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Only a Quarter of Teens Report Using Sunscreen Regularly, Study Finds

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

When a group of Massachusetts eighth graders were asked about sunscreen habits, only 25 percent said they wore it regularly, according to a new study.

The study, published in Pediatrics, tracked 360 U.S. kids’ sunscreen and tanning behaviors for three years. The participants were first surveyed in 2004 as fifth graders, and they were surveyed again in 2007 as eighth graders.

Researchers found the following about kids’ sunburn and tanning experiences:

  • More than half (53 percent) had suffered at least one sunburn by the age of 11.
  • Half used sunscreen at the beginning of the study, but only 25 percent still did three years later.
  • The proportion of kids who admitted to “liking a tan and spending time outside to get a tan significantly increased” as they got older.
  • Two out of 10 went outside just to tan when they were in fifth grade; 4 out of 10 did by eighth grade.

According to the authors, the years of “periadolescence” (ages 11 to 14) seem to be “a crucial period” when kids and teens “increase or decrease their use of sun protection, obtain sunburns, or change their tan-promoting attitudes.”

“I think especially at this age, and in general, there are a lot of forces that promote tanning,” said lead researcher Dr. Stephen Dusza, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Dr. Sophie Balk, a pediatrician, said the study highlights that many kids aren’t protecting their skin.

“The problem is if you sunburn in childhood, you raise your risk of developing skin cancer later on,” said Balk.

According to Dusza, the next step is to figure out how to effectively promote sun protection in pediatric offices and community settings, like beaches and sporting events.

In addition to wearing sunscreen, Balk recommends protecting your skin with sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Posted in In The News, skin care | No Comments »

Cosmetic Surgery Technology Expands Options for Facial Rejuvenation

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

facial rejuvenation procedures A facelift used to be the only cosmetic option for fighting facial aging. But thanks to today’s cosmetic surgery technology, patients have a number of options, with varying degrees of invasiveness, according to the Miami Herald.

Here is an overview of some of the facial rejuvenation procedures available today.

Facelifts

Targeting the signs of aging in the lower part of the face, a facelift can erase imperfections through lifting and removing excess skin.

Even the facelift itself has evolved. For instance, the Mid Facelift, a modification on a traditional facelift, is less extensive and therefore has a shorter recovery.

Injectables

It is hard to imagine a time when dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, and botulinum toxins, such as Botox and Dysport, weren’t an option for filling lines and smoothing wrinkles on the face.

The options for injectables continue to grow. Fat grafting and stem cells are the latest innovations. With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area of the patient’s body and is then used as an injectable to add volume to areas such as the lips, nasolabial folds or hollows under the eyes.

Lasers & Ultrasound

For tightening up facial skin, lasers, such as Refirme, are now a popular option. The laser heats the collagen underneath the skin, making the skin tighten and stimulating the growth of new collagen.

Devices using ultrasound waves are another new technology for tightening. The ultrasound waves shrink collagen, making the skin tighter.

The Future of Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Leslie Baumann, chief executive of a cosmetic institute in Miami, says there are more new facial rejuvenation procedures on the horizon in the next few years, including new injectables, lights and lasers.

Your cosmetic surgeon can help determine which facial rejuvenation procedures will give you the results you desire. For more information on facial rejuvenation, contact Dr. Heffernan in Seattle.

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Study Ranks Best Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Based on Safety & Effectiveness

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

best cosmetic surgery procedures Today’s consumers looking to have cosmetic work done have many procedures to choose from, but some have been shown to be more safe and effective than others. A new study has named what it considers the best cosmetic surgery procedures.

Study author Murad Alam, MD, chief of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, reviewed existing research to identify which procedures have proven to be safe and effective and which ones need more evidence.

“Many treatments gaining popularity are novel techniques that use complex devices, such as lasers and ultrasound, but there is sparse research evaluating their long-term effects,” said Dr. Alam. “We need more prospective studies comparing different treatments for the same problem head-to-head, so doctors and consumers know what’s best and safest.”

