The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that, in 2010 alone, U.S. consumers spent more than $216 Million pursuing Intense Pulsed Light therapy. IPL therapy is a minimally-invasive procedure that literally lifts brown spots, age spots, acne scars and redness (or Rosacea) from across the face, neck and chest.

“The buzz around IPL has definitely increased,” says Shawn Miele for FaceForum.com. “People with skin imperfections get great results with IPL photofacial treatment. This isn’t a vanity issue, either. Some have felt stigmatized or self-conscious for years.”

In honor of the New Year and consumers’ interest in the latest “new you” techniques, FaceForum.com has added an IPL overview to its website.

“IPL therapy is so popular because its results are immediate,” adds Miele. “That’s pretty impressive for a relatively painless, 30-minute, lunch-break procedure.”

“They’re also long-lasting and multi-dimensional. Patients routinely get 2-for-1 benefits, since both light and heat are used in the IPL process. That doesn’t only lift pigment from the skin. It also jump starts collagen production and boosts new cell growth to deliver a better complexion overall.”

“There’s not even any down time involved. Each click with an IPL wand lifts a little more pigment. Most patients we’ve talked with liken it to being lightly snapped with a rubber band and love being able to jump back into their normal routines right away.”

IPL therapy treats skin imperfections which include:

・    Sun Damage

・    Hyperpigmentation

・    Redness or Rosacea

・    Unwanted Hair Growth

・    Age Spots or Brown Spots

・    Under-Eye Bags & Premature Wrinkles

・    Enlarged Pores, Acne Scarring or Other Scarring

At FaceForum.com, consumers have free 24/7 access to articles about facial cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, a board-certified surgeon database and an active user discussion board. For more information about IPL therapy and other procedures, such as face lift, visit FaceForum.com.

The offer is being presented in recognition of World Psoriasis Day on October 29. Conceived by patients for patients, World Psoriasis Day is a global event focusing on increasing awareness about the burdens of living with psoriasis, a severe chronic inflammatory disease that affects all ages, genders, races and ethnicities.  Globally, more than 125 million people suffer from psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, many of whom are children. In the United States alone, more than 20,000 children a year are diagnosed.

The painless XTRAC excimer laser provides targeted phototherapy treatment for psoriasis; offering a safe, effective treatment with longer lasting results. Other treatment options for psoriasis, such as topical steroids, full-body UVB, systemic medications and biologics can have dangerous side effects.  The XTRAC is the safest choice for children, as it accurately targets only the affected areas with safe, phototherapy light. Because there is currently no cure for psoriasis, patients who develop the disease at a young age need to utilize a safe, effective treatment that will not produce negative, long-term side effects.  The XTRAC excimer laser is the only clinically proven, FDA-cleared dermatology excimer laser with independent safety and quality certifications.

“For children, the treatment options are often more limited than for adults, and those that are available often have many dangers associated with them or become ineffective over time,” said Dr. Barry Auster, dermatologist at Oakland Aesthetic Dermatology inFarmington Hills, Mich. ”The XTRAC excimer laser treatment is a great option for children because it provides safe, effective and lasting results that eliminate the need for messy creams or steroids. This co-pay reimbursement offer can help children, who may have otherwise not considered the treatment because of costs, finally experience relief.”

Inconsistent care and access to care are two major issues for all psoriasis sufferers but are even more of a concern for children.  According to a recent study, children with psoriasis are most likely to receive inconsistent care, and the course of treatment prescribed may depend on whether they see a pediatrician, dermatologist or internist. In 3.8 million visits, about 63 percent of kids saw a dermatologist, 17 percent saw a pediatrician, and 14 percent went to an internist. Researchers found that pediatricians, dermatologists and internists often take different approaches to how they treat children with psoriasis, including the types and strengths of medication they use. It is important that psoriasis sufferers see a qualified dermatologist who offers the latest, safest and most effective treatment options, such as the XTRAC laser.

Broad coverage of the XTRAC treatments for psoriasis by Medicare and all major insurance companies now provides greater access to care for psoriasis sufferers who have spent their lives suffering from dry, red and itchy skin, among other symptoms associated with the disease.

For more information about the XTRAC excimer laser, visit www.XTRACLaser.com. The website features a telecare center where patients can speak directly with highly experienced clinical specialists about the XTRAC laser therapy. The specialists also will assist those interested in making appointments with physicians experienced in providing XTRAC laser treatments.

