Skin that s clear and blemish-free

Transcription

1 fall 2012 visit us online at midwestderm.com The Newsletter for Medically Sound Information from Midwest Dermatology Clinic John R. Luckasen, M.D. Bert C. Frichot III, M.D. Jason S. Papenfuss, M.D. Justin G. Madson, M.D., Ph.D Omaha-Midtown Doctors Building North Tower 4242 Farnam St., Ste. 360 (402) Omaha-Lakeside Lakeside Hills Plaza, Ste. 218 (402) Norfolk 109 North 15th St. (402) When It Comes to Treating Acne This Fall Omaha-Oakview 2727 S. 144th St., Ste. 225 (402) Bellevue: 720 Fort Crook Road North (402) The doctor is in! Immanuel: 6829 N. 72nd St., Ste 7200 (402) NEW! Papillion: 1413 S. Washington St. Ste 240 NEW! (402) Skin that s clear and blemish-free is always important, especially to teenagers and parents dealing with the potentially disfiguring and embarrassing effects of acne during the already stressful adolescent years. If you re seeking satisfaction, consider coming in to Midwest Dermatology for an acne consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists. While many over-the-counter cleansers and medications are available to treat acne, dermatologists have more options and resources to effectively treat acne and prevent outbreaks and acne scarring. Beating Bacteria By definition, acne is a skin condition that shows up as various types of bumps, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts. It results from a buildup of oil and dead skin in the pores of the skin, which may be related to bacteria, hormones or genetics. Not surprisingly, one of the primary goals of a dermatologist-approved acne treatment program is to reduce the bacteria found in skin follicles that cause acne. This is done through gentle cleansing and killing the surface bacterial through one or more methods of prescription treatment. Topical Treatment Midwest Dermatology s board-certified dermatologists can prescribe a whole arsenal of topical treatments, which are applied directly on the skin s surface. Some of the most popular and effective topicals are: w Benzoyl peroxide, which works to dry up excess oils and kill surface bacterial. It s use makes other therapies work even better. w Antibiotics such as clindamycin, which kills acne-causing bacteria at the surface, where acne is present. Some of the faces have changed, but the expertise remains the same. John R. Luckasen, M.D.; Bert C. Frichot III, M.D.; Jason Papenfuss, M.D.; Justin Madson, M.D., Ph.D w Retinoids like Retin-A, its gentler cousin Renova and Differin. Differin is a strong medicine that helps unclog pores with a formula that treats existing acne and, at the same time, prevents future outbreaks. Topical creams, gels and lotions come with different ingredients and in different formulas, so they can be used to customize treatment to individual needs and skin types. Oral Medications Medications taken in pill form are another important weapon in the battle against acnecausing bacteria. w Oral Antibiotics A number of oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed to reduce bacteria in the skin, as well as inflammation and redness. Minocycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycline, and amoxicillin are preferred medications in our arsenol of acne treatments Like topical medications, antibiotics are everyday treatments that work by reducing the amount of P. acnes, the skin bacteria responsible for inflammation. w Accutane To treat the most serious cases of acne, Midwest Dermatology specialists may prescribe Accutane, made from a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A. Accutane works by attacking all four factors of acne excess oil production, clogged skin pores, rapid production of skin cells and inflammation. While it isn t a cure, one six- to 12-month course can have longlasting effects. Other Specialized Therapies Midwest Dermatology physicians also can remove blackheads and deliver antiinflammatory medicine with specialized in-office procedures. Oftentimes, our physicians will combine treatment options in order to resolve a patient s current acne and prevent new acne from forming. For more information or to schedule an acne consultation, contact today. Does This Story Look Familiar? Find out why on PAGE 2 midwestderm.com 1

2 We ve Always Brought You WHAT S BEST F R YOUR SKIN TALK about a blast from the past! For nearly 30 years, Midwest Dermatology has brought you medically sound information about what s best for your skin. So, in this special issue of Dermatology Update, we re continuing this tradition with a round-up, best of the best issue. Throughout this special edition, you ll find articles that truly stand the test of time. From why our physician team can make a difference in your fight against acne (the Page 1 story first appeared in 2004!), to the routines you can put in place to prevent skin cancer, to exactly how Midwest Dermatology s fractional lasers can deliver fantastically smoother skin. We ll also remind you of the facts (just the facts, ma am!) about living well with psoriasis and eczema, dealing with the pesky lines that detract