After reviewing 98 studies, Alam concluded that the following cosmetic procedures are among the most effective, proven procedures when performed by a trained, board-certified physician:

  1. Injectable botulinum toxins, which include Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, for smoothing wrinkles
  2. Liposuction for fat removal
  3. Lasers for treating broken blood vessels, port wine stains and rosacea
  4. Lasers for removing brown spots and hair

Of ranking Botox and other botulinum toxins first, Alam said, “These have been around for 20 years and during that entire period, when an approved pharmaceutical product in approved doses is used for cosmetic purposes, there have not been any instances of serious reactions.”

As for liposuction, Alam said that tumescent liposuction has shown to be an especially safe liposuction technique. “The main potential complication, excessive bleeding, simply doesn’t occur with that form of liposuction when appropriate rules are followed because the anesthetic used in the procedure prevents bleeding,” he said.

Some procedures are safe, but more studies are needed on their effectiveness, such as low-level laser light for fat removal, according to Alam.

Others, such as fat freezing, work, said Alam, but it will take several more years to determine if the fat removal is permanent.

Patients should be aware that there may be more than one type of procedure to treat a cosmetic concern. That’s why it is so important to have a skilled cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. “Experienced physicians can help patients select the treatments that are best for them,” Alam concluded.

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Tips for Fighting Dry Skin in Winter

Friday, January 6th, 2012

winter dry skin tips The Associated Press surveyed dermatologists to get their best tips for protecting skin during the winter. Read on for their advice.

Winter Dry Skin Tips

Avoid hot showers. Dr. Neil Sadick, a dermatologist in New York City, says to avoid hot showers. Even though they may be comforting when it’s cold out, hot showers further dehydrate your skin, says Dr. Sadick. “Make showers as tepid as you can tolerate,” he said.

Be sure to use a moisturizer. Dr. Alicia Zalka, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale, recommends an old standby: Vaseline. She says that if you’ve already got very dry skin it can be good to use it for a few days as a sealer and a protectant. Plus, if your skin is already cracked, it doesn’t sting, she says.

Also wear sunscreen to protect skin from sun damage, even in the winter. Dr. Sadick recommends applying a broadband sunscreen once a day.

Think before you drink. Drink beverages with alcohol or caffeine in moderation, as they can be dehydrating, says dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich.

Do drink water to stay hydrated, but don’t rely on it to keep your skin healthy while it’s cold.

Use a humidifier. Dr Orentreich also recommends using a humidifier in your house, especially in your bedroom. That way “healing and repair can take place while you sleep,” he says.

In addition to your skin, also take special care of your hair and nails during the winter, as they can crack and split like the skin does, according to Dr. Zalka. Try B vitamin supplements to improve hair and nails, she says.

Dr. Sadick also suggests using a conditioner more frequently during the winter to keep hair from getting too dry.

Learn about the medical grade skin care products available from Dr. Heffernan.

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New Study Compares Dysport & Botox for Crow’s Feet

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Dysport for crow’s feetA new study compared botulinum toxins Botox and Dysport for treating crow’s feet and found Dysport may be more effective.

Researchers at the Maas Clinic in San Francisco treated crow’s feet on 90 patients with Botox on one side of the face and Dysport on the other. Patients were seen two, four and six days after injections. Patients and doctors rated Dysport as more effective at reducing crow’s feet, when patients were smiling.

Researchers concluded that Dysport had a trend toward greater improvements at day two compared to Botox and “statistically significant greater improvement at days four and six.”

However, though Dysport resulted in greater improvement, both showed statistically significant changes two days after injection.

ABC News spoke with doctors about the results of the study. Physicians agreed that both Botox and Dysport have positive results, and that the skill and experience of the doctor administering the injection is more important than which botulinum toxin is used.

Botox Maker Questions Study

Allergan, maker of Botox, responded to the study by saying that is was funded by Dysport’s maker Medicis. A spokesperson for Allergan, Kellie Lao, pointed out that the study, published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, only reported data out to 30 days after the injections, so “the long-term comparative efficacy is unknown.”

