Saturday, December 15, 2012

Brotox? What A Guy Wants to Know

Want to improve your impassive poker demeanor? Want to appear less tired? Want to sweat less in those tense situations? These are some of the many reasons, not directly cosmetic that men turn to the use of Botox. Since many men keep their cards close to their chest, the use of botox in men , just like some of the other secrets of looking on top of your game, has jokingly been referred to as "Brotox" or simply Botox for men. Medically there are many uses of Botox including the injection of  Brotox under your arms or in your hands, to reduce sweating, or in your soles to reduce planter facial pain, or in your neck to relax the pain of migraines, to name a few. Botox's mechanism of action is simple: it will inhibit the ability of a nerve to make a muscle fire. As a result of botox a particular muscle will then relax. That relaxation will change the configuration of that muscle, and in turn will allow other muscles of the region to take ofer. For instance we know to some extent tight biceps can constrict a triceps, and vice versa , and you use a coach to determine if you want to build a biceps or a triceps. And so to with your medical injector: they determine to what extent you want to enhance the frontalis, the corrugator, the procerus or the depressor muscles of your forehead to enhance a handsome, poised, and naturally relaxed look. And so it goes for the rest of the facial and neck muscles, proper fine tuning will allow you to look facially toned, not pained! If you begin your Brotox with established rhytides the effects will be corrective, but more subtle. If you begin in your Brotox youth, you will have all your secrets well protected, as the work is more preventative than corrective, and really, only your injector will know! There are risks to the injections, although most extremely minor, and it's important to be well informed of potential risks and get an experienced injector to help minimize those risks. Proper technique will not only help you achieve your wanted results, the results will be longer lasting. So be a bro, and see what the Botox can do for you.

Monday, October 29, 2012

HPV Disease Not a Cause of Melanoma In This Study

 

Melanomas are on the rise, and one reason for this has begun to be investigated. HPV infections are known to cause a variety of both genital and oral cancers. Skin cancers have a variety of contributing factors including the amount of sun UV ray exposure, the health of your immune system, light skin color and certain precancerous skin diseases as well as the genetic background of the host. As it has been known that HPV as a virus that can exist in the skin layers researchers have been specifically looking at whether this could be a cause or perhaps co-factor in the development of cancer of the skin, including melanoma and malignant melanoma. In 2005 British researchers though they found a link between high risk HPV disease and melanomas.  French researchers are attempting to answer the question as prior studies haven't conclusively shown the answer one way or the other if there is any involvement of HPV in melanoma. The French study looked at one hundred patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma. They excised the disease and then looked at  68 different HPV types did not obtain more HPV in the skin of patients with or without the melanoma. In all about 40% of patients had HPV DNA that could be found in the skin. The researchers felt they could say they didn't see a role for HPV as a cause of melanoma, but confirm the previous data suggesting that HPV DNA is widely distributed among the population and that silent HPV infections patients are unaware of indeed are frequent. They feel there is more work to be done. It can be that specific types of HPV is linked to disease in a way we have not yet understood. Still we remind our patients, have us do a check if you have any new or changing skin lesions, and do come in for consultation regarding protection against UV ray exposure.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Ultrasound Your Legs To Discover Cause of Varicose Veins

Before you decide whether to laser, coagulate, or inject your varicose veins, find out if you have another medical cause. If you have a cause for the swelling, leg pain, and varicose veins then there are differences in what treatments are likely to work. For many of us the cause is poor leg circulation due to the valves of the legs being weak and causing back flow to the veins. A painless, and fairly rapid study to determine the cause is an ultrasound of the legs. This requires no preparation, and can help direct treatment. The treatments can range from support stockings, to injections, to laser or radiofrequency treatments. Some of the veins can be treated superficially, others require endovenous procedures.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

