Brilliant Distinctions Mall

If you get Botox, Juvederm, Latisse or the skin care products Vivite or SkinMedica, you probably know about Allergan's Brilliant Distinctions loyalty program, where you can earn points toward future savings each time you receive a qualifying treatment or product.

The great news is that program is now even better!!  They have added a feature called Brilliant Distinctions Mall.  Basically, you can earn points toward your next treatment by shopping online at your favorite retailer!  You can select from thousands of retailers and they will tell you how many Brilliant Distinctions points you can earn based on how much you spend.  These points can be used toward your next purchase of any Allergan product including Botox, Juvederm, Latisse and skin care products, Vivite and Skin Medica!  The more you shop, the more you earn!  

Dermatology Associates of Rochester is proud to be one of the few practices in Rochester that participates in Brilliant Distinctions... sign up today!

HOW TO EARN POINTS IN THE BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS MALL:

• Go to the Brilliant Distinctions website
• Enter your login information
• In the box labeled "Two Ways to Earn" click on "Shop at the Brilliant Distinctions Mall"
• Select the retailer you would like and then click "Shop Now"
• Once a purchase is made, points will display as "pending" in your Rewards history
• Points are displayed within 6-10 weeks depending on the retailer
• If you return your purchase, the points will be removed from your account
• If travel is booked, points are not issued until travel is completed

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy (Leg Vein Injections)

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure done by your healthcare provider to treat uncomplicated spider veins and reticular veins.  The treatment involves the injection of a solution into the affected veins.

Sclerotherapy can be combined with laser treatment with our GentlMax Pro or Candela VBeam laser.

FAQs:

How does sclerotherapy work?

A solution is injected into the vein with a very tiny needle.  It works by irritating the endothelium of the vessels, eventually causing the vessels to collapse and disappear. There are a variety of solutions that can be used depending on the type of vessels being treated.

How long does a sclerotherapy treatment take?

A typical sclerotherapy session lasts 15-45 minutes.  Multiple injections are done in one session. 

Are the injections painful?

The needles used are very small, so at most there is a small pinching sensation.  Injection of the solution may also cause some minor burning that will dissipate.

What do I need to do after a sclerotherapy treatment?

Compression stockings are put on immediately after the procedure. It is necessary to keep pressure on the vessels treated for best results. Your healthcare provider will recommend that you wear compression stockings for two weeks following treatment.   

What are the most common side effects of sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a very safe and effective procedure.  It is common to experience mild redness, temporary itching and slight bruising after undergoing a sclerotherapy treatment.   Additionally, brown-tan discoloration may occur that can last a few months after treatment.

When is the best time for treatment?

Generally, the best time for vein treatment is during the fall and winter, so your legs will be looking their best by the following spring or summer.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient and depends on the extent of spider veins present.   You will have (50-70%) reduction or lightening in blood vessles after one treatment, so usually you need two to three treatments.   This can be discussed at your consultation.

Botox for Crow's Feet!

On September 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a use of Botox® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe lateral canthal lines, which are more commonly referred to as "crow's feet."  Physicians have used Botox® in this area for years "off-label," but the new FDA approval will offer consumers an additional level of confidence in the safety and efficacy of the product.   

Botox® Cosmetic was first approved in 2002 for treatment of glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows).  The FDA has also stated that both frown lines and crow’s feet can be treated at the same time.

The FDA approval is based on two clinical efficacy and safety studies:

“The studies enrolled 833 adult participants with moderate to severe lateral canthal lines who were randomly assigned to receive Botox or placebo. Results showed that those treated with Botox had greater improvement compared to placebo in the appearance of lateral canthal lines.

The most common adverse reaction associated with the use of Botox Cosmetic for treatment of lateral canthal lines is eyelid edema, a condition in which the eyelids are swollen and contain excessive fluid.” (1)

Botox^® is one of our most popular noninvasive cosmetic procedures for both women and men.  It is a purified protein that works by blocking nerve impulses, allowing muscles to relax, effectively eliminating wrinkles and giving the face a rejuvenated look.  Using a small needle, tiny injections are made into the muscles that cause frown lines.  Within days you may see an improvement, but it can take two weeks to see the full effect.  Typically Botox® treatment lasts three to four months.

Dermatology Associates of Rochester is also a member of the Brilliant Distinctions® Program, which is a program Allergan (the company who makes Botox®) created to allow you to get exclusive offers on Botox® Cosmetic and their other products including the cosmetic filler, Juvederm®.