Medicis spokesperson Kara Stancell wrote Cosmetic Surgery Times, “These findings resulted from an independent, physician-initiated study that was funded by a grant from Medicis, but not designed or conducted by Medicis. The study investigators are well-regarded, and the study speaks for itself.”

Dr. Corey Maas, lead author of the study, said, “It’s good for us to know that we have good, quality options out there for patients. When we have choices and there is good competition, it helps both the doctor and the patient.”

Dr. Heffernan offers both Botox and Dysport at his Seattle practice.

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Ptosis Repair Surgery Improves Quality of Life

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

ptosis repair surgery A new report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that ptosis repair surgery is functional and beneficial. Not only does it improve vision, it also improves quality of life for the patient.

Characterized by drooping upper eyelids, ptosis can interfere with vision and cause discomfort. Upper blepharoplasty and blepharoptosis repair are surgeries that can correct the problem.

The report, published in Ophthalmology journal, analyzed results from 13 studies that had looked at the outcomes of these surgeries.

“As oculoplastic surgeons, we see the visual improvement and comfort that patients obtain from the surgical correction of upper lid ptosis and dermatochalasis. This study was performed to analyze the scientific data available to substantiate this,” Kenneth V. Cahill, MD, wrote to Medscape Medical News.

Dr. Cahill said that patients are sometimes denied functional blepharoplasty and ptosis repair surgery by third party payors because of “arbitrary and/or incorrect policies regarding the functional indications for these procedures.” Eyelid surgery is often performed for cosmetic reasons, but for ptosis patients, the purpose of the surgery is functional.

“Patient-reported quality-of-life impairment caused by ptosis and dermatochalasis is highly correlated with functional improvement from ptosis surgery,” said Dr. Cahill.

Tamara R. Fountain, MD, a clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology who was not involved in the study, said that she is always amazed at how life-changing the surgery can be for those who suffer from ptosis.

“For my patients who have been denied coverage and then choose to pay out of pocket, they often tell me it was the best investment they’d ever made and only wish they’d done it sooner,” Dr. Fountain said.

Dr. J. Timothy Heffernan, one of the foremost oculoplastic surgeons in the Pacific Northwest, performs ptosis repair surgery and blepharoplasty at his Seattle practice.

For more information on the report, the abstract is available online.

by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

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Removal of Excess Facial Skin May Be Needed After Weight Loss Surgery

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
removal of excess skin after weight loss

Image of Paul Brian via drivechicago.com

Body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery is common, but some patients may need facial surgery as well.

Msnbc.com reported on one man’s struggle to get surgery for the removal of excess skin from his face and neck after his weight loss.

Before bariatric surgery six years ago, Paul Brian weighed 420 pounds. He lost 240 pounds and found that in addition to body contouring surgery, surgery for his face and neck seemed necessary because he had so much sagging skin as a result of the weight loss.

“You’re so overwhelmed with the joy of losing the weight, but there’s this point of realization,” said Brian, who is 60. “You look in the mirror and you say, oh, that’s not good.”

Substantial weight loss can leave some with under-eye bags, slack jaws and wrinkles.

Facial surgery, such as a facelift or neck lift, is less common after massive weight loss than body surgery because the face tends to adjust better, and often insurers won’t cover it.

Brian’s doctor says that his jowls and the flesh under his chin are so heavy that they interfere with his speech and hygiene. Because of the extra skin, the muscles pull things down and make it hard for Brian to talk without drooling, according to his doctor.

While Brian would like to have surgery to fix the problem, he can’t afford it. He has been rejected by his insurance because it considered the procedure cosmetic.

But Brian and his doctor say that it is an issue of function. Brian is a radio announcer, and therefore his job depends on him talking a lot.

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Caloric Restriction May Slow Down Aging Process

Monday, November 28th, 2011

slow down the aging processEating fewer calories can help you lose weight, but it may have benefits beyond a slimmer body.

According to researchers at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, consuming fewer calories can slow down the aging process. And the sooner one cuts down on calories, the greater the effect.

”We are able to show that caloric restriction slows down aging by preventing an enzyme, peroxiredoxin, from being inactivated. This enzyme is also extremely important in counteracting damage to our genetic material,” says Mikael Molin of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology.

