Juvéderm™

Juvéderm™ JUVÉDERM™ Ultra injectable gel is a colorless hyaluronic acid gel that is injected into facial tissue to smooth wrinkles and folds, especially around the nose and mouth. The role of hyaluronic acid in the skin is to deliver nutrients, hydrate the skin by holding in water, and to act as a cushioning agent. Juvéderm™ is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Recently approved by the FDA, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth). Ultra injectable gel will help to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing, and the results last about six months.

For more information go to: http://www.juvedermusa.com/

Melanoma

Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin. It is completely curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. Melanomas may appear suddenly without warning, but also can develop from or near a mole. They are found most frequently on the upper backs of men and women or on the legs of women, but can occur anywhere on the body.

The overall incidence of melanoma is rising at an alarming rate. In 2005, at current rates one in 62 Americans have a lifetime risk of developing invasive melanoma, a 2000% increase from 1930. In addition, with the inclusion of in situ melanoma (non-invasive), one in 34 Americans have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma.

Melanoma is caused by excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important preventable cause of melanoma. People in southern regions, where the sunlight is more intense, are more likely to develop melanoma than those in northern regions. Melanoma has also been linked to excessive sun exposure in the first 10 to 18 years of life. Not all melanomas are sun related – other possible causes include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies

Recognition of changes in the skin is the best way to detect early melanoma. Melanoma generally begins as a mottled, light brown to black flat blemish with irregular borders. The blemish is usually at least one-quarter inch in size. It may turn shades of red, blue or white, crust on the surface and bleed. They most frequently appear on the upper back, torso, lower legs, head and neck. A changing mole, a new mole, or a mole that is different or "ugly" or begins to grow requires prompt medical attention.

If you notice a mole on your skin, you should follow the simple ABCD rule which outlines the warning signs of melanoma

• Asymmetry – One half does not match the other half.
• Border irregularity – The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
• Color – The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown or black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance.
• Diameter – While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6mm, you should see a dermatologist

The American Academy of Dermatology urges everyone to examine their skin regularly. This means looking over your entire body including your back, your scalp, the soles of your feet, between your toes and the palms of your hands. If there are any changes in the size, color, shape or texture of a mole, the development of a new mole, or any other unusual changes in the skin, see your dermatologist immediately.

Overexposure to ultraviolet light is thought to be a primary cause of many melanomas, we recommend the following precautions:

• Avoid "peak" sunlight hours -- 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. -- when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Seek shade whenever possible. Remember "No shadow…seek the shade!" If your shadow is shorter than you are, the damaging rays of the sun are at their strongest and you’re likely to sunburn.
• Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirt and pants during prolonged periods of sun exposure.
• Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, 15 - 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially when playing, gardening, swimming or doing any other outdoor activities. Sunscreens should not be used to increase the time spent in intense sunlight or instead of protective clothing.

WE RECOMMEND EVERYONE HAVE A FULL BODY EXAM YEARLY FOR THE DETECTION OF POSSIBLE SKIN CANCER.

Sculptra:

Sculptra is an enduring treatment approved by the FDA for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, in people with human immunodeficiency virus. It is the first FDA-approved product of its kind for this condition.

Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra® is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. It provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. No skin testing is required.

HOW DOES SCULPTRA WORK?
Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra provides an increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions. Sculptra will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in the treated area.

ARE THE RESULTS FROM SCULPTRA IMMEDIATE?
No. At your first treatment visit it may appear that Sculptra worked immediately. That is because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Patients with severe facial fat loss may require three to six treatment sessions. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.