The medical news today reconfirms our strong belief in buying directly from the manufacturer and not cutting corners to save money and put our patients at risk.
Hot Dermatology Topics in the News
I always scour the papers looking for dermatology news that my patients may be reading. This helps to keep me up to date on "popular dermatology" and topics that may be of interest to patients. It also allows me to weed through misinformation that may be in the media and incorrectly educate patients. I have decided to start adding the highlights to the blog that I find interesting and think you may enjoy, or may be important for readers to know. I hope you enjoy.
December 28, 2012
Where do you buy Botox?
November 12, 2012
Melissa Lazarus Dermatology Opens Beauty Bar Near Bal Harbour
Launches with 121 Nails™ Manicures and Pedicures
121 Beauty Bar offers Miami's most sanitary manicure and pedicure: 121 Nails™.
Melissa Lazarus Dermatology's new on-site beauty bar has recently opened its doors. First up on the beauty menu: stylish, high-quality, sanitary nail services using 121 Nails™, a unique system created by Melissa Lazarus, M.D., that ensures healthy, sterile manicures and pedicures. Dr. Lazarus has nailed the perfect combination of high-end pampering and sanitary medical standards; clients will feel indulged without sacrificing safety.
July 10, 2012
Smoking and Skin Cancer
Everyone knows that smoking is linked to many horrible diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and oral cancer. But there is another reason to quit.
July 05, 2012
I'll Let You Play with My Phone if You Promise Not to Kick the Doctor!
If you have ever had a child with a wart requiring "freezing" (liquid nitrogen treatment) by the dermatologist, you know how distressing this can be not only to the child, but also to the parent (and sometimes to the doctor as well).
A new study in the Archives of Dermatology suggests that maybe you should hand your iPhone, iPad, or portable DVD player over to your child before and during your visit if you find yourself with a warty kid.
June 26, 2012
Is it True You Need to Pee on Jellyfish Stings?
Actually, this myth was just proven to be just that, a myth. In an article published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine (June 8, 2012), researchers reviewed 19 studies published about the treatment of jellyfish stings. And guess what? There was no evidence that urine or meat tenderizer were helpful at all (phew).
June 12, 2012
Sunscreen - The Latest Drug Banned from Schools
Did you know that in many states it is illegal to send your child to school with sunscreen? In fact, in all states except California, children are not allowed to apply the product at school or even bring sunscreen to school. This topic is getting national media attention because two girls, Violet and Zoe Michener, from Washington State, returned from a school field day with sunburns so severe their mother had to rush them to an emergency room.
October 03, 2011
Ultherapy: Natural and Noticeable Skin Tightening Without Surgery or Down-time
One of my favorite things about being a dermatologist in Miami is the whole host of “toys” I get to play with and use to make people look and feel better, fresher, and younger. Don't get me wrong, curing and preventing skin cancer is pretty darn cool too, but using laser beams and other devices that are the cutting edge of technology also makes me smile. Normal women collect bags, shoes, and clothing. Not to say that I don't indulge in those items at times, but I mostly save up and buy new technology.
September 14, 2011
New Hope for the Follicularly Challenged
Is it possible that the medication that gives you thick, long, luscious lashes can also give those that are follicularly challenged (aka balding) on the scalp some new hope? Allergan, Inc. announced today that it is beginning phase 2 trials of Latisse (bimatoprost) as a therapy for hair loss and expects to have results as early as next year.
September 08, 2011
The Fungus Amongus
In South Florida where I practice dermatology, it is always sandal season. But many men and women hide their toes in the shadows of closed-toe shoes because they are embarrassed by a microscopic invader- toenail fungus. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis in medical jargon, usually appears as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. As it spreads deeper, it can cause changes in the color of the nail, and lead to thickening and crumbling of the nail. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 12% of the population has nail fungus. And while toenails are affected more frequently than finger nails, the problem can be easily spread and is notoriously difficult to treat. While potentially dangerous in patients with diabetes, circulatory problems, or immunosupression, toenail fungus is often considered a cosmetic, and not a medical problem by many insurance companies for otherwise healthy patients. So what are those challenged by this bugger to do?
August 11, 2011
It Is So Cool
CoolSculpting by Zeltiq® that is…I admit I was hesitant when I first heard that you could freeze away fat. As a huge fan of the medical condition called “popsicle panniclitis” as a medical student (this is when kids lose the fat in their cheeks from sucking on too many popsicles during the summer), I was intrigued when I heard the science behind the device was based on the same principle. 
Fat freezes at a warmer temperature than skin. Freezing the fat causes the cells to die, break down and then be resorbed by the body. If you use the right temperature, only the fat will freeze. Surrounding tissue such as vessels, nerves, and skin require much colder temperatures to be damaged so they are completely unaffected. Simple idea, great science (it was developed by scientists at Mass General/Harvard), but how can this be made into a machine that can get rid of your muffin top, love handles, back fat, and any other unwanted pooch?
July 22, 2011
There's a New Kid in Town and He Is Ready for a Fight!
Merz Aesthetics announced today that they have received FDA approval for Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxin) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines, also known as frown lines or the "elevens" in adult patients. This now presents a third option in the head-to-head battle that has been taking place between Botox® (Allergan) and Dysport® (Medicis). Who will become the "middle child" remains to be seen, but this presents some pretty interesting options for patients and physicians.