BEAUTY NEWS: New research proves that the new Pixel Perfect laser lives up to its name

Getting perfect skin — a face that’s free of lines, wrinkles, sun damage and other signs of aging — is a lofty goal, but it’s at the heart of almost every cosmetic procedure from facials to full-scale facelifts. Women in search of perfection and contemplating these procedures typically ask their friends and acquaintances for recommendations before scheduling an appointment. But if we’re considering a brand-new technology, most of us don’t know anyone who’s cutting-edge enough to have that kind of experience.

That’s why a recent study on the new Pixel Perfect laser is such good news: The report was presented by the New Age Skin Research Foundation (www.nasrf.org), a not-for-profit medical organization committed to improving the quality of life of those with skin conditions at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. The report shows that the majority of the women who have tried the Pixel laser loved it and would recommend it to a friend.

“The patients we spoke with confirmed what we already knew,” says Joshua Fox, M.D., founder and president of NASRF and a leading dermatologist who uses the Pixel laser in his practice. “The laser offers the best of both worlds: the dramatic results of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser with the comfort and convenience of less invasive procedures namely, minimal downtime and risks.”

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) lasers, which have been the gold standard when it comes to nonsurgical rejuvenation, offer patients with moderate to severe signs of aging some of the most dramatic results this side of the scalpel: lessening wrinkles, reducing all sorts of scars, diminishing sun damage and tightening sagging skin through a process with collagen tightening, remodeling and new collagen formation, known as laser resurfacing. Along with erbium YAG lasers, traditional CO2 lasers are what’s known as ablative, meaning they carefully remove a small amount of skin, thus stimulating the skin to heal itself (and repair those lines and wrinkles in the process). However, an ablative laser treatment previously involved a significant amount of discomfort and several weeks of healing time and redness.

The new Pixel Perfect laser is different because it’s fractionated, meaning the laser’s beam is separated into many tiny dots, each of which makes a microscopic hole, called a micro injury, in the top few layers of the skin. The holes are spaced evenly, with areas of untouched skin in between (about 65 percent of the skin in a treated area will be untouched by the laser). As the skin heals, they produce immediate tightening and texture and color improvements. And over the next one to two months, they’ll also trigger new collagen production in the skin, which works to plump up the skin and continue the improvements on the surface.

Because the fractionated laser leaves so much skin untouched, it creates much less injury and allows the skin to help its damaged areas heal much more quickly with minimal risk. “We’re seeing patients recovering in about three to seven days,” Dr. Fox says. “That’s a huge improvement over the months it use to take to get over a traditional ablative laser resurfacing. We have not seen any cases of scarring and the patients are thrilled by the results.”

“Many of my patients told me they had considered laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion or deep chemical peels, but were put off because of the long recovery times,” Dr. Fox says. He notes that a treatment with the Pixel Perfect laser typically takes between less than an hour, requires no intravenous anesthesia, and carries much less risk of scarring or pigmentation irregularities than the traditional CO2 laser does. The new study confirms that the Pixel Perfect laser seems to be the solution for many of these patients, he adds, providing significant changes without the discomfort and downtime of traditional ablative lasers.

About Dr. Fox: Joshua L. Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D., earned his medical degree from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He completed an internship at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, followed by a three-year dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine. A Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Fox is a leading authority in the field of dermatology, with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery and laser procedures. He is the founder and director of Advanced Dermatology, P.C. of New York and New Jersey and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (www.advancedd.com) and is a spokesman for both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. He is founder and president of New Age Research Foundation, a non-profit committed to improving the quality of life of those with skin conditions (www.newageskin.org).

Contact: Melissa Chefec, MCPR Public Relations, 203-968-6625

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESSER LASERS: New research proves that the new Pixel Perfect laser lives up to its name

Roslyn, NY, June 2010 - Getting perfect skin - a face that’s free of lines, wrinkles, sun damage and other signs of aging - is a lofty goal, but it’s at the heart of almost every cosmetic procedure from facials to full-scale facelifts. Women in search of perfection and contemplating these procedures typically ask their friends and acquaintances for recommendations before scheduling an appointment. But if we’re considering a brand-new technology, most of us don’t know anyone who’s cutting-edge enough to have that kind of experience.
 
