Have You Got What It Takes To Flaunt A Dude-Bun?

David Beckham, Jake Gyllenhaal, Orlando Bloom and Jared Leto have all played iconic roles in putting the dude-bun back on the cool-hunk look trend. The style is not only a quick and practical solution for the longer-haired set, it has also become a coveted and buzzed about panache on the red carpet; thank you Leto.

One coal and ice requirement to sport this desiderate look is a full set of hair with cascading locks. Male pattern androgenetic alopecia can throw a real monkey wrench into the budding hair-bun plans dreamt by any beau suffering from this hormonal hair tribulation. Follicularly challenged folks with thinned out crowns, I want your attention specifically today. We can part ways here and leave the cool hair-do out of our discussion and focus on what’s going on under the hormone ravaged pates of the hair challenged and what latest options modern medicine is promising to make dude-buns a free choice.

Bald Truth:

Many men who experience hair loss may feel emasculated by the thinning, but truth be told they are too sexy for their own hair. The pathogenesis behind androgenic alopecia is in fact, an overproduction of testosterone converters and an underproduction of estrogen converters.

Skin cells, brain cells, and yes hair, all have natural growth cycles. They grow, die and are frequently replaced by newer models. But in the case of the 80% of men who develop male pattern baldness at some point in their lives, the hair follicles just stop re-growing.

Androgenic alopecia does not cause the whole scalp full of hair to fall out at once, but rather causes hair follicles to shrink to near microscopic size after each shedding cycle. This happens under the influence of male hormone (testosterone) leading to the progressive shortening of the anagen phase, causing each hair follicle to become thinner and smaller during each cycle until no re-growth.

Women can also experience androgen alopecia; however, their thinning is typically well distributed throughout the scalp and they very rarely reach complete baldness.

Reversing Your Loss:

Currently the approved treatments of male pattern baldness are a lotion containing Minoxidil and a pill containing Finasteride. PRP, low level lasers and FU hair grafting are some of the other choices listed on get-your-hair-back treatment menu. But glabrous tellurians are still yearning for something more, a game changer perhaps to halt their hair affliction in its tracks and perhaps a miraculous way to repopulate a bald mane.

Hair Raising Research:

Research done at the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Luis Garza, currently assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins, showed that during the natural cycle of hair growth, levels of a molecule called Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) increase around a hair follicle just before it gives up the ghost. This suggests that PGD2 naturally inhibits hair growth.

When those scientists turned their sights on bald men’s noggins, they found men with male pattern baldness had higher levels of PGD2 than their hirsute brethren and realized that the molecule, when told by bum genetics to overproduce, was most likely the cause of men’s receding hairlines.

To test their theory, the scientists isolated hair follicles from face and brow-lift tissue obtained from plastic surgeons and hit them with PGD2. The more PGD2 the follicles received, the balder the skin got. Luckily, these scientists were successful in identifing a receptor that triggers the molecule’s destructive habits. Now all the scientists would have to do is use this receptor to create a treatment that will allow men in the early stages of baldness to hold on to their proud manes.

A handful of treatments focusing on the receptor are already in clinical trials, like the drug Ramatroban. PGD2, seems to be a very busy nuisance in general, not only is it the enemy of hair, it causes the bronchial contractions experienced by asthmatics too. So chemists are now at work trying to figure out a way to turn oral and inhalable drugs into topical ones.

So, how long before bald men see some relief? Unfortunately, there’s no timetable. They have to figure out dosage and safety before clinical trials even begin — and those could take years.

Conjuring Mullets From the Backs of Mutant Mice:

Does anyone remember the episode of South Park from 2008 called "Eek, a Penis!" in which Mrs. Garrison, having had her gender reassigned, decides she doesn't want to be a woman after all, so a new penis is grown for her on the back of a mouse. Most people thought the whole premise of that episode was something the show's writers dreamt up. Apparently, they were wrong. It seems scientists really are growing human parts on the backs of mice. And in this case at hand, we have a mullet grown from human skin implanted on the back of the mice.

