For most people, the skin growth cycle takes about 1 month, but in psoriatic skin it may take as little as 3 days. During this accelerated process, skin cells collect and have nowhere to go, so they push their way to the skin surface to form itchy, scaly lesions. Here are a few more quick facts about psoriasis you might need to know.

• Doctors believe psoriasis is caused by autoimmune dysfunction.
• There is no psoriasis cure or procedure to end psoriasis symptoms, but in some cases it may go into remission for a long time.
• Psoriasis isn’t contagious.
• Triggers for psoriasis may include sunburn and strep throat.
• Psoriasis often precedes a condition called psoriatic arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints and other tissues.
• Psoriasis affects males and females equally – about 1-2 percent of the population.
• Among those affected, Psoriasis symptoms typically begin before a person reaches middle age.
• Scalp psoriasis is common, as are lesions on the elbows, knees, and torso. You may see the same basic pattern of lesions forming on each side of the body.

Although psoriasis is an irksome condition to carry with you all your life, there are ways to manage it, and most patients learn to do so. A good dermatologist should help patients manage psoriasis by finding simple psoriasis remedies or treatments that clear up lesions, slow down skin cell production, and minimize or avoid side effects. For more information on the different types of psoriasis see our Advancements in Dermatology psoriasis web page.

Come in now to one of our Twin Cities locations to receive a 50 dollar rebate on Botox Cosmetic.

A research study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (March 2008) compared Botox with topical treatments using aluminum chloride for treatment of hyperhidrosis. In a clinical trial, 25 patients were given topical treatment and 25 were given Botox.  The authors reported, “At week 4, 92% of the subjects in the Botox group achieved treatment response compared with 33% of the subjects in the AC group.”

The researchers concluded that Botox was “superior” to topical agents for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, but also revealed that “treatment with aluminum chloride was effective and tolerated in 29% of patients.” So Botox is by no means the only option; there are other products available that may be less expensive and potentially helpful in providing relief.  However, if you have already tried several products and have not seen significant changes in your excessive sweating, we do suggest therapeutic treatment with Botox.

We have proposed 2 treatment levels for this therapy.  From experience we know that a vial (100 units) of Botox is maximum dosage used in each underarm, palm of hand, or sole of foot. However, we also recognize that 1/2 of this dosage (50 units) is quite effective as well.

Unfortunately, we’ve found that few patients are getting insurance coverage for using Botox, despite the supporting research and FDA approval for this indication. We do offer CareCredit financing options and competitive pricing.  For more information, contact Skin Speaks/Advancements in Dermatology.

Fraxel Restore treatments have been offered in our practice since 2006. Patients have given us positive feedback, describing younger, smoother skin.  The feedback about improvement to acne-scarred skin has also been overwhelmingly positive. Treatment pricing has become more competitive over time, so Fraxel is now quite cost-effective.

Other cost effective treatments include Fotofacials or IPL.  They provide excellent results, they’re easy on the pocketbook, and quick to satisfy patient concerns about uneven pigmentation, sun damage, and mottled skin.  IPL is safe to use on the face, neck, chest, back, arms, etc.  When you use an effective skin care regimen, it’s possible to maintain your refreshed look, and it’s a great way to protect your investment.

The ‘tried and true’ chemical peel is still a favorite, even as other physicians try to reinvent the wheel with laser technology.  Dr. Carney uses this treatment to resurface lines, moderate to deep wrinkles, and acne scars, correct uneven pigmentation, and perform skin tightening, with results lasting 5-10 years or longer.  Chemical peels are making a comeback now as patients find high tech laser treatments associated with high price tags, along with results that sometimes don’t meet their expectations.

Our RN injection specialist, Yone Tierney, brought a wealth of experience from New York to Skin Speaks, providing Sculptra treatments to our cosmetic patients.  Originally, Sculptra was FDA approved for treating facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in patients with HIV, but 70-90% of its use has been for cosmetic applications.  This wrinkle filler offers 2-3 years correction by ‘volumizing,’ which greatly restores a youthful and natural look. It lifts the face, improves the jawline, the mid-face, hollows and circles under and around the eyes, and plumps up the cheeks.

Dr. Carney and his staff plan to further elaborate and answer questions on these procedures with an upcoming event, so contact us for more information.

The most attractive aspect is the money saved.  Because Dr. Carney provides all procedures in the office using only local anesthesia, you can choose to pursue the procedure and pay only for what’s really necessary - a skilled surgeon and a desirable outcome. Our surgical procedures eliminate an average of $2500 in costs for general anesthesia and surgery center fees.  A recent ET (Entertainment Tonight) segment discussed how this concept has grown in Hollywood, calling it “the new and less invasive procedure to the stars!” Less Downtime, Less Risk.  Dr. Carney has the experience of 21 years, the past 17 using only local anesthesia, so while it may be trendy in Hollywood, it’s not so new to us.

Contact Skin Speaks Spa/Advancements in Dermatology to find out more.

• Acne treatments and prescription drugs often make one more sensitive and vulnerable to the sun’s damaging UV rays, so use extra caution if you’re taking medications for your acne.

• It has been said by some patients that sun exposure is good for acne, which isn’t entirely false; moderate sun exposure can improve acne to a certain extent.  However, it doesn’t take much to get overexposed, which will have quite the opposite effect later on, with more oil production and clogged pores.

