sobederm

Dysport: the new kid on the block

2009-09-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Many of you are familiar with or have had treatments with Botox for forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. Botox has been approved for cosmetic indications since 2002. It is FDA approved for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (forehead wrinkles) in adult men and women aged 18-65. It is also approved for axillary hyperhidrosis, or severe underarm sweating. Botox is botulinum toxin type A; a purified protein that blocks the signal instructing muscles to contract. For years, it has been the only such product on the market in the United States with a cosmetic indication. On April 29th, the FDA approved Dysport, the second botulinum toxin type A for use in the United States. Botox and Dysport have similar structures and work the same way. There are some reports that Dysport may start working more quickly than Botox – 3 to 4 days instead of 7 days. It also may last a month or so longer. Safety profiles for the two products are similar, and both products are very effective. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have had much success treating crow’s feet, bunny lines on the nose, gummy smiles, a dimpled chin, bands in the neck, and facial asymmetry with both Botox and Dysport. We will likely see more competitors on the market in the next few years: Xeomin and PurTox are two similar products undergoing trials currently. Millions of patients have been injected worldwide with Botox and Dysport with successful outcomes. It is important to have the treatment performed by a board-certified physician with an understanding of facial anatomy, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. See us at SBD for Botox or Dysport today!

Pregnancy and Skin

2009-08-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

A woman’s body changes dramatically when she is expecting, and her skin follows suit. We frequently see skin issues in pregnant women in our office. Stretch marks, or striae, are one of the most common and nearly inevitable results of pregnancy. Although they are nearly impossible to avoid, there are some treatments available post-pregnancy and post-breastfeeding. For stretch marks that are pink or red, dermatologists can use lasers to bring them back to flesh-colored. Topical retinoids may be helpful for treatment (but remember—retinoids should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding). In some cases, fractional laser treatments may show improvement. Although nothing has been medically proven to prevent these marks, mild to moderate exercise and moisturizing may be helpful. Brown blotchy spots on the face often occurs and is known as the “mask of pregnancy” or melasma. Production of pigment is increased in pregnancy, and many women find that they will develop these patches. Diligent sunscreen use is key in preventing these spots. Post-pregnancy and breastfeeding, your dermatologist has a host of tools she/he can use to try to lighten these spots, including prescription bleaching creams, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light treatments. As a result of increased pigment production, other areas on the body, such as freckles, moles, nipples, areolas, and labia, can become even darker. Any mole that is changing should be examined by a dermatologist as skin cancers like melanoma can develop at any time. Many women find that they develop or have worsening of their acne during pregnancy, due to increased oil production from hormones. It’s important to see your dermatologist for a good treatment regimen, as many prescription and over the counter medications for acne contain ingredients that are not considered safe for use in pregnancy. For example, benzoyl peroxide, which is a common ingredient in many acne cleansers, is a category C medication, which is usually not recommended in pregnancy. Varicose veins and spider veins often appear on the legs during or post pregnancy. A combination of increased blood flow and volume, leaky valves in the veins, and genetics often accounts for the formation of veins. Prevention includes avoidance of standing or sitting for long periods of time, walking, elevating your legs, wearing support stockings, and avoiding excessive weight gain. Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but sometimes can leave your skin less than perfect. See us at SBD today for a new, improved you.

Acne and Food: Fact or Fiction?

2009-08-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the effects of food on acne. While some stress that no foods have been proven to cause acne, others disagree. The lack of certain foods and vitamins in the diet may be associated with the worsening of acne. Acne is a disorder of increased oil production (sebum) in the hair follicle unit, under hormonal influence. Inflammation plays a key role in creating the “whiteheads” and pimples. Milk contains many hormones that may influence sebum production, so a high milk diet may be unadvisable. The Vitamin B group may be lacking in many Americans’ diets. Vitamin B3 has been shown to decrease inflammation. Vitamin B5 deficiency may have and influence on the hormones that trigger the development of acne. Vitamin B5 is commonly found in foods such as eggs, liver, pork, beef, chicken, pork, milk, potatoes, brewer’s yeast, whole wheat, peas, beans and other fresh vegetables. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and reduces oil production. Many of the most effective acne treatments, such as accutane and topical retinoids, are vitamin A derivatives. However, it is important not to consume more than the recommended daily allowance, as an excess of vitamin A can be detrimental to one’s heath, especially in pregnant women. Vitamin A is in beets, carrots, spinach, apricots, mangoes, raspberries and oranges. Vitamin C has been found to enhance the action of vitamin A and is also essential for your immune system and collagen production. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cabbage, and peas are good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, normalizes sebum levels, decreases inflammation, decreases androgens (high levels of which are associated with acne production), and also regulates Vitamin A levels within the body. Sources of Vitamin E include almonds, corn, eggs and leafy green vegetables. Lack of zinc, found in oysters, beans, red meat, and poultry, may play a role in the development of acne. Zinc helps regulate oil glands, is an antioxidant, and helps wound healing. Chromium reduces rates of skin infection, may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve acne. Chromium is typically found in molasses and brewer’s yeast. Selenium is an antioxidant and may be related to the prevention of cancer. In combination with vitamins A and E, selenium may help improve acne. Plant foods, tuna, and cod provide selenium in our diets. Not everyone who has acne (especially teens) will seek out and eat the variety of foods required to add all of these vitamins and minerals so a daily multivitamin and a generally healthy diet can help restore vitamin levels. Of course, Dr. Bilu Martin and Dr. Mandy have many additional tools available to improve acne that has not responded to diet or home remedies. In the end, controversy over the influence of diet and supplements still exists, but good dietary habits won’t hurt! Visit us at SBD.