That’s why a recent study on the new Pixel Perfect laser is such good news. The report was presented by the New Age Skin Research Foundation (www.newageskin.org), a not-for-profit medical organization committed to improving the quality of life of those with skin conditions, at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. The report shows that the majority of the women who have tried the Pixel laser loved it and would recommend it to a friend.
 
“The patients we spoke with confirmed what we already knew,” says Joshua Fox, M.D., founder and president of NASRF and a leading dermatologist who uses the Pixel laser in his practice. “The laser offers the best of both worlds: the dramatic results of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser with the comfort and convenience of less invasive procedures namely, minimal downtime and risks.”
 
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) lasers, which have been the gold standard when it comes to nonsurgical rejuvenation, offer patients with moderate to severe signs of aging some of the most dramatic results this side of the scalpel: lessening wrinkles, reducing all sorts of scars, diminishing sun damage and tightening sagging skin through a process with collagen tightening, remodeling and new collagen formation, known as laser resurfacing. Along with erbium YAG lasers, traditional CO2 lasers are what’s known as ablative, meaning they carefully remove a small amount of skin, thus stimulating the skin to heal itself (and repair those lines and wrinkles in the process). However, an ablative laser treatment previously involved a significant amount of discomfort and several weeks of healing time and redness.
 
The new Pixel Perfect laser is different because it’s fractionated, meaning the laser’s beam is separated into many tiny dots, each of which makes a microscopic hole, called a micro injury, in the top few layers of the skin. The holes are spaced evenly, with areas of untouched skin in between (about 65 percent of the skin in a treated area will be untouched by the laser). As the skin heals, they produce immediate tightening and texture and color improvements. And over the next one to two months, they’ll also trigger new collagen production in the skin, which works to plump up the skin and continue the improvements on the surface.
 
Because the fractionated laser leaves so much skin untouched, it creates much less injury and allows the skin to help its damaged areas heal much more quickly with minimal risk. “We’re seeing patients recovering in about three to seven days,” Dr. Fox says. “That’s a huge improvement over the months it use to take to get over a traditional ablative laser resurfacing. We have not seen any cases of scarring and the patients are thrilled by the results.”
 
“Many of my patients told me they had considered laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion or deep chemical peels, but were put off because of the long recovery times,” Dr. Fox says. He notes that a treatment with the Pixel Perfect laser typically takes between less than an hour, requires no intravenous anesthesia, and carries much less risk of scarring or pigmentation irregularities than the traditional CO2 laser does. The new study confirms that the Pixel Perfect laser seems to be the solution for many of these patients, he adds, providing significant changes without the discomfort and downtime of traditional ablative lasers.

AFRICAN AMERICANS AT RISK FOR HAIR LOSS: Dermatologist Joshua Fox Explains Traction Alopecia, Offers Tips for Saving, Improving Hair

Roslyn, New York, May 2010 - According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly one third of African American women and more than 17 percent of African American girls ages 6-21 will lose their hair due to a condition known as traction alopecia.  Dr. Joshua Fox, leading dermatologist in the New York Area says that by simply changing their hair care and styling practices, many of these girls and women will be able to retain and enjoy their hair for years to come.
 
Traction alopecia is a condition most commonly seen in the African American population and is caused by specific hair styling practices including tight braids, cornrows or weaves as well as the use of chemical hair straighteners, dyes or bleaches. An estimated three fourths of African American females straighten their hair.  “Ironically, the very hair care and styling practices designed to improve their appearance can actually cause young girls and women to lose their hair and feel that they no longer look as good as they want to,” says Dr. Fox, founder of Advanced Dermatology, PC and founder and president of New Age Research Foundation (www.newageskin.org) and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology.
 
