August 2009 Blog Archive
Monday, August 24, 2009
Pregnancy and Your Skin
Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life where her body is undergoing a tremendous amount of change. Many of these changes also affect the skin as well. Luckily, there are some common remedies to help keep moms-to-be looking great.
Pregnancy often changes a woman's hormone levels and as a result, many women experience acne. Using a gentle foam cleanser once or twice a day should keep your skin under control. Stretch marks are also a common occurrence for pregnant women on their stomachs, hips, and thighs. Vitamin A creams may help diminish their appearance. After delivery, microdermabrasion or laser therapy can also help remove the stretch marks. Melasma or the "mask of pregnancy" is also a common issue. Wearing a daily sunscreen of SPF 15 or SPF 30 to will help reduce the production of melanin by your skin.
By taking extras steps to care for your skin during pregnancy, there will be less needed to repair damage after. A woman should be "glowing" during this time, and should never have to hide away because of acne or pigmentation issues.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thermage CPT
The makers of Thermage, a skin tightening and body contouring technology, has recently released a new upgrade called the Thermage CPT. Solta Medical Inc. dedicates themselves to being on the edge of technology and patient care.
A press release for the company noted that "Thermage utilizes best-in-class radiofrequency technology and now, with the introduction of the Thermage CPT, delivers more therapeutic heat across the treatment area, allowing for a more efficient skin tightening treatment."
The Thermage CPT incorporates Comfort Pulse Technology to improve efficiency and comfort for the patient. The hand piece used in the system vibrates for patient comfort and allows more energy to be used in the heating process. The system design has also been altered for easier use by the physician. Thermage is FDA approved and can help reduce cellulite and fine lines.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Melanoma Check
People are always advised to check their skin for spots which could relate to melanoma, or skin cancer. These include moles, dark spots, or suspicious areas of the skin with discoloration. Many cases of melanoma can be spotted by patient prior to a dermatologist visit, but a recent poll found that 56% were found only by a dermatologist.
Melanoma is treatable is found early. Fox News reported that "the physician-detected skin cancers were not as deep as the patient-detected tumors and they were five times more likely to measure less than 1 millimeter than were those found by the patient."
The key for patients to consider is that not all melanoma spots are visible to the naked untrained eye. A qualified dermatologist is best at identifying possible sources of melanoma on the skin. The chance of a person developing melanoma increases with age. This is especially true in those who are in the sun for a large portion of the day. Consult a dermatologist regularly to have all areas of the skin checked.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Injecting Into Mainstream
Botox injections are not just for rich housewives, as is sometimes portrayed in the media. A survey by The Aesthetic Surgery Education & Research Foundation has found that Botox injections are openly discussed and used by women of all age groups and economic groups as well.
"The surveys' findings indicated that the typical aesthetic injectable patient is a married, working mother between 41-55 years of age with a household income of under $100,000" reports an online PR news source.
The study also noted that these women were also health-conscious, philanthropic, and incorporated diet and exercise into their life. Aesthetic injectable fillers were noted to be a part of their health and beauty routine. From the soccer mom to the Beverly Hills trophy wife, Botox is accepted by all and has become a mainstream procedure.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Stressing out Your Face
For many, times have been tough the past few years due to the economic recession. A survey conducted by the American Laser Centers determined that the population stress manifests itself physically. The two highest reasons noted for the stress were work and the economy.
A total of 86% of the participants reported that they felt a physical manifestation from their stress. The areas most affected differ for men and women. In women, the face was reported as receiving the negative effects of stress. For men, the abdominal region was reported as being the region most affected.
People should understand that stress can have an effect on a person emotionally and physically. Being able to handle stress is important in order to keep up a youthful appearance. But for those who have felt the impact of stress already, do not worry any more than you already are. There are many procedures to help smooth out the worry wrinkles and to tone up the abdomen.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Chemically Peeling Back the Years
Chemical peels have grown in popularity over the past few years. Women who want a more youthful looking face without the invasive surgery turn to chemical peels for a dramatic and safe way to revive their skin. These peels are relatively safe if performed by a dermatologist who is properly trained.