A joint team of scientists, from the University of Durham in the U.K and Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, took on the quest of growing new hair from scratch. Using cells from the base of a hair follicle, the scientists were able to create new hair follicles in human skin, essentially curing baldness. Hopefully in few years time we will be looking at this mullet on the mouse back as one small step for man, but one giant leap for the balding mankind. The success story was published in the September 2013 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

With the success of this trials hope for a cure for baldness has been established, but it is still too soon for men to be tossing out their Rogaine, or planning Leto inspired hair-bun parties. On that note let’s just sit back and imagine how some of our fav celebs would look in their top-buns ;)

Looking For Safe Skin Lighteners? – Look No Further

Do you know what is the most commonly discussed skin condition in my Jeddah based dermatology practice? — Skin Pigmentation. Doctor why is my skin marred with dark patches and spots? Why my skin tone is not clear? Am I suffering from melasma? Do I have pigmented skin type? What is pigmented skin type? And this list of complexion concerns doesn’t end with the face only they creep downwards involving different areas of body too. Pigmentation related skin concerns like: melasma, uneven skin tone, dark elbows and knees are hot concerns among Middle Eastern and Asian skin. Horror tales speaking about misuse and abuse of legit and non-legit bleaching and skin whitening agents are too familiar across these regions, yet more chapters are continuously added to this book of cautionary tales.

I thought it’s be nice to get you acquainted with some of the newer and relatively safer ingredients, including some derived from plants, which are now being used in topical treatments for hyperpigmentation. Next time you are out shopping for a new skin blending and bleaching product look for these names in the ingredients list:

Soy

• Derived from the soybean plant, it is one of the most commonly used skin-lightening ingredients in moisturizers and a combination of products and cosmeceuticals.
• It works by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes (small “packages” of melanin) into the top layer of the skin, which causes skin darkening.
• Studies have shown its effectiveness as a skin lightening ingredient in cosmeceuticals and its ability to suppress additional pigment from coming to the surface of the skin.

Niacinamide

• It is a form of vitamin B3 that acts like soy by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes into the skin’s upper layer. 
• It is used in many cosmeceuticals for its skin lightening effects and its potential to prevent additional pigment from coming to the surface of the skin.

Ellagic Acid

• It is a natural substance derived from strawberries, cherries, and pomegranates.
• It works as an antioxidant and also inhibits an enzyme needed for melanin production.
• Studies show it is more effective at skin lightening than kojic acid or arbutin, which are both discussed below.

Lignin Peroxide

• It is an enzyme derived from a fungus that can break down melanin in the skin. 
• Lignin is found in wood pulp and when it breaks down, it can lighten the wood pulp. This is how wood pulp is whitened for use in paper and how lignin was discovered as a skin-lightening agent.
• Currently it is available in an over-the-counter product range called Elure.
• Studies have not been completed, but anecdotal reports have highlighted its skin-lightening properties.

In addition, studies have shown that these four ingredients pose little or no allergy risk, so they might be more tolerable to consumers who are allergic to other natural lightening agents. If an allergic reaction occurs, you should discontinue use and see a certified dermatologist for treatment. 

The following three ingredients have also shown promise as skin lighteners, but they can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals:

Arbutin

• A natural derivative of hydroquinone derived from plants, including bearberry, blueberry, and cranberry.
• It is usually available in combination with other skin-lightening agents in over-the-counter cosmeceuticals.
• Some cosmetic products available at high-end department stores contain 3% concentrations, which studies show can significantly lighten the skin. 

Kojic Acid

• It is an antioxidant derived from a fungus rather than a plant. It works by breaking down melanin in the skin and preventing its production in the skin.
• Found in cosmecuticals in 1% to 4% concentrations either combined with other skin-lightening agents or by itself.
• Clinical studies show improvement in skin lightening. 

Licorice

• There are a number of different licorice extracts derived from licorice root.
• Liquirtin is available over the counter and has been shown to lighten skin.

DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED EXPERT ADVICE:

Those affected by hyperpigmentation who would like to use a topical treatment to lighten their skin should consult a certified dermatologist who can help, separate fact from fiction in terms of product claims. It’s important to remember that even topical treatments backed by science do not work overnight because it takes time and consistent use to produce a noticeable improvement. You should also be cautious about ordering skin-lightening products via the Internet, because the country of origin for the active ingredients might be unknown, raising questions as to the purity or effectiveness of these ingredients, as well as the product’s overall quality. 