Traction alopecia occurs more frequently in children, teenagers and young adults then it does in older women and men, however, it can occur in people of any age or gender.  “If diagnosed early, traction alopecia is reversible,” Dr. Fox says, “but it may lead to permanent hair loss if it is undetected for a long period of time.” Dr. Fox advises that people should see their dermatologist at the first sign of any of the symptoms of traction alopecia so that the condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.
 
Dr. Fox says the symptoms of traction alopecia include: pruritus, or itching, with or without dandruff; perifollicular erythema, or inflammation; thinning of the hair, with large strands coming out when the hair is combed. Many may feel a tingling sensation or pain in the area where the hair loss has occurred. Additional symptoms may include hyperkeratosis, a thickening of the skin on the scalp, and the development of pustules and scales. Eventually, patients may notice many broken hairs. Soon, the hair follicles will atrophy and no longer produce the typical long and coarse hair. Instead, thinner, fine, short hair is generated.  Pitting in fingernails is a sign of severe traction alopecia.  Most important and commonly, is that the frontal hairline is moved backward in the area being pulled.  Other times, the area of the part is thinned-out as this is area of the pulling.
 
“The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early,” Dr. Fox says.  “Most patients do not notice this “slow killer” of hair as it happens so gradually over months and years - much as people often do not notice themselves putting on weight or aging.”  Once traction alopecia has been diagnosed, patients must immediately discontinue any hairstyling practice that causes traction on the hair and switch to looser, gentler styles.  “Doing so early can lead to complete reversal of the hair loss and regrowth within several months to a year or longer,” Dr. Fox says.  “In addition, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics or cortisone or even give injections to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Patients should also make sure they get enough iron and protein in the diet to help promote hair regrowth.
 
“When traction alopecia is not detected early, the hair loss may be permanent and irreversible,” says Dr. Gregory Pistone, Hair Restoration Specialist and on staff at Advanced Dermatology, PC., as well as serving as Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine in Philadelphia,  “There is no medical treatment available today to reverse late-stage traction alopecia. Patients then may have to consider surgical hair transplantation procedures.  The scarring, which traction alopecia causes, makes hair transplantation more difficult.  One should only utilize a skilled ‘expert’ hair transplantation surgeon when attempting to ‘cure’ their hair loss.  The results can be quite dramatic, however it is always better to prevent the problem than to require a hair transplant.”

Age Spots

May 7, 2010

1. Beauty: Age Spots Can Be Easily Treated 2. Biotech: Capitalizing on Biogenerics in the Wake of Health Reform 3. Biotech: Charlotte Region is Hub for Life Sciences, Biotech Companies 4. Health: 50th Anniversary of the Birth Control Pill 5. Health: The Benefits of Self-Hypnosis 6. Health: FDA Approval of Dendreon’s Provenge 7. Health: Food and Beverage ‘Sin Taxes’ Not Effective in Fighting Obesity 8. Health: Gardening Ergonomics 9. Health: Skin Cancer Screening is More Important Than Ever 10. Health: The Very Words We Use to Set Goals May Ensure We Don’t Meet Them

1. BEAUTY: AGE SPOTS CAN BE EASILY TREATED. Dr. Joshua Fox, medical director at Advanced Dermatology and founder of the New Age Skin Research Foundation, a nonprofit health organization aiming to provide expert educational resources to the public and physicians: “Everyone knows it: Age spots on our skin make us appear many years older than our true ages. Age spots are flat, light or dark brown marks that develop on the skin as we age. They appear mainly on areas exposed most to the sun, including the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Often, once you start to see age spots, you’ll also see other signs of sun damage, including deep wrinkles; dry, rough skin; fine red veins; and thinner, more translucent-looking skin. If you notice any new mark on your skin, or if an existing mark has any changes in color or shape, your doctor will determine if it is cancerous or something to be concerned about. The good news is that most brown spots are not harmful and can be removed or easily treated to improve the skin’s appearance and make you look younger.” News Contact: Melissa Chefec, mchefec@optonline.net Phone: +1-203-968-6625 Website: http://www.mcprpublicrelations.com

DON’T LET AGE SPOTS SHOW YOUR AGE: Leading dermatologist Joshua Fox on removing dark spots, making skin look younger. 

