It’s hard to believe that just over 15 years ago there was no such thing as laser hair removal. Now lasers and light sources are used the world over to permanently remove hair with little discomfort and little effort. Developed by Harvard dermatologists, this technique has revolutionized hair removal. While the effectiveness and safety of laser hair removal devices are no longer in question, results and patients’ satisfaction depend on several factors. Brown/black hair vs. blonde/white hair Laser hair removal is effective in most individuals regardless of the color of their skin. However, brown and black hair can be permanently … Continue reading »
Dark under eye circles are remarkably common and very bothersome. While we cannot cure the problem, treatments exist to improve their appearance. Dark under eye circles start as early as the 20s or 30s and usually slowly worsen over time. Dark circles are very common in individuals from the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and they frequently run in families. If one’s mother or father has dark under eye circles it’s likely that one or more of their children will have the problem as well. Prescription creams for dark under eye circles There are many over-the-counter creams … Continue reading »
SkinCare Physicians is delighted to be involved in the New Beginnings Radiation Mark Removal Program. While he was president of the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Jeffrey Dover and his colleagues on the society board initiated the New Beginnings Radiation Mark Removal Program, a national philanthropic campaign offering free radiation mark (tattoo) removal for cancer patients. Cancer patients undergoing radiation treatments are usually “marked” with 2-3 small tattoo marks on the skin. The marking ensures that the radiation therapist positions the radiotherapy machine in the exact same location each time. The skin marks are … Continue reading »
Until recently the only approach to treat what is medically known as submental fat, or more commonly referred to as a double chin, was surgical with liposuction and or a neck/facelift. Earlier this year, our Boston dermatologists announced one of the most exciting developments in cosmetic surgery: the FDA approval of Kybella for the treatment of full neck and submental fullness. Remarkably, another highly effective, completely non-surgical approach to treating the double chin, the CoolMini device by CoolSculpting, was just approved by the FDA in late September 2015. The CoolMini is the most advanced non-invasive fat reduction treatment dedicated for … Continue reading »
Tattoos are becoming increasingly prevalent in Western society. One U.S. survey found that 24% of respondents had tattoos. The 2006 “Gen Next” Pew Research Center survey found that 40% of respondents aged 26 – 40 have tattoos. This number is expected to continue to rise, and along with it an increased number of patients will consult their dermatologist for tattoo removal. Luckily advances in selective short pulsed laser treatment are revolutionizing their removal and are available at SkinCare Physicians for patients who have tattoo regrets in the Boston area. First breakthrough in tattoo removal: The Q-switched laser The introduction of … Continue reading »
For many of us achieving our ideal body weight or desirable body shape seems like a completely unachievable goal. Until recently there were only 2 ways to trim down our waist, love handles or thighs: Either perpetual dieting and exercise. Or liposuction, a surgical procedure that, while popular and relatively commonly performed, most of us would never even consider. A dramatic development based on a remarkably simple and elegant concept has made things much simpler: Fat is cold sensitive. As such, it can be altered and reduced without affecting the overlying skin. This fact has completely changed our approach to … Continue reading »
Nearly a year ago SkinCare Physicians’ long time fellowship training was accredited through the ASDS Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Accreditation Program. ASDS launched the program in summer 2013 to promote comprehensive post-residency training in cosmetic dermatologic surgery procedures. Soon our three Fellows, Drs. Emily Keller, Kathryn Kent and Laurel Morton, will “graduate” from our program and move on bigger things, enthusiastic and positive about their training at SkinCare Physicians near Boston. They shared their experience in the following article published in the May-June 2014 issue of Currents, the ASDS magazine. A TREMENDOUS BOOST Program: SkinCare Physicians, Chestnut Hill, Mass. Co-directors: … Continue reading »
Do you have facial redness and or broken blood vessels that don’t seem to go away? If so, you might have rosacea. Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition in the family of acne that often begins in the third and fourth decades of life. More than 14 million Americans are living with rosacea. Common symptoms include flushing, persistent redness, and pimples. While medicated cream containing metronidazole (Metrogel) or oral antibiotics treat the pimples, they do not take care of the redness and dilated blood vessels. The redness and dilated blood vessels can, however, be treated very effectively with the pulsed … Continue reading »
Do you have a blue bump or swelling on your lip? If so, you may have a venous lake. These fairly common blue/purple soft bumps or swellings are caused by a single dilated vein. They mainly appear on sun-exposed surfaces such as lips and ears, and generally occur in those over 40 years old. While not dangerous, they usually grow slowly, can get in the way of chewing and eating, and they don’t look particularly nice.
Fraxel® laser treatments have revolutionized our ability to improve skin texture and color. Our experience shows that a series of 6 treatments usually performed every 4 weeks with the 1550 nm device produces dramatic improvement in fine to moderate wrinkles, while the 1927 nm device is especially helpful for sun-induced skin discoloration. The biggest downside is that the treatments are uncomfortable and they leave patients red and a bit puffy for about 3 days. Typically, individuals have these done either early in the week so they can be ready for the weekend, or on a Friday afternoon so they can … Continue reading »
