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Archive for November, 2009

Support Grows for Non-Surgical Treatments to Look Younger: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

I find it truly exciting that non-surgical approaches to treat aging skin continue to gain popularity.  As highlighted by Dermatology Daily, Hillary Howard, in the New York Times (11/19, E3) “Skin Deep” column, wrote, “When it comes to treating aging skin around the eyes, laser resurfacing can often trump surgery,” according to plastic surgeon Michael McGuire, MD, FACS. He explained, “If the skin is mildly wrinkled and/or pigmented, the laser can be a good option” that may even “defer face-lifts” in some “patients in their 40s.” But, “the debate surrounding laser treatments is whether to go fractional or cover the entire surface of the treated area.” With fractional lasers, “recuperation time is minimal, but multiple treatments are necessary,” whereas “regular laser resurfacing…requires at least a week of recovery,” but has the advantage of being “a single treatment” producing “arguably more dramatic results.”

Laser resurfacing technology has improved greatly over the last ten years.  These days there is an appropriate resurfacing procedure for nearly every person looking to reduce wrinkles and freshen up their skin.  Particularly around the eyes these treatments have a high satisfaction rate among patients because renewing skin texture is often all a patient needs to look less tired and aged.  While surgery remains an option for lifting and tightening skin, it does little to help with etched lines and often carries more risk than resurfacing.  My office staff and I are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these procedures and help counsel patients on which resurfacing treatment is right for them.

 

Skin, Hair and Nails - An Informational Website for Kids! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

There are lots of resources on the internet to teach web savvy adults about their skin and now there is finally a great site for kids thanks to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).  Help teach your children about their skin, hair and nails with “Sammy the Skin Cell” and play interactive games, look up words in the skin dictionary and read quick facts.  Your kids can experience a sunburn, rash and acne virtually, so they have a better understanding of what happens to the skin with these conditions.  The sight is geared toward children ages 8 to 12.  Its never too early for your kids to learn about their skin, so check out the site and start your kids on the path to good habits and health today.  There’s also a site geared toward adults if you have any questions yourself! http://www.kidsskinhealth.org/

 

Dermaroller - Torture Device or Latest Skin Care Advance? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

We are very excited to introduce the Microneedle Therapy System at our office!  The UK’s Daily Mail reports that the Dermaroller, a device that “looks like a medieval instrument of torture” with its “barrel covered in ultra-fine ‘microneedles,”’ works by producing thousands of microscopic needle holes in the dermis, which prompts the skin to produce new collagen and elastin.”

While it’s true that the MTS roller does not look like something you’d naturally be inclined to used on your skin, it has been shown to deliver results.  Our staff will instruct you on the proper use of the roller, so you can use it in the convenience of your own home!

This instrument is a hand-held roller dotted with micro-needles that can be used on the face, neck and body. Its job is to induce collagen growth in the dermal layer and to help products penetrate more deeply into the skin where they can be much more effective. This translates to skin that appears softer, smoother and less wrinkled over time.  It may also help with scarring and hyperpigmentation. The treatment is virtually pain-free and no damage is caused to the skin. The roller can be used safely on the skin 3-4 days per week and comes in two sizes.  The 0.2mm needle roller is to be used on dry to sensitive and mature skin types.    The 0.3mm needle roller is better for thick and oily prone skin.  We will be happy to help you choose which is most appropriate for your skin.  The roller retails for $125 each, which includes sterilizing equipment.

You can use the roller with nearly any product, however, we find that the best products include Neocutis Bio-Serum, hyaluronic acid serums, bio-restorative creams, hydroquinone and retinoic acids.  Let us help you take advantage of this handy little tool and add it to your anti-aging warchest!

 

Amazing New Treatment for Burns: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, November 9th, 2009

As highlighted in Dermatology Times, MIT’s Technology Review (11/5, Gravitz) reports, “A relatively new technology has the potential to heal burns in a way that’s much less invasive than skin grafts.” By utilizing “a small skin biopsy and a ready-made kit, surgeons can create a suspension of the skin’s basal cells (or essentially skin stem cells)…and spray the solution directly onto the burn with results comparable to those from skin grafts.” The process is “approved for use in some countries,” and “has garnered interest from the United States Army, whose Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine is funding a trial, slated to begin before the end of this year, of more than 100 patients.” The treatment “is intended to treat severe second-degree burns, in which the top two layers of skin are damaged but the subcutaneous tissue is left intact. Third-degree burns…still require a skin graft.”

To actually have this “sprayed-on skin” adhere and patch burnt areas is an exciting technology and a much less invasive way to treat burns without adding insult to injury like with skin grafts.  I look forward to learning more about the success of the trial study.

 

SkinCeuticals 20% Off Promotion! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Please join us on Friday, November 6th for an in-office SkinCeuticals promotion.  Experts will be on hand to answer questions and demo products.  Enter our raffle, enjoy refreshments and take home samples of these excellent products.

We are also introducing SkinCeuticals new Retexturing Activator.  This revolutionary resurfacing and replenishing serum surpasses the results of a 20% daily glycolic treatment while simultaneously reinforcing the skin’s barrier for healthier, more radiant skin. Retexturing Activator harnesses two polar mechanisms — exfoliation and hydration — to activate skin’s regeneration response, visibly diminishing surface lines and transforming skin’s fabric into a smoother, softer texture.  This product is suitable for any skin type.

The Retexturing Activator and all SkinCeuticals products, including classics like C & E with Ferulic Acid and Phloretin, will be 20% off on Friday, so come by and take advantage of this special offer!!

 

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