 Dear patients, friends and colleagues,
We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and you were able to spend it with loved ones and friends.
The most talked about things in the aesthetic world of dermatology are the advent of fractional ablative lasers, new fillers, and new botulinum toxins. I want to share with you some of what I have heard and experienced during my travels and research.
After demoing some new devices in late 2008, I discovered that the Matrix RF™ (a device we participated in evaluating as one of two US sites for the FDA approval clinical trials - see SKINQRI study results) is just as efficient in reducing wrinkles and tightening, with less downtime and pain than its competitors (see Aesthetic Dermatology News). We are excited to offer this new option for skin rejuvenation. With minimal to no downtime, we know that this fits in with all of your busy lifestyles.
Medicis (the company that makes Restylane and Perlane - the dominant fillers in the worldwide market, as well as Solodyn and Ziana, two popular acne medications) is much closer to bringing us a competitor to BOTOX® Cosmetic. This new drug, called Reloxin, has the same basic molecule but different complexing proteins that are absorbed by the muscles in a different method. According to my colleagues who have tried it in clinical trials, Reloxin seems to have a faster onset of action and may last a little longer. It may be available in the first or second quarter of this year so tune in for more information.
There are a lot of new fillers you may be hearing about but so far none that have significant advantages over the fillers we continue to use, which we have mastered and have had consistently excellent safety ratings not only in our hands but worldwide. As you know, we like to be on the cutting edge but only when there is a distinct advantage to the new technology and it has been proven to be safe.
Remember to keep coming in for your annual body checks or as recommended by your dermatologist. We have had a huge increase in diagnosed melanomas in the past few months and we want to check your moles and skin growths to prevent or detect early signs of abnormal lesions.
As usual in our climate you need to winterize yourself - tune up your humidifier, break out your moisturizer, turn down the heat of your shower, and use fragrance free soap. We do have some fantastic specialty moisturizers and cleansers that will help you through the winter. See our section on Dry Skin in Medical Dermatology News.
Finally, don't be shy about your psoriasis. This is one area in medical dermatology that continues to advance with new treatments coming out on an annual basis. We know that winter is the time when your condition gets worse and we want to help you! We also have a whole line of products in Skinfo called Mavena created specifically with the psoriasis sufferer in mind. We have had great results with our XTRAC laser as well as with our injectable medications.
Let's stay warm and hope spring comes sooner than usual this year! I sincerely hope that 2009 will bring health and prosperity to you and your families.
Best Regards,
Amy Forman Taub, MDAnd the Staff of Advanced Dermatology, Skinfo and SKINQRI. |
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These specials are only valid during the specified dates, will not be combined with any other offer, and will not be applied to previous treatments. Each patient must receive a consultation prior to booking their appointment, so please book your consultation in advance.
Injectable Filler Event Days Volume is the key feature in a youthful face. Plump fine lines, wrinkles, lips and hollowed under eyes. Select injectable fillers provided by either Dr. Taub, Shannon Morrow, PA-C or Emily Oehler, PA-C will be Buy 2 Syringes, Get 1 Free on these days only!
*A $100 deposit is required to book this appointment and will be applied to this visit. Special will not be honored on any other day and all syringes must be used at the time of purchase.
Restylane™ & Perlane™ Event Days
January 27 - Dr. Taub's Event Day
February 18 - Shannon's Event Day
March 23 - Emily's Event Day
JUVÉDERM™ Event Days
January 21 - Shannon's Event Day
February 23 - Emily's Event Day
March 17 - Dr. Taub's Event Day
January 2009 - Complimentary Cosmetic Consultations Meet with a Cosmetic Coordinator to design your personalized treatment and skin care program to achieve your optimal skin health goals. We will help you plan your treatments accordingly so that your skin is glowing for your special events this winter.
January 2009 - Get ready for Spring Break NOW! It takes a few months to fully prepare your body for bikini weather during your spring vacation. Take advantage of these specials now so that you look fabulous in March.
- Leg Vein Removal - $50 off each treatment of Laser Leg Vein Removal or Sclerotherapy
- Laser Hair Removal - Buy one area, get another area of equal or less time at 30% off
- Cellulite Reduction and Body Contouring - $200 off your first Thermage or VelaShape Treatment when you sign up for the initial treatment program.
