Popularity of the peel: Chemical ablation retains place in derm armamentarium

Atlanta — Despite an explosion of skin-resurfacing options, including devices highly promoted to consumers by manufacturers, the tried-and-true chemical peel remains one of the most performed cosmetic surgeries on women.

The rate of popularity growth for the chemical peel is not what it was in the 1990s, but unrivaled dramatic results and a good safety profile keep peels on dermatologists’ and patients’ radars, explains Harold J. Brody, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology, Emory University, Atlanta. Read more

Acne Therapy: A Clearer Path to Healthier-Looking Skin

What’s new and what’s promising

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons or family physicians with added training in aesthetic medicine may offer procedural options in additional to traditional medications for the treatment of acne. These may include one or more of the following:

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with a topical photosensitizer known as 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has shown promise in treating mild to severe acne. This approach may also help to improve the appearance of acne scars.

Diode laser treatment to destroy the excess sebum-producing sebaceous glands in the deeper layer of skin known as the dermis.

Pulsed light and heat energy therapy utilizing green-yellow light to treat mild to moderate acne.

Blue light therapy or a combination of blue and red light to kill or control the bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium is known to contribute to the inflammatory components of acne.

Other procedures to consider in combination with traditional acne treatments for more severe cases include microdermabrasion and chemical peels, as well as dermabrasion and soft-tissue fillers that treat and lessen the appearance of acne scars.(www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs)

Read more

The “Lipstick Effect” in Aesthetic Medicine: The 2008 ASAPS statistics support the notion that in tough economic times, small aesthetic luxuries are in demand

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s (ASAPS) recently released report, 2008 Statistics on Cosmetic Surgery, outlines that 8,491,861 non-surgical procedures were done in 2008. However, this is a reduction of 11.7% over last year, and interestingly the only three growth non-surgical procedures were Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiance) injections which was up 3%, chemical peels which were up 2.9% and laser skin resurfacing which had increased by 12%.

Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) comments that, “it is expected to see a downward trend in non-surgical procedures because many of these procedures are not being done in a plastic surgeon’s offices. These statistics are compiled from a survey of members of the ASAPS, however, many of these offerings are being preformed by professionals outside the membership of the ASAPS.” Russell further reminds us that , “not all these procedures are being performed by physicians. Since the public can get many of these procedures in both medical spas and physicians’ offices, and some of these treatments like mircodermabrasion and chemical peels may be delivered by non-medical professionals in a non-ASAPS member medical spa.” Indeed, the ASAPS supports this analysis. Among the 894 Board Certified physicians surveyed, the ASAPS found that “over fifty-three percent of cosmetic procedures in 2008 were performed in office-based facilities; 26 percent in freestanding surgicenters; and 19 percent in hospitals,” states the 2008 ASAPS report. Read more

Tips to age-proof your skin

There’s no escaping wrinkles - those not-so-subtle reminders of time and youthful folly. Fortunately, there are skin-saving strategies to help ease the signs of past neglect and prevent further damage. We talked to three women who sought help for their skin problems.  Azonia Haney is 55 years old and was tired of her blotchy skin, rosacea, and acne. Read more

PCA SKIN named one of Arizona’s Top Workplaces for Women

Scottsdale, Ariz. – (February 26, 2009) PCA SKIN was named one of Arizona Woman’s Top 25 Workplaces for Women.  The company was founded in 1991. Read more

Incorporate a new simple procedure to create a pipeline of patients

Economy got you down? One N.J.-based husband and wife team have a quick and easy procedure that can help you to create a pipeline of patients for life.

Glycolic acid peels are a low-cost service offering that Sigmund L. Sattenspiel, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S., and Candy Langan, R.N., have used to forge long-term patient relationships. By delivering visible results at a reasonable price, they’ve quite literally ensured regular “face time” with patients. This kind of continuum of care can span the lean years, building loyalty that can pay off once patients feel more fiscally at ease and able to opt for more involved procedures. Read more

IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums Help Physicians Open Profitable Med Spas

In today’s economy, and given the growth in accessibility and acceptance of aesthetic medicine procedures, it is very important that physicians understand: “what is working” and “what is not.” in their practices, in order to have a successful and profitable medical spa. The IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium was designed to answer these critical questions.

To launch a successful medical spa in today’s economy, it is essential to follow a tested, step-by-step formula.  The IAPAM is the only association that addresses both the clinical and business needs of physicians working in the aesthetic medicine field, through its very successful Aesthetic Medicine Symposium series.  As a key part of the intelligence provided at these symposiums, physicians are expertly instructed in how to overcome the three most common mistakes made in launching a new medispa business, namely: Read more

Old, tight face lifts are out, more natural-looking rejuvenation is in

Jonathan Van Meter, in an article for New York magazine, called this more natural-looking rejuvenation a new beauty aesthetic and dubbed it the “new new face.” The gaunt, pulled-tight look was over, he noted. Replacing it was a plumper, more filled-out face, he wrote, not unlike “a slightly tired but still very stylish down-filled sofa that looks almost new if you keep those cushions fluffed.” Read more

Next Page »