B12 Shots and Your Skin

Vitamins and our nutrition is one of the most important components of glowing and healthy skin. Your skin treatments will always be more effective if you have proper diet. Generally speaking: if you are healthy and eat a varied and balanced diet you will have the nutrients you need. But over time, and with dietary issues, imbalances may occur and you may nee testing to see where your deficiencies really are. At Women's Health Practice many vitamin levels can be tested, but testing for B vitamin deficiencies can be helpful in planning diet changes and the need for supplements. Even those who aren't deficient may benefit from a boost of certain  trace minerals and B vitamins and B12 has been used for a variety of treatments including for fatigue. B12 only comes from animal products: meat and dairy. Vegans are most susceptible to B12 deficiencies and need supplements to avoid the special types of anemia that is due to B12 deficiency. Classically it is thought that most of the deficiency symptoms from B12 are neurological, but there are cases of people going prematurely grey from deficiency as well. A new article from the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II" in Italy, and colleagues report their findings in a study published online on July 17 in Gut, has discovered that actually treating with B12 helps viral treatments against Hepatitis C. Others are trying these shots to help those suffering from an acute case of herpes, thinking that the same viral boosting fighting power may work for this too. So it's something that could be tried for cold sores and post laser treatment for those who always break out in a herpes infection after those treatments.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Your Thyroid And Your Skin

Sometimes it isn't the products you have been using, or the slight sun blush of summer, or the fact that you had a bit too many late nights this month that is getting your skin out of control, there are other causes.One cause you may not have associated with skin problems could be thyroid disease.Low or under active thyroid can cause dry skin, but most often it is described as "coarse." Those with over active thyroid can have changes of the skin as well, and even more symptoms due to thyroid problems can be seen. Some times the excess thyroid hormone can produce sweating and a redness to the skin, similar to blushing from the heat. This can actually happen to those who have an under active thyroid, but are given too high a thyroid dose of medicine. In overactive thyroid patients they may describe their skin as too oddly smooth, this is because the layer of keratin on top of the skin is abnormally thin. This lack of keratin can produce skin that too easily burns as well. Over active thyroid also can cause an odd skin condition called myxedma. It is a puffiness of the skin in the areas that it occurs. The puffiness is actually due to odd extra layers of collagen or even the entrapment of natural hyaluronic acid in skin layers where it is not supposed to occur. Graves disease, a condition of overactive thyroid that also has high abnormal antibodies circulating in the skin can produce a special red bumpy skin condition, that is usually only on the shins. Some patients with these thyroid abnormalities can report itching, or the odd appearance of hives which were not detected before. The thyroid conditions, particularly overactive, can cause abnormally metabolizing other hormones, so that imbalances occur in other systems, like your cortisol. Not so much a result of the thyroid itself, but the cortisol metabolism can be off causing changes in skin pigmentation, and even the new odd appearance of stretch marks. For those who have had a gradual decline in thyroid function, this may not be obvious, but you might want to consider testing if your treatments for your skin conditions are not working. Particularly if your hair or nails are showing changes as well, then get tested!. Blood testing  for most thyroid conditions is straight forward and thus correction is possible and your skin can be back to looking well...as long as you continue your good skin care!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Hada Home Hand Cure


Hands are said to most often give way the effects of sun, chemical, nutritional and genetic aging. At Hada Cosmetic Medicine we recommend extending your health and skin consultations down past your neck, and extending it to your fingertips. Once we see what condition your hands are in you can begin incorporating some of the medical therapies into your regimen to reverse the damage. However, simple strategies can go a long way, with the use of a tailored, designed for you, regimen of effective products. Sunscreen, antioxidants and moisturizing agents help your hands a tremendous amount. Clients will often complain that the products are not well absorbed into rough damaged hands in the early going of the therapies. A simple fix for that is to use plastic wrap (for instance Saran Wrap) with tape after the application of the product, to the hand and wrist area, and leave it for 30 minutes helps absorption. You can do one at a time if you can’t spend enough time off your iPad. For those with actual medical conditions or patchy red areas due to allergic reactions, get evaluated by your medical provider as a short course with topical steroids may be indicated. About 3 weeks of consistent treatment with this home remedy, and your hands will have never looked better!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Bleaching Facial Hair Warnings

For many women with very fine unwanted hairs bleaching the hairs of the lip, the chin, the face or the upper neck is an effective and relatively inexpensive way of masking the presence of these hairs. The hairs treated with these products will both soften, so they lay flatter, and lighten. It takes a bit of skill with makeup not to make these hairs more noticeable, which is why cosmetically it may be a better result to select a technique like hair reduction instead. The products for beaching hair that are available are most all available over the counter without a prescription. Virtually all the products contain both hydrogen peroxide and sulfates. Irritation and skin coloration changes are the most common side effect. If used long enough and the irritation becomes chronic itching is also a common side effect of bleaching.  There may be a variety of chemicals used for the bleaching process, but we caution our patients regarding the sulfate components. If you are allergic to sulfa drugs you could possibly be allergic to the sulfate in facial bleaching products. It is also possible to develop a sulfa allergy if you have been using these products long enough. Like with new makeup, new skin products, it is a good idea to just test in a small patch to make sure your skin is not sensitive to the bleach product. If you develop skin changes, consult your, cosmetic medicine provider, health care provider or dermatologist before continuing product use.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Restore that Beautiful Line of Your Lower Face and Chin