Although every season provides its own unique set of challenges for psoriasis patients, the fall and colder months prove to be more severe with respect to flare-ups. Here are a few triggers and tips, for psoriasis care during the colder weather, from Tampa-based dermatologist Dr. James Spencer, Spencer Dermatology:

1. Less Access to Sunlight: Exposure to ultraviolet light is a key factor in clearing psoriasis symptoms. Since autumn and colder months mean less access to sunlight, psoriasis sufferers often see an increase in flare-ups during this time of year. However, psoriasis patients receive just the right amount of ultraviolet light during the dark days of fall and winter with targeted phototherapy treatments using the XTRAC Excimer Laser. The treatment specifically targets the affected areas with a carefully focused beam of light without exposing the entire body, and provides significant relief after just a few treatments.
2. Bacteria Exposure: Cold and flu season begins and hits its peak during the fall and colder months. Bacterial infections, such as a streptococcal infection (strep throat), are common triggers of a psoriasis flare up. Certain medications including steroids that often treat winter viruses can also cause an increase in psoriasis irritation. So, to prevent flare-ups, try to steer clear of those with colds and infections that can be easily transmitted. Follow the typical cold/flu season guidelines of washing hands frequently and not shaking hands with others that appear to be sick.
3. Wool Clothing: The texture of wool and certain synthetic fabrics rubbing up against the skin is a common stimulus for psoriasis irritation. And since it is more common to wear wool clothing during the winter months, psoriasis patients can expect to experience more itching. Layering with cotton underneath wool will decrease irritation and make flare ups less likely.
4. Stress: Physical and mental stress is another contributor to an increase in irritation from psoriasis. Autumn is the gateway to stressful events such as going back to school and the busy holiday season.  Consequently, psoriasis flare-ups may be more common during this time of year. Take some time to relax and incorporate yoga or meditation into your routine.

“The fall season is particularly challenging for psoriasis sufferers who are not receiving the same amount of sunlight that tends to ease psoriasis flare-ups in the spring and summer,” says Dr. James Spencer. “During the colder months the air can become drier, and thus dries out skin as well. The XTRAC laser provides that much needed dose of ultraviolet light to patients while also offering safe, effective and lasting results.”

The XTRAC Excimer Laser, developed by PhotoMedex, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHMD), an innovator of medical devices, is the only clinically proven, FDA-cleared dermatology excimer laser with independent safety and quality certifications. It provides targeted phototherapy treatment for psoriasis, offering safe, effective and lasting results. Unlike other treatment options for psoriasis, such as topical steroids, full-body UVB, systemic medications and biologics, XTRAC avoids the often dangerous consequences that those therapeutic options can cause; ranging from premature aging of healthy skin to the risk of malignancies and tuberculosis.

Depending on the extent and severity of the patient’s psoriasis, each procedure requires only about five minutes. Noticeable improvements are usually seen within three or four treatments, with many patients seeing 75 percent or more improvement in as few as six to 10 treatments and average remission periods lasting 4-6 months, often longer. The laser is effective even in areas that are difficult to treat, such as elbows, knees and the scalp. XTRAC Laser treatments have been successful with psoriasis that has spread across as much as 20 percent of body surface area.

via Psoriasis Sufferer’s Fall Flare-Ups Relieved with XTRAC Excimer Laser | Salon Spa News.

The most commonly requested plastic surgery procedures by women, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, are breast and stomach procedures, which are popularly requested after their last child is born. According to the ASPS, in 2009, the top procedures are shown below, in comparison to the year 2000 figures.

Cosmetic Surgical, 2009 vs. 2000

Breast augmentation up 36%

Nose reshaping down 34%

Eyelid surgery down 38%

Liposuction down 44%

Tummy Tuck up 84%

Cosmetic Minimally-Invasive 2009 vs. 2000

Botulinum Toxin Type A up 509%

Soft tissue fillers up 164%

Chemical peel down 1%

Microdermabrasion up 5%

Laser hair removal up 21%

As the chart shows, breast and stomach procedures increased, while other procedures decreased. Very surprisingly, minimally invasive procedures such as Botox or other fillers went up dramatically. “These could all be signs of our economic times, since Botox is much cheaper than a facelift,” explained Dr. Koch, a New York plastic surgeon. “Breast augmentation and tummy tucks will always be popular as these are the areas that most women complain about, especially as they work to restore their post-pregnancy bodies.”

Though many critics will argue that plastic surgery is a moneymaker, the fact of the matter is that diet and exercise can’t fully repair sagging breasts, stretched-out belly skin and fat deposits. “I have patients who are in great shape and exercise often that come in for these procedures, and as much as they’ve tried, they can’t re-sculpt their bodies back to the way they were,” explained Dr. Koch.