Other studies have shown that restricting calories can delay the onset of some age-related diseases, such as cancer and type 2 diabetes, but it was unclear why. The researchers were able to identify peroxiredoxin 1, Prx1, one of the enzymes needed for the anti-aging effects of caloric restriction to work effectively.

The study showed that Prx1 is damaged as we age, but caloric restriction counteracts this by producing more of the enzyme Srx1, which repairs Prx1.

“Impaired Prx1 function leads to various types of genetic defects and cancer. Conversely, we can now speculate whether increased repair of Prx1 during ageing can counteract, or at least delay, the development of cancer,” according to the study.

The enzyme has also been linked to disorders that affect the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The researchers plan to study if stimulation of Prx1 could delay the onset of these diseases.

The study’s results, published in Molecular Cell journal, are promising, but be sure to consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.

While cosmetic procedures can’t slow down the internal aging process, they can help you look younger. For instance, Botox and fillers smooth away wrinkles that appear as we age. Schedule a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon to learn more about procedures that are right for you.

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Smiling is a Simple Way to Look Younger

Monday, November 21st, 2011

way to look youngerSmiling is a way to express your happiness, and it may also be a way to look younger.

A new study found that our facial expressions have an impact on how old we look. Pictures of people who were smiling were estimated to appear on average two years younger than they actually were.

The study had 154 adults guess the ages of men and women with various expressions in more than 2,000 photographs. The face in each photo had one of the following expressions: angry, fearful, disgusted, happy, sad and neutral.

Participants guessed the ages of the neutral faces most accurately, but faces with emotion tended to throw off age predictions.

“Although age estimates can often be based on multiple cues, there are many situations in which a picture of a person’s face is the only information that is immediately available,” researcher Manuel C. Voelkle of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, and colleagues wrote.

For instance, on social networks, like Facebook and LinkedIn, a picture of a person may be the only content shared, without additional background information, according to the authors.

One thing to note is that researchers said pictures of happy faces may be misleading because smiling or laughing creates temporary wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Because it’s hard to tell temporary wrinkles from real ones in photos, people give a less accurate age estimate, Voelkle said.

In addition, people tend to find smiling faces more attractive, so they may be judged to be younger than they are.

Another interesting finding was that older female faces were estimated to be over three years younger than older male faces. Voelkle thought this might be because women tend to pay more attention to their appearance than men do.

Learn about other non-surgical options for your face.

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Double Chin Reduction Injectable Looks Promising in Trials

Monday, November 14th, 2011

double chin reductionAn injectable for double chin reduction has shown encouraging results after two years of a five-year follow up on study participants.

ATX-101, an injectable drug, reduces the amount of fat that develops under the chin (also called submental fat).

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, maker of ATX-101, reported that 80% of participants in the study saw a significant reduction of fat under their chins after the first two years of the five-year trial.

“Treatment results with ATX-101 appear to be sustained and well-tolerated, which illustrates its potential as a novel, non-surgical approach to reducing submental fat,” said Kevin C. Smith, a dermatologist in Canada and an investigator in the Phase 2A and long-term follow up studies.

ATX-101 is a formulation of deoxycholate, which is a natural compound that breaks down dietary fat. The procedure is done over several sessions, during which the patient gets around 50 small injections of the treatment into the chin area. The injections work to eliminate fat under the skin’s surface.

“While these results are still preliminary, they support our expectation that ATX-101 may result in a long-term aesthetic correction,” said KYTHERA’s chief medical officer Patricia Walker, MD, PhD. “We look forward to continuing to follow these patients and to further characterizing the long-term safety and efficacy profile of ATX-101.”

Surgical Options for Double Chin Reduction

ATX-101 needs FDA approval before it becomes an option for treating double chins. There are cosmetic surgical options for patients looking to reduce their double chins, which include a lower facelift or neck lift to make the transition between the chin, neck and lower face more defined. Neck liposuction is another surgical option for reducing a double chin and restoring definition to the lower face.

Read more about the ATX-101 trials.

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