Who is a candidate for Fraxel Laser?
Anyone with age spots, effects of the environment such as sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles near the eyes, and even melasma, or commonly referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” Fraxel is a great way to achieve clearer and even more radiant looking skin. Other skin disorders such as pigmentation issues and a need for skin resurfacing are effectively treated with Fraxel.

How is the Fraxel procedure performed?
A provider begins treatment by cleansing the skin and applying a topical cream to numb the treatment area about an hour prior to treatment. This is to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. The laser is then used to help the skin rejuvenate. The epidermis and dermis layers of the skin are treated, yet no visible damage is done to the epidermal layer of the skin. By only damaging specific areas of the skin, spread out over the area being treated, healthy and unaffected skin is left intact to support the healing process and stimulate the body’s healing capacity. This results in the production of new collagen and even more radiant skin.

What should be expected during recovery from a Fraxel treatment?
After the treatment has concluded, the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, will remain undamaged while the deeper layer, the dermis, begins to heal. The patient may notice the appearance and discomfort of a sunburn and eventually a slight tanning or bronzing of the skin which begins to show in a few weeks depending on the skin type. The old skin cells will slough off and the skin will gradually repair itself, igniting new collagen development. The skin should be treated as a sunburn, keeping it moisturized and out of heavy sun exposure. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and protective clothing are a good idea.

Patients can expect to return to daily activities right away or may require a bit more time to adjust. Makeup may be worn to help alleviate some of the redness to the skin if desired and if the skin is not too sensitive to the touch. Shaving may also be done if discomfort is minimal. Every patient’s skin is unique so different recovery times are normal

When will results from Fraxel be apparent?
Results will usually begin to show in about two to three months post treatment, yet every patient’s skin type varies.

What is unique about Fraxel?
By fractionally treating skin in specific areas, while leaving some skin unaffected nearby, Fraxel allows for an easier and less invasive procedure. Due to this approach to skin rejuvenation, the body’s healing response is enhanced and new collagen develops. Fraxel is a balanced laser treatment which allows for the high effectiveness of some other more invasive laser treatments while maintaining a shorter recovery time and fewer side effects.

Is Fraxel approved in the USA?
The FDA has permitted the use of Fraxel in the USA for specific skin conditions. Approval is still pending for various other skin treatment options that Fraxel has been shown to treat with a high success rate. Age spots, acne scars, melasma, and wrinkles near the eyes are a few of the FDA approved conditions for treatment.

Is Fraxel covered by insurance policies?
Generally speaking, most any cosmetic surgical procedure, whether it is minimally invasive or more invasive, is not covered by health insurance providers. Getting familiar with insurance policies is a great idea to see what may be covered, as well as speaking to a trusted dermatologist about what options are available.

What is the cost of a Fraxel treatment?
Fraxel treatment costs vary from patient to patient. We require all patients to complete a cosmetic consultation prior to beginning treatments to get a clear understanding of any costs.

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is an FDA-Required numerical rating system to indicate the level of   protection provided by a sunscreen. A higher SPF number indicates a greater amount of protection. The system is based on a multiple of time it takes the sun to cause redness on the skin

It is recommended to select a SPF of 30  or higher. Sunscreens are now made as high as an SPF 100

Proper Sunscreen Application

• Select a sunscreen that provides both UVA & UVB protection with SPF 30 or higher
• Apply Sunscreen at least 20 minutes prior to going outdoors
• Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours and after any water activities
• Be sure to cover all areas including tops of heads, ears, backs of hands, tops of feet, and the back of the neck. These areas can burn easy & are missed frequently when applying
• It takes One ounce of sunscreen to cover the entire body  per application. Therefore, an  8 ounce bottle of sunscreen has 8 applications
• Don’t forget to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that offer UVA & UVB protection

Dermatology Associates & Derma Spa  – We are committed to keeping your skin healthy all year round

What is the difference between Sun block & Sunscreen?

Sun block is an actual physical block that blocks UVA rays from penetrating the skin.
Common names used in sun block include:
titanium dioxide & zinc oxide.