Reference:

(1) http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm367662.htm

Recognizing Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac

By Ann Marie Ebling, MS, NP

Poison Ivy: Found throughout the United States except Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of the West Coast. Can grow as a vine or shrub. Each stem has three glossy leaflets, with smooth or toothed edges. Leaves are reddish in spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall. May have white berries.

Poison Oak: Grows as a low shrub in the eastern United States, and in tall clumps or long vines on the Pacific Coast. Fuzzy green leaves in clusters of three are lobed or deeply toothed with rounded tips. May have yellow-white berries.

Poison Sumac: Grows as a tall shrub or small tree in bogs or swamps in the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the Southwest. Each stem has clusters of seven to 13 smooth-edged leaflets. Leaves are orange in spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall. May have yellow-white berries.

Not Contagious

Poison ivy and other poison rashes can't be spread from person to person. It is possible to pick up the rash from plant oil that may have stuck to clothing, pets, garden tools, and other items that have come in contact with these plants. The plant oil lingers (sometimes for years) on virtually any surface until it is washed off with water.

The rash will only occur where the plant oil has touched the skin, so a person with poison ivy can't spread it on the body by scratching. It may seem like the rash is spreading if it appears over time instead of all at once. This is either because the plant oil is absorbed at different rates in different parts of the body or because of repeated exposure to contaminated objects or plant oil trapped under the fingernails. Even if blisters break, the fluid in the blisters is not plant oil and cannot further spread the rash.

Tips for Prevention

• Learn what poison ivy, oak, and sumac look like so you can avoid them.
• Wash your garden tools and gloves regularly. If you think you may be working around poison ivy, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into boots, and gloves.
• Wash your pets if they have brushed up against poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Use pet shampoo and water while wearing rubber gloves. Most pets are not sensitive to poison ivy, but the oil can stick to their fur and cause a reaction in someone who pets them.
• Wash your skin in cool water as soon as possible if you come in contact with a poisonous plant. The sooner you cleanse the skin, the greater the chance you can remove the plant oil.
• Use the topical product "Ivy Block" if you know you will come in contact with the poisonous plants.

Tips for Treatment
Do not scratch the blisters. Bacteria from under your fingernails can cause infection. You can relieve the itch by:

• using wet compresses or soaking in cool water.
• using topical steroids or oral corticosteroids; prescribed by your physician.

Notify a Medical Professional

• If you have a temperature
• If there is pus, soft yellow scabs, or tenderness on the rash.
• If the itching gets worse or keeps you up at night.

Endermologie - What to expect

                                                                                 





(Image via LPGsystems.com)  Visit LPG Systems


- Endermologie - 
by Katie Green Cieslinski and Andrea Mattozzi

Andrea Mattozzi performing the procedure

This patented technique, developed in France, efficiently produces results using a refreshing, non-surgical procedure applied through a course of weekly sessions. From head to toe, Endermologie enhances skin condition, and goes where no other available treatment can in combating fatty deposits that cause cellulite.

The reduction of cellulite can be realized with between 14 and 20 treatments. Endermologie is a non-invasive treatment used to reduce cellulite and improve your overall figure. Our technicians have successfully been treating clients who in the past have been unable to reduce the appearance of cellulite through diet and exercise.

The procedure uses rollers that gently massage and stretch the skin. Endermologie is not a weight loss technique, however, we have documented cases of client's who have lost inches as well as improving their skin tone.

The average number of treatments is two per week. If you are simultaneously in the process of losing a significant amount of weight or if you have a long-term problematic cellulite condition, one treatment per week is recommended. More than two sessions per week will not bring faster results.

Sessions last up to 55 minutes. Your problem areas are focused on, but time is given to other areas to stimulate general circulation and elimination.

Usually people see changes within 5 or 6 sessions, but 14 is the average number of suggested treatments. Monthly maintenance sessions are suggested thereafter.

You will most likely notice an improvement in skin tone after using the machine. The appearance of stretch marks and loose skin may be improved. It is not a weight loss machine. However, many clients report being able to lose weight, especially fat weight, more easily while using the machine than they could before.

Endermologie®, unlike liposuction, does not involve breaking through the skin in any way. Some people try Endermologie® first and then choose to have liposuction. Some choose to receive both as part of a dual treatment to their problem. Endermologie® is being used and studied by some of the most well known practitioners of liposuction in the world.