January 1 - March 31, 2009 - isolaz™ DEEP PORE LAZR THERAPY Special - $100 per Treatment Due to popular demand for Isolaz™ treatments, we are continuing this special promotional pricing. Each Isolaz™ treatment for acne is discounted from $260 to $100. An additional fee of $200 is required at the first visit for treatment tips.
February 2 - 7, 2009 - Experience Beauty Enhancement during Advanced Dermatology's Cosmetic and Laser Week! Choose from the following promotions - or have them all! Each patient must receive a consultation prior to booking their appointment, so please book your consultation in advance.
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November 2008 - Dr. Taub gave a presentation to the Future Doctors of America Club at Stevenson High School on Skin Health and Dermatology as a Career.
January 2009 - Dr. Taub will be presenting and providing a live demonstration of Thermage in the Beauty and the Beam Workshop and presenting at the Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)Workshop at the Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic and Clinical Conference.
January 2009 - Dr Taub will be presenting in Paris, France at the International Masters Course on Aging on the new technology Matrix RF. She was one of only 2 doctors in the US to preview this newly FDA approved technology.
March 2009 - Dr. Taub, Shannon Morrow, PA-C, Erin DeVita, CCRC and Suzanne Lombardo will be attending the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. Dr. Taub will be presenting Procedural Treatments for Acne.
March 2009 - Sheila Sahs, LPN, Fern Dembo, RN, Erin DeVita, CCRC and Suzanne Lombardo will be attending the American Academy of Dermatology Administrators and Managers (ADA/M) Annual Meeting.
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Cellulite Reduction: Get Ready for Spring Break Get yourself ready for spring break now by contouring, shaping and reducing cellulite. We have two different treatment options available for body shaping and cellulite reduction, Velashape™ and Thermage®. Velashape™ features the revolutionary combination of Bi-polar radiofrequency, Infrared Light Energy, plus Vacuum and Mechanical Massage. The net result increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces the size of actual fat chambers. The precise heating ensures a safe, effective, fast treatment with no downtime. Thermage® utilizes a unique form of monopolar Capacitive Radiofrequency technology to tighten existing collagen and stimulate new collagen production. Thermage®, now improved with the Thermage Body Tip 16.0 (over five times larger than the previous 3.0 tips) can be used to reduce laxity of skin, decrease cellulite, and contour the body. With the new Body Tip, the procedure is much faster with much more comfort and still no downtime. Each procedure performed alone can produce great results but the Velashape™ and Thermage® can effectively be combined together for even more dramatic results.
Leg Vein Removal Winter is the time to get started treating your leg veins in time for spring or summer. Most people don't realize that it takes about 3 treatments to get full clearance and
treatments are received at two month intervals as the vessels take time to be absorbed by the body once they are treated. We provide two methods of treatment: laser and injection sclerotherapy. We often perform both on a given individual. Both of these methods have been used for many years and are safe and highly effective, although each does have some risks that can be discussed in your consultation visit. Laser hurts a bit more but doesn't require any needles or injections and has
a faster healing time. Sclerotherapy is less painful and a little less expensive but has more of a tendency to have some brown discolorations where the veins were reabsorbed that go away with
time. You can also enhance the healing by using Cellex-C Spider Vein Complex, a botanical serum that helps strengthen the vessel walls to reduce dilation of vessels. The causes of excessive leg veins are heredity, obesity, female hormones, pregnancy and standing still for too long in one place. Exercise, uncrossing your legs, and support hose all help to reduce their severity. Insurance does not typically cover treatments of reticular veins and spider veins, but if an individual experiences significant discomfort or pain in the legs in addition to having varicose veins (bulging larger blue vessels) and abnormal internal leg vein valves present, then the condition may be considered medically necessary. We can refer you to another physician for evaluation of these if we suspect this and for more extensive treatment if needed. Stop hiding your legs because of unwanted veins and get ready to show your legs off this spring!
Matrix RF™ Do you desire skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, and even lifting; then come experience the Matrix RF™ treatments. This new and unique device delivers radiofrequency energy into the skin in a fractional manner allowing the untreated skin to become a reservoir to promote rapid healing and therefore reduce post procedure down time. Since the device does not rely on light or laser to stimulate collagen and resurface the skin it is safe to use on all skin types. We recommend one treatment per month for three to five months to achieve the desired outcome. Although this quick treatment is often combined with BOTOX® Cosmetic and Injectable Fillers it can produce profound improvements in the skin for those who prefer not to have injections. We hear you and continue to try to bring you the most up to date but least invasive options for rejuvenation. We know that you don't have the time or the inclination to have a procedure that leaves you with a red, peeling face for a week! We feel the Matrix RF™ brings the ability to treat wrinkles and give some tightening with little downtime or pain.