Sunscreen is more of a filter of the UV rays. It still allows for some penetration of the skin and can still allow for one to get color (a tan). The amount of UV that penetrates is determined on your SPF factor.
Common names found in sunscreen include:
Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)

Learn More About Our Sun Protections Products

• Obagi Healthy Skin SPF 30
• Obagi RosaClear SPF 30
• Skin Secure SPF 30
• PreSun Ultra SPF 30
• MD Forte Aftercare SPF 30
• Neocutis Journe SPF 30
• Vivite Antioxidant SPF 30
• Cetaphil SPF 15& 50

Ask your Doctor, Nurse or Skin Care Specialist about what Sun Protection agent is right for you!

Dermatology Associates of Rochester 585-272-0700
Derma Spa 585-272-9346

By Travis Hayden, MPAS, RPA-C

Rosacea is a chronic and relapsing condition. Despite the best available medical treatments, avoiding aggravating environmental and lifestyle factors, and a patient’s compliance to their daily skin care regimen, an occasional flare-up will occur. When it does, many patients are left feeling frustrated and once again facing the embarrassment of rosacea’s conspicuous and bothersome symptoms.

Having a plan of action for coping with a rosacea flare-up is helpful and often necessary.  I often recommend to my patients this 4 step approach to handling their rosacea flare-ups:

Step 1 – The first step is to note any recent changes in treatment and lifestyle routines that may have contributed to the flare-up of symptoms. Take control of the situation immediately. Identify and correct any actions that may have led to the flare-up, including not taking medication or exposure to aggravating factors such as sun, wind, alcohol, heated beverages or spicy foods. Dealing directly with frustration and anxiety is also important. Emotional stress can trigger further aggravation. Eat right, get enough rest and practice relaxation and being more compassionate to yourself.

Step 2 – The second step is to continue with your recommended soothing daily facial care routine. It is important for patients to not detour from their recommended skin care plan to try “new” things that they think may help but in actuality may just further worsen the flare-up. Be sure that you are using a gentle soap or water-based cleanser that is not grainy or abrasive and should be spread with your fingertips rather than using a rough washcloth or pulling at the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and use a thick cotton towel to blot the face dry. It is ok to take advantage of less irritating mineral makeup to hide the symptoms of a rosacea flare-up.

Step 3 – Application of topical medication(s) may follow when the face is dry. After the medication(s) is absorbed, follow it with camouflaging mineral makeup as needed. There are several green-tinted foundations and even moisturizers available to help counter the red appearance, and they can be used under other skin-tone foundations. Moreover, flesh-tone or green-tinted concealer sticks may be used by both men and women to hide symptoms in specific areas.

Step 4 – Systemic medications may be necessary to put out a flare-up if the above three steps are not controlling things. Patients should contact their provider’s office at this point so that they may have a discussion as to which medication(s) would be the right choice for them to take during a persisting flare-up.

The physical and emotional turmoil suffered by many of the estimated 14 million Americans with rosacea has been well documented. The National Rosacea Society (www.rosacea.org ) encourages those who suffer from this conspicuous and often life-disruptive facial disorder to seek medical help before it reaches advanced stages. Fortunately, medical therapy is now available that can effectively control the symptoms of this chronic and often progressive disorder. Allowing patients to remain in control of their rosacea and its flare-ups can dramatically improve the quality of people’s lives by restoring their personal appearance.

Travis Hayden, MPAS, RPA-C, has been practicing as a physician assistant for twelve years.  He proudly served on active duty as a Medical Service Corps officer in the United States Navy, working in Military & Family Medicine. For the past seven years, he has enjoyed working in dermatology with Dermatology Associates of Rochester, NY.

He enjoys teaching and is a clinical instructor and preceptor for the students of the

Le Moyne College Physician Assistant Program and the SUNY Upstate Medical University Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

He is a Diplomate member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) where he serves as the Chair of the Publications/Communications Committee.  He is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dermatology for Physician Assistants, the official journal of the SDPA.

