ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Influenced by the popularity of reality makeover programs and the new social acceptance of elective surgery for both women and men, increasing numbers of consumers head to dermatologic surgeons' offices to inquire about the latest in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), more than four million skin-related procedures were performed in 2003, leading to new research and refined techniques by dermasurgeons across the country.
With trends and patient safety in mind, ASDS dermasurgeons regularly address key concerns of consumers who opt for elective surgeries or skin treatments. Dermasurgeons have discovered groundbreaking solutions that will reduce surgery-related complications and minimize recovery time for patients. These physicians also found that adapting dependable procedures in new and innovative ways is often integral to improving patient safety and the overall patient experience. Looking ahead, here's what top dermasurgeons predict will be the newsworthy breakthroughs and trends in skincare for 2005:
* A new process to slowly freeze stem cells will increase the viability
of fat cells used as fillers - which can lead to permanent fat
transfers to areas of the body including the breast. This new
technique will prove especially beneficial for patients of lumpectomies
and biopsies who may be left with an indent in breast tissue after
their procedures.
* More patients will choose to have in-office surgeries using local
anesthesia for procedures such as liposuction or minor surgeries. In-
office surgery is a safer alternative to hospital surgery, where
general anesthesia is often used. General anesthesia has been proven
to be the cause of many cosmetic surgery-related complications.
* Dermasurgeons will use a new skin surface light technique to help with
earlier, more accurate skin cancer diagnoses. This technique will be
especially important to the largest growing group of skin cancer
sufferers - young women between the ages of 25-34.
* Injectable fillers will be used to improve "unconventional" areas of
the face including aging earlobes and fine lines around the mouth that
are often the cause of "lipstick bleeding."
* New laser and light source treatments will be available to minimize
recovery time and eliminate excessive swelling and bruising.
ASDS President Rhoda Narins, M.D., a New York-based dermasurgeon, encourages all patients who are considering therapeutic and/or elective cosmetic skin surgery to be informed consumers - research options, clarify expectations, ask questions and discuss office-based treatments with a qualified dermasurgeon.
With more than 4,200 members, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, founded in 1970, is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue, with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures, using both surgical and non-surgical methods. For more information on cosmetic or medical skin procedures and referrals to ASDS members in your state, please contact the ASDS Consumer Hotline, 1-800-441-ASDS (2737), during weekday business hours or log on at http://www.asds.net/ .
American Society for Dermatologic SurgeryCONTACT: Elizabeth Zortman, for the American Society for DermatologicSurgery, +1-203-325-8772, ext. 28, or ezortman@environics-usa.com ; or LauraDavis of American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, +1-847-956-0900, orldavis@asds.net
Web site: http://www.asds.net/