Reloxin Reloxin is a new botulinum toxin that we have heard is going to be approved by the FDA shortly. Many physicians who have administered it have told Dr. Taub anecdotally that it has a faster onset and lasts a little bit longer than BOTOX® Cosmetic. Although it has exactly the same toxin as BOTOX® Cosmetic, it has different proteins that complex, or surround, it. The company has explained that this may be because the complexing proteins facilitate the interaction with the toxin and the muscle. Keep an eye out for more information on Reloxin on our website where we will announce it as soon as it is available. |
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 Before (left) and six months After (right) Body by Thermage® on the abdomen.
Photos courtesy of Bill Johnson, MD.  Before (left) and After (right) 1 month post 3rd Matrix RF™ treatment on the face.
Photos courtesy of SKINQRI.  Before (left) and After (right) 15 XTRAC treatments for psoriasis.
Photos courtesy of Advanced Dermatology.
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Dry Skin As winter approaches, parents often become concerned with their child's dry and itchy skin that doesn't resolve with their normal moisturizers. The culprit can be a combination of our dry weather and a sensitivity of the skin called atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition thought to be caused by both a genetic disposition and
environmental triggers. It is often referred to as "the itch that rashes." It can occur at any age but is most common in infants to young adults especially those who have a personal or family history of asthma or seasonal allergies. Atopic dermatitis can present as a chronic colorless rough patch of dry skin but can progress into raised red scaly patches. The skin rash can be widespread or limited to a few areas. Treatment includes removing triggers that increase skin sensitivity such as products containing fragrances or dyes, using moisturizers to help improve the function of the skin and prescription topical steroids or immunomodulators to decrease inflammation of the skin. Skinfo offers some excellent options in the care of atopic dermatitis including Avene Trixera Emollient Cream, Cleansing Gel and Bath or the Mavena line of skin care products which incorporates mineral rich Dead Sea Salt.
Another skin condition affecting children and adolescents which tends to worsen in winter is keratosis pilaris, KP for short. KP is a benign condition in which keratin, a protein in the skin, forms hard plugs within the hair follicles. It may appear similar to "goose bumps" and often has a "sandpaper" feel. Although harmless, some find it cosmetically unappealing. Treatment is geared at mild exfoliation and added moisture which can diminish the bumps but is not a cure. Suggestions for treatment include: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, Mavena Lipolotion or Special Care Cream, and Skinfo Soft & Smooth Body Lotion. All of these options and others can be found in our Skinfo boutique.
Skin Tears on Elderly Skin Elderly skin tends to be thin and get easily scraped, bruised and torn. It is important if you have thin skin or you are caring for an elderly person that you make sure that they are moisturized daily, use fragrance-free non-irritating soaps, that their fingernails and kept in good condition and also cut relatively short and that the person also has adequate nutrition and hydration in order to prevent tears or breaks in the skin. If they do occur, immediately coat with skin glue or telfa pad (non-stick) coated with EltaMD Moisturizer, Vaseline petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment. Keep covered around the clock with a moist wound healing environment, changing this once per day. Do not apply these with adhesive bandages as these may also harm the skin. If on an arm or leg, they can be wrapped with a coban or other self-sticking ace like bandage and this can be taped on the outside so the tape does not touch the skin itself. Any signs of infection such as redness, oozing of yellow fluid, pain or odor should be evaluated by a physician.
Contact Dermatitis Contact Dermatitis is the term used when an individual comes in contact with an item they are allergic to. Nickel is one of the most common allergens, but there are hundreds of substances that can cause contact allergy in an individual. Often the rash will occur in the shape of the item that touched the skin, for example a watch that causes a circular rash on the wrist or that belt buckle that constantly rubs the same area on the abdomen. Poison ivy is an example of contact dermatitis from an allergy to the plant - often there are straight lines where the plant brushed against the arms or legs. Avoidance is the best prevention, but prescription strength creams are usually necessary to relieve the itching and clear up the rash. On occasion an individual will need to undergo patch testing to determine what the offending agent may be. If you are having problems with a recurrent rash, schedule an appointment today and let the investigating begin!
