Archive for the ‘Skin Conditions’ Category

Laser Treatment Helps Conceal Scars After Skin Cancer

Monday, October 31st, 2011

Scarring from skin cancer removal can be minimized with a fractional CO2 laser treatment, according to a study by dermatologists.

Reuters Health recently reported about a study of 10 patients undergoing Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal. The skin cancers were located in highly visible locations such as the face, neck and arms.

After removing the lesions, dermatologists treated the edges of the wound with a fractional carbon dioxide laser. To determine the effectiveness of the laser treatment, only half of the wound edges were treated each time. The physicians then closed the wounds using absorbable sutures and adhesive.

Positive results were demonstrated on the laser treated portions. Medscape.com reports:

At the two- to three-month follow-up visit, nine of the ten patients felt the laser-treated side of the wound was cosmetically superior to the untreated side. They also thought the laser-treated sides were significantly better with regard to elevation, discoloration and erythema.

Despite the advancements in skin cancer treatent, scarring remains a concern for patients. Part of the problem is the tendency for skin cancer to appear on highly visible areas of the body, including the neck and face. Therefore, an effective method for minimizing scars should be seriously examined by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

If the results are validated, Dr. David Ozog claims that the treatment could “change the current approach in all surgical disciplines.” Dr. Ozog and Dr. Ronald Moy are reportedly continuing to study the treatment, with a larger, multi-center study in the works.

What is a Co2 laser?

The popular CO2 laser employs an invisible light that is absorbed by water, the main component of your tissue. By focusing the laser beam, a doctor can use it to simultaneously cut tissue and seal blood vessels. Unfocused, the beam can remove skin growths by vaporizing the outer skin layers.
With fractional technology, the laser is applied in small columns. Energy penetrates the dermal layer, which stimulates a natural collagen renewal process. In between the columns, small areas of the tissue is untouched.

Read more about this study on Medscape, or view our website to find out more about laser treatments in Savannah, GA.

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Obagi Gets Results in New Aesthetic Surgery Study

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

A new study in the July issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal says that certain patients report much higher rates of satisfaction when using products from the Obagi skin care line.

obagi results study woman with skincare productThe study analyzed results of patients who combined their BOTOX treatment with Obagi, versus a control group who used Botox and a placebo. A recent press release specifically reports that Obagi’s Condition and Enhance line “provides greater improvement in overall facial appearance, as well as increased patient satisfaction vs. Botox treatments with a placebo.”

The Condition and Enhance line of Obagi products, also marketed as Obagi Nu-Derm, uses a combination of 4 percent hydroquinone and tretinoin.

About the Study

The 120 day study was a multi-center, randomized, investigator-masked, parallel-group study with 61 Botox patients. Patients were randomly prescribed either a hydroquinone system (cleanser, toner, 4% hydroquinone, exfoliant, and sunscreen) combined with 0.05% tretinoin cream, or a “standard skin care regimen” with cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Results Found With Obagi

Patients in the Obagi group reported a significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Lead investigator Joel Schlessinger MD said: “This data clearly highlights the fact that by adding Condition & Enhance to injectable patients’ treatment regimen, patients are addressing multiple aspects of aging skin for optimal results.”

Investigators and patients alike were asked to evaluate the results. They found “significantly milder fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmentation at days 30, 90, and 120″ in the combination group and patient surveys showed “superior overall ratings.”

Here’s a breakdown of the Obagi results and standard group’s results:

  • 89 percent of the combined group was satisfied or extremely satisfied with their results.
  • 93 percent of the Obagi group was satisfied or extremely satisfied with the treatment regimen.
  • 100 percent of the Obagi Condition and Enhance group wished to continue treatment after the study.
  • 12 percent of the “standard skincare group” was satisfied or extremely satisfied with their results and their treatment regimen.

According to ASAPS, “Patients using the hydroquinone system plus tretinoin believed that their study treatment had further enhanced the improvements attained with botulinum toxin type A compared to those using the standard skin care regimen (86% vs. 8%).”

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Makeup Wakeup: Revitalizing Your Look at Any Age

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Makeup Wakeup promises to help women over 40 solve “the kinds of issues women face every day.” Written by Lancome “Beauty at Every Age Expert” Sandy Linter and Lois Joy Johnson, Makeup Wakeup includes:

  • Celebrity beauty tips
  • Tips for dealing with concerns like “brow abuse” and sun damage
  • A “fail-proof” shopping guide for beauty products
  • Expert advice on cosmetic procedures from physicians

Reviews for Makeup Wakeup

Makeup Wakeup is “full of sharp advice” reads Oprah.com.

Beauty blogger faboverforty writes about Makeup Wakeup: “One of the first things I noticed about the book is the great photography. These women are not photoshopped to look glossed over and fake. Nope, they look REAL! I was so thrilled about that!”

A reviewer on Amazon writes: “I think people considering surgical enhancements should read this book and see if they could ‘fix’ what they want to fix using make-up or read up on the different offerings of procedures. This was a very worthwhile and fun read for me.”

The authors of Makeup Wakeup say they wrote the book for women over the age of 40 who feel invisible amongst the sea of beauty marketing aimed at much younger women.

Last month, the authors celebrated the debut of Makeup Wakeup at a special book release party at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Talkingmakeup.com has photos of attendees, including Debbie Harry of Blondie and model/actress Patti Hansen. The video below was captured during the book release party.

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Summertime and the Living is Not So Easy for Rosacea Sufferers

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Does summertime mean fun in the sun? Not if you are one of the estimated over 16 million Americans who suffer from the facial skin di­sorder, rosacea. According to a prominent recent survey by the National Rosacea Society, warm weather and sun exposure can exacerbate the condition. Hot tub sound like a relaxing indulgence? Again, rosacea can make the elevated temps and bubbling water a flare-up opportunity. In fact, many summer leisure-time activities can be on the list of flare-up triggers. Both steam and dry saunas, tanning beds, grills, bonfires, and even heavy exercise can worsen rosacea symptoms.

Can you still enjoy your summer with worries about heat-triggered flare-ups? Yes, with the right precautions, says noted professor of dermatology, Dr. Joseph Bikowski. First, see a professional for treatment options and therapy recommendations. Secondly, do all you can to stay as cool as possible. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat and avoiding sun exposure during the peak heat hours (from 10AM to 2 PM) as well as applying sunscreen with sufficient SPF all year round are necessities.

You might also be able to reduce flushing by sucking on ice chips, using a personal fan and bathing in cooler water during the summer.  In addition, the doctor recommends keeping a diary of how and where flare-ups occur in order to learn the environmental causes that exacerbate your personal condition. Many rosacea sufferers agree that flare-ups can often be prevented with attention to these details.

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