Roslyn, NY, April 2010 - Everyone knows it. Age spots on our skin make us appear many years older than our true ages. Today, dermatologist Joshua Fox, M.D., says there are many treatments available to reduce or remove these age spots, helping us to look years younger.
 
Age spots are flat, light or dark brown marks that develop on the skin as we age. They appear mainly on areas exposed most to the sun, including the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Dr. Fox says that age spots, more correctly called lentigines, are caused by overexposure to the sun, which damages skin. Often, once you start to see age spots, he says, you’ll also see other signs of sun damage including deep wrinkles, dry rough skin, fine red veins and thinner, more translucent-looking skin.
 
Typically considered to affect people over age 40, younger people who spend a great deal of time in the sun may see age spots too.  While true age spots are harmless, they may resemble cancerous growths, says Dr. Fox. For that reason, “if you start to see age spots on your skin, ask your dermatologist to look at them to make sure they are not suspicious,” adds Dr. Fox.
 
“If you notice any new mark on your skin, or if an existing mark has any changes in color or shape, your doctor will determine if it is cancerous or something to be concerned about,” Dr. Fox says. He explains that melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancer types, resulting in over 80,000 cases per year. The good news, he adds, is that “most brown spots are not harmful and can be removed or easily treated to improve the skin’s appearance and make you look younger.”
 
“Once your doctor has ruled out skin cancer, there are several different home remedies and in-office treatments that can help reduce or remove the age spots,” Dr. Fox says. 
 
Once age spots have developed, Dr. Fox says, they can attempt to be lightened safely with skin-bleaching lotions and creams that can be purchased in department stores, drug stores and online. However, Dr. Fox adds that this typically only results in a small improvement. Successful treatment needs to penetrate the topmost layer of skin where the extra pigment is located, so the products must be used regularly over several weeks or months before noticeable results occur. When choosing a nonprescription fade cream, choose one that contains hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid.
 
“If these over-the-counter products don’t do enough to reduce the spots, and Dr. Fox adds that most people do not get satisfactory results from these lotions and creams, your dermatologist has an arsenal of other treatments that do a great job of reducing or removing age spots,” Dr. Fox says, listing the top six in-office treatments.
 
Prescription creams. Bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, used alone or with retinoids and a mild steroid, when used regularly, may partially fade age spots over time.
 
Q-Switched Lasers. Laser treatments performed in your dermatologist’s office can remove sun spots, brown spots and liver spots. These treatments work by being very specific for brown color and selectively removing the lesions.
 
Microdermabrasion. In this procedure, the skin is sanded with a special instrument to lessen the age spot. This procedure helps to strengthen and rejuvenate aging skin, and may even help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
 
Cryosurgery. This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze skin tissue and remove age spots.
 
Chemical Peel. Chemical peels are a powerful treatment that not only help reduce and remove age spots, but can also strengthen the skin to boost collagen production. A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin. As the skin peels, new skin forms to take its place.
 
Laser Skin Rejuvenation. Fraxel and Pixel. A popular cosmetic treatment, Fraxel is a powerful resurfacing laser treatment that smoothes and rejuvenates the skin, removes age spots and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Pixel is a more powerful resurfacing laser which also treats some of the deeper lines.
 
Dr. Fox adds that “prevention, or reducing exposure to the sun, is the best way to reduce the likelihood of getting age spots. Wear sunscreen all the time on all areas of exposed skin, no matter what the weather or season. If you must be in the sun, even in winter, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 15.”
 
“While aging does cause a host of changes to our bodies, our skin doesn’t have to make us look or feel old,” says Dr. Fox.  “A consultation with your dermatologist can help you identify the right treatment for you that will reduce or even remove age spots and leave you feeling and looking younger,” adds Dr. Fox.