Kicking Cottage Cheese Legs To The Curb

Frieda Pinto may have perfect derrièr and gams, but the rest of us mostly need a boost from time to time to brave a short-short dress or a skirt sans elastic support. Cellulite the archenemy of smooth stemmed legs showcased in a cute pair of shorts has dampened many a spirits across the globe, as it spares no race even skinny girls tremble and fall prey to its bumpy knobby pits. To beat cellulite you have to understand what’s going on under the skin and what remedies can actually alter and make a positive change.

What causes cellulite?

Having cellulite doesn't necessarily mean you are overweight. Even thin people can have the curse of the unsmooth-legs. If you are overweight, however, losing weight may reduce cellulite to some degree. Another gender inequality fact that we need to swallow with grace here is that: cellulite plagues women more than men. If other women in your family have cellulite, consider your self partially doomed coz there's a good chance you will too. Apart from gender and genetics other factors that influence how much cellulite you have and how visible it is include:

·      Poor diet

·      Fad dieting

·      Slow metabolism

·      Lack of physical activity

·      Hormone changes

·      Dehydration

·      Total body fat

·      Thickness and color of your skin

Anatomy Of The Cellulite

We are already familiar with the reality that cellulite is the commonest topographical alteration seen mostly in females. I’d even go as far as saying, “if you’ve estrogen you’re bound to get cellulite too”. That being said, looking at cellulite means you have the skin surface changes in the form of orange peel or mattress appearance plus you also have deeper under the surface changes in the fat-cells and connective tissue fibers linking the skin to the muscles. Disturbances in blood and lymphatic microcirculation cause fibro-sclerosis (loss of elasticity) of the connective tissue resulting in non-inflammatory, degenerative phenomenon that provokes alterations to the hypodermis producing irregular undulations on the skin overlying the affected areas. Changes in the size of the fat cells in the under skin connective tissue pockets leads to worsening in cellulite over time.

Quick Fix - Assume Camouflage Mode On

Cellulite tends to be less noticeable on darker skin. If you have light skin and plan to be out in a bathing suit or short shorts, applying a self-tanner may make the bumps and dimples on your thighs less noticeable.

Gurl Brush That Body

Brushes made of prickly cactus bristles can help tame cellulite to some degree by sloughing off dead skin, stimulating skin collagen bundles supporting the skin as well as by improving lymphatic and blood circulation. Dry Buff your skin from feet upwards before shower, it’d hurt guaranteed but it will smooth out the cellulite riddle skin too – worth trying!

Waging A Roller Attack

No pain no gain gurls – Treating cellulite means waging war on the wobbly bits with full conviction. There are professional devises with rolling and kneading action as well as home use gadgets. They pinch, knead, and stimulate leaving behind red track marks but they do help in improving the surface contours to some degree. LPG is a popular endermologie device most commonly used in spas and clinics.

Smooth On A Blubber Tamer

Creams that claim to help cellulite contain caffeine, asiatic centella, ginko biloba, melillotus offincinalis extract, ruscus aculeatus, aminophylline, and vitamin A, the names are more than a mouthfuls but these agents work precisely. Coupled with massage, creams and mesotherapy incorporating these agents can reduce the appearance of lumps and bumps, but don’t expect any miracles in short term. Only time and patience along with healthy lifestyle can bring in the satisfactory rewards.

Technologies To The Rescue

Fat blasting, skin renewing and micro-circulation altering technologies are the only true and tested, body streamlining options when it comes to kicking cellulite to the curb. Body shaping technologies which give irrefutable results include lasers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound treatments coupled with vacuum massage. Optimal results are generated, by combining these technologies with Mesotherapy (fat busting medicine injections). Multiple treatment sessions are generally required to see quantifiable results and maintaining these results is only possible by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Laser-lipo is another bold treatment option, which can blast fat and renew and tighten the connective tissue underlying the skin, giving nice smooth results within a short period of time.

