LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE ) THERAPY is said to increase blood flow, decrease inflammation, stimulate collage production and decrease the production of bacteria. FDA- approved LED therapy is non-invasive and non-abrasive, offering a safe, gentle and painless way to treat a variety of skin conditions. Here’s how it works: Light interact with cells to accelerate naturally occurring processes, such as collagen production. LED device emit light in a range of frequencies that give it a specific color, in the case red or blue. Red light, which has a wavelength of about 630 nanometers (nm), is used to rejuvenate skin and reduce that appearance of fine lines and wrinkles associated with age and exposure to the sun. Blue light, with a wavelength of about 415 nm, targets the sebaceous glands, killing the bacteria that cause acne. However, light therapy is NOT for everyone. If you are pregnant, have epilepsy, or a photosensitive condition such as Lupus, or are on any photosensitizing medications, LED therapy is not for you. LIMITATIONS? As exciting as this technology is, it’s important to be aware of what at-home LED therapy can and can’t do. Today’s at-home LED technology will not get rid of the deep wrinkles, as does ablative laser technology; nor can it tighten skin like surgery. It can, however, reduce the appearance of fine lines, even discolorations of the skin, plump the skin and lessen redness using wavelengths in the neighborhood of 600 nm to 1200 nm. Because these devices have low power, they have to be used regularly and for an extended period of time to see improvement. Results are gradual and minimal. 
Archive for December, 2008
Home light for wrinkles, acne
Wednesday, December 31st, 2008Liposuction for Breast Reduction Proves Effective
Tuesday, December 30th, 2008December 30, 2008
Liposuction for Breast Reduction Proves Effective
Breast reduction by liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia is a safe and effective procedure, results from a study of 131 patients recently presented at the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Patients ranged in age from 16 to 77 years Breast volume was measured preoperatively and postoperatively in two ways: the amount of fat removed as a percent of breast volume and the percent reduction measured as a difference between breast volumes. Each patient lost an average of 51% total breast volume. The minimum volume lost was 20%, while the minimum volume was 87%. The average loss of fat was 1,040 mL in both breasts combined. In women under the age of 30, the percent of breast volume reduction is variable due to the variability of fat content in the breast, but in older women, a reduction of 40% or more is typically reached. The average lifting of breast tissue that occurred after the procedure was 2.8 cm. There were minimal complications such as redness. This is a great opportunity to help patients avoiding surgical excision with its associated complications and scarring.
Tradtional breast reduction scars, not seen with liposuction breast reduction
Longer eyelashes
Sunday, December 28th, 2008Dec. 26, 2008 — The FDA has approved Latisse, the first drug to promote eyelash growth, according to Allergan, the company that makes Latisse.
Latisse, which will be available by prescription starting in the first quarter of 2009, contains the active ingredient of the glaucoma drug Lumigan, which is also made by Allergan.
Eyelash growth is a known side effect of Lumigan. But Lumigan and Latisse are used differently. Lumigan is an eyedrop, and Latisse gets dabbed along the lash line on the upper eyelids to promote longer, thicker, darker lashes.
Allergan states that “Latisse users can expect to experience longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks.” If Latisse is stopped, eyelashes will gradually return to their previous appearance as new eyelashes grow in.
Allergan also notes that Latisse may cause darkening of the eyelid skin, which may be reversible, and it “may also cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent.”
Latisse may also promote hair growth in other skin areas that it frequently touches, so Allergan recommends blotting it off any skin other than the upper eyelid’s lash line to prevent that side effect.
According to Allergan, Latisse was well-tolerated in its clinical trials, with the most common side effects being eye redness, itchy eyes, and skin hyperpigmentation.
Diet spells success in clearing Acne
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008For years, the common belief was diet had absolutely no effect on acne. Turns out, it may have been wrong.
A study completed by the Australia’s RMIT University and Royal Melbourne Hospital Department of Dermatology have discovered what is being hailed as a “solid link” between diet and acne development. The research team spent two years studying metabolic changes in glucose and insulin levels due to diet and the resulting changes on the skin. Researchers believe carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which cause glucose and insulin levels to spike, influencing development and severity of acne. Conversely, a diet high in protein and carbohydrates with a low glycemic index seemed to improve acne breakouts. Results were astounding. After 12 weeks, the boys in the high protein-low glycemic index group showed a fifty percent reduction of acne. So, instead of highly processed foods, try incorporating more whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, wheat pastas, brown rice, oatmeal, etc. into your diet, as well as plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. Limit the amount of soda, sugary snacks, and other “junk foods” whenever possible.
Diet spells success in clearing Acne
Antibiotics, Probiotics, Acne, Lasers
Monday, December 22nd, 2008Up to 1 in 5 people on antibiotics stop taking their full course of antibiotic therapy due to diarrhea. Physicians could help patients avoid this problem by prescribing probiotics, according to a study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University published in American Family Physician. Antibiotics target “bad†bacteria but may also kill the “good†bacteria in the large intestine, leading to diarrhea. Diarrhea can also result from bacterial and viral infections. Probiotics — cultures of “good†microorganisms similar to those normally found in the gut — have been promoted as restoring the microbial balance disrupted by antibiotics and infections. Probiotic bacterial strains are added to certain yogurts and brands of miso and other fermented foods, and are also available as powders and pills sold in health food stores. This is especially important if you are on chronic antibiotics for Acne. Treating Acne with lasers removes the concern for the selection of bad bacteria and their consequence.
“The good, bad and ugly”
Dry Skin, dermatitis, moisturizers
Friday, December 19th, 2008With cold weather upon us many people suffer from dry skin or “winter itch.†Moisturizers found at the local pharmacy are generally safe, although skin reactions, such as allergic contact dermatitis from topical preparations may
"Give him a hand"
occur. The most common ingredients to cause or worsen your dry skin dermatitis are fragrances found in 68% percent of moisturizers. Fragrances are ingredients added to a product to add a pleasurable odor. Â More than 100 fragrance ingredients have been identified as allergens, ingredients causing skin to get red, itchy and scaly. If you have sensitive skin, consider avoiding the following ingredients as they too may cause skin problems. Listed is the % these problematic chemicals are found in moisturizes. Parabens-Â 62%, Vitamin E-55%, Essential oils and biological additives-45%, Benzyl alcohol-24%, Propylene glycol -20%, Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives-20%, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate-16%, Lanolin-108%, Kathon CG-6%. Truly hypoallergenic moisturizes to consider are Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and Crisco Vegetable shortening. Others such as Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Care Cream and Cereve Cream are good but may cause problems if one is sensitive to ingredients. Remember, common worthless catch phrases on labels of favorite moisturizers, such as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic sound reassuring, but often have little, if any, meaning.
New Great Acne medication
Thursday, December 18th, 2008The FDA recently approved a new prescription medication to fight acne. Aczone (dapsone) Gel 5% contains a powerful antibiotic that also is anti-inflammatory, quickly clearing redness and swelling. The topical formulation provides patients with a convenient and effective therapy. In two recent University based clinical studies in 3000 acne patients, Aczone Gel achieved statistically significant percent reduction in the number of acne lesions and overall appearance. Some patients in the study experienced oiliness/peeling, dryness, and redness, though this is common with most acne medications and is easily treated with moisturizers allowing patients to continue Aczone till they see results.