Microlaserpeel + Broad Band Light: 1+1=3

Although patients commonly come in requesting a single procedure, very frequently they will get significantly better results if two or more procedures are combined. That is true of the MACS-lift (short scar facelift) combined with neck liposuction. It is also true of the microlaserpeel combined with the BBL (broad band light)

 

Hand Rejuvenation: An Underappreciated Treatment

"All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." William Shakespeare, MacBeth

Fortunately, since Shakespearean times, we have become much better at improving the appearance of hands, although perhaps not much better at washing away their sins.

If you look at the hands of children, the skin is smooth and of uniform color. No bones or veins are visible. With time the hand skin becomes sun damaged and irregular discolorations and rough spots appear. As in other areas, the deeper tissues are lost, and bones and veins become more visible. Many people put up with this because they are not aware that treatments are available. We had a patient in this week who is very attractive with clear facial skin. She regularly gets Dysport and filler. Her hands look like the hands of an 80 yer old. When I mentioned her hands, she said that she feels like she should wear gloves all the time. We discussed other options.

CO2 Fractional Lasers: Home Run or Hype?

The first of the fractional lasers was the Fraxel 750 which has evolved into the Fraxel Restore. This laser was clearly a significant advance over previous lasers, particularly in treating skin discoloration and acne scarring. It also helped lines, wrinkles and skin texture, but the improvement was not nearly so dramatic. The next advance, which was supposed to improve wrinkling as well as do everything that the Fraxel Restore could do, was the fractional CO2 laser, the application of the fractionated concept to the CO2 laser. The original CO2 laser was the most effective resurfacing laser, but one that, at times, produced unwanted side effects.

Blu-U plus Levulan

We had a patient return today 2 weeks after his Blu-U plus Levulan treatment for sun damage. I noted to my assistant how happy the patient was.  This is a very typical result with this treatment. People can both see and feel that their skin is better. They feel the peeling is worth it.

Gerald N. Bock MD
California Skin & Laser Center
Stockton & Lodi, CA

Active FX and Fractinated CO2 Lasers

A question has been asked about the Active FX laser and the results compared to the Fraxel, now renamed, in the upgraded version, the Fraxel re:store. The Active FX is one of several newly introduced or about to be introduced lasers that apply the principle of fractionated resurfacing (treating multiple small areas of skin and leaving untreated areas between treated areas) to the CO2 laser. The questioner referred to an article claiming that more new collagen is created by the Active FX than by a series of Fraxel treatments.

Fraxel Laser for Burn Scars

In the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology there is a case report of a 37 year old woman who had thickened significant keloid scars on her face and one hand after grease burns. After unsuccessful attempts at other treatments she was treated with 5 Fraxel Laser treatments at approximately monthly intervals.

Plasma Skin Resurfacing

In the November issue of the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery  there is an article evaluating the effectiveness of plasma skin resurfacing on skin off the face.

Stretch Marks: Is there hope?

Stretch marks (striae distensae) occur in an estimated 90% of pregnant women and 70% of adolescent girls. 40% of adolescent boys also develop stretch marks, and with the supersizing of our population, it is not uncommon to see these develop in children under age 10.

What's new in skin rejuvenation I: chemical peels

Studies using computer simulations have shown that changing the quality of the skin can add or subtract 20 years from the estimated age of an individual. The concept of using topical agents on the skin to improve its appearance is at least as old as ancient Egypt, where nobles applied sour milk, containing the active ingredient lactic acid, to improve the appearance of their skin. In the Middle Ages old wine was used in a similar fashion. Currently fruit acids, the alpha hydroxy acids, are frequently used for the same purpose.

Fractional Resurfacing: Acne Scarring

Acne scarring is relatively common and can disfigure people at a relatively young age. By scarring I mean changes in the surface or quality of the skin. This may or may not be accompanied by color change, but people frequently incorrectly label color change alone, which often is temporary, as scarring.