Ironically, while many women undergo Mommy Makeovers for self-esteem purposes, they are also very reluctant to let anyone know they did it. “Understandably, because they don’t want to seem superficial or lazy for not exercising 24 hours day, seven days a week and because they have a baby to take care of,” says Dr. Koch. “Many mothers want to un-do the changes from pregnancy; they are not looking to regain their teenage bodies.”

However, Dr. Koch advises new moms considering plastic surgery to wait at least six months to allow the body to heal from the pregnancy, to try to lose pregnancy weight on their own and focus on their new babies. “But you don’t have to give up everything in order to have children,” advises Dr. Koch. “You are allowed to feel young, fit and good about yourself too.”

As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn’t clear is the safety of tattoo inks.

Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin’s surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner, or blush.

While state and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing, ink and ink colorings (pigments) used in tattoos are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives. However, because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them.

FDA has received reports of bad reactions to tattoo inks right after tattooing or even years later. Some people report itchy or inflamed skin around their tattoos in the summer when they’ve been out in the sun. Recent reports associated with permanent make-up inks have prompted FDA to study tattoo ink safety.

“Our hope is to get a better understanding of the body’s response to tattoos and their impact on human health, and to identify products at greatest risk,” says Linda Katz, M.D., M.P.H., Director of FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

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What are the Risks?

• Infection – Dirty needles can pass infections, like hepatitis and HIV, from one person to another.
• Allergies – Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos have been reported and can cause problems.
• Scarring – Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.
• Granulomas – These small knots or bumps may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
• MRI complications – People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This happens rarely and does not last long.

Tattoo Ink Research

In a laboratory within FDA’s Arkansas-based National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), research chemist Paul Howard, Ph.D., and his team are investigating tattoo inks to find out

• the chemical composition of the inks and how they break down (metabolize) in the body;
• the short-term and long-term safety of pigments used in tattoo inks;
• how the body responds to the interaction of light with the inks.

“There have been no systematic studies of the safety of tattoo inks,” says Howard, “so we are trying to ask—and answer—some fundamental questions.” For example, some tattoos fade over time or fade when they are exposed to sunlight. And laser light is used to remove tattoos. “We want to know what happens to the ink,” says Howard. “Where does the pigment go?”

NCTR researchers are exploring several possibilities:

• The body cells may digest and destroy the ink, just as they rid the body of bacteria and other foreign matter as a defense against infection. NCTR studies show that a common pigment used in yellow tattoo inks, Pigment Yellow 74, may be broken down by enzymes, or metabolized. “Just like the body metabolizes and excretes other substances, the body may metabolize small amounts of the tattoo pigment to make it more water soluble, and out it goes,” says Howard.
• Sunlight may cause the ink to break down so it is less visible. NCTR researchers have found that Pigment Yellow 74 decomposes in sunlight, breaking down into components that are colorless. The pigment components may still be there, says Howard, and we don’t know if these are potentially toxic.
• The skin cells containing the ink may be killed by sunlight or laser light and ink breakdown products may disperse through the body.

Research has also shown that some pigment migrates from the tattoo site to the body’s lymph nodes, says Howard. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, a collection of fluid-carrying vessels in the body that filter out disease-causing organisms. Whether the migration of tattoo ink has health consequences or not is still unknown. NCTR is doing further research to answer this and other questions about the safety of tattoo inks.

Tattoo Tips for Consumers

Ink:

• FDA has not approved any tattoo pigments for injection into the skin. This applies to all tattoo pigments, including those used for ultraviolet (UV) and glow-in-the-dark tattoos. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are industrial-grade colors suitable for printers’ ink or automobile paint.
• The use of henna in temporary tattoos has not been approved by FDA. Henna is approved only for use as a hair dye.

Permanence:

• Consider tattoos permanent. Removal is time-consuming, costly, and doesn’t always work. The most common method of tattoo removal is by laser treatment, which delivers short flashes of light at very high intensities to the skin to break down the tattoo ink. FDA allows several types of lasers to be marketed for tattoo removal. Some color inks are harder to remove than others. Many repeat visits every several weeks may be required to remove a tattoo, and it may never be entirely gone.
• Do not buy or order online do-it-yourself tattoo removal products. These acid-based products are not FDA-approved and can cause bad skin reactions.
• Consult your health care provider—not a tattoo parlor—if you want a tattoo removed. The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery³ can help you find a doctor experienced in tattoo removal.