from your eyes and Midwest Dermatology s commitment to changing lives through tattoo and birthmark removal. Smoother Skin in a fraction of the time! If you don t have time to spare, you can in CO2 lasers, the UltraPulse does double Deep FX is an ideal treatment for addressing duty. It eliminates discoloration closer to deeper wrinkles and scars. With Deep still get luminous, smoother-looking the skin s surface and also infiltrates deep FX, the laser actually treats less skin but skin thanks to the new fractional laser into the dermis layer of the skin to get rid penetrates deeper into the problem areas to skin resurfacing treatments now available of damaged cells and kick-start the growth create a thermal response. at Midwest Dermatology. of new collagen. The new collagen ensures that the skin s appearance continues to improve. And with subsequent and proper sun protection, the results can last for years! Active FX and Deep FX are two related technologies that represent the very latest advancement in fractional laser treatment. The treatments are described this way because only tiny dots of laser energy are applied to treat a fraction of the skin. Just as importantly, patients experience much less downtime as little as two to four days in some cases but all the beautiful benefits of laser skin resurfacing! FX Effectiveness Active FX and the more intensive Deep FX treatment both result in the creation of new, healthy skin that has dramatically enhanced tone, texture and color. Patients see: M Immediate skin tightening M Fewer wrinkles and fine lines M More even skin tone and texture, with less visible age spots and freckles M Elimination or lightening of acne scars M Plumper, fuller areas, thanks to new collagen formation M Healthy, more youthful-looking appearance The UltraPulse employed in both techniques is a major reason for the techniques effectiveness. Considered the gold standard 2 midwestderm.com The Time Is Right But what really makes the Active FX and Deep FX treatments special is the time or lack of time involved in the process. The treatments are ideal for those with active lifestyles because they can be conducted in the Midwest Dermatology office in a single session. Just imagine being able to have your entire face treated with Active FX in about 30 minutes and being back to your normal routine in as little as three to four days! After treatment, the picture presented by Active and Deep FX is just as appealing. The small proportion of skin treated with the laser begins to gently flake off within a couple of days. Lotions and makeup can be applied four or five days later. And, usually, all signs of treatment, including pinkness, are gone in about a week. Which FX Is Right for You? Active FX is the perfect solution for active people who want to treat moderate wrinkles and sagging skin, or age spots on the face, neck or chest. With Active FX, more skin is treated, but the laser energy doesn t go as deep. If you re not sure which FX treatment might be right for you, simply call Midwest Dermatology at to schedule a personal consultation.

3 START A NEW ROUTINE! Self exams can spot skin cancer Do yourself some good and give yourself some credit at the same time: Skin self examinations (SSEs) are an important tool in the fight against skin cancer and, done once a month, these selfexaminations of your own skin play an essential role in early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Think of self-exams as spot checks that pay off with enormous dividends. According to recent studies, SSEs have the potential to reduce the number of melanoma deaths by more than 50 percent. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, claims more than 8,000 lives each year. How to Do a Self-Exam First, take note of existing moles, blemishes and birthmarks. You may even want to map them on a piece of paper, or take a digital photo to store on your computer, so you can spot and chart differences month to month. Second, plan on a regular time each month. Whether you do your SSE on the first Monday or the last Friday, it doesn t matter. Simply pick a time and day, make a date with yourself and keep it! Third, put yourself in the right environment. You ll need a private space with bright light, a full-length mirror, a hand mirror and a place to sit. Oftentimes, the best time to conduct a self-exam is after a bath or shower, before you dress. Fourth, use the ABCDE approach to look for new growths or changes in moles: m Asymmetry, do the halves of a mole match in shape? m Border irregularity, are a mole s edges ragged or smeared? m Color change, is a mole s color uniform? Has the color changed or deepened? Be especially aware of open sores that continually bleed, itch, ooze and crust over and don t heal. These are the warning signs of both basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. m Diameter, is a mole bigger than 6 mm, about the size of a pencil eraser? m Evolution, is a mole changing or has it changed? In shape, size or color? Fifth, examine all of your skin, head to toe. Start by examining your