Real Skinny On Results

Although such remedies hold promise for keeping the skin look smooth and lump-free, but for staying cellulite free on long term, the best option exercise, and, if needed, weight loss. Experts agree that the most effective exercise routine for cellulite is one that incorporates aerobic exercise and strength training along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

Lip Service

Hiding behind the dark lipstick shield? You are not alone, most females of our species do. The fancy art of lip camouflage is rooted deep in fairytale “Standards Of Beauty” - Rosy lips epitomize every princess and even prince’s charm and nebulous smackers are for-ever-and-a-day assigned to the fiends. Armed with lips the shade of pink petals every dame lives the dream with the confidence that “crimson lips” possess superpowers of attraction, their magical flutter can make people fall in love, and at marchen moments (as publicized by romance flicks) they can even make time roll in slow-mo. All this sounds ridiculous, but fact is fantasy and movies draw from as well as influence our lives more than we fathom. Dark lips on the opposite spectrum can tarnish your personal image and become an extant source of embarrassment, as they are usually associated with villain-ish image.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining and in the case of swart lips we have a flicker of hope too. First off take comfort in the knowledge you’re not alone. A great number of populace suffers with the case of activated melanocytes focused especially around the lip area.  Before you smack your lips in a hurry and go blaming your lip products let me highlight the fact that the circle of culprits is much broader. There are many factors that can cause your lips to go dark. The causes range from genetic to allergies, excessive smoking or caffeine intake, along with exposure to UV rays, hormonal imbalances and intake of certain medications. As, they say there are many ways to skin a cat there are many ways to lighten dark lips too.

Here are some simple remedies that can help in the mission: Treat & Lighten Dark Kissers.

·      Say ‘NO’ To Smoking: Nicotine causes darkening of the lips and lip discoloration.

·      Drink Less Coffee: Excess consumption of tea and coffee can turn lips black in addition to staining your teeth. So, limit your caffeine intake, in order to avoid your lips from acquiring a darker hue.

·      Minimize Sun Exposure: there is an increased amount of melanin pigment in the lips. Ensure that you use lip products with SPF/UV protectors, if you are going to spend time outside.

·      Check Your Lipsticks: Prolonged and excessive use of lipsticks and lip cosmetics, especially lower-quality ones can also cause lip pigmentation.

·      Don’t Batter Your Lips: Licking the lips, so as to keep them wet dries them out, leading to darkening of the lips. Even the habit of biting or chewing lips should be avoided, as repeated injury can damage them.

Skin Modulation- Pyruvic Peel

A peel specially designed to treat the fragile lip skin can work wonders to revive the natural color back to your lips.

Needle To The Rescue - Anteis Esthetis Basic

The idea is not to inflate your lips bigger than your ego, but to deeply moisturize them, and pull in hydration at the time improving circulation in the fleshy parts. As a result, lips look rejuvenated and slightly flushed because of the glycerol aided improved blood circulation.

Laser Intervention

Lasers have shown great promise in erasing dark pigment from the skin. Fraxel, Thallium and Q-switched lasers are used in dermatology practices to break down pigment and regenerate the lip surface.

Some Home Remedies

Before the pharmaceutical giants took over the modern world, we have some grandma anecdotes passed on from generation to generation with promising results.

·      Turmeric Powder with Milk: A great way to lighten dark lips comes from India. There they mix raw turmeric powder and milk cream to achieve great results. You can also try mixing turmeric powder and gram’s flour to light your lips. Just keep in mind that gram’s flour dries out lips making it a poor option for those whose lips are already dry. If you do use this mix, be sure to use a heavy double cream designed to moisturize your lips after you remove the mix.

·      Honey, Almond Oil and Sugar: Another great remedy is to mix sugar, honey and a little bit of olive or almond oil. Apply this to your lips, massaging it in for few minutes. This exercise will remove dead cells and dry skin from your lips, and improve blood circulation.

·      Hydrate: Use lip balms containing beeswax or cocoa butter as these seal in the moisture of your lips. 

