Friday, January 21, 2011

Other Pearls from the Orlando Derm Meeting

The enthusiasm for fractional CO2 is still high. The challenge for skin tightening is being explored by bipolar radiofrequency, focused intense ultrasound, “the jury is still out”. The answer to one lecture entitled “Are Face Lifts Obsolete?” is a resounding NO!

The most popular laser treatment is still hair removal. A new diode laser called the Soprano will be a favorite if it really is “much more comfortable”.

There are new fillers and neurotoxins on the horizon and a better understanding of “lifting” rather than filling the valleys of the face.

Chemical peels continue to be popular particularly the superficial ones, which in a series, will brighten and lighten the skin with minimal to no downtime. The salicylic acid peels are the safest for skin of color.

In medications applied to the skin, vehicles matter. It is not just the active ingredients if they are not being delivered to their target. Intuitively and clinically this was obvious but the battles with the insurance companies and pharmacies are continuing to disregard this fact.

Treat the Outer You, Love the Inner You!

Nothing like a delayed flight to give one the chance to regroup and reflect on the last three days filled from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. with what’s new and “happening” in the world of cosmetic, surgical and medical dermatology. I love going to a meeting like the 8th annual Orlando Dermatology, Aesthetic & Clinical Conference. It keeps my “juices” flowing and a smile on my face! What I am discovering is what was “written in stone” when it was first introduced, is being polished and perfected with exciting new thoughts and techniques. I love being challenged and learning!

What was a little depressing in a few lectures was the picture of Barbie with the 50 year old changes you would see in a sun exposed, blonde, convertible owner. The juxaposition to Barbie is the currently popular Bratz dolls who have “cachetic” bodies, big eyes, big cheeks and big lips. No wonder girls grow into women who have many critical issues with the reflection they see in the mirror and then the Birthday Fairy visits! Women’s magazines, TV ads and the internet aren’t helping much either.

A consistently repeated phase at this meeting was the words soften, not completely gone. Age appropriate, genetics, past unprotected sun/tanning bed exposure, trout mouth, plastic, Michael Jackson’s nose were some of the other phrases. The focus is turning toward our Midwestern values. It’s lucky to have more birthdays, it’s super lucky to have learned to enjoy the inner you. It is ok to treat yourself to periodic maintenance treatments to pleasure yourself but who you are is still the most attractive feature.