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Japanese physicians using Cutera Lasers have been having significant success with patients who suffer from Melasma and Keloid scarring.

Laser Genesis is a non-contact laser treatment which targets and treats multiple layers of the dermis while promoting hyperplasia of collagen. Laser Genesis is effective at reducing pore size, improving skin texture and improving elasticity. Genesis also heats and shrinks the micro-blood vessels of the papillary dermis which reduces and improves erythema.

The following are patient profiles from an expert physician in Japan.  These are cases in which the physician experienced successful treatment of melasma through use of the Laser Genesis therapy.

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The first patient was an Asian female with a long history of Melasma, which was first treated with 4 percent Hydroquinone and 0.1 percent Tretinoin.  An allergic reaction prompted a withdrawal of that treatment.  Tranexamic acid was then tried, which saw positive results, but they couldn’t be sustained – the symptoms “rebounded after therapy was suspended.”  So therapy with the Tranexamic acid was continued for 6 months, then Laser Genesis was introduced in between treatments.  Treatment with laser genesis allowed suspension of the tranexamic acid therapy and it prevented the reoccurrence of Melasma.

The second patient was also an Asian female who was receiving treatment with 0.1 percent Tretinoin, 4 percent Hydroquinone, and Laser Genesis therapy.  Over the course of 3 months, the patient saw significant improvements in her melasma symptoms – improved pigmentation, reduced redness and reduced inflammation.  The combination of topical treatment and Laser Genesis proved successful.

We offer Laser Genesis at our Frankfort office, along with the entire suite of Cutera laser treatments: Titan, LimeLight, Pearl, Laser Genesis, and XEO for laser hair removal. Contact us for more information or a consultation in either Frankfort or Munster, Indiana.

A medical study on the safety of the wrinkle relaxer ‘Reloxin’ was just published in the March-April issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.  The drug was evaluated for use on moderate to severe forehead wrinkles (or glabeller lines), and the results sound optimistic.

The FDA has not yet given its approval for Reloxin to be sold in the U.S., but spokespersons from Medicis Pharmaceutical say clearance is expected late this year.  Reloxin has the potential to become a real competitor for Botox in the U.S. cosmetic surgery market – a market which allowed Allergan Inc. to net $1.3 billion in revenue last year with Botox.

One California dermatologist who participated in the study commented to Bloomberg news, saying “the side effects are the same as Botox” and “many of our patients liked it even better.”

The composition of both Reloxin and Botox is very similar; they each contain a particular ‘botulinum toxin’ that has been proven to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles in the face.

Reloxin has actually been sold overseas under the name ‘Dysport’ for about 15 years, but Botox has still managed to claim over 80 percent of the worldwide market for the neurotoxin.  One market analyst speculates that “Reloxin may be priced 15 percent lower than Botox” which could allow it to take a significant share of that market.

Newly released ASPS statistics indicate that a significant change may be taking place in the cosmetic surgery industry;  the popularity of breast implants have surpassed liposuction for the first time.

Nationwide 2008 statistics collected by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal that 355,671 breast augmentations were performed in 2008, while liposuction procedures numbered at a close 341,144.

In a recently issued press release, ASPS President Alan Gold is quoted as saying, “for the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. He goes on to predict that “this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large.”  Dr. Gold’s theory is that perhaps “changes in fashion, i.e. décolletage baring styles, might be a factor.”

10.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2008 and 92 percent of them were had by women.  The top 5 procedures include:

1. Breast Implants
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Rhinoplasty
5. Tummy tuck

The top 5 non-surgical procedures were:

1. Botox
2. Laser Hair Removal
3. Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers (Juvederm, Restylane)
4. Chemical Peel
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Have spots appeared on your forehead, chest or the sides of your face? Have you heard that in many cases, facial imperfections of this type can be easily treated and minimized?

Skin blotches are fairly common, and you’ll be happy to know that we carry the Obagi® therapeutic skin care line as a possible remedy. Many people are aware of Obagi® products, but not everyone knows that Obagi is the top skin care line sold exclusively to physicians.

Obagi® has gained a reputation for effectiveness with its Nu Derm® System, also known as Corrective and Enhance®, which smoothes fine lines, fades brown spots and fixes other skin imperfections in just a few months.

Throughout a person’s life, dark spots and uneven skin tone can affect skin on the face.  A ‘mask’ might even appear over the nose and cheek area, especially after a pregnancy or birth control use. Obagi Clear™ has prescription strength Hydroquinone to correct discoloration and equalize skin tones. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient used for its “fading” properties, which proactively correct the early signs of damage by regulating the cell production that is responsible for skin pigment.

Obagi skin care products are prescription strength, and far more effective than any over-the-counter product.  They are specially formulated to achieve a desired end, and they’ve become a real way to get visibly dramatic results. Obagi® is a medical grade skin care program, so speaking with a physician like Dr. Dreyfuss is necessary before purchasing.

Why put it off any longer? If you want to lighten those dark spots on your face, chest and hands with Clear™ or if you’re interested in other Obagi® products, give us a call at (815) 806-9400 or request a free consultation here. You’ll look better and then you feel so much better about your one and only face.

If you know someone who has pigmentation problems, have them get in touch with us. We now know if this type of problem goes untreated and if sun exposure continues, these areas can darken to the point where even make up won’t cover them up. Anyone that has wrestled with these problems should know this firsthand.