I recently attended the annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting in San Diego. About 10,000 dermatologists from around the world attended the meeting, where the newest technologies in dermatology were presented. I love these meetings: not only do I get to see old friends, but I stay up to date on the latest and greatest in my field. So what's new on the horizon?
New injectables:
You've probably heard of facial contouring with fat, as well as injectables like Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra. Well, now there's a new player on the field - and it's completely unique. Laviv (azficel-T) is the first and only FDA-approved therapy that uses your own collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to improve the look of smile lines. How does it work? The dermatologist takes three small samples of skin from behind the ear. The skin samples are then sent to a laboratory, where fibroblast cells (cells that make collagen in the skin) are expanded to create your Laviv. Three months later, it is sent back to the dermatologist, who injects Laviv over three treatment sessions. South Beach Dermatology is a Laviv certified facility. Check out http://www.mylaviv.com/getting-laviv.aspx for more info.
New fat fighting treatment:
It's an age old battle: man (woman) versus fat. There's liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, cryolipolysis (using cold to destroy fat), and now: Liposonix. Liposonix is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that uses high frequency focused ultrasound (HIFU) to destory fat cells. There are no incisions or needles. It's performed in the office as a one hour treatment to the abdomen and love handles. Results typically take about 8-12 weeks, and on average, an one inch reduction is seen from the waist area. Liposonix will be available at Horwitz Dermatology next month. Check out http://www.liposonix.com/ for more info.
New product:
CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion combines the great moisturizing (ceramides, hyaluronic acid) power of CeraVe with salicylic acid. It's great for keratosis pilaris: those rough bumps on the back of the arms. Dry, thick, cracked heels? Try this out!
I love sharing the newest treatments in derm with all of you. Stay tuned for more!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Just say NO to tanning beds
I've recently been seeing more young patients in my office who have been using tanning beds. They seem almost shocked when I inform them that using tanning beds will cause skin cancer, and is one of the worst things you can do for your skin's health. Despite the increased media attention on the dangers of ultraviolet light exposure, many still think it's "cool" to look tanned. Whether it's from tanning beds or excessive outdoor sun exposure, too much ultraviolet light is harmful and causes skin cancers: basal call carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. It's now illegal in some states, such as California, for minors to use tanning beds. Other states are following suit and enforcing regulations. That's a step in the right direction. It's so critical to practice safe sun: broad spectrum sunscreens, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10 am - 3 pm.
Here are some facts from my friends at The Skin Cancer Foundation that are important to know. They have an excellent website at www.skincancer.org full of great information.
One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 62 minutes).
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
The survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 99 percent.
The last fact is key: early detection is life saving! Remember to see your dermatologist at least once a year for your skin check - or sooner if you've noticed a new or changing spot. You only have one precious skin: protect it!
Here are some facts from my friends at The Skin Cancer Foundation that are important to know. They have an excellent website at www.skincancer.org full of great information.
One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 62 minutes).
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
The survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 99 percent.
The last fact is key: early detection is life saving! Remember to see your dermatologist at least once a year for your skin check - or sooner if you've noticed a new or changing spot. You only have one precious skin: protect it!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
A New Way to Inject Fillers
Same destination, different route: the latest and greatest in facial volumizing is using FDA approved, blunt-tipped DermaSculpt cannulas to inject fillers, rather than sharp needles.
Let me tell you why I like cannulas:
First, because they have a rounded, blunt tip, there is less trauma to tissue and blood vessels, which equals less bruising, less discomfort, and less swelling during and after the procedure. It also means less injections, because the cannula is placed through one point in the skin and can reach multiple areas. For people that want a filler treatment with little downtime, it's a great choice. Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra can all be injected with a cannula.
And speaking of fillers, February is a great time to get a treatment. Restylane is approved for lip enhancement - Valentine's Day, anyone? And Medicis is offering rebates on Restylane and Perlane. There's no need to live with hollow cheeks, parenthesis lines around the mouth, thin lips, or saggy jowls. With the advent of great technology, looking natural and refreshed is easier than ever!
