Yesterday, the New York Times front page had a very unflattering article in my opinion about dermatologists who have two separate waiting rooms and separate staff for medical versus cosmetic patients.  I can’t imagine such a system, but I guess it does exist.  We have one recently redone waiting room which our patients enjoy.  We have one staff, one phone number, one set of examination rooms, etc.  We treat our patients all the same-with respect and kindness–the same way we would want to be treated at a doctor’s office.  We encourage people to make follow-up appointments whether they are in our office for medical or cosmetic reasons.  We see medical and cosmetic as one unit–hence our name–cosmedical!  We offer our cosmetic patients skin cancer screenings, and if medical patients want to discuss cosmetic treatments, we give them the information that they need.  We treat people as human beings, not as one type of patient or another.  We know that you will have a great experience in our office!  That is why most of our new patients are referred by our current patients, and we appreciate that.  We are always willing to accept criticism, and we are certainly not perfect in running our office-sometimes there are emergencies and we run behind, etc, but we do our best everyday to serve our patient population.  We hope to see you soon. 

Again, the New York Times hits on some very important topics, and they usually do it well!  7/22/08 articles in the science section mention that Melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, is increasing at a rapid rate in young women.  This may be due to increased tanning with ultraviolet lights in the tanning beds, and increased tanning behavior in the sun.  Many young women still think tan is beautiful.  Unfortunately, ultraviolet sun rays cause skin cancer.  Melanoma skin cancer kills people.  It is so very sad to have a young healthy person die because of a mostly preventable disease.  It can usually be cured if it is caught early enough.  Yearly skin cancer screenings by a Board Certified Dermatologist are what we recommend.  For people at higher risk with light skin and a lot of sun damage, or with family histories of skin cancer and lots of moles, we see these patients more often.  We take photos in our office to document what a mole looks like so we can see if it changes and needs a biopsy.   We have a full selection of excellent sunscreens for protection that we recommend. 

The New York Times also talked about sunscreens.  The only problem with sunscreens that we see is that people don’t use them enough, or often enough, or a large enough amount.  People put a small amount on once or twice a day and think that it is adequate.  The sunscreen does help prevent them from burning, so they are able to stay out in the sun for a longer amount of time.  This pattern does not help them.  Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every 2 hours, more often if you are sweating a lot or swimming.  Sunscreen should be applied liberally.  I find that people who use spray sunscreens tend to get burned more often–either the people don’t apply it properly, or the sunscreens don’t work as well as a rub on sunscreen.  We recommend at least an spf 30, higher for people with skin cancer or severe sun damage.  There are lots of good sunscreens out there so buy them, use them liberally and frequently.  Also, use a hat, wear protective clothing, and try to stay out of the strongest rays in the middle of the day if possible.  Seek shade.  Do the best you can, and make sure you get a skin cancer screening.  Two patients yesterday gave me big hugs thanking me for saving their lives by picking up a melanoma early before it spread.  We hope to see you soon. 

Rebecca Baxt, MD, FAAD

Botox is one of the miracle medications of this and last century.  It was originally used years ago to help relax tightened muscles in patients with muscle conditions.  Now we have Botox Cosmetic from Allergan, which is used for cosmetic correction of wrinkles on the face.  It works great for lines between the eyebrows, forehead, crow’s feet, etc.  We do use it around the mouth and also under the arms to reduce sweating.  Botox changes patients lives.  People who always looked angry and tired, now look happy and well rested.  No one knows that they’ve had Botox injections.  It can help people with migraines be headache free, though its not yet approved for headache treatment.  People who have been embarrassed about sweating through their clothes daily, can now wear anything they want.  It is one of the safest medications on the market.  The press tends to report negatively on Botox because i think it sells stories.  People are jealous of the great results patients get with Botox and then want to bring them down.  Most of our patients are working people, who spend their hard earned money on self-maintenance such as Botox Cosmetic.  It makes them look good, compete in the workplace, and best of all they feel good about themselves.  It is done in a quick office visit with minimal discomfort.  The main side effects are bruising and a headache.  We have never had anything bad happen to any of our patients with Botox.  As I said, it is one of the safest products on the market.  The results can last anywhere from 2-6months, on average 3-4 months, depending on the area and amount injected.  Results get better over time, so most of our patients require fewer units and less frequent injections after a few years of treatments.  I tell people to look at it like getting your hair cut or going to an exercise class- budget it in as self-maintenance.  We offer free Botox consultations so call us 201-265-1300 x5. 

Dr. Rebecca Baxt