The sensation is similar to a deep massage. Most clients find it quite pleasant. The strength of the treatment can be individually adjusted to your comfort level.

Visit and 'Like' Us on Facebook to see pics from our Open House

CoolSculpting - Freeze your Fat Off!

I'm excited to share with you some before and after photos of our own CoolSculpting® patients! These patients had one treatment on their upper and lower abdomen and "love handles", and the female patient also received a bra fat treatment.

CoolSculpting® is a unique, non-invasive fat reduction procedure developed in 2007 by two Harvard dermatologists. It works by way of Cryolipolysis™ (frozen fat cell destruction). By using suction, the device is able to pull the target treatment area between two cooling panels and then chill that area for one hour. Following treatment, the body's own microscopic clean up crew naturally eliminates fat cells over the next few months.

Patients report that as the cooling starts, they feel pressure and cold initially but this dissipates. Many patients read, work on a laptop or take a nap until the treatment is complete, which can be one to three hours depending on the number of areas treated.

There is no downtime and many of our patients go back to work, finish running errands or hit the gym after the procedure. While some redness, minor bruising, tingling or discomfort can occur, they are temporary. On average it takes three months to see maximum results and patients will see a 20-25% reduction of fat in the treated area after just one treatment.

The procedure is safe, FDA-cleared and over 400,000 patients have been treated worldwide!

While the procedure does not result in weight loss, many patients report that their clothing fits better. Schedule a consultation with our providers today to see if CoolSculpting® is right for you!

Rosacea Flare Ups - What to do to regain control

By Travis Hayden, MPAS, RPA-C 

with updates by Lesley Loss, MD

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. 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.

While prescription systemic and topical agents are often a mainstay in therapy, two non medication based treatments we commonly recommend include Candela Vbeam Perfecta pulsed dye laser and Neocutis Pêche.

Outrun The Sun!! Help in the fight against melanoma!

Skin cancer in general is the commonest cancer diagnosed and treated in the United States with over 2,000,000 people affected annually.  While there are many types of skin cancer and all have potential to be life threatening, melanoma is the most aggressive and biggest killer.  Currently despite detection and treatment options about 1 person dies per hour from #melanoma.

Help Find a Cure for Melanoma

Some scary statistics:
     -  An estimated 76,000+ people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2013
     -  86% of melanoma can be attributed to UV exposure
     -  A person's risk for melanoma doubles if they experience more than 5 sunburns
     -  Melanoma accounts for <5% of skin cancers but accounts for most of the death

     

In my daily practice there is rarely a day that goes by where I do not diagnose a case of melanoma. While survival has improved over the years with more aggressive surgical interventions and early detection, there are still many individuals who develop life threatening disease.  New medications are being developed that target specific aspects of the disease and the FDA recently approved two new agents for metastatic melanoma (dabrafenib and trametinib).  We live in an age where science is rapidly accumulating answers to complex questions about previously poorly understood diseases, but this process requires research and research means money.

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In Rochester, NY we are proud to be sponsoring Rochester Melanoma Action Group's 2nd Annual - Out Run the Sun Race Against Melanoma and Sunset Festival.  We aim to make this event bigger and better every year and hope you can join us for the fun 5k run or 1 mile walk, even if it is to simply hang out and cheer on your friends or family.  Check it out and please tell your friends so that we can all help raise awareness and fight melanoma head-on!

Date: August 2nd
Location:  Webster Park (Rochester, NY/Webster, NY)
Time:  Sunset festival begins 5pm
           5k race begins 7pm
Visit the website:  Help Find a Cure for Melanoma

Data and statistics posted are from the Skin Cancer Foundation - skincancer.org.  Visit for complete references.

Children and Sunscreens - What to Know!

What is the best sunscreen for your infant/toddler?

This is a common question and the market is flooded with different options. Here's what to remember!

1) Infants under 6 months

- should not have sunscreens applied to them

- keep them in shade (or out of the sun)

- try to avoid UV peak hours (10a-2p)

- dress them in wide brim hats

- dress them in sun protective clothing

2) Infants over 6 months

- always best to avoid the sun (shade and clothing)

- as far as sunscreens are concerned; SPF 30+

- choosing inorganic filters (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) will minimize burn if it contacts the eyes

- Blue Lizard Baby and Neutrogena Baby are both great options

Remember that a few burns early in childhood increases risk for skin cancer so be Sun Smart and Safe!

Have questions? Just ask!