Symptoms of plant irritation

• • Itching
• • Redness
• • Hives
• • Blisters

POISON IVY
What to look for: Groups of 3 leaflets with a longer middle leaf and white berries. Generally found in moist areas like riverbanks

POISON OAK
What to look for: Leaves (formed from 3 leaflets) that are more irregular in shape, thick, green, and “hairy” on both sides. Usually found in dry areas like fields and woodlands

POISON SUMAC
What to look for: A woody shrub found in moist swampy areas. Each stem has rows of 7 to 13 smooth-edged leaflets.

HOGWEED
What to look for: It is a very impressive plant due to its size. It is tall, with large white flower clusters. Contact with this plant can cause severe painful and burning blisters. IF YOU SEE THIS PLANT AVOID IT!

TREATMENT
If you come in contact with a poisonous plant, first wash the area with warm soap and water. It is also important to wash any equipment that has come in contact with the plant or that you have touched. If you present with any of the symptoms from coming in contact with a poisonous plant, treatment is available.

PREVENTION
The best way to protect yourself from a poisonous plant reaction is to protect yourself with the use of an over the counter product such as Ivy-Dry or Ivy Block.

For your convenience Ivy Block is available in our DermaSpa.

Having a plan of action for coping with a rosacea flare-up is helpful and often necessary.  I often recommend to my patients this 4 step approach to handling their rosa ea flare-ups:

Step 1 – The first step is to note any recent changes in treatment and lifestyle routines that may have contributed to the flare-up of symptoms. Take control of the situation immediately. Identify and correct any actions that may have led to the flare-up, including not taking medication or exposure to aggravating factors such as sun, wind, alcohol, heated beverages or spicy foods. Dealing directly with frustration and anxiety is also important. Emotional stress can trigger further aggravation. Eat right, get enough rest and practice relaxation and being more compassionate to yourself.

Step 2 – The second step is to continue with your recommended soothing daily facial care routine. It is important for patients to not detour from their recommended skin care plan to try “new” things that they think may help but in actuality may just further worsen the flare-up. Be sure that you are using a gentle soap or water-based cleanser (Vivite Replenish Hydrating Cleanser, Obagi Gentle Cleanser and Pevonia RS2 Cleanser) that is not grainy or abrasive and should be spread with your fingertips rather than using a rough washcloth or pulling at the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and use a thick cotton towel to blot the face dry. It is ok to take advantage of less irritating mineral makeup to hide the symptoms of a rosacea flare-up. Mineral makeup available at DermaSpa – schedule an appointment for a complimentary foundation match.

Step 3 – Application of topical medication(s) may follow when the face is dry. After the medication(s) is absorbed, follow it with camouflaging mineral makeup as needed. There are several green-tinted foundations and even moisturizers availab to help counter the red appearance, and they can be used under other skin-tone foundations. Moreover, flesh-tone or green-tinted concealer sticks may be used by both men and women to hide symptoms in specific areas. Other moisturizers are available including Obagi RosaClear Complexion Corrector and Skin Balancing SPF 30

Step 4 – Systemic medications may be necessary to put out a flare-up if the above three steps are not controlling things. Patients should contact their provider’s office at this point so that they may have a discussion as to which medication(s) would be the right choice for them to take during a persisting flare-up.

The physical and emotional turmoil suffered by many of the estimated 14 million Americans with rosacea has been well documented. April has been designated Rosacea Awareness Month by the National Rosacea Society (www.rosacea.org) to encourage those who suffer from this conspicuous and often life-disruptive facial disorder to seek medical help before it reaches advanced stages. Fortunately, medical therapy is now available that can effectively control the symptoms of this chronic and often progressive disorder. Allowing patients to remain in control of their rosacea and its flare-ups can dramatically improve the quality of people’s lives by restoring their personal appearance.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a topic receiving a lot of attention in the world of dermatology. In the past few years, numerous presentations and articles have been focused on the subject of PDT in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) and skin cancer. According to guidelines published in the January, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), PDT has been recommended by an international group of expert physicians as a highly effective first-line treatment for patients with multiple AKs.