“Live Long & Skinny” Hormone — Irisin

Research has shown that calorie restriction in the past generations was a contributing factor to extend lifespan in mammals. Irisin (a newly identified hormone released from muscle after exercise) is thought to induce similar effects along with increasing thermo-genesis in adipose tissue causing browning of subcutaneous white/beige adipose tissue leading to caloric burning and some weight reduction.

Exercise has a definite effect on the body, scientists have been working on the theory; how exercise talks or communicates with the body for some time with the discovery of irisin we are getting some answers finally. This new hormone has been dubbed irisin, as a nod to the Greek messenger goddess Iris for its ability to send information to surrounding body tissue. Irisin is produced by muscle contractions, either by exercise or shivering. Once it's produced, it moves through the blood and turns white fat cells into brown ones. It is capable of reprogramming the body's fat cells to burn energy instead of storing it. This increases the metabolic rate and is thought to have potential anti-obesity effects.

Exciting New Life span prolonging Effects

James Brown, from Aston University United Kingdom, and colleagues enrolled 81 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 83 years with a mean body mass index (BMI) of between 20 and 30 kg/m², in a study to assess whether a molecular link exists between circulating irisin levels and the length of telomeres (the endcaps of chromosomes which are thought to be a marker of aging). The team found that subjects with higher levels of Irisin also had longer telomeres.  Relative telomere length can be predicted by age and plasma irisin levels, with this deduction the study authors conclude that: "irisin may have a role in the modulation of both energy balance and the ageing process.”

It’s exciting to find a natural substance connected to exercise that has such clear therapeutic potentials. Further research is ongoing to study the effects and side effects and possible use in weight loss, obesity and age related disease prevention or life prolonging supplementations. Even if the hormone proves safe for humans to take as a supplement, it won’t replace all the benefits of going to the gym, but it might help people fight obesity and remain more sensitive to glucose, thus fighting off diabetes or other age related diseases.

Skin And The City — The 8th JeddaDerm 2014

For those of us passionate about dermatology and aesthetics the pleasant month of March rolls in every year with a promise of a special treat — The Annual International JeddaDerm Conference; a unique platform that invites dermatologists from across the globe to come together and celebrate the advances and excellence in the fields of derma-aesthetics. And all this scientific razzle-dazzle happens on our very own home ground — Jeddah. Keeping up with the tradition this year, starting 3^rd of March, pioneer dermatologists and honored scientific minds from the local as well as international institutes congregated under the oh-so-familiar roof of the Jeddah Hilton hotel. The exhibition and conference halls came alive with buzzing workshops and discussions about botox, hyaluronic acid and cutting edge treatment options in dermatology as well as antiaging medicine.

This year’s four-day conference was planned and executed with an astute vision to share the latest practices and innovations in the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine. I am sure all the aesthetic enthusiasts who didn’t get a chance to attend are eager to know what’re the top of the line treatments and procedures that 2014 has to offer to beauty connoisseurs visiting cosmetic practices. Here are my condensed impressions and highlights:

Facial Rejuvenation Procedures:

Whether it’s toxin type A or B, Botox remains the uncontested king of the aesthetic world even in 2014. Though — *Drum Roll* some competition is beginning to stir the market, it’s time you all got acquainted with Iovera — an innovative and safe gizmo, incorporating “cold” (cryo) based science to relax the upper face wrinkles, as an alternative to injecting the toxin. This new technology has started to create quiet a buzz among cosmetic practitioners and this buzz from here onwards is only going to get louder and louder, as more and more toxin phobic clients will begin to ask for a touch of Frotox. Another exciting plus about Iovera is that it gives instant results unlike botox injections; where you have to wait for 2 weeks to see the wrinkles disappear. People who don’t appreciate the completely frozen look and prefer natural results, and those who don’t want to be stereotyped with the stigma of being botox addicts are the perfect candidates for an Iovera treatment.

