Aesthetics

Efficacy, safety encourage use for psoriasis

San Francisco - A significant part of the recent explosion in cosmetic procedures such as injection of botulinum toxin and fillers is due to increased interest among the male population, and treatment considerations for these patients often differ from those for women, according to Christopher Zachary, M.D.

New York - With the proliferation of lasers and other light sources over recent years, non-surgeons are finding it more difficult to determine which is the best option for treating their patients with vascular or pigmented lesions, solar damage and aging and excessive or unwanted hair.

New York - American dermatologists have been ignoring cellulite, but they need to start paying attention, says Mitchel Goldman, M.D., medical director of Dermatology/Cosmetic Laser Associates in La Jolla, Calif.

New York - Uniform treatment consisting of a three-pronged approach can help patients with foot ulcers heal more effectively and prevent chronic ulceration and the need for amputations, according to Peter Sheehan, M.D., director of the Diabetic Foot and Ankle Center for Joint Diseases, Orthopaedic Institute in New York, N.Y.

Victoria, British Columbia - While dermatologic surgeons are very aware and do an excellent job in managing wounds, wound healing is an area that needs the supervision and expertise of a trained practitioner, according to Gordon E. Searles, O.D., M.D., MSc, FRCPC, FRCPC, FACP. Speaking at the Canadian Dermatology Association Annual Conference, Dr. Searles compared the traditional training surrounding the management of "cold steel" wounds with those that occur as a result of lasers, and the importance of understanding the difference.

Charleston, S.C. - Skin diseases are common among pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, and so dermatologists play an important role in the management of these children, said Maria C. Garzon, M.D., at the 2004 annual meeting of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology here.

Miami - Sculptra (Aventis), an injectable poly-L-lactic acid that tricks the body into producing collagen, fills a unique niche, says Peter Engelhard, D.O.

Washington - Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Dermik Laboratories) is a welcome addition to the expanding armamentarium of filler materials because it can be used for deeper dermal filling to create more durable and greater volume replacement than available agents, says Tina S. Alster, M.D.

New York - Meticulous attention to technique is probably the most important rule for avoiding complications when treating patients with botulinum toxin for cosmetic indications, says Neil S. Sadick, M.D.

Albert M. Kligman, M.D., Ph.D.'s 'accidental' discovery of tretinoin moved drug well beyond acne treatment

Internationally recognized researcher, Alan Menter, M.D., considers the future of psoriasis treatment.

Alan Shalita, M.D., Ph.D., a leader in acne research, has studied the condition for more than 30 years.

Albert Kligman, M.D., Ph.D., explores pigmentary disorders and develops enduring treatments

Albert Kligman, M.D., Ph.D., is a pioneer who continues to break new ground in dermatology.

Dermatologic cosmetic lasers have revolutionized the practice of dermatology. By providing treatment for many skin conditions once thought to be untreatable, these surgical tools are now highly regarded-and commonly used-in many cosmetic dermatology practices.

New Yorkers, especially, will sacrifice results for speed

Tool offers shorter recovery time, fewer risks, less cost

Patients report smoother skin after single application

The incision extends from the sideburn, around the ear, and two-thirds up the post-auricular crease. As a consequence of its longer incision, the short scar facelift offers many advantages compared to the S-Lift, Dr. Morganroth says.

Stanford, Calif. - Skin cancer in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients is a significant problem and one of growing importance as patient survival post-transplantation continues to increase, says Daniel Berg, M.D

Improvement continues even after 32 weeks; technique gains acceptance for lower face

Many approaches now available to rejuvenate upper, lower face

Dilution, needle selection, patient assessment and proper technique yield quality results

Doctors' expertise grows; patient confidence climbs; options broaden

Uses explode across medical specialties

Poly-L-lactic acid offers durability, volume, dramatic correcting power

The road to finding the perfect filler substance has been bumpy. Experts say researchers are getting close to that ultimate filler, but are not yet there.

Stanford, Calif. - Reports of the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Allergan) injection for the management of focal hyperhidrosis are prompting more patients to seek treatment for excessive sweating, says Daniel Berg, M.D., who spoke on the topic at "The Next Step: Mastering Cutaneous Outpatient Procedures," a continuing education program held at Stanford University.

Dr. (George) Farber says if the tax had been passed in Louisiana, he would have been first in line to challenge it.