So don’t forget the sunscreen when you head out this weekend. The American Academy of Dermatology advises acne sufferers to use at least SPF 15.   When you return, don’t hesitate to come see us at Skin Speaks to learn about acne treatments like photodynamic therapy or an acne facial.

Have a happy independence day!

Permanent makeup artists create the illusion of bold features; for example, by embedding colored pigment into the skin to create perfectly shaped eyebrows, enhancing the eyelids with permanent eyeliner, or creating the illusion of fuller, younger-looking lips by ‘filling them in’ with a shade of pink or red. 

The procedure creates a subtler look than a traditional tattoo and allows many people to enhance the vibrancy of facial features that have diminished over time.

For pure convenience, permanent makeup shortens the daily ritual of applying makeup before work or other social functions.  Patients say they especially love it in the summer months because it’s waterproof, so their eyes still look attractive and vibrant after activities like swimming or exercising.

To minimize risks, you should always choose a physician with several years of experience in permanent makeup application. Ask to see photos of other patients who received the same treatment, or talk to former patients if possible.Permanent makeup only requires a topical anesthetic. Healing can take up to two weeks depending on the type of tattoo.  Permanent Makeup is in-demand so call one of our Minnesota offices today to find out more about the permanent makeover.  Also, see our permanent makeup web page for before & after photos!

If your skin is in need of rejuvenation, a few microdermabrasion treatments each year can make a big difference.  Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, healthy layer underneath. It also stimulates collagen production, which improves skin elasticity.  It’s an easy procedure, and it can reduce the appearance fine lines, wrinkles and even some forms of skin damage.  If you use skin products (we recommend medical grade), it can increase penetration, so your daily skin care regimen is more effective.  For many patients, this combination of at-home skin care and microdermabrasion is all it takes to achieve smoother more silky looking skin. 

If you exhibit age spots, zap them away with a Fraxel laser or Chemical Peel. Rejuvenate your skin while reducing or removing age spots. 

Professional Facials are another great way to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, and they feel great! If you don’t need an intensive treatment but want to freshen up your look, a facial may be the right treatment choice.

Sunscreen is important any time of year, but especially during these hot summer months. Choosing the right sunscreen for your face - one that addresses your skin type and skin conditions - is not always easy.  Use a sunscreen every day. For days spent mostly indoors, use a foundation with an SPF15 or higher. For outdoors you want at least an SPF45 that is waterproof or water-resistant. The right sunscreen can prevent sun damage, skin problems, and even skin cancer.  Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells deep within the skin’s surface, making your cells vulnerable to toxins (free-radicals) in the environment. We can help you select the right sunscreen for your skin.

Self conscious about unwanted facial or body hair? Laser hair removal can erase excess hair to keep your skin looking smooth and buff, reducing the need for shaving and waxing. 

Let us help you maintain the health of your skin. Come visit us at Skin Speaks Spa to find out which treatment will work best for your skin type; then look forward to looking hot all summer long!

What was first labeled a ‘complication’ or side effect of using these topical agents was “hypertrichosis,” a condition characterized by darkening, thickening, and lengthening of the eyelashes.   

 Allergan offered the topical prostaglandin Lumigan in 2001, a drug that contained the active ingredient bimatoprost. Two important precursors to Latisse occurred after the FDA gave clearance for Lumigan.

Jan Marini Skin Research Inc had over $2 million worth of product seized by the Food and Drug Administration.  The product, Age Intervention Eyelash, evidently contained bimatoprost, which was unapproved for cosmetic use at the time. Allergan later filed a patent infringement suit against Jan Marini and several other companies that had tried to market bimatoprost in their eyelash enhancing drugs.

Some doctors started prescribing Lumigan off-label to enhance eyelashes.  Knowing the desirable side effects it could produce. But Lumigan wasn’t formulated for cosmetic use and many believed more research was needed to confirm the safety of topical prostaglandins for cosmetic use.  

Clinical trials and further research is exactly what Alllergan Inc did.  In one early study, 278 healthy adults with minimal to moderate eyelash prominence applied bimatoprost or a placebo to their lash line.  The results were favorable; researchers observed that the average patient’s eyelashes were 25 percent longer, 106 percent fuller, and 18 percent darker, while only 3.6 percent experienced itchy eyes and redness, and only 2.9 percent experienced skin hyperpigmentation.  

Latisse received FDA approval late last year for the treatment of ‘inadequate’ eyelashes.  Allergan now owns the patent on use of bimatoprost for eyelash enhancement.

Contact Skin Speaks for more information on Latisse in Minnesota.

The following statistics illustrate the opinions of the ‘typical’ patient. Who is the ‘typical’ patient?  According to the survey results, she is “a married, working mother between 41-55 years of age with a household income of under $100,000.”

Approximately 70 percent of the respondents claimed that Botox and dermal fillers played an important role in their cosmetic routine.

When asked what their motivation was for pursuing Botox treatment, 34 percent said their appearance looked “stressed” or “angry”. Others said that a friend, family member, or their physician had recommended it, or they were preparing for a social event. 66 percent said they received Botox treatment 2-3 times per year. 72 percent of the respondents chose Botox to treat glabellar lines – the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows.  

When asked about their motivation to use hyaluronic acid fillers, the majority (63 percent) of patients reported a desire to remove facial wrinkles and folds - mostly the nasolabial folds that travel from the nose to each side of the mouth.

A full summary of the results is available (in MS Word) here.  For more information on wrinkle treatments in Minneapolis, see our homepage.