Skin and Aging Current Issue

12 STEPS TO SUCCESS

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:27:50 -0500

How to make your practice thrive in any economic environment.

Given the downturn in the economy that began in the fall of 2008, it’s easy to panic about the impact on your dermatology practice. Take a deep breath, step back and be pro-active in your response. Here are 12 suggestions to help you cope and survive.

1. Understand Your Current Financial Picture

Review your current financials and other historical information about your practice so you know where you stand. As Albert Einstein once said, “The formulation of a problem is far more essential than its solution.” Look

Melanoma: Why Older Patients May Fare Better

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:51:50 -0500

Several studies from the American Society of Clinical Oncology suggest older patients may fare better than younger patients in metastatic melanoma.

Several studies from this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando suggest the counter-intuitive proposition that older patients may fare better than younger patients when faced with the potentially deadly diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Some studies also suggested that this may be the case even when the diagnosis is of a rarer form of melanoma, such as when it occurs on the face or in the eye.

Minimizing Scar in Facelifting Procedures: Nuances in Male Versus Female Facelifts

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:07:28 -0500

The senior authors, Dr. Emil Bisaccia and Dr. Dwight A. Scarborough, are authors of the textbook The Columbia Manual of Dermatologic Cosmetic Surgery.

Obvious signs of aging begin to appear on the face and neck as we reach our mid-30s to early 40s. Because our skin becomes less elastic as we age, we may develop loose and unsightly skin folds and wrinkles around the chin, jawline, and neck. As these features become more prominent, the face becomes less attractive and we look “older.” A facelift can correct the effects of aging and restore a youthful appearance by tightening facial skin a

Dermoscopy

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:25:48 -0500

A review of the principles, uses, methods and techniques of this diagnostic tool.

Dermoscopy (or dermatoscopy) — also known as epiluminescence microscopy or episcopy — is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that helps in the evaluation of the colors and microstructures of the epidermis, dermo-epidermal junction, and papillary dermis, which are not normally visible to the naked eye.

Functionally a dermoscope is similar to a magnifying lens but with the added advantages of having inbuilt illumination, the ability to record images, and a higher magnification that makes it possible to asse

Spotlight on: Leonard Dzubow, MD

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:37:33 -0500

In dermatology, we are fortunate to have many of our profession’s innovators and great teachers still among us. This column was created so that we may gain insight from these practitioners and learn more about them. Some are bright stars in our special universe — others unsung heroes. All of these colleagues have much to share from wisdom to humor to insights into dermatology and life.

Dr. Dzubow was born in Philadelphia in 1950, and has rarely wandered for any duration from the city of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. He completed his undergraduate and medical school edu

ISOTRETINOIN

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:49:16 -0500

This month, husband-wife dermatologists Bill Danby and Lynne Margesson share their patient handout on isotretinoin, which Dr. Danby calls “the closest thing to a sure cure for acne.”

Isotretinoin is the closest thing to a sure cure for acne that has ever been invented,” says Dr. Danby of the drug long known to the public mainly by the original brand name Accutane, which is no longer available. Yet his handout, which is featured this month, makes it abundantly clear to his patients that there is a price to pay for the freedom it offers from nodular acne and the scarring it causes.

The Dermatopathologist

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:57:03 -0500

This new column was created to enhance your dermatopathology education and skills.

Take the quiz and check your work on page 14.

Please click here to download quiz (PDF)

Advanced Facial Sculpting: Beyond Filling Lines

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:03:06 -0500

Dr. Beer shares some methods — his own and those of two innovative colleagues — for using volumizers and fillers.

Advances in filler technology have enabled us to greatly change the way we treat patients. Volumizers such as Sculptra allow us to replace lipoatrophy. Perlane, Voluma and Radiesse have the bulk to move facial structures such as cheeks and jaws. Juvederm and Restylane can augment the areas of the tissue troughs and lips, while Evolence can be used to fill areas that have lost volume.

Recently, at The Cosmetic Bootcamp University Program, I had the opportunity to learn m

What is the Cause of These Violaceous Bullae?

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:09:56 -0500

PATIENT PRESENTATION

A 64-year-old woman presented with multiple painful blisters on her hands. She noted these after gardening 1 week prior. The patient complained of exquisite pain and tenderness from the sites. She was unaware of any caustic substance that she was exposed to. Her medical history included heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a history of breast cancer. Aside from these chronic conditions, she was otherwise doing well. She denied any new medications or over-the-counter treatments.

On physical examination, she had numerous tense, violaceous pu

Healthcare Reform

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:13:45 -0500

Healthcare reform is top of mind on the national agenda. Bills are being considered in both the House of Representatives (HR3200) and in the Senate (the Baucus bill). Our American Academy of Dermatology is following developments closely and has provided a good resource for interested dermatologists who want to know more (http://www.aad.org/gov/index.html).

AADA Letter to Senator Baucus

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) has written a letter (http://www.aad.org/gov/documents/AHFA_09_AADA_Response.pdf) to Senator Baucus concerning the legislation that has come o