Rosacea As winter approaches, patients with rosacea need to take special care of their skin. The
combination of outdoor winds and indoor heating causes the skin to loose a lot of moisture. Patients with rosacea are already prone to dry skin and winter can be a time of increased dryness which may aggravate rosacea. Many patients will need to change their skin care routine to account for the increased dryness. The changes in skin care may include switching to a heavier moisturizer, adding a hyaluronic acid gel such as Neocutis Hyalis to your moisturizing routine or switching to a gentle skin cleanser. Also adding an alpha hydroxy acid moisturizer or cleanser can help to exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface of the skin leaving your skin softer and smoother. If rosacea flares during the winter, adding a cream with green tea polyphenols such as Skinfo Vital Tea Buzz Cream or adding Pyratine-6 Lotion to your current skin care regimen will help reduce redness.
Raptiva® Announcement Genentech announced that the company has issued a Dear Healthcare Provider letter to inform dermatologists and neurologists of a 2nd case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) which resulted in the death of a 73- year old woman who had received
Raptiva® (efalizumab) for approximately four years for treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Based on the medical information available for the two cases of PML, which occurred in one 70-year old patient and one 73-year old patient who received Raptiva for approximately four years, Genentech believes that Raptiva likely increases the risk of PML and that prolonged exposure to Raptiva and older age may further increase this risk. The company is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine the appropriate next steps. The main concerns are people who have been on it for a number of years and people who are older than 70. A black box warning has been issued with respect to PML and Raptiva. If you are on Raptiva for your psoriasis, please contact the office to make an appointment with your provider if you have concerns. |
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Matrix RF™ Results SKINQRI was one of only two centers in the US to participate in the FDA approval testing of the new Matrix RF™ system. Matrix RF™ is the first device to use ablative fractional bipolar radiofrequency energy for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening and lifting. For the FDA approval testing, 47 people with moderate facial aging changes were enrolled at these two centers and received 3 facial treatments at one month intervals. Photographs were taken and the subjects were rated by the investigating physicians 1 month after the 2nd treatment and again 1 month after the 3rd treatment. The patient's satisfaction rating and perception of pan were also recorded.
Eight five percent (85%) of patients in the study thought there was global improvement in their skin including tightening, reduction of wrinkles, and overall smoothness and brightness. On average 91% of patients rated the pain of the procedure and post procedure as zero to slight. Patients reported minimal downtime, usually described as 1-2 days of mild redness and 2-5 days of mild dryness. No adverse events were recorded.
Dr. Taub will be presenting the results of this study at the International Masters Course on Aging in Paris (IMCAS) in Paris in January. Based on the results of this study, the Matrix RF™ is now FDA approved and Advanced Dermatology is one of only two practices that have debuted it. We have
been very pleased by the consistently good results, lack of downtime and discomfort and safety of the procedure and are optimistic about these early results.
You can read more about Matrix RF™ in the aesthetic dermatology section of this newsletter. We are now taking appointments for consultations regarding this procedure.
Currently Recruiting Studies
Does Acne have you in the shadows?
If you are 12-45 years old, have facial acne, and can count at least 17 red bumps on your face, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research trial using an investigational topical gel medication or placebo gel (a gel with no medically active ingredients). This is a 12 (twelve) week long study and requires 5 (five) visits to our office. Qualified participants will receive: · Skin evaluations by a board certified dermatologist · Study medication for 12 weeks · Compensation for time and travel For more information, please call: SKINQRI 847-419-9100 Dr. Amy Taub
www.skinqri.com
Do you have moderate to severe wrinkles of the forehead between the eyebrows?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study to evaluate an investigational medication to treat these wrinkles. Vertical forehead wrinkles between the eyebrows are often called frown lines or glabellar frown lines. Qualified participants will receive study related medical care and medication at no cost. You do not need medical insurance to participate. For more info, please call SKINQRI 847- 419-9100. 