The clinical professor of dermatology for Emory University was recently quoted by the Dermatology Times. "Dermatologists are the experts in recognizing dermal depth and dermal pigment, which are crucial in judging the type of peels for different areas of the face. Other specialties do not understand which areas of the skin are thicker and can withstand more moderate or deeper peels, as opposed to superficial peeling, which is acceptable for all areas of the face" he explains.
Patients looking to have a chemical peel done should go to a physician who has been properly trained to analyze the skin. Chemical peels can be helpful in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, sun damage, acne, pigment issues, and can increase the smoothness of the skin.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sun Protection in the Shower
Everyone is aware that sunscreen is necessary for protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. But not everyone remembers to apply daily sunscreen. One easy way to get your daily dose of sun protection is from soap. Bethesda Sunscreen Soap has been created to leave an invisible layer of SPF protection on your skin after bathing.
A daily recommendation for sunscreen use is SPF 15. This sunscreen soap only carries an SPF of 10, but is a large improvement from wearing no protection at all. Many times a person may be exposed to the sun during daily activities and not realize the long-term damage UV rays may have. Using sunscreen soap is an inexpensive way to always ensure that your skin is clean and healthy. Users should also utilize traditional sunscreen as well for longer periods of sun exposure and should not rely only on the soap for protection.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Flushing Out the Fat
Water-Jet Liposuction (WAL) is a new procedure utilizing water pressure to dislodge and remove excess fatty tissue. Water-Jet Lipo was developed in 2007 in Germany and has recently been introduced in the United States. The procedure causes less discomfort for patients and a quicker recovery time.
"We're really power-washing the fat out of the body," explains one doctor to Sawf News.
Unlike traditional liposuction where the fat is dislodged causing swelling and bruising, WAL simply flushes the fat cells out from surrounding tissue. The fat that is removed from the body can also be directly used as a graft. The fat cells do not need extra processing and can be directly injected into other parts of the body. Water-Jet Lipo is brand new to the United States and is already gaining popularity.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Men in our society are taking more pride in their appearance. Having unsightly body hair can be a major source of embarrassment for some men. Laser hair removal is a very popular procedure that is helping men across the world deal with their hair issues.
"The type [of man] is definitely more of a metropolitan kind of man, but we are seeing that all men are starting to take pride in their appearance. It's the marketplace; it's the time. Men are trying to get and keep jobs and if this makes them feel better. It's more competitive for men" says the owner of one hair removal spa in New York to CBS News.
Fashion magazines depict images of a cleanly shaven man with no chest or body hair. Shaving or waxing is only a temporary solution. Laser treatments are a permanent fix to the problem and removes hair completely in about three to four sessions. This can help boost a man's self image and self esteem.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Adding Volume to Aging Cheeks
As you age, many people lose definition in their facial features. To counter this effect, Dr. Gregory A. Buford has created Deep Cheek Volumization (DCV) procedure to restore youthful and full cheeks. A collagen or hyaluronic acid filler is used to plump up the cheeks from deep within the injection site.
"In the past, Facial rejuvenation has primarily focused on the softening of lines and wrinkles. But by just addressing lines, we forgot the most important part of aging--loss of volume. By specifically replacing lost volume to the deep cheeks, nasolabial folds are lifted, cheeks are shaped, and a natural restoration is accomplished" says Dr. Buford in a press release this week.
There is little recovery time needed for the DCV procedure. About four injections are used during the 15-30 minute procedure. Women can add more definition to existing cheekbones, or create the illusion of cheek bones with the injections. The DCV procedure is meant to rejuvenate the face in a way that looks natural for patients.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Tanning Bed Warning
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has officially declared tanning beds to be "carcinogenic to humans." Some experts are calling for tighter restrictions on tanning bed use and a more prominent warning for users.