While PDT is emerging as a highly effective first-line treatment for multiple AKs, it also has a place in the management of a wide array of other skin conditions; PDT has been reported by independent researchers to be effective for the treatment of acne and rejuvenation of photodamaged skin. Today, many dermatology offices (including Dermatology Associates) are incorporating PDT into their routine practice for their patients with multiple AKs because of its excellent efficacy, tolerability, cosmetic outcome, and patient satisfaction.

What are Actinic Keratoses (AKs)?
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches on the skin, caused by excessive exposure to the sun that can sometimes progress into dangerous skin cancers. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), states that AKs affect more than ten million Americans. The AAD also estimates that 40% of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), the second leading cause of skin cancer deaths in the United States, begin as AKs.

How can I learn more about Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
The PDT system used by Dermatology Associates is FDA-approved for the treatment of multiple AKs. This unique system uses a combination of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) topical solution and blue light to target the AKs. The BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator is also FDA cleared for the treatment of moderate inflammatory acne and other dermatological conditions. Please feel free to make an appointment with your Dermatology Associate’s healthcare provider to discuss the benefits of this treatment option further.

If you enjoy outdoor winter sports like skiing, skating, or snowboarding, be aware that the sun’s glare reflects up to 80% of UV radiation off of ice and snow, meaning you will be hit by these rays twice.  Additionally, for every 1,000 feet of elevation, UV exposure increases by 8-10%. Consider sport sunscreen formulas designed not to run when you sweat.  Also do not forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours. UV-blocking sunglasses will protect your eyes and cut down on glare.

If you plan to vacation in a warm, sunny climate, remember with intermittent, intense sun exposure, the kind you get on a winter get away, often resulting in sunburn puts you at higher risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Sand like snow reflects back the sun’s UV radiation, increasing the intensity of exposure by 10-25%.

Do not use your break from winter as an excuse to soak in the sun. Protect yourself by seeking shade, particularly during peak hours between 10AM and 4PM, wearing proper attire such as long, loose fitting clothes in dark or bright colored cottons, and a broad brimmed hat. UV blocking sunglasses and a SPF 30+ will help keep your skin sun safe, whether it is on the slopes or on the sand.

Skin lightening cream with MELAPLEX® helps disrupt the skin darkening pathway to visibly lighten dark discolorations in as little as 4 weeks.*

Clinically demonstrated effective Hydroquinone 4%, the #1 physician choice for topical skin lightening to visibly lighten dark spots and pigmentation works together with MELAPLEX®, an exclusive skin brightening complex to help restore the youthful appearance of even skin tone.

• Visibly lighten dark (Brownish) skin discolorations such as freckles, age and liver spots or pigment in the skin that may occur during pregnancy or form the use of oral contraceptives.
• Helps brighten and restore the look of skin tone and clarity for a more even complexion.
• Hydrates skin with natural ingredients of Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil to help counteract dryness for smooth, supple skin.
• Formulated with anti-oxidants to help restore the appearance of youthful skin.

Apply PM or as directed by physician

*Results may vary
Available by prescription from physicians only. Consult with your physician for important safety information. Only your doctor can determine if BLANCHE is right for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BLANCHE Skin Lightening Cream(Hydroquinone USP, 4%) is contraindicated in people with a history of hypersensitivity, allergy, or intolerance to this product, Hydroquinone or any other ingredients. The safety of topical Hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and younger) has not been established. Mild to moderate redness, peeling, burning, dryness or itching may be experienced. In clinical trials, the most frequently reported side effects of topical Hydroquinone are erythema, desquamation, burning, dryness and itching pruritus. This product contains sulfites that may cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life threatening asthma attacks. BLANCHE Skin Lightening Cream contains Hydroquinone, which may produce exogenous ochronosis, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin, whose occurrence should prompt discontinuation of therapy. See package insert for complete information.

Please visit the article hosted at: http://www.neocutis.com/categories.php?catid=89

Please visit our SkinSearch webpage to learn more.

Feel free to contact the office to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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