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Melanoma Myths June 21, 2007

Posted by D.O in : MedSpa , add a comment Dentist Reviews

Melanoma accounts for more than 75% of skin cancer deaths. Dermatologists hope that dispelling common myths about melanoma could help patients understand their risk factors.

One myth about melanoma is that it follows the ABCD rule, which stands for asymmetry (meaning one half of the mole is different from the other), border irregularity (the edges or borders of melanomas are usually ragged or notched), color (melanoma often has a variety of hues and colors within the same lesion), and diameter (most melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm in diameter when diagnosed, although they can be smaller). However, dermatologists caution that there are exceptions to the rule and that not all melanomas follow it. For example, a nodular melanoma (NM) does not fit the ABCD criteria. NMs commonly occur as symmetric, elevated lesions that are uniform in color and nonpigmented.

Another myth is that moles that have hair are not cancerous. Although the majority of melanocytic (or pigmented) moles with hairs are benign, a new study published in the March 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology cites three cases in which the presence of one or more hairs in a pigmented lesion proved to be invasive melanoma. The authors of the study stress that a melanoma diagnosis should not be automatically ruled out in cases of pigmented lesions simply because they contain hair and patients should monitor all moles for signs of skin cancer regardless of whether hair is present.

Can people of color get skin cancer? Whereas Caucasians are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than other races, studies show that African-Americans are more likely to develop the condition on non-sun-exposed areas of the body such as the nails, soles of the feet, palms of the hands, mouth, nasal passages and genitals. A study showed that 90% of Caucasian patients develop melanoma on skin that is regularly sun-exposed and 33% of African-American patients developed the condition in these areas.

Celebrities and Restylane June 20, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Restylane, MedSpa , 1 comment so far Doctor Reviews

Lip augmentations are a common accessory for Hollywood leading ladies. One of those leading ladies who appears to have added some volume to her lips is Penelope Cruz. Word is that she had conservative lip injections with an injectable like Restylane.

Penelope

Restylane® is a type of wrinkle-smoothing facial injection. Restylane® is a brand name for hyaluronic acid, which can be injected like collagen and reportedly lasts longer.

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Patients Prefer Physician Owned Medical Spas June 19, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Aesthetic Procedure News, MedSpa , add a comment

Women are concerned about their safety when choosing a plastic surgeon who will perform their aesthetic procedure, according to a study conducted by the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM). In the study, 78% of women rated credentials as very important when choosing a plastic surgeon, as well as women prefer to have aesthetic medical treatments in a medical environment versus a spa-like environment.

Jeff Russell, executive-director of IAPAM, said: “Most physicians are tired of declining reimbursements and increasing work hours, and have considered adding aesthetic medicine procedures and dermal filler injections, laser hair removal, leg vein treatments, physician-directed skin care products and medical-grade chemical peels to their practice.”

New Website for Injectable Safety Launched June 18, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Aesthetic Procedure News, MedSpa , add a comment

The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, has launched a new website, www.injectablesafety.org, which offers information on how to choose a qualified provider and the benefits and risks of injectables. The coalition was launched to promote public awareness of the safe use of injectables.

Alastair Carruthers, FRCPC, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, said: “Despite the perception that these are noninvasive treatments, these injections are medical procedures that should only be administered in a medical setting. Patients should have confidence the person prescribing and performing the injection has the appropriate training and that the product is genuine.”

Is David Beckham Having Botox Shots? June 16, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Botox, MedSpa , add a comment

David Beckham

His new fresh face look may say it all. Rumor is that the image-conscious soccer star has been getting some artificial help with the ageing process – erasing the large line across his forehead. What do you think?

Liposuction Fat Cells Get Stem Cell Bank June 15, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Aesthetic Procedure News, MedSpa , add a comment

New use for the clinical waste involved with liposuction:

Currently, the clinical waste involved in the liposuction procedure – the tissue removed in the procedure, is treated as clinical waste and is normally incinerated. Now, a new stem cell bank facility launched in San Diego, owned by Bio-Matrix Scientific Group, is providing processing and storage of adult stem cells harvested from adipose, or fat tissue removed through liposuction. The stem banking facility will allow liposuction patients to use the same tissue to extract stem cells and store these for future use, should they be required for any medical procedure requiring the regeneration of tissue.

Lipodissolve Faces Warnings from Physicians June 14, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Aesthetic Procedure News, MedSpa , add a comment

The popularity is driving the increased scrutiny:

Lipodissolve

Lipodissolve, a cosmetic fat-busting procedure involving compounded drugs been injected in a series of tiny shots into various parts of the body to melt fat deposits is spurring warning from doctors on this pricey treatment. This treatment which originated from Europe is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., and medical spas offering these treatments are popping up all over the country.

Is lipodissolve, or sometimes called medical lipolysis, an alternative to liposuction? Well, there is no scientific evidence of the claims purported by its providers. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, lipodissolve shots are “scientifically unproven, lacking any objective data on safety and efficacy.” These treatments typically costs anywhere from $900 to $2,000 for each body part, and are sold in packages of three, spaced a month apart.

Beware of Dangerous Underground Botox June 13, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Botox, MedSpa , add a comment

Bargain procedures may end up costing you a higher price:

With Botox injections being the most popular cosmetic treatment in the U.S., used in more than 3 million procedures, there are bound to be people looking for bargains in the wrong place. At $400 to $1,000 a treatment, it may be pricey to some, and some are taking risks by using those that are not legally allowed to give these injections, such as some dentists or hairdressers etc. Botched Botox could result in permanent lumps and disfigurement, eyebrows in the wrong place and much worse. Dr. Bruce Katz, a board certified dermatologist, said: “People take lives in their hands if not going for authentic Botox and trained physicians.” State laws differ, but generally, a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon, a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant are legally allowed to give Botox injections.

Safety of Cosmeceuticals Questioned June 12, 2007

Posted by D.O in : Aesthetic Procedure News, MedSpa , add a comment

You are not alone if you are spending big bucks on cosmeceuticals:

A new article by Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, warns patients to tread carefuly before investing too much money or hope in these products because cosmeceuticals are not subject to rigorous testing for safety or effectiveness.

According to the article, the active ingredients in cosmeceuticals can affect biological processes such as the production or breakdown of skin cells, which can affect the surface appearance of skin. Some active ingredients include:

• Retinal, a form of vitamin A and an antioxidant used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are reactive molecules that can break down skin cells and cause signs of aging.

• Hydroxy acids act as exfoliants, removing the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulating the growth of new skin.

• Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that regulates energy production in cells and protects the skin from sun damage.

• Copper peptides stimulate collagen that keeps the skin taut.

Welcome to MedSpa Blog! June 9, 2007

Posted by Helen in : MedSpa , add a comment

Thanks for visiting the MedSpa Blog and being part of the new wave in enhancing beauty! Our medical spa blog is moderated by health experts and advisors. Please feel free to post your comments on our blogs, and we truly appreciate it.

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