Sculptra approval

2009-08-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sculptra Aesthetic has just been approved by the FDA for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)and other facial wrinkles. Sculptra works gradually to offer natural-looking results that can last up to two years. Both Dr. Bilu Martin and Dr. Mandy are experienced in Scupltra injections. Call South Beach Dermatology today for your cosmetic consultation: 305-672-1233.

Tanning Beds: don't do it!

2009-07-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) made a statement that tanning beds are "carcinogenic to humans." It made its decision following a review of research which concluded that the risk of melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer - was increased by 75% in people who started using sunbeds regularly before the age of 30. In addition, several studies have linked sunbed use to a raised risk of melanoma of the eye. Dermatologists have been preaching this message for years-- there is NO such thing as a safe tan. Sun exposure is directly linked to basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Protect your skin and say NO to tanning beds.

Understanding Facial Aging in the Twenty First Century

2009-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Dermatologists have always sought to correct the outward signs of facial aging. There are two types of changes seen in aging skin: those caused by sun exposure (photoaging) and those caused by natural, or intrinsic aging. The religious use of sunscreen will only prevent the photoaged changes; intrinsic aging will still result in milder expressions of aging skin. Dehydration, roughness and dryness occur because of water loss and the loss of the normal lipid synthesis in the skin. The loss of collagen and elastic tissue leads to fine wrinkles. Genomic research confirms that as skin ages, the genes that regulate skin barrier function, skin growth and skin pigmentation begin to malfunction. This leads to sallow skin with brown spots and precancerous growths. Many solutions for these surface changes are available in the form of moisturizers, applied retinoid creams, bleaching agents and other self administered treatments. When these changes are more significant, they can be addressed with lasers, peels and other more aggressive treatments.

What has truly changed the playing field in recent years has been our understanding of facial volume. The biggest cues to an aging face are not the subtle wrinkles and pigment changes, but the changes in shape and formation of deep folds. These signs are due to the loss of skeletal bone and fat that we have come to recognize as critical in the appearance of facial aging. As we age, reabsorption of the bone in our skeletons begins, leading to osteoporosis and changes in the shape and structure of the skull.

The orbit of the eye widens and the cheek bones become less prominent. These changes lead to the appearance of hollowness under the eyes, and the apparent increase in the size of the nose. The jawbone is slowly reabsorbed, shrinking in size and shape, causing loss of chin projection, and deep wrinkles at the corners of the mouth, the jowls and in the neck. The loss of facial fat in the mid face, temples cheeks and chin all aggravate the changes in facial shape and fullness. Fortunately we have new substances and techniques for correcting this loss, ranging from fat injections, and synthetic materials that are bio compatible like hyaluronic acid (Restylane and Juvederm), poly L lactic acid (Sculptra), and Calcium Hydroxyl Apatite (Radiesse). For superficial wrinkles we can use various hyaluronic acid fillers or collagen, especially the new long lasting collagen, Evolence.

The new techniques allow for near facelift like results, in the office with little or no down time.

Although aging is inevitable, dermatologists have many tools available to keep your appearance as youthful as possible.

The Skin Cancer Foundation Vitamin D Recommendation

2009-07-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for strong bones and a healthy immune system. We get vitamin D from foods (fish, fortified dairy products, cereal), vitamin supplements, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that adults who have limited sun exposure should increase their intake of vitamin D to 1,000 IU (international units) daily. However, since UV exposure is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, eye damage, and premature aging, they recommend food and/or supplements as the source of vitamin D. And more is not always better-- vitamin D can be toxic in high doses. For information on vitamin D, check out www.skincancer.org/Vitamin-D.

Welcome

2009-07-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to South Beach Dermatology's blog, featuring the latest information on what's current and new in Dermatology. Be sure to visit our website at www.southbeachdermatology.biz and call us at 305-672-1233 to set up your appointment today!