Jeffrey Dover, M.D.
Dermatologist

Latisse® for Longer Eyelashes

Latisse® is a prescription-only medication applied to the eyelashes once-a-day to create longer and thicker eyelashes. Boston-area dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey S. Dover says, "We have had excellent results with Latisse® thus far."

"Patients have been uniformly very pleased," said Dr. Dover. "Their lashes get longer and thicker and become much more appealing looking. Only approved for use to help to thicken eyebrows we have treated a few patients who have thin eyebrows and they so far been quite pleased with the results."

Selim Benbadis, M.D.
Epileptologist

Epilepsy Surgery Benefits

Epilepsy surgery is an important treatment option for those with epilepsy when anti-