The lower face restoration techniques have expanded very quickly. Exactly what will best work for you has to be decided in consultation, but using fillers, Botox, Lasers ultrasound or radiofrequency treatments have very little down time and work extremely well. Sagging jaw line, jowls, acne scaring, and wrinkling all are nicely handled by these techniques. Getting proper exercise and nutrition and sleep is also important. Surgery is corrective for some problems, but your skin sagging can often be handled with little to no down time, which surgery cannot boast.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Don't Forget The Ears!



Skin inflammation of the ear skin
Shampoos, cleaning compounds on your glasses, and chemicals from your hands can cause the skin condition pictured here. Ears can also burn, they can dry out and get flakey patches,  and they can get moles. It's important to get sunscreen that will be protective but not greasy and irritating to the ears or surrounding scalp. In this picture the ear is very irritated and inflamed, and yet will still need sun protection. The inert compounds in powdered sunscreen such as what is available through Hada Cosmetic Medicne's Colorescience line can provide protection which will enable protection against the ravages of the sun, and in this case, in addition to treatment, the skin can be shielded safely.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Check This Mole Before You Have Laser or Cosmetic Treatments

Any moles that are enlarging, not a single color, have irregular boarders or bleed may be a sign of something more serious. You need medical evaluation and possibly a biopsy before you get any sort of laser or cosmetic treatment to be safe. Even if your mole doesn't look as angry as this one, it may be best to have some of the moles removed in your treatment areas before proceeding with cosmetic treatments. And this is additionally why you want to have a medical professional perform an evaluation on a regular basis.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Firm Up, Weight LIfting for the Skin? Not Exactly!

Can you skip fillers , lasers, ultrasound and heat treatments, and just do some heavy lifting to improve the facial physique? We have muscles in our face, so overall facial structure can be improved by some exercising, but as for the skin itself there's no current plan to be able to firm it up just in the gym! How firm your skin is basically the same question as to how much collagen, thickness and elasticity you skin has. And the exact nature of your skin elasticity aslo has to do with you skin tone, too much DNA breakdown and the skin isn't healthy. We want to help our patients understand the principles behind skin care, and understanding what makes the skin firm is important. Firmness of skin has to some extent become a marking term without a real definition. As your skin care advisor what we want for your skin is a natural amount of skin rebound, appropriate skin tightness, overall good skin tone; and all of these components are just a bit different than just the skin elasticity. So building the elastin or collagen fibers through the use of appropriate treatments or products will help firmness. The best firm skin will have both emollient properties and, what we've been talking a lot about, high water content and stay moisturized. So again, making your skin firm and making it moist are really doing the same thing, we want to make your skin full of water! And just like we want to strengthen the skin, but not exactly put you on a weight lifting plan, we also want to make your skin full of water, and not only drinking a glass of water will do that!

Exfolliation

Proper exfoliation is excellent for your skin. Too much exfoliation is drying and irritating and can even lead to breakouts. Exfoliation keeps the top layer of the skin fresh and more porous. Our skin has a top layer called. stratum corneum, for proper penetration into the skin a product has to be designed to be able to penetrate the skin, and so exfoliation will help products penetrate this stratum corneum. Without being able to penetrate the stratum corneum layer of the skin your skin care products cannot work.Then you become a candidate for products that can exfoliate, to help your skin heal. The best  products to use are those that exfoliate by accelerating skin turn over. The rentinol class of products do this. If you need additional exfoliation, then profession abrasion or peeling may be indicated. You winter skin may need more exfoliation than your summer skin, and if you have been ill or have had a poor diet your regimen may need to change which is when it is a good time discuss exfoliation with your skin care professional.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Maximizing Moisture in Your Skin