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Skinfo has developed its Monthly Calendar posted with all of the specials and events to be handed out within our skincare boutique and will also be accessible on-line. In addition to our monthly event days with our skincare vendors, we have added in unique promotions designed based on our clients' requests and skincare goals. Every Saturday throughout the year, skinfo will be hosting a special event. The events change each Saturday and vary from special promotions and discounts to pampering treatments and men's days so keep your eyes open so you don't miss your promo. Ladies Night Out will be every 3rd Thursday night and Teen Night will be every 4th Thursday night, each focusing on special interest topics with goodies and more exclusive rewards. Take advantage of these fabulous opportunities to save and enjoy a few relaxing minutes with your skincare specialist.
Complimentary VISIA Complexion Analysis with Dr. Taub. VISIA Complexion Analysis is a photographic imaging tool used for customized skin care consultation. It examines and provides an individualized complexion profile of the facial skin highlighting wrinkles, spots, pores, texture, bacteria, UV spots, pigmented spots and acne. Dr. Taub will design a customized skincare regimen for you based on your VISIA results. By appointment only.
- Wednesday, January 21, 2009 2pm-4pm
- Saturday, February 21, 2009 11am-2pm
- Wednesday, March 18, 2009 5pm-7pm
January 1-31, 2009 New Regimens for the New Year Your skin changes all year long, what a better time to renew than the New Year! Consult with a Skincare Specialist to design an updated regimen and receive 15% off your entire purchase of the new regimen. (Regimen must include cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, and sun block).
Skinfo events are in-store only (please call 847-459-2800 if you need any products sent out to you if you cannot come in). Discounts are not valid with any other offers. |
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We have expanded our product selection from various vendors including SkinCeuticals, Revision, Kinerase, Neocutis, Avene, gloTherapeutics, Glytone, Obagi, SkinMedica, Vanicream and more in addition to adding in a new line PRESCRIBEDsolutions. Visit Skinfo or Skinfo.com to find out more
about these new products. Here are a few highlights to get you started.
Neocutis Bio-Serum Intensive Treatment and Intensive Spot Treatment Rejuvenate, energize and
stimulate your skin for 7 days with this high performance protein intervention. Then spot treat twice daily to areas with deeper lines and wrinkles such as crow's feet and forehead. These serums are packed with 100% more PSP growth factors plus advanced youth enhancing ingredients.
SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter is specifically formulated to improve the creping, thinning appearance of mature skin caused by intrinsic or internal aging processes such as glycation.
Obagi ELASTIderm Décolletage System ELASTIderm Skin Lightening Complex and Wrinkle Reducing Lotion Get rid of that sun-damaged chest! Our biggest complaint from clients is the look of the skin on their neck and chest - too many brown spots and fine wrinkles. Now you can have a youthful looking decollate with ELASTIderm. In two steps, a lightener formulated with 4%, hydroquinone reduces hyperpigmentation (discoloration) and age spots on the skin while the Restorative Elasticity Complex containing a unique bi-mineral complex helps to replenish elasticity and build collagen for increased skin strength and resilience. |
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We continue to expand our collection of Colorescience products available at Skinfo. In addition to new blush and foundation colors, enjoy these line extensions to complete your Colorescience collection for every exclusive event and of course your daily wear.
Gilty Conscience Finger Face Paints A transparent glaze with gilded accents of precious metals. Contains nourishing aromatherapy oils & herbal extracts specially formulated to soothe skin. Use on lips, cheeks or eyes...alone, over and/or under other make-up. Available in 4 colores.
Genies Intense colore, infinite wearability, incredible blendability, and soft effects give you the most amazing results with the most versatility. No talc or dyes, use wet or dry. Available in over 30 colores.
Lip Accents Two great lip transformers, or create a soft, sexy look when worn alone. Shea butter
and botanicals moisturize, while a patented lip plumper plumps and restores. Available in 2 shades; one a lavender-silver, the other a pink-gold.
Pep Up Pen Experience the magic of a non-surgical dermal filler. An eye and lip tri-peptide formula to smooth and plump fine lines; increases the appearance of firmness while decreasing
the appearance of fine lines.
Crystalscience Lip Serums Improve contour of the lips and give better definition to the lip line with these prismatic serums. Increase lip moisture, decrease lip furrows and restore collagen. Available in 2 colores.
Colorescience Makeup Event Dates Expert Colorescientists will instruct you on how to achieve these seasonal looks.
- January 26 - Beat the Winter Blues
- February 20 - Mardi Gras Masquerade
- March 24 - Lucky Tips for Healthy Skin
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