Don’t Avoid an MRI:

• If you need to have an MRI done, don’t avoid it. Inform the radiologist or technician that you have a tattoo so appropriate precautions can be taken.

FDA is aware of more than 150 reports of adverse reactions in consumers to certain permanent make-up ink shades, and it is possible that the actual number of women affected was greater. In addition, concerns raised by the scientific community regarding the pigments used in these inks have prompted FDA to investigate the safe use of tattoo inks. FDA continues to evaluate the extent and severity of adverse events associated with tattooing and is conducting research on inks. As new information is assessed, the agency will consider whether additional actions are necessary to protect public health.

In addition to the reported adverse reactions, areas of concern include tattoo removal, infections that result from tattooing, and the increasing variety of pigments and diluents being used in tattooing. More than fifty different pigments and shades are in use, and the list continues to grow. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none is approved for injection into the skin. Using an unapproved color additive in a tattoo ink makes the ink adulterated. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers’ ink or automobile paint.

Nevertheless, many individuals choose to undergo tattooing in its various forms. For some, it is an aesthetic choice or an initiation rite. Some choose permanent makeup as a time saver or because they have physical difficulty applying regular, temporary makeup. For others, tattooing is an adjunct to reconstructive surgery, particularly of the face or breast, to simulate natural pigmentation. People who have lost their eyebrows due to alopecia (a form of hair loss) may choose to have “eyebrows” tattooed on, while people with vitiligo (a lack of pigmentation in areas of the skin) may try tattooing to help camouflage the condition.
Whatever their reason, consumers should be aware of the risks involved in order to make an informed decision.

What Risks Are Involved in Tattooing?

The following are the primary complications that can result from tattooing:

• Infection. Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacteria^*. Tattoos received at facilities not regulated by your state or at facilities that use unsterile equipment (or re-use ink) may prevent you from being accepted as a blood or plasma donor for twelve months.
• Removal problems. Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible.
• Allergic reactions. Although FDA has received reports of numerous adverse ractions associated with certain shades of ink in permanent makeup, marketed by a particular manufacturer, reports of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments have been rare. However, when they happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years.
• Granulomas.These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
• Keloid formation. If you are prone to developing keloids — scars that grow beyond normal boundaries — you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin. Micropigmentation: State of the Art, a book written by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D., states that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.
• MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.

There also have been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes MRI of the eyes. Mascara may produce a similar effect. The difference is that mascara is easily removable.

The cause of these complications is uncertain. Some have theorized that they result from an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments.

However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions and avoid complications.

A Common Problem: Dissatisfaction

A common problem that may develop with tattoos is the desire to remove them. Removing tattoos and permanent makeup can be very difficult.

Although tattoos may be satisfactory at first, they sometimes fade. Also, if the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance.

Another cause of dissatisfaction is that the human body changes over time, and styles change with the season. The permanent makeup that may have looked flattering when first injected may later clash with changing skin tones and facial or body contours. People who plan to have facial cosmetic surgery are advised that the appearance of their permanent makeup may become distorted. The tattoo that seemed stylish at first may become dated and embarrassing. And changing tattoos or permanent makeup is not as easy as changing your mind.

Consult your healthcare provider about the best removal techniques for you.

What About Temporary Tattoos?

Temporary tattoos, such as those applied to the skin with a moistened wad of cotton, fade several days after application. Most contain color additives approved for cosmetic use on the skin. However, the agency has issued an import alert for certain foreign-made temporary tattoos¹.

The temporary tattoos subject to the import alert are not allowed into the United States because they don’t carry the FDA-mandated ingredient labels or they contain colors not permitted by FDA for use in cosmetics applied to the skin. FDA has received reports of allergic reactions to temporary tattoos.

In a similar action, FDA has issued an import alert for henna intended for use on the skin². Henna is approved only for use as a hair dye, not for direct application to the skin. Also, henna typically produces a reddish brown tint, raising questions about what ingredients are added to produce the varieties of colors labeled as “henna,” such as “black henna” and “blue henna.” FDA has also received reports of allergic reactions to products applied to the skin that contain henna.

Reporting Adverse Reactions

FDA urges consumers and healthcare providers to report adverse reactions to tattoos and permanent makeup, problems with removal, or adverse reactions to temporary tattoos. Consumers and healthcare providers can register complaints using the contact information in Your Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA³.

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Goldsmith’s lawsuit alleges that doctors can only make a profit using Botox if they reuse the single-use vials that the drug comes in.

Read full story via ReviewJournal.com.