Dear Friends, Patients, and Colleagues,
It’s the New Year and time to make resolutions. After reviewing the feedback from the patient evaluation forms that were handed out last fall, we have structured our New Year to be focused on improving our wait time for appointments both in getting an appointment in a timely manner and in waiting for an appointment in office.
To improve this situation we have hired more nurses and medical assistants, re-evaluated and redesigned the templates of our schedules, hired Sandra Elkhouly, another Certified Physician Assistant to see both medical and cosmetic patients, and we are expanding the office which will enable us to provide 2 new patient care rooms and a stand alone photo room. We are also going to be redesigning the waiting room to increase seating. We are hoping this will be completed by Feb 1. In addition, as announced in our previous newsletter, we are greatly expanding our hours: starting on Jan 1, 2006 we will be open 8am–8pm Monday through Thursday, 8am–4pm on Fridays and 9am–4pm Saturdays with full accessibility of all of our services. Still, sometimes quality care isn’t fast. The quality of the care is our primary mission. We hope you will appreciate the fact that we are doing everything we can to try to make your visits punctual as we do truly respect your time and know that you are just as busy as we are! We want to thank all of you who took the time to fill these surveys out.
We are excited to announce the foundation of the Advanced Dermatology Research Institute. We have made more of a commitment not only to be on the cutting edge in being able to evaluate new medications and treatments, but also to be part of the scientific community that helps to elucidate what is truly helpful from what is not. These studies include already approved FDA treatments as well as studies for FDA approval of new treatments. In the research section is a list of studies we are currently enrolling but watch our newsletters and websites for upcoming studies in the near future.
I also want to congratulate Erin DeVita, who passed her exam and became a CCRC (Certified Clinical Research Coordinator). We want to thank her for making the Research Institute possible, through her hard work and dedication.
I can’t tell you how fortunate I and the staff of Advanced Dermatology feel about being your trusted provider of dermatologic services. We hope you are enjoying this holiday season and wish you health and happiness in the New Year.
Sincerely,
Amy Forman Taub, MD
And the Staff of Advanced Dermatology & Skinfo
Seminars/Conferences/Workshops
October 2005: Dr. Taub presented at Grand Rounds at the University of South Florida on Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).
November 2005: Earlier in the fall, Dr. Taub wrote an article Equipping a Medical Spa for DermaScope Magazine, which was published in November.
December 2005: Earlier in the fall, Dr. Taub was interviewed by Elle Magazine on the VelaSmooth™ which was published in the December 2005 issue.
January 2006: Dr. Taub will be presenting at the Orlando Dermatology and Aesthetic Conference on PDT and ELOS laser technology.
March 3-7, 2006: Dr. Taub, Erin DeVita, CST, CCRC and Suzanne Lombardo will be attending the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. Dr. Taub will be on the faculty, presenting “The Early American Experience with PDT”
March 1-4, 2006: Sheila Sahs, Suzanne Lombardo and Erin DeVita will be attending the Association of Dermatology
Administration and Managers (ADA/M) Annual Meeting.
March 2-5, 2006: Tina Flores, MA and Paulette Smith, ST will be attending the Dermatology Nursing Association (DNA) Annual Meeting.
April 5-9, 2006: Dr. Taub, Shannon Morrow, PA-C, Erin and Suzanne will be attending the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) Annual Meeting.
Advanced Dermatology Events:
Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2006 – VelaSmooth™ Special: Trying to reduce those extra inches from the holidays and remove that unwanted cellulite?
Purchase a VelaSmooth™ treatment package of 14 treatments and get the 15th free! If you are already in your maintenance phase, then buy a 5 pack and get the 6th free!
Jan. – Feb. 28, 2006 – Acne and Rosacea Special:
Reduce unwanted blemishes and background redness with Laser and Light methods for treating acne and rosacea! Receive 10% off a treatment package of Photorejuvenation (for rosacea) or Photodynamic Therapy with laser or blue light (for acne).
Experience Beauty Enhancement during Advanced Dermatology’s Cosmetic and Laser Week! Jan 30th – Feb 5th, 2006.
Choose from the following promotions – or have them all! Each patient must receive a consultation prior to booking their
appointment, so please book your consultation in advance. These specials are available for one week only.
Look for a mailer arriving soon describing this special in more detail!