Let me tell you why I like cannulas:
First, because they have a rounded, blunt tip, there is less trauma to tissue and blood vessels, which equals less bruising, less discomfort, and less swelling during and after the procedure. It also means less injections, because the cannula is placed through one point in the skin and can reach multiple areas. For people that want a filler treatment with little downtime, it's a great choice. Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra can all be injected with a cannula.
And speaking of fillers, February is a great time to get a treatment. Restylane is approved for lip enhancement - Valentine's Day, anyone? And Medicis is offering rebates on Restylane and Perlane. There's no need to live with hollow cheeks, parenthesis lines around the mouth, thin lips, or saggy jowls. With the advent of great technology, looking natural and refreshed is easier than ever!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Like mother, like daughter
I gave my daughter a hug the other day, and my hand brushed on the back of her arms. And I felt the bumps. The same bumps that I have on the backs on MY arms. Some call it "chicken skin." Some call it "sandpaper arms." So what's the deal with these little white bumps?
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common condition that often starts in childhood. Anyone can get it, and it tends to happen more frequently in females. It can be associated with eczema, dry skin, and seasonal allergies (atopic dermatitis), or can be an isolated finding. It's caused by a buildup of keratin in the hair follicles, and is commonly located on the backs of the arms, inner thighs, and cheeks. Sometimes it can be found on the abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs, too. The condition often runs in families.
As keratosis pilaris is a benign condition, no treatment is needed. It usually gets better with age, especially after puberty, but it can persist into adulthood. There is no magic cure for KP. Emollients will often improve texture of the skin. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid lotions, urea creams, retinoid creams, peels, and microdermabrasion are all treatments that may improve the appearance and feel of the bumps. Picking is not recommended, as it can lead to scarring.
My daughter's got half my genetic makeup- the good, the bad, and the bumpy!
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common condition that often starts in childhood. Anyone can get it, and it tends to happen more frequently in females. It can be associated with eczema, dry skin, and seasonal allergies (atopic dermatitis), or can be an isolated finding. It's caused by a buildup of keratin in the hair follicles, and is commonly located on the backs of the arms, inner thighs, and cheeks. Sometimes it can be found on the abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs, too. The condition often runs in families.
As keratosis pilaris is a benign condition, no treatment is needed. It usually gets better with age, especially after puberty, but it can persist into adulthood. There is no magic cure for KP. Emollients will often improve texture of the skin. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid lotions, urea creams, retinoid creams, peels, and microdermabrasion are all treatments that may improve the appearance and feel of the bumps. Picking is not recommended, as it can lead to scarring.
My daughter's got half my genetic makeup- the good, the bad, and the bumpy!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Scar Secrets
"Will there be a scar, doc?"
Dermatologists all over the nation hear this question on a daily basis. Scars can occur from any injury to the skin, such as: burns, scrapes, cuts, bites, biopsies, surgeries, and more. The deeper the injury, the more of a risk of developing scar tissue. The location of injury also plays a role: the more movement in an area, the more of a chance a thicker or wider scar will develop. Chests, shoulders, and backs are areas more likely to scar. And although it's impossible to completely prevent a scar, there are ways to minimize the appearance of them.
Clean
Wounds should be cleaned with a mild cleanser and water daily. Hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and iodine can be irritating and may actually slow healing.
Cover
Dry or wet? The old school of thought was to let wounds "dry out and form a scab." But research has shown that keeping a wound moist and covered with a band-aid actually greatly improves healing. Aquaphor or petroleum jelly is the best emollient to use. There is no proven advantage to using an antibacterial ointment like neosporin - in fact, many people are allergic to it and develop itchy reactions. Vitamin E oils and herbal oils may also result in allergic reaction, and may in fact slow wound healing.
Protect
Keeping it covered also imparts another advantage: sun protection. Exposing healing wounds to sun may cause them to pigment and appear dark. Once they've healed and are no longer covered, sunscreen can be used.
Take It Easy
Limiting movement can help. Tension causes scars to "spread" or widen. Avoiding lifting heavy objects or twisting motions will improve the appearance.
Fine Details
Scars are composed of collagen. Pressure and massage may prevent, as well as treat, raised or thickened scars. Injections with cortisone, performed in the dermatologist's office, can help to flatten a raised scar (called a keloid). Silicone gels such as biocorneum or mederma (contains onion extract) may further improve the appearance of the scar.
