Aesthetics

New Orleans - As more fillers for soft tissue augmentation become available, dermatologic surgeons will need to consider carefully the risks and benefits of each while keeping in mind the many questions that remain to be answered about these new materials, said Murad Alam, M.D., at the annual joint meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery/American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology.

New Orleans -- The Facial Lipo-Lift, a new technique combining modifications of facial and neck tumescent liposculpture with a short scar facelift, provides a safe, effective, minimally invasive alternative to a traditional facelift, said Greg S. Morganroth, M.D.

Las Vegas -- The landscape of dermatologic diseases manifested by HIV-positive (HIV+) patients has changed in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), said Clay J. Cockerell, M.D., at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Las Vegas -- Recent innovations in topical therapies are providing valuable alternatives for the management of some challenging dermatologic conditions, said Mark Lebwohl, M.D., at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

For the second time in two years, lawmakers have created federal tax cuts designed to spur business investment.

New Orleans - While intense pulsed light (IPL) technology is beneficial and generally safe, there are risks and complications, according to Patrick H. Bitter, M.D.

Las Vegas - The next-generation of cosmeceuticals capitalize on discoveries gleaned from biotechnology research. These five new compounds appear to represent innovative approaches to anti-aging strategies, but by objective measures the jury is still out, according to Patricia Farris, M.D., of Metairie, Louisiana. Dr. Farris delivered a talk on new anti-aging agents at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Las Vegas -- The practice of dermatology is artistic, and no aspect of the field is a greater testament to this than the injection of Botox. According to Richard Glogau, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, Botox treatments are not a "one size fits all" deal, and dermatologists who individualize and treat with "finesse" will have the best outcomes and the most satisfied patients, he said at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

New Orleans - Several effective methods for fixing liposuction defects are available, but surgeons doing primary liposuction procedures should try to avoid the risk of overcorrection in the first place by removing fat conservatively, according to Lisa M. Donofrio, M.D.

Versailles, France -- The Pigmentary Disorders Academy (PDA), a newly formed group, aims to become a recognized global reference on pigmentary disorders within the dermatology community.

London - Could the simple act of writing help patients recover quicker?

Chicago - A pioneering researcher in the area of acne keloidalis nuchae recommended the use of Nd:YAG lasers set in non-ablative resurfacing mode and low fluence vascular lasers for treatment of the condition in African-Americans at this year's L'Oreal Ethnic Skin and Hair Conference here, Sept. 19-21. "We have utilized both lasers with success," says Fran E. Cook-Bolden, M.D.

Evidence indicates that dermal collagen formation is the key mechanism of action for nonablative techniques.

Russian doctors have developed a method for face-lifts, called Featherlift, using nylon threads containing barbs.

The new fat autograft muscle injection (F.A.M.I.) technique, developed by French plastic surgeon Roger E. Amar, M.D., has shown improved long-term, aesthetic results for facial rejuvenation.

Recent studies by a physics professor suggest that energy transfer by some sunscreen ingredients could actually be harming healthy cells.

A study from Johns Hopkins University has pinpointed a likely genetic base for latex allergy.

CancerVax expects to launch its therapeutic melanoma vaccine and lead product candidate Canvaxin by 2006.

San Diego - Radiosurgery is an effective option for patients undergoing various aesthetic procedures, posing a decreased risk of complications, according to retrospective research.

New Orleans - As surgeons are inundated with information about new laser devices - some promising to reduce wrinkles, others touting the ability to restore a youthful appearance to the skin - choosing the best laser for an individual practice can be tricky. To offer busy physicians some easy guidelines to help them make prudent laser purchasing decisions, Jason Pozner, M.D. and Larry Bass, M.D., will offer a course on Lasers for Photorejuvenation at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Meeting.

New Orleans - With a growing demand from aging baby boomers to shave off years from their appearance, clinicians are searching for nonsurgical alternatives to the traditional facelift to tighten facial skin - and nonablative radiofrequency may just fit the bill.

Toronto - There is a safe, delegable procedure that offers a significant and noticeable, intercurrent, inter-treatment elevation and maintenance of the brow, cheek, and neck contours, which does not require high-energy radiofrequency or lasers, according to R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Dateline - Dermatologists looking for a collagen alternative for facial soft tissue augmentation might want to look to Radiance or Radiance FN (fine needle) - products that already have good track records with cosmetic surgeons.

New Orleans - Radiofrequency treatment with the Thermacool TC? system can give moderate improvements in facial features, according to Walter Nahm, M.D., Ph.D. Based on a study he recently completed, Dr. Nahm said, "There's been a lot of back-and-forth discussion. Many physicians didn't believe radiofrequency worked because the changes were hard to quantify, but now we know there are eyebrow angle changes, brow elevation, and the jowl surface area decreases. We've proven there is a statistical difference before and after radiofrequency."

New Orleans - Radiofrequency energy is a viable option for tightening facial and neck skin, but it is not a replacement for severe laxity and surgical alternatives.

New Orleans - Dermatologists who prescribe acitretin to patients who have had organ transplants can rest easy that the drug will not adversely affect wound healing, according to a new study.

Paris - Many new fillers have been introduced in Europe, and dermatologists there have observed both immediate and delayed severe reactions after their use. These reactions have occurred months or years after injection, and they have been observed with both biodegradable and permanent fillers, according to Pierre Andre, M.D., a dermatologist in practice in Paris.

New York - While surgeons may refuse to make incisions through active psoriatic skin because of safety concerns, a recent survey suggests most skin experts do not believe such procedures increase risk of infection or impairment of wound healing.

Chicago - Although some drugs used to treat psoriasis are known teratogens, dermatologists still have a range of options they might choose from for managing psoriasis across its spectrum of severity in women who are or wish to become pregnant, Mark Lebwohl, M.D., said at Academy '03.

Chicago - Results of two clinical trials involving bexarotene (Targretin) and presented at recent meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology offer hope for patients with severe forms of psoriasis refractory to systemic therapies, according to researchers.