are often too busy to give up weeks for recuperation, they don't want major side effects, or to spend $10,000, and they really don't want to wait until their faces are sagging so much that only a major facelift will help.

National report — Minimally invasive procedures provide a wealth of lift options for patients, and the trend will continue, Sorin Eremia, M.D., tells Dermatology Times.

Permanent fillers ... remain a tough sell as doctors increasingly consider the ever-changing structure of the face as it ages.

National report — The current status of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the United States is really status quo — that's the assessment of dermatologist Michael Gold, M.D., founder of the Gold Skin Care Center, The Laser and Rejuvenation Center, Tennessee Clinical Research Center and Advanced Aesthetics Medi Spa of Nashville, Tenn.

With increased experience, clinicians are finding other uses for Botox (Allergan). Apart from more popular applications such as treatment for excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis or to eliminate frown lines between eyebrows, Botox is being injected in the lower parts of the face to improve wrinkles and to optimize wound healing.

Vancouver, British Columbia — The vertical growth phase of melanoma presents as a tumor nodule or tumor-infiltrating lesion.

Relative to the radiofrequency and light techniques, the barbed suture procedures afford more precise control of the locus of lifting and produce a more immediate and noticeable benefit.

Oral vitamin D supplementation and the use of sunscreens is a better way to maintain bone health than frequent unprotected sun exposure.

National report — Misdiagnoses and misconceptions can hinder treatment when pediatric dermatology emergencies occur, an expert says.

National report — A proposed $3.2 billion merger of Botox-maker Allergan and breast-implant maker Inamed would ultimately benefit dermatologists, an Allergan official says.

Dermatologists are working to demonstrate physician competency through more rigorous recertification processes.

Santa Clara, Calif.--Inamed Health, a Santa Clara-based manufacturer of breast implants and cosmetic treatments, may be shunning one corporate suitor in favor of another.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

Hire, train and properly supervise a physician assistant.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

I am certain that most of you have heard the following comments made by a well-meaning patient: "I first saw a dermatologist for my problem. I then went to a doctor for further evaluation."

With three dermatologists in his office and about 15 patients on Accutane, Dr. Rusonis says it is going to be a lot of additional time and work for the office staff.

Las Vegas — Perhaps more than with any other kind of medical procedure using state-of-the-art technology, advancements in non-ablative cutaneous laser surgery seem to be frequent and many.

The best facial rejuvenation techniques can be diminished if the face appears to grow younger while the neck on down continues to look older.

East Grinstead, England — Researchers here have embarked on the first multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy of a spray-on skin technique in treating severe burns.

National report -- The annual number of skin surgeries performed has climbed 32 percent since 2001, with growth in minimally invasive procedures surging 58 percent, according to a recent survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

Hire, train and properly supervise a physician assistant.

By Beth Gilbert

New Orleans — A new plasma-based system (Plasma Skin Resurfacing/PSR, Gyrus Medical) appears effective for repeated treatments using nonablative energy parameters.

Seattle — For treating varicose leg veins, various lasers and one radiofrequency (RF) device have replaced vein stripping, one expert says, while foam sclerosants likewise are gaining popularity. However, he cautions that published reports tend to overstate the effectiveness and ease of these newer treatments.

Atlanta — The roster of fillers available to U.S. dermatologists is growing, and so are ways in which physicians can use the fillers for cosmetic enhancement.

Atlanta — Although many physicians remain skeptical about the use of injectable silicone, Stephen Mandy, M.D., of Miami discussed the benefits of using the synthetic polymer to treat acne scarring at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Meeting here.