- Tissue Tightening (Thermage®, Titan™, Polaris™) – 10% off
- Photorejuvenation – 10% off
- Laser Leg Veins – 10% off
- Laser Hair Removal - 10% off
- BOTOX® Cosmetic - $11 per unit (discounted from $12 per unit)
- Injectable Fillers - $50 off each syringe
- Erbium Micro Laser Peels – 10% off
- Aesthetic Peels and Medical Facials – 10% off
- BOTOX® Cosmetic, in addition to any other treatments - $10 per unit.
All offers are not valid with any other offer and will not be applied to previous treatments or at any other time.
Skinfo Events:
Jan. 10, 2006 SkinMedica Event: Learn about SkinMedica’s new treatment products to hydrate and repair your skin during the cold winter months. All SkinMedica products are 10% off!
Feb. 7, 2006 GloMinerals Gift with Purchase Makeover Event: Complimentary makeup consultations on this season’s best colors from gloMinerals. Call to book your visit today at 847-459-2800. Gift with Purchase on any gloMinerals purchase of $75 or more!
Mar. 14, 2006 skinfo® and Replenix Event: Help your skin stock up in nutrients this winter with a daily dose of antioxidants, retinol and glycolic acid. All skinfo® and Replenix brand products are 10% off on this day only!
All offers are not valid with any other offer and will not be applied to previous purchases.
Scar Healing
In the last newsletter we discussed what should be done to treat a cut. Now, what should you do after the wound has healed to prevent or minimize scarring? According to the published article International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management (Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002 Aug;110(2):560-71.), the only proven methods for scar prevention or reduction are silicone gel sheeting and injectable cortisone. There is also some evidence in the laser literature that laser treatment can reduce the appearance and redness of scars. A popular scar treatment available in the drugstore called Mederma has been shown in 2 separate studies to have NO effect on scar appearance or size, despite its widespread use and promotion. Various companies now make “scar reduction bandages,” or liquid silicone, that are available commercially and although these specific products haven’t been evaluated in a peer reviewed medical journal, they are believed to work similarly to silicone gel sheeting. In order to be successful, however, this method needs to be utilized persistently for many months. A silicone liquid that we carry in skinfo® is called ScarGuard.
Rosacea Updates
There is a new formulation of Metrogel which is a higher percentage of the active ingredient (1% vs 0.75%) and also has some antioxidants. If you are using Metrogel and have the older formulation, please contact us so that we might update your prescription. Also, we find that Skinfo’s 95% green tea extract, Vital Tea Serum or Cream, has helped many keep their rosacea more stable when used under their prescriptions topical medications. Many patients find that laser treatments, one to two times per year, also help to keep their rosacea under control.
Skin Cancer News
We have had a recent increase in the number of melanomas that have been diagnosed in the office. Fortunately these have been identified at a very early stage when surgery alone is curative and the cure rate from surgery is 99%+. However, please remember the signs and symptoms of melanoma and do a self-body exam: any pigmented lesion, EVEN IF FLAT, that is 1) irregular in pigment (ie more than one color, or if it has black coloration in it), 2) irregular in outline (not round or oval) or is 3) asymmetric-the color or shape isn’t equal on both halves or 4) there has been a change in a preexisting mole – size, shape, color, or symptom (itching, bleeding). If you see a mole like that on your body, please come in for an evaluation.
Studies:
Acne Study
Our acne study is almost closed, only 4 spots remain! Treatments are free and $100 will be given to the participants at their 3 month follow up visit. Participants must be 16 years or older and have no oral acne medications for 4 weeks prior, topical medications for 2 weeks prior, and Accutane for 6 weeks prior. Please call our office to schedule a consultation.Psoriasis Study
You may qualify for this study if you have been diagnosed with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis by a medical doctor and are currently being treated with Raptiva or another biologic psoriasis treatment. Qualified participants will receive study-related medical evaluations at no cost. No medications will be provided as part of the study – all participants will continue with their current drug therapy. Reimbursement for your participation will be provided.Eczema Study
This study is enrolling patients ages 2-17 years old with atopic dermatitis (eczema) who have used Elidel for at least 6 weeks in the past 6 months (they do not need to currently be using Elidel). Participants will complete a short survey which will be mailed to your home every 6 months for the duration of the study. No office visits are required. Reimbursement for your participation will be provided for every completed survey.