head and face using one or both mirrors. Check your hands, including your fingernails, and then look at your elbows, arms and underarms. Examine your neck, chest, body, and for women, under the breasts. Next, with your back to the full-length mirror, use the hand mirror to inspect your neck and shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks and legs. Lastly, sit down and check your legs and feet, including the soles of your feet, your heels and toenails. Use a hand mirror to examine your genitals. When to Visit us If you do detect changes while conducting a skin self-exam, contact Midwest Dermatology. As your skin care partner, Midwest Dermatology can offer you specialized diagnosis and treatment services, including: m Early detection and diagnosis of all types of skin cancer by board-certified skin specialists. m Variety of treatment methods, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and Moh s microscopic surgery, which offers the highest potential for recovery. m Proven success in treating thousands of patients with skin cancer, as one of the Midwest s leading medical dermatology practices. For more information about skin self-exams or detecting skin cancer, visit midwestderm.com. Peel Away the Years! It s a good thing to act your age, but it doesn t mean you have to show it! Chemical peels done by the experienced Midwest Dermatology team are another option for those interested in reversing the signs of aging. Peels are an ideal choice for addressing: M Wrinkles M Dryness M Acne scarring M Blemishes M Uneven skin texture Depending upon the skin condition you d like Midwest Dermatology to help you improve or resolve, there are a number of different peels to choose from, including: M Mini glycolic peels that can be done quickly, over a single lunch hour. M Jessner s peels that offer the best of both worlds they re relatively gentle on the skin, but penetrate deeper into the skin than a regular mini peel. M Salicylic acid peels that penetrate the top layer of skin and help reveal a fresh, rejuvenated complexion. M Vitalize peels that combine the powerful alphahydroxy agents that cause skin to peel away with anti-aging components. M TCA peels, that go deeper, under the skin s surface, to remove more significant damage. The beauty of peels is that they re a great way to enhance your appearance without a lot of downtime. The lighter peels glycolic, Jessner s, salicylic and Vitalize let you return to your daily activities the same day the procedure is done. With glycolic peels, you can even apply makeup the very next day! While the recovery time is longer with TCA peels, the results are more dramatic and longer lasting. The peel procedure you undergo is best determined after consultation with your Midwest Dermatology physician. LIKE US Midwest Dermatology Clinic has a Facebook page where you and your entire family can keep up to date on new procedures and practice information. Like us and you ll like what you see! midwestderm.com 3

4 make sure your eyes Have it! If you want there to be no question as to who has the most dazzling eyes in the room, Midwest Dermatology has a terrific trio of options for you. With one or all of these proven solutions, you can finally get the eye appearance your face deserves. BOTOX smooths away crow s feet and stubborn brow furrows, and in the process shaves years off your appearance. The Midwest Dermatology team applies the BOTOX precisely, ensuring you can still use your eyes and face to express yourself naturally and beautifully. Best of all, BOTOX offers long-lasting results, up to six months. Restylane AND Juvederm restore volume to eye-area wrinkles and adds fullness resulting in a more youthfullooking appearance. Restylane works just like the hyaluronic acid naturally found in the body to help skin look and feel fuller and more elastic. Restylane is delivered to the eye area via small injections. Most patients enjoy the results for up to 18 months. Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment that can help you grow longer, fuller, darker eyelashes that will frame your eyes beautifully. Even if you ve suffered for years with inadequate or thin eyelashes, Latisse has been proven to work. You just brush on the liquid Latisse solution each night on the skin at the edge of your eyelashes. After about four weeks of daily treatment, you should see results, with the appearance of eyelashes improving until about 16 weeks. If you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes will resturn to their pretreatment state. Whether you choose one or more of these treatments, Midwest Dermatology can make sure you and your eyes really have it! Call for a consultation, midwestderm.com 4 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 983 PUT Super skin on your list! With school in full swing and the holidays approaching, no doubt you ve got lots on your list right now. But it s still important to treat yourself and your skin well, and that s exactly where Midwest Dermatology can help. o Smooth Your Skin with GentleLase hair removal, which combines