Zap that fat

Even though temps in Miami have temporarily dropped, they will soon be up to the sweltering norm.  This means less clothes and more skin.  And even though many of you have been exercising and eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, those stubborn stomach bulges can be tough to eliminate.

Thankfully, a non-invasive, non-surgical (no cutting!), no-downtime option is available to battle that muffin top.

Liposonix uses high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to target and destroy fat cells.  The fat cells are then naturally absorbed by the body over time.  A single treatment that takes about an hour is all that is usually needed.  This is a great treatment for people who are close to their ideal size and shape, but have stubborn areas on the belly and/or love handles that just won’t improve with diet and exercise.  On average, people will lose one inch off the waistline (which typically means one dress or pant size), and is usually seen within 8-12 weeks.  

For more information, click on: http://www.horwitzdermatology.com/Liposonix-Fat-Removal

To gel or not to gel?

Recently, an article was published in the New York Post about the risks of gel manicures, which are all the rage these days.  Women are loving gels, which last longer than a regular manicure, with less of a risk of chipping, etc.  However, the gel requires ultraviolet light (UV) to set and dry the polish.  So what's the problem with that?

The issue is that ultraviolet light causes skin cancer.  Whether from natural sunlight, tanning beds, or lights used in the gel manicure, any exposure to UV light increases the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and/or, even more worrisome: melanoma.  With repeated exposures, the risk increases.

Wearing sunscreen helps reduce the risk, but the best way is really to avoid the exposure in the first place.  So while there may be more chipping with a plain 'ol manicure, a chip is better than a cancer. 

To read the entire article:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/doc_warns_those_are_coffin_nails_I4sLGlg4xklyUwSu90eQpK?utm_medium=rss&utm_content=Local

Oh, zit

Sometimes it happens- a huge pimple shows up. Usually at the most inconvenient times- right before a big, important event filled with a million people.

So what to do? The best and quickest solution is to see a derm, stat. She/he can inject the pimple with cortisone, which reduces inflammation and shrinks it down quickly. If there is infection present, the area may need to be opened and drained and/or antibiotics may be given.

At home, warm compresses and salicylic acid creams can help. Applying a mild hydrocortisone cream helps, too- but generally, hydrocortisone causes acne, so should not be used regularly on the face.

Most importantly, no picking or squeezing. This can cause infection and scarring. Best to leave the zit zapping to the skin experts: the dermatologist.

Reward

Reward programs. Seems like everywhere you look, companies want to reward you. Buy 10, get 1 free sandwiches. Free gas with groceries bought. Fly enough, and a free flight will come your way. Use your credit card, get cash back.

And the latest in rewards? Beauty bucks. Take advantage of Allergan's brilliant distinctions program. With every Botox, Juvederm, and Latisse, receive points that translate into money off your next treatment. A reward for keeping yourself rejuvenated? Pretty brilliant, indeed.

Can Botox help depression?

We all know the improvement that Botox and Dysport can make in wrinkles caused by movement in the face: frown lines, crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, gummy smile, wrinkles around the mouth, dimpled chin, neck bands, and more. But did you know that studies have shown improvement in people's mood following the treatment?

A study performed in Switzerland took 30 people with a history of depression that did not improve previously with medication. 15 people had their frown lines injected with Botox (onabotulinumtoxin) and 15 were injected with a placebo (saline). There was a significant improvement in mood in the group treated with Botox.

Much has been written about the mind-body connection: that our physical state can affect our moods/emotions and vice versa. Although more research needs to be conducted, Botox may prove to be a great treatment for depression in the future.

En-light-ened

A rainbow of light is made of many colors.  Out of ROYGBIV, blue light is by far my favorite.  Blue light is key to photodynamic therapy: a specialized light treatment that treats actinic keratoses (pre-skin cancers), acne, and rejuvinates the skin.

How does this work?  First, a chemical called levulan is applied to the skin (most commonly the face, but neck, chest, arms, and hands can also be treated) in the dermatologist's office.  This stays on the skin anywhere from 30-60 minutes.  Then a U-shaped light, specific for blue light is placed so that it shines on the skin, usually from 8-16 minutes.  The levulan is activated by this light, and results in destruction of abnormal cells.

Because the levulan is activated by light, sunlight must be avoided for 48-72 hours after treatment.  Redness and some crusting are common after treatment.  Once that subsides, the skin is smoother and often younger appearing. 

Acne may be treated with the blue light alone, as well, but it may not be quite as effective as when levulan is added.  A series of treatments are required.  The acne may worsen initially after the first treatment and then improve.  It's a great option for those who can't tolerate conventional treatments with oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and topical medications.

This treatment can also be performed using intense pulsed light (IPL) rather than blue light.  Although an off-label use, it can help "bump up" the improvement seen in fine lines, brown spots, and red spots seen after an IPL treatment.  Multiple treatments are still needed.   

Photodynamic therapy has many applications for both medical and cosmetic uses.  A board certified dermatologist can decide if this treatment is right for you. 

Winter skin

With falling temperatures comes crisp white snow, the smell of firewood burning, holiday lights, and dry, chapped skin. Coming in from the cold and facing blasting heat doesn't help, either. So what's the best way to keep your skin in top shape?

Ban the fragrance. Great smelling soaps mean dry, irritated skin. Look for cleansers that are fragrance free and for sensitive skin, like cetaphil, cerave, or unscented dove.

Turn down the heat - in the shower, that is. Hot water zaps moisture from skin. Better to take a cooler, shorter shower.

When your skin is still damp from the shower, put on a moisturizing cream - not lotion. Again, no fragrance here either. I like eucerin or cetaphil cream.

Special spots: slather aquaphor on hands and feet before bedtime for extra moisturizing. Glycolic acid creams also help with extra thick rough patches.

And pay attention to clothing, too. Avoid dryer sheets and make sure detergent is also fragrance free. Wool clothing can be irritating to skin.

Remember, even though the weather is cool outside, the sun's rays are still strong. A broad spectrum sunscreen needs to be applied every single day.

Keep your skin healthy and jolly all season long.