December 15th, 2009
A report on Medwire-news.com details a study which shows that Pulsed-dye laser(PDL), aka Vbeam, is an effective treatment for acne (Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology). The study consisted of 20 patients who were treated with PDL on one side of their face and another laser on the other side of the face. While both laser treatments were effective in improving facial acne, a histopathological assesment “showed a reduced inflammatory reaction… this was more pronounced in the PDL-treated sides.” Additionally, the study also found that acne stayed away longer on the sides treated with PDL.
In our office, we often treat patients with Vbeam, in addition to Smoothbeam laser to treat acne. Laser treatments offer patients an alternative to traditional acne treatments. Multiple treatments are often needed, but the results can be dramatic. To learn more about Pulsed-dye laser, follow this link to our website: Laser treatment of acne
Before treatment with Vbeam and Smoothbeam
After treatment with Vbeam and Smoothbeam laser
Tags: acne, before & after, laser, smoothbeam, vbeam
Posted in Face & Beauty | 3 Comments »
December 4th, 2009
Image from beauty-budget.com
Until recently, dermatologists have advised their patients to wear a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen. But recent findings have prompted the American Academy of Dermatology to increase the minimum recommendation to 30. According to Arielle N.B. Kauvar, M.D., chair of the Academy’s Council on Communications, “research shows that most people are only applying 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen.” She goes on to say, “if you apply only half the amount that you should using an SPF 15, you are probably only getting the equivalent of an SPF 7 or 8, which is insufficient protection” (JAAD, Academy ups minimum SPF recommendation from 15 to 30 by Richard Nelson).
CORRECT SUNSCREEN APPLICATION
*It takes one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the exposed parts of your body
*Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen liberally
*Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun
*Reapply often, about every one to two hours, especially after going in the water or sweating
*Sunscreen is needed even during the colder months, and while doing actvities such as skiing or snowboarding
For other helpful information on skin care, please visit American Academy of Dermatology or Derm SD patient resources
Tags: sun exposure, sunscreen, tips
Posted in Healthy Skin | 4 Comments »
November 25th, 2009
Before
37 year old white female patient came to the office after having IPL/Fotofacial on her chest performed by a nurse in another facility. The patient stated that she noticed blistering on her chest shortly after her fotofacial and the blistering eventuated into a very noticeable striped pattern on her chest… essentially a burn from the IPL treatment.
I treated the patient with a fractionated laser device to even out the discoloration left behind from the IPL. The patient underwent three treatments, done one month apart. She had an excellent result; the striping is virtually gone and the patient was very pleased. She now maintains the results with daily sunscreen and topical anti-aging products.
This patient’s story is all too familiar. When consulting with a patient for the first time, I always stress the importance of seeking a board certified dermatologist to perform laser treatments. While there are many facilities that offer minimal downtime laser treatments, if not performed correctly by a dermatologist with the proper settings, the results can be unfavorable and costly.
After
Posted in Face & Beauty | 4 Comments »
November 6th, 2009
Photo found in Practical Dermatology, September 2009- "Battle for the Sexes: How to Market Cosmetic Services to Women and Men" by Charles Crutchfield, III, MD
Men are slowly moving more and more into cosmetic procedure territory. Cosmeceutical and over the counter products are being designed specifically for men, and recently men are “having more positive attitudes toward cosmetic procedures.” According to an article by Charles E. Crutchfield, III, MD, “men increasingly represent a new patient base for cosmetic dermatologists.“ According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), men underwent 1.1 million cosmetic procedures in 2008 and 82% of that number were minimally invasive procedures (Battle for the Sexes: How to Market Cosmetic Services to Women and Men by Charles E. Crutchfield, III, MD, Sept 2009 Practical Dermatology). Listed below are the most popular minimally invasive procedures among men, according to Dr. Crutchfield’s article:
1. Botox/Dysport
2. Laser hair removal
3. Hyaluronic Acid fillers (Restylane/Juvederm)
Tags: botox, dermal filler, hair removal, laser
Posted in Face & Beauty | 1 Comment »
October 20th, 2009
Before and after treatment with Radiesse to the cheeks
As we age, we tend to notice flattening on our cheeks and hollowing under the eyes. For some, surgery is the answer. But many of us don’t want to go under the knife. So what is the alternative? Radiesse is a dermal filler that can be used to treat areas like the cheeks and nasal grooves. Radiesse is similar to more familiar fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm, but it is thicker and lasts on average 9 months to one year. Pain is minimal, as Radiesse is mixed with lidocaine. See results instantly, with minimal downtime!
Tags: dermal filler, radiesse, youthful appearance
Posted in Face & Beauty | No Comments »