the speed of shaving with the lasting results of electrolysis. Safe and gentle, the treatment can be used on the upper lip, cheeks and underarms, which are the most commonly requested body treatment areas. o Reverse Aging with UltraPulse skin resurfacing. Midwest Dermatology staff use a high-energy light beam to remove damaged skin and stimulate the growth of new skin. It s ideal for erasing the signs of aging skin, including wrinkles, scars and sun damage. o LOSE THE LEG VEINS thanks to sclerotherapy, a treatment in which Midwest Dermatology physicians inject a specialized solution that is absorbed by the body and results in varicose and spider veins to fade away. o Screen For Skin Cancer with a free MoleWatch exam conducted by Midwest Dermatology s experienced skin specialists. If you want to check all these items off your list, there s just one thing you need to do call Midwest Dermatology today! Midwest Dermatology Clinic, P.C. Doctors Building North Tower 4242 Farnam St., Ste. 360 Omaha, NE 68131

5 Exasperated by Eczema? When the temperature drops and the air gets dry, there s bound to be a rash of seasonal eczema. But before you start scratching, consider these treatments. Topical steroid creams come in a variety of strengths and are excellent at reducing inflammation. However, because steroids may cause thinning of the skin, they cannot be used on the neck, face or around the eyes. Elidel, another topical medication, doesn t contain steroids. While it doesn t cure the itch that doesn t stop, it does relieve the annoying symptoms and is safe to use anywhere on the body. Plus, Elidel can be used with children as young as 2 years old, good news since eczema is common in children! Remember, when the itchiness strikes this season, don t lose your cool Just turn to Midwest Dermatology. ONLINE BILL PAYMENT SAFE AND SECURE NOW it s fast, easy, and most importantly, secure to make payments using Online Bill Payment on the Midwest Dermatology website. Simply go to MidwestDerm.com and click on link Secure, Online Payment link located in the upper right-hand corner of the home page. Then, you ll be asked to provide your patient account information and your credit card payment information. To ensure your peace of mind, our payment gateway has been set up securely and Midwest Dermatology is an Authorize.Net Verified Merchant. Authorize.Net has been a leading provider of payment gateway services since 1996 and has managed billions of secure transactions. For more information about Online Bill Payment, contact the Midwest Dermatology Business Office at The mercury is edging down, which means now s the time to get acquainted with the essential information that can make living with psoriasis easier this fall and winter. It helps to be aware that all the most common aspects of winter dry air, less sunlight and colder temperatures can all play a part in triggering psoriasis or worsening the itching and inflammation associated with the disease. Psoriasis is actually a disease linked to the immune system. An overactive immune system in patients who have the disease leads to an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in the scaly rash often seen on the surface of the skin. Also, because psoriasis is linked to the immune system, winter colds and illnesses can pose a problem. Those who catch a cold or come down with the flu or strep throat may have patches of skin become inflamed and covered by silvery-white scales of skin. Year-Round Treatments Generally, treatment choices are guided by how severe an individual s psoriasis is, and how the person s life is affected by psoriasis. What works for one person won t necessarily work for another, so it s important to consult a dermatologist to help find the psoriasis treatment right for you. Psoriasis Cold-Weather Facts MIDWEST DERMATOLOGY CAN OFFER YOU A VARIETY OF OPTIONS, INCLUDING: Topicals These treatments may consist of moisturizing creams and lotions; creams and ointments with corticosteroids that slow down the overproduction of skin cells central to psoriasis; and topical retinoids, which can relieve symptoms, but not cure the disease. Prescription Drug Treatment Typically, these are pills, such as Soritane, cyclosporine and methotrexate, that provide some overall suppression of the immune system. Biologic Treatment Drugs like Enbrel, Humira, Amevive and Stelara are cuttingedge biologic medications that precisely target the problem parts of the immune system. Instead of suppressing the immune system in general, biologics zero in on the overactive cells connected to psoriasis. Phototherapy Treatment Midwest Dermatology offers a newer type of phototherapy, called narrow band UVB therapy, to treat psoriasis. This type of phototherapy emits the part of the ultraviolet light spectrum that is most helpful to psoriasis. The ultraviolet light suppresses the body s processes that lead to the disease, reduces inflammation and slows the turnover of the excess skin cells that cause scaling. While not all of the 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis see their condition worsen in the winter, many do. If you need help handling your condition, contact Midwest Dermatology today. Setting a New Course Our new Papillion office is just minutes from Shadow Lake, in the heart of Papillion-LaVista corridor and a short drive from the new development surrounding Cabela s off I-80. Plus, Midwest Dermatology has other locations in Omaha and Norfolk to serve you. To schedule an appointment, just call midwestderm.com 5

