Cosmetic Dermatology

Read articles about cosmetic dermatology, fillers, Botox, light therapies and other new modalities.

Twelve Technical Strategies to the Perfect Surgical Scar

Achieving an excellent surgical result while managing disease can be a daunting task when the basic surgical principles we were all taught have been lost to time and the perpetuation of poor surgical habits that were adopted from others. Here are strategies that can help to improve your scar outcomes.

The Surgical Correction of Protuberant Ears

While prominent ears are considered a sign of good fortune in the Far East, Western society looks upon prominent ears in a far less positive manner. Children with prominent ears are often the subjects of verbal and at times physical abuse by their peers, resulting in adverse psychological effects.

Clinical Use of RESTYLANE®

There is no ideal filler, nor will there be a single product that can satisfy all requirements. However, RESTYLANE®, a non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA, Medicis), is a very versatile augmenting agent. It has been in clinical use for 8 years and experience has shown it to be close to the ideal filler in many respects.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing – Postoperative Care

Wound care after laser skin resurfacing is critical for achieving a successful result. The superficial thermal injury created by laser skin resurfacing heals more quickly and with a reduced risk of scarring under occlusion. Effective management techniques can help minimize expected negative effects.

Face-Lifting: An Overview

Numerous adaptations of face-lift techniques have been devised, and each surgical approach has its own risks and benefits, as well as proponents and detractors. All of the conventionally accepted techniques achieve removal of redundant skin.

Chemical Peels

With so many new peel preparations on the market today, the dermatologist must ask himself basic questions concerning the products. The most important question is directed to the medical literature rather than the advertising or marketing campaign so common among marketdriven cosmetic products.

Blepharoplasty: Laser or Cold Steel?

Blepharoplasty of the upper and/or lower eyelids can restore a youthful appearance to the aging face. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be accomplished with little bleeding and a small incision.

Lustra®, Lustra-AF® and Alustra™

Hydroquinone has been successfully used to treat hyperpigmentation for many years. Recently, new formulations containing hydroquinone have become available, including Lustra® and Lustra-AF®. These products also contain glycolic acid 2%, an active antioxidant system, and moisturizers.

Nonablative Laser and Light Therapy: An Approach to Patient and Device Selection

Nonablative laser and light therapy is a relatively novel modality for the improvement of the visual appearance of photodamaged, scarred, and injured skin. A number of different wavelengths and devices have been purported to be efficacious for the delivery of nonablative therapy.

Cutaneous Cleansers

The choice of facial cleanser is important for people with normal skin, as well as for those people with sensitive skin and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and acne. Read this overview of all cleanser types for helpful recommendations.

Limited Breast Reduction by Liposuction

We describe a method for liposuction reduction of female breasts that is safe, efficacious, and associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. Liposuction for breast reduction in women is an appropriate addition to the array of liposuction procedures available to the dermatologic surgeon.

Fat Rebalancing: The New “Facelift”

The fat compartments of the face undergo changes and are responsible for age-related alterations in facial shape. The overlying skin responds to changes in fat in much the same way as a garment clings or sags to the body underneath.

Moisturizers: What They Are And How They Work

Moisturizers are widely used in various dermatologic and cosmetic skin therapies. Different classes of moisturizers are based on their mechanism of action, including occlusives, humectants, emollients and protein rejuvenators.

Update on the Botulinum Neurotoxins

The botulinum neurotoxins (BTX) are an exciting group of therapeutic agents with dramatically expanding clinical indications. The US FDA has approved BOTOX® (BTX-A, Allergan) and Myobloc™ (BTX-B, Elan Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of cervical dystonia.

Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer Topical Solution 8%

Ciclopirox nail lacquer 8% (Penlac, Aventis Pharma) was approved by the US FDA in December 1999, as a component of a comprehensive management program, for use in immunocompetent patients who have mild to moderate onychomycosis of the fingers and toes without lunula involvement due to Trichophyton rubrum.

Soft Tissue Augmentation with Silicone

Adatosil® is a viscous silicone oil which was granted FDA approval in 1994. This designation removes the legal obstacles to usage for soft tissue augmentation. However, physicians are advised to exercise discretion when using this product.

Update on Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) is a neurotoxin which blocks presynaptic release of acetylcholine. It interferes with neuromuscular transmission, temporarily paralyzing the affected muscle. Of special interest for dermatologists is the unlabelled cosmetic applications, for conditions such as wrinkles and hyperhidrosis.

Artecoll® – an injectable micro-implant for longlasting soft tissue augmentation

Never before have so many people sought our assistance to help get get rid of their wrinkles. Until recently, most biological materials presented shortcomings – resorption within months, allergic reaction, and on occasion, foreign body or granuloma formation at the site of injection.

Current Review of the Alpha-hydroxy Acids

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid, found in sour milk and tomato juice. Topical formulations incorporating these acids are now frequently used or prescribed by dermatologists.

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