Plain and simple! Fillers Are and Will remain the life and blood of any aesthetic practice. Being readily available, giving instant results, and almost next to nil side effects in expert-hands, are some of the advantages that make hyaluronic acid the first choice in any non-surgical facial rejuvenation/volumization treatment plan. The popularity and demand of hyaluronic acid has driven the market into serious competition frenzy. Now we are seeing a surge in new brands popping up from every nook and corner of the world, eager to be injected. It’s vital here that we take a step back and look at the situation objectively, as all Hyaluronic acids are not created equal: monophasic, homogeneous, visco-elastic, malleably plastic and Safe with very low content of BDDE (Butanedioldiglicidyl ether) are some of the features that distinguish crème de la crème from the run of the mill Wanna-be’s. ANTEIS Merz Modélis, Fortélis, Esthélis Soft Esthélis Basic, Mesolis and of course JUVÉDERM® range with lidocaine Volbella®, Voluma®, Ultra™ and Ultra Plus™ happen to be the aesthetic crowd and my personal favorites.

In non-hylaluronic choices RADIESSE® (Calcium Hydroxy Apetite ) and Ellansé (Polycaprolactone) have proven themselves to be safe, effective and longer lasting choices, hence they are equally popular with most aesthetic injectors.

Medical Rhinoplasty using fillers and botox to reshape the nose has become a very popular and well-accepted treatment, bringing self-esteem and joy to many surgery scared beauty suppliants.

Mini Facelifts using Threads have also become increasingly popular among people who are looking for contour revision and lifting, but with a minimal downtime. Using mini threads to achieve a facelift is a revolutionary anti-wrinkle and skin tightening technique that at first took Korea by storm for its safe, fast and effective results. Performed by over 2000 clinics in Korea, it later gained popularity in Japan and other parts of Asia. Now the over whelming success of mini threads in Asia is spreading over to Europe, USA as well as Middle East. The featured threads during this JeddaDerm were Silhouette Lift™ and AsyThread (PDO) from Mesotech.

Non-Surgical Face Lifting:

Utilizing the combination of different aesthetic techniques is the ultimate way we can change the shape and appearance of any aging or an unappealing face. We can address skin texture imperfections, wrinkles, volume loss or contour problems in a stepwise fashion over time to slowly transforming any face. If we Look at the yearly aesthetic procedures data and graphs published by aesthetics and plastic surgery societies during the last few years, it becomes apparent that the trends have visibly shifted from surgical to non-surgical. These days less and less number of people are willing to go under the knife, as multiple non-surgical yet effective choices are available to transform, tighten, tone, contour and lift any wrinkled sagging face to a youthful desirable visage and all this is being made possible without taking a leave of absence from daily social and work engagements.  

Antiaging Creams & Topicals:

Cosmecutical enriched with Growth Factors might be the future of antiaging and wound healing. These tiny peptide fragments along with other biologically active molecules are being incorporated into creams, lotions and gels to reverse effects of time, promote collagen and elastin synthesis as well as epidermal remodeling. Stay tuned as you are bound to hear more about these new-class of miracle unguents.

Body Contouring Procedures:

Keeping up with the non-surgical trends, when we look at current body contouring choices available in the market, radiofrequency, cryotherapy, and ultrasound based technologies are the only proven choices that deliver quantifiable results with enough scientific evidence supporting their claims. Some of the technologies featured during this year’s JeddaDerm included:

Liposonix from Solta technologies, is a high intensity focused ultrasound device that helps to melt away fat in your body. The treated fat tissue is later removed through the body's natural healing and elimination process, leaving you with a thinner, more contoured silhouette. No downtime fast results!

Accent from Alma Lasers, utilizes radiofrequency and ultrasound technologies to contour and lift body, face, and neck. I have a first hand experience using this machine for few years now and I tell you, “I am a satisfied customer”.

Obalon is the latest non-surgical and reversible way to expedite weight loss. It involves you swallowing a capsule attached to a tube, which is then inflated into a balloon. Once you have lost the desired weight the balloon is removed and you maintain your weight there onwards, by adopting a healthy lifestyle eating smartly and exercising regularly.

Lasers & Antiaging Technologies:

Fractional Lasers (Erbium-Glass, Thallium, Erbium-Yag and CO2) have proven themselves to be efficient and safe devices to treat scars, wrinkles and skin imperfections. In expert hands they deliver great results with very little down time and minimal side effects. Fractionated technology has changed the way skin rejuvenation and resurfacing is done, and Carbon Dioxide (10,000nm) fractionated lasers have become the new gold standard of skin resurfacing. ECO2 from Lutronics is my fractionated contraption of choice for treating acne scars and skin rejuvenation.