Zap
Finally, laser treatments, such as the intense pulsed light, can be used to lighten the color of the scar. Acne scars or thickened scars may respond well to fractional CO2 lasers, like the Active FX, or fractionated erbium lasers, like the Fraxel Re:Store 1550.
The bottom line? Anytime the skin is cut or injured, there can be a scar. What it ultimately looks like depends on: the depth of the injury, how the person heals, and how it's taken care of.
Dermatologists all over the nation hear this question on a daily basis. Scars can occur from any injury to the skin, such as: burns, scrapes, cuts, bites, biopsies, surgeries, and more. The deeper the injury, the more of a risk of developing scar tissue. The location of injury also plays a role: the more movement in an area, the more of a chance a thicker or wider scar will develop. Chests, shoulders, and backs are areas more likely to scar. And although it's impossible to completely prevent a scar, there are ways to minimize the appearance of them.
Clean
Wounds should be cleaned with a mild cleanser and water daily. Hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and iodine can be irritating and may actually slow healing.
Cover
Dry or wet? The old school of thought was to let wounds "dry out and form a scab." But research has shown that keeping a wound moist and covered with a band-aid actually greatly improves healing. Aquaphor or petroleum jelly is the best emollient to use. There is no proven advantage to using an antibacterial ointment like neosporin - in fact, many people are allergic to it and develop itchy reactions. Vitamin E oils and herbal oils may also result in allergic reaction, and may in fact slow wound healing.
Protect
Keeping it covered also imparts another advantage: sun protection. Exposing healing wounds to sun may cause them to pigment and appear dark. Once they've healed and are no longer covered, sunscreen can be used.
Take It Easy
Limiting movement can help. Tension causes scars to "spread" or widen. Avoiding lifting heavy objects or twisting motions will improve the appearance.
Fine Details
Scars are composed of collagen. Pressure and massage may prevent, as well as treat, raised or thickened scars. Injections with cortisone, performed in the dermatologist's office, can help to flatten a raised scar (called a keloid). Silicone gels such as biocorneum or mederma (contains onion extract) may further improve the appearance of the scar.
Zap
Finally, laser treatments, such as the intense pulsed light, can be used to lighten the color of the scar. Acne scars or thickened scars may respond well to fractional CO2 lasers, like the Active FX, or fractionated erbium lasers, like the Fraxel Re:Store 1550.
The bottom line? Anytime the skin is cut or injured, there can be a scar. What it ultimately looks like depends on: the depth of the injury, how the person heals, and how it's taken care of.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year's Resolutions
It's a new year. Time to detox, reflect, and re-new. Many of us make the most common resolutions, such as working out/losing weight, saving money, and working harder. Even though we start out strong in January (check out how many people are at the gym this week), resolve can wane by mid-March. Here are a few resolutions that you actually may enjoy keeping!
Resolution # 1: Drink More Coffee
Hello, Starbucks. Women who drink three cups of caffeinated coffee a day can reduce their risk of basal cell carcinoma by up to 20 percent, compared to those drinking less than a cup monthly. These results are based on a large population study: over 113,000 adults who took part in the U.S. Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. A lesser decrease in risk was seen among coffee-drinking men.
Resolution #2: Drink Red Wine
This is not permission to finish a bottle of malbec. A small glass of red wine a day contains resveratrol, which is a potent antioxidant found in grapes. Antioxidants fight free radicals in our skin and body, which are harmful and play a role in skin cancer and aging. A moderate amount of alcohol has also been found to be heart-healthy and raises levels of "good" cholesterol, or HDL. Of course, women who are pregnant/nursing or those with medical conditions should not drink alcohol.
Resolution #3: Eat Dark Chocolate
In a recent study, German researchers gave 24 women a half-cup of cocoa enriched with flavonoids daily. After three months, the women's skin was better protected, less red, and had a smooth appearance after exposure to ultraviolet light. The researchers think the flavonoids, which absorb UV light, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, improving its appearance. Plus dark chocolate contains more of those good antioxidants!