Medical Facial vs Spa Facial -
What is the difference between a facial performed at a spa versus a medical spa? Within a spa, facials are relaxing, pampering and are geared towards skin concerns but the resources available are usually very limited, skin care products have low concentrations of active ingredients and the equipment is not of a medical grade, both of which are regulated by the government. Within a medical setting, more concentrated products are used during treatment along with more advanced equipment therefore treatments typically yield better results in less time. In Illinois, Licensed Estheticians and Cosmetologists undergo training associated with the facial structure and skin as well as basic biology and sanitation. Those providing services in a medical setting will typically be additionally trained by the physician they work for as well as vendors, yielding a better understanding of the skin concerns they are treating. At Advanced Dermatology, our providers constantly collaborate and evaluate the effectiveness of our facials to determine what will work best for our patient base, and result in the healthiest skin. We are results oriented- offering a variety of medical based facials which aim to rejuvenate the skin, increase collagen production, improve pigmentation, enlarged pores as well as treat acne and rosacea.New Maintenance Packages for Cosmetic Treatments:
After much demand, we have developed maintenance programs for all of our cosmetic treatment programs. With these packages, you will be able to maintain healthy skin, prevent further damage and repair any unwanted concerns on a yearly basis at a discounted rate. Each program has been designed based on the research findings and our experience in overall skin health. In order to qualify for a program, you must have completed the initial treatments series to begin maintenance. Please consult with your provider and/or Cosmetic Coordinator to set-up the program best suited for you. Call 847-459-6400 to discuss further and book your appointment.
Rejuvenation Maintenance Package This program includes 2 Laser Photorejuvenation treatments, 4 Aesthetic Facial and Peel treatments, 3 BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments and 2 Injectable Filler treatments*.......... $5300
Tightening Maintenance Package This program includes either 1 Thermage® Procedure or 2 Titan™ treatments for the following areas: lower face and neck, or the full face; 3 BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments and 2 Injectable Filler treatments*.......... $5480
Pan G Lifting Maintenance Package This program includes 12 MyoFacials, 12 SonoPeels, 12 SonoFacials, 3 BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments and 2 Injectable Filler treatments*.......... $6900
Body Wellness Maintenance Package This program allows you to purchase 12 VelaSmooth™ maintenance treatments, and 2 Laser Hair Removal treatments (for the bikini and underarms) and get 1 free Laser Hair Removal treatment........... $2810
Wrinkle-Reduction Maintenance Package This program includes 3 BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments and 2 Injectable Filler treatments*.......... $3840
*3 BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are based on treating the brow, forehead and eye areas. 2 Injectable Filler treatments include 2 syringes of the following Fillers: Restylane, CosmoDerm, CosmoPlast, Hylaform, Hylaform Plus. Additional BOTOX® Cosmetic and additional Filler syringes will be billed at their regular rate.
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Combat the effects that the cold winter months take on your skin with Mavena Derma Line Products.
Mavena’s Calendula Crème works to heal and soothe dry skin. Calendula is derived from the marigold plant, and has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties. Mavena’s Calendula Crème can be used to treat and heal raw skin such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as soothe sunburn and insect bites.
Containing the highest levels of lipids in the Mavena Magnesium 46 range, urea and mineral rich Dead Sea salt, Mavena’s Special Skin Care Skin Crème is the perfect match for stubborn dry, and flaking skin. Ideal for relieving dry patches on the knees and elbows, this crème is a winter must!
Get your glo for the New Year: the glominerals glam 3 kit is perfect for on-the-go glamour.
This kit offers 6 product categories in a single case. With 2 gloEye shadow trios, 2 gloBlushes, 2 gloCream eye liners, 2 gloDusts (pressed), 2 gloLip sticks and 2 gloGlosses and 2 brushes, you can create your best New Year look and take it where ever you desire!
The gloEye kit - another great compact for on the go gloGirls: All of our favorite shadows in one, beautiful compact! The gloEye kit contains 3 gloEye shadow trios. Each has a base, contour and highlight to enable a great basic daytime application or something more dramatic for the evening. The mini sable, double-sided brush helps create a beautiful eye application wherever you are!
With this season’s focus on eyes, gloMinerals single and trio eye shadow shades enhance every woman’s natural eye. A key factor in stunning eye makeup application is having the perfect lashes; using gloMinerals lash curler and new volumizing mascara. Pair this with gloEye shadow trio Platinum. Use the Platinum eye shadow as a liner, the Grey eye shadow under the lashline and Opal eye shadow in the corners. The look dramatically opens the eye.
For additional information,
please check our websites
www.advdermatology.com
and www.skinfo.com.