Scarlet is another miracle of technology incorporating radiofrequency mechanics to promote skin tightening. It delivers heat under the skin through a bunch of needles piercing through the skin. The skin gets tightened from underneath without any surface side effects, allowing you to return to your daily life immediately post procedure with no redness, discoloration, or swelling.

Hair removal for darker skin types with Diode Laser coupled with radiofrequency-in-motion technology came very well recommended during this years laser talks. But of course Alexandrite and Nd-Yag Lasers are here to stay as well.

Iovera or Frotox as some like to call it, incorporating temporary cold induced Wallerian degeneration of nerves to soften the forehead wrinkles in my opinion is the biggest innovation of 2014. I am currently recruiting people who are interested in trying this new technology first hand. If you want brag rights, “I am one of the pioneers who experienced Frotox in Jeddah”; come and see me at Al Tababah Clinic.

That my lovelies pretty much covers the: who, what, when and the best of the best of aesthetic treatment options presently available in our cosmo-sphere, that JeddaDerm reinforced, refreshed and ingeminated for our aesthetic awareness.

One last truism though, JeddaDerm with it’s eighth congregation this year has earned its rightful merit as a bonafied belvedere for derma meetings and exchanges, where major league scientists love to get together and share their knowledge and work experiences, setting bar of evolution towards evidence-based medicine. This yearly scholastic tradition of celebrating local and international derma-aesthetic excellence is a truly sparkling jewel in the cap of Jeddah’s scientific circles. I congratulate the founding fathers of JeddaDerm Dr. Ali A. Al-Raddadi, Dr. Mohammad Qari, Dr. Sameer Zimmo, and Dr. Magdi R. Abdulghani on yet another spectacular success.

Take care and love the skin you live in!

Botox Competition Is Heating Up — Meet Neubelle

Botox utilizes type A or B toxin to block the release of neurotransmission between nerves and targeted muscles, a few days post injection the muscles are temporarily paralyzed and wrinkles are erased for 3-5 months. Neubelle is one of the newer treatments, that aims at providing effects similar to Botox, but by utilizing a completely different mechanism of action. Neubelle works by utilizing radiofrequency to create a small thermal injury almost the size of a grain of rice, which serves as a roadblock for the nerve to conduct to the muscle.

A Treatment With Neubelle

The treatment begins by the prepping the skin with numbing injections. Next, a doctor stimulates the muscle that needs to be treated with a TENS device in order to target specific injection placement sites on the temples. The TENS device helps to pinpoint the treatment sites by giving the muscle a mild electric shock, the muscle contraction points are marked as injection sites. A tiny probe is then injected under the skin to create a small thermal injury around the nerve pathway to deactivate its motor action. Neubelle's teeny probe can single out a specific nerve, allowing a doctor to really focus on the exact nerve that you want to block, for wrinkle smoothing customization. 

Although Neubelle uses an alternative path to gain Botox-like results, one thing remains the same — it requires needles and may cause some uncomfortable pain too, so needle-phobes, do not rejoice.

Who are the ideal candidates for Neubelle treatment? —People who don’t want a toxin injected into their bodies and those, who are looking for a longer lasing treatment than botox. It could also be a solution for the Botox resistant cases, as after years of use, the neurotoxin doesn't take well for some anymore.  

Another thing to consider — Unlike Botox, Neubelle can only be used to tame the forehead horizontal lines and partial frown lines. Currently crows feet; the wrinkles around the eyes cannot be treated with this technology. One session costs way higher than the going rate for Botox—depending on where you are in the world, the cost of one treatment can run anywhere around $3,000. But some are saying that price could be well worth it, as the results are immediate, and should last at least eight months up to last a year or longer — in some cases, up to two years wrinkle reduction is possible.

Million-dollar question, that the aesthetic industry would love to know the answer to at this stage is — how many of you would be willing to give this new technology a go?