Resolution #4: Wear Your Sunscreen
I have to throw this one in: I've said it before and I'll say it again: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and the signs of aging. Okay, lecture over.
Happy 2012 and here's to a year of great health and gorgeous skin!
Resolution # 1: Drink More Coffee
Hello, Starbucks. Women who drink three cups of caffeinated coffee a day can reduce their risk of basal cell carcinoma by up to 20 percent, compared to those drinking less than a cup monthly. These results are based on a large population study: over 113,000 adults who took part in the U.S. Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. A lesser decrease in risk was seen among coffee-drinking men.
Resolution #2: Drink Red Wine
This is not permission to finish a bottle of malbec. A small glass of red wine a day contains resveratrol, which is a potent antioxidant found in grapes. Antioxidants fight free radicals in our skin and body, which are harmful and play a role in skin cancer and aging. A moderate amount of alcohol has also been found to be heart-healthy and raises levels of "good" cholesterol, or HDL. Of course, women who are pregnant/nursing or those with medical conditions should not drink alcohol.
Resolution #3: Eat Dark Chocolate
In a recent study, German researchers gave 24 women a half-cup of cocoa enriched with flavonoids daily. After three months, the women's skin was better protected, less red, and had a smooth appearance after exposure to ultraviolet light. The researchers think the flavonoids, which absorb UV light, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, improving its appearance. Plus dark chocolate contains more of those good antioxidants!
Resolution #4: Wear Your Sunscreen
I have to throw this one in: I've said it before and I'll say it again: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and the signs of aging. Okay, lecture over.
Happy 2012 and here's to a year of great health and gorgeous skin!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Xeomin - the new kid on the block
Competition is good. First we had Botox. Then Dysport came on the scene. And now we have Xeomin. They all are neurotoxins that work to smooth out lines in the forehead, around the eyes, improve bunny lines, fix a gummy smile, help smoker's lines, soften the jawline, and relax neck lines (although they're all only approved for the glabellar eleven lines). So what's the difference between these three muskateers?
How They Work
All three work by temporarily inhibiting release of a chemical called acetylcholine from nerves. Acetylcholine works as a messenger, telling the muscles to contract. In a nutshell: no release, no signal, no contraction, no lines.
Proteins
Botox and Dysport consist of botulinum toxin that is complexed with accessory proteins. Once injected, the proteins separate from the toxin. Xeomin does not have the accessory proteins. Having no proteins may decrease the possibility of developing antibodies to the proteins, which make the injections less (or not) effective.
How They Act
Both Botox and Xeomin start to work about a week after injection and last about 3-4 months. Dysport may work a little faster, and may last a little longer, although the results vary. Some reports have shown that dysport may locally diffuse further than Botox once injected. Sometimes this means that less has to be injected to achieve a pleasing, natural result.
Storage
Unlike Botox and Dysport, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated -- great if we lose power in South Florida during hurricane season!
Most importantly, no matter which you choose, make sure a board certified physician in one of the core specialties: dermatology or plastic surgery is performing the treatment. Have fun ringing in the new year wrinkle free!
How They Work
All three work by temporarily inhibiting release of a chemical called acetylcholine from nerves. Acetylcholine works as a messenger, telling the muscles to contract. In a nutshell: no release, no signal, no contraction, no lines.
Proteins
Botox and Dysport consist of botulinum toxin that is complexed with accessory proteins. Once injected, the proteins separate from the toxin. Xeomin does not have the accessory proteins. Having no proteins may decrease the possibility of developing antibodies to the proteins, which make the injections less (or not) effective.
How They Act
Both Botox and Xeomin start to work about a week after injection and last about 3-4 months. Dysport may work a little faster, and may last a little longer, although the results vary. Some reports have shown that dysport may locally diffuse further than Botox once injected. Sometimes this means that less has to be injected to achieve a pleasing, natural result.
Storage
Unlike Botox and Dysport, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated -- great if we lose power in South Florida during hurricane season!
Most importantly, no matter which you choose, make sure a board certified physician in one of the core specialties: dermatology or plastic surgery is performing the treatment. Have fun ringing in the new year wrinkle free!
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