Getting the most out of your skin care products is tricky and we want to help you get the most cost effective products. As a general rule you will want to balance aesthetics and goals and we utilize an ingredient approach: each ingredient we recommend for our patients has a role. We want to also discuss options and determine if you as patients have to like it and have it feel good, and finally does it really meet the need we are trying to accomplish for your skin. The first step is sunscreen, after that we want to talk about moisturizing your skin., and we use the science behind the study of skin to determine what we are going to recommend. We have a progressive dehydration of skin cells as they progress from lower to upper layers, which is why just exfoliating improves the overall moisture content of your skin. Our skin has a substance filligrin is part of the skin cells and it forms a natural moisturizing factor. Naturally moist skin is about is 30% water, and water is held in to the skin by that gorgeous plump lipids (fat laden!) upper layer. When we want to improve your skin, we make an assessment of whether we recommend trying to supplement or replace the architecture. Dry skin has a number of components we are trying to combat:: it may contain malnourished cells, odd excreted proteins, the layers may loose their natural organization, lipid layers may be missing altogether and these are just some of the things we can improve with proper skin care. The body can moisturize itself, and when we recommend products we want to aid that process. Did you know you lose a lot of water, medically about through the skin we lose about 12-14 g/cm2 of water per minute! Effective products to stop this rapid rate of loss from our skin might include petrolatum products for instance: reduces water loss by 99% (and you need at least 1% water loss for skin to repair). Many products do have various mineral, seed or herbal oil components, including, sesame seed oil, jojoba, flaxseed, hemp, soybean, borage oil, etc and these products do retard evaporation. Meaning that these ingredients don’t directly hydrate skin, they an environment for self repair to your skin. Other ways to add water to your skin would include the use of what is called a medical humectant, or a natural moisturizing substance. Some products act like sponges that hold water, so hyaluronic acid or “HA”, is a sponge that soaks up water, and it’s the water that allows it to fill not the HA itself, but it does this so effectively it is often recommended over other moisturizing agents.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Evening Your Natural Skin Tone

An even tone to the skin is radiant and natural. We want our skin to be the best color and blend of tones that we have naturally been born with. Discolored skin, or uneven coloration to our skin is the root of much skin disatisfaction. Discoloration treatments may be one of the most active area of skin research,. For each what is "desirable" in skin color varies widely, and getting an even better tone is not the same as lightening, or even quite the same as brightening, for those qualities other techniques are employed! Think of skin tone, a color pops into your mind, but it's actually a blend of yellow, brown and reds that makes up classic "skin" color. We each have a blended tone: the yellow tones which mostly is derived from the collagen content, the brown tones which comes from the pigment melanin, and the red tones that come from hemoglobin, or more simply put the components of our blood.  As one or the other takes over the skin tone becomes uneven. Excess brown or dark patches is one of the most common reason for uneven tone, and are not desirable to most of us. Skin professionals can recommend products and treatments that reduce this in several ways, but ultimately one of the most successful ways to get rid of brown is to reduce the amount of melanin, by decreasing the amount of melanin produced in your skin. In addition to decreasing this melanin synthesis, we want to stop melanin from leaving skin cells and seeping into the skin, speedup the process of melanin exfoliation, and possibly even change the pigment melanin itself so it’s not so dark. Of course individual recommendations will vary based on your experiences, your unique skin, your hormone levels, and any reactions you may have had in the past. One such product to do these things effectively is hydroquinone. Hydroquinone will actually invade the skin cells or the melanocytes, and aid their destruction. It comes in various strengths and when we recommend a product we want one that will be effective. Natural products, that probably have better safety records to their ingredients, include  kojic acid arbutin, coffeeberry, blueberry, licorice, pulp mulberry, bearberry extract,  to name a few,and most important thing is sunscreen, which will so prevent UVA from tanning us which simply means stimulating these discoloration factors we are working rather hard to combat!

Growing Your New Skin

Want the filler that is designed for you, because it is you? It may still be stuff of the future to think that we can grow ourselves new hearts, new kidneys, a new liver or even new bones. But there is an organ we can grow for ourselves: tissue filler! Although very new, relatively expensive, and only FDA approved for the treatment of deep lines in the area of your nasolabial folds, new tissue is able to be grown for your own use! Medically the use of your own tissue, an example might be saving blood for your own use later on, or using plasma extracts to heal joints, is called autologics. These cell implants for the use of facial rejuvenation are only the second FDA cell therapy approved. The new filler Azficel-T  is now approved for a 6 month facial treatment. The treatment has to be done by a trained physician, the treatment is relatively expensive, it’s not rapid as it takes 3 months to grow your own tissue supply, but it’s your tissue and the chances of rejection are as close to eliminated as possible with this treatment. So if you are considering fillers but haven’t wanted to use a foreign substance, this might just be for you!