6 move it orlose it New laser provides full-color tattoo removal Teens of both sexes are sporting them. So are grandfathers and middle-aged women. You might even have one. Midwest Dermatology understands that the reasons behind getting a tattoo and wanting to have it removed are as individual as you are. YAG Laser treatment now available at Midwest Dermatology makes it possible to remove full-color tattoos, as well as tattoos in colors that were impossible to remove before. MoleWatch Schedule a FREE no-obligation MoleWatch initial skin cancer examination at Midwest Dermatology. MoleWatch is an initial screening for first-time patients only, and cannot be used as a substitute for an annual skin examination. Check the location you prefer and then mail this coupon back.you will be contacted within two weeks of returning this form. [ ] Omaha Midtown [ ] Bellevue [ ] Omaha Lakeside [ ] Immanuel [ ] Omaha Oakview [ ] Papillion YAG Works For Everyone People of all ages can under go safe, effec tive and affordable tattoo removal to resolve: F Incorrect or bad tattoo placement; F Fading ink; F Aging skin, which may affect some designs; F Desire for a new or different tattoo; F Career advancement or lifestyle change. The YAG Laser stands apart from previous generations of treatments because it targets the purple, green, red, brown, light blue and light orange tattoos, as well as blue-black tattoos. No matter what the color, most tattoos can be removed successfully. Painless and Permanent Plus, the in-office procedure is safe and relatively painless. In fact, most patients don t require anesthesia at all. Here s how it works: the physician focuses the YAG laser light through the skin s surface. The tattooed image soaks in the light, which is quickly converted to heat. The sudden rise in temperature shatters the ink or pigment into tiny particles. Then, these miniscule particles are safely absorbed into the body. Because the inks simply dissolve, there is little chance of scarring. After treatment, patients will see their tattoos fade away. Best of all, the results are permanent. So whether you want to move a tattoo you ve lived with for years, or lose it for good, inquire about the YAG Laser tattoo removal today at Midwest Dermatology Includes only examination of moles and skin growths. Any additional diagnostic testing or treatment will be provided at the regular charge. Patients with additional dermatologic problems will be charged for that portion of their visit. Midwest Dermatology Skin Cancer Clinic 4242 Farnam St., Suite 360, Omaha, NE name: date of birth (month/date/year) address: city: state: zip: telephone (daytime): cell number: A Brighter Outlook for birthmark sufferers Midwest Dermatology was the first in the Midwest to offer pulsed dye laser therapy and today our V-Beam laser means the future is brighter than ever for those with disfiguring red and brown birthmarks. The V-Beam is safe and effective for all ages even babies and is considered highly effective at removing the redness of vascular lesions without damaging surrounding skin. In fact, results from an international clinical trial involving patients show that pulsed dye laser therapy including treatment with Midwest Dermatology s V-Beam laser has a higher level of patient satisfaction than alternative treatment options. In the study, which was conducted at the University of Copenhagen, 75 percent of patients with port wine stains reported experiencing good or excellent clearance rates with pulsed dye laser treatment, while less than 30 percent of those undergoing alternative treatments reported good or excellent clearance. A Powerful Pulse V-Beam works by sending out an intense pulse of laser light that quickly passes through the skin s outer layers and is absorbed by the blood vessels that lie beneath the skin s surface. The laser light turns into heat and destroys the problem blood vessels, then the particles are absorbed back into the body during the healing process. Most patients need just a few V-Beam treatments to clear their skin significantly. Patients with port wine stains, dark or large hemangiomas or severe rosacea may require multiple treatments. The Real Value of V-Beam Because the micro-pulses let more power come through, gently, in a single session, the majority of patients find that their course of treatment with the V-Beam is shorter overall. Recovery time is shortened, too, because the micro-pulses allow the laser light to target the blood vessels more precisely. Ready to find out why more patients are finding success with V-Beam pulsed dye laser treatment? Call today. midwestderm.com 6