US News and World Report examined the agency's decision. "Their review concluded that the risk of melanoma increases by 75 percent when use of tanning beds and sunlamps begins before 30 years of age. In addition, several studies provided evidence of a link between the use of UV-emitting tanning devices and melanoma of the eye."
The agency has classified all forms of UV light as "carcinogenic to humans." The FDA and Federal Trade Commission currently regulate tanning bed labeling and advertising. The IARC expects for more regulations to occur, especially in regards to underage use of tanning beds.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The Danger in Do-It-Yourself
Many companies have released cosmetic enhancement products for consumers to be used at home. These include chemical peels, laser hair removal, and even collagen injections. Although the directions may seem clear on the packaging, there are many risks to using these products at home by those who are not properly trained.
One plastic surgeon discussed these dangers regarding IUP (Intense Pulsed Light) at-home treatments to Mail Online. "There is a real risk of people coming to harm from these devices. Because they are low powered compared to the lasers we use in our clinics, this may give poor results and tempt people to use them outside their correct settings."
Without proper knowledge of the products, at-home treatments may damage the skin to a point where professional care is needed. Consumers hoping to save a dollar on treatments they could do themselves may end up paying much more to salvage their skin. These products should only be used as directed and with caution.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Blog Contest Winner!
This past month, Dermanetwork has run the "Make A Difference Blog Contest" to spread awareness about the issue of skin cancer. In early June, we ran a poll to discover public support regarding legislation that would require minors to have parental approval before using tanning beds. Blogs have positioned themselves as a powerful media to reach the masses, including the young adults who may not read a newspaper or watch the news. Blogs have the ability to spread education through the web in a way that will touch the lives of children, who are possibly the most endangered by melanoma.
The winner of the contest was a woman from Texas. Her blog inspired more than 2,000 comments on her entry regarding skin cancer. Her blog can be seen here:
http://jackandmandy.blogspot.com/2009/07/terminal-tan-and-blog-makeover-giveaway.html
According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. More than a million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually, making education on this issue very important. Although information is readily available on the web, blogs are much easier to relate to on a personal level. The blog entries from this contest included personal stories, poetry, photography, and advice. If even one person becomes more aware about the dangers of skin cancer, then the contest was a success.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Virtual Consultations
The popular video conferencing technology Skype is used by thousands to keep in contact with friends, family, and even hold business meetings. One plastic surgeon's office has even utilized the tool for consultations with patients. Park Avenue Smart Lipo doctors use Skye for their initial screening. Once in contact with patients, they can answer questions patients have about procedures and their office. A follow up face to face appointment is made if the patient is interested after the Skype conversation.
"There is a lot of information on the internet out there, its hard for people to decipher it. There is not substitute for face to face to learn more about the procedures" says Dermanetwork member Dr. Spero Theodorou to Good Morning America.
Skye is used as a screening tool to determine who would be a good candidate for SmartLipo procedures. Many of their clients do not have time in their schedules to make appointments during their busy week for an initial consultation. Skype allows these doctors to answer patient questions when it is convenient for them without the hassle of making appointments. Skype is just one example of doctors utilizing technology to make their practice more efficient and in touch with the needs of the population.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Cellulite Reducing Underwear
A new lingerie line in the UK has been created that helps fight cellulite while you wear them. The fabric contains crystals that heat up when worn. The heat helps improve circulation and "melts" the excess fat on hips and thighs to be destroyed by the liver. The lingerie line was so popular that it sold out in minutes in store and online.
"The dimple decreasing pants were trialed by 50 women, who wore the knickers every day for a month. Four out of five women lost inches from their stomach, hips and thighs. The effects lasted for up to 12 months when the participants adhered to a healthy exercise and diet regime" reports Stuff UK.
These miracle knickers will not cure 100% of your cellulite problems. Proper exercise and diet are needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep the cellulite off. But if you could find underwear that shaped your body and helped you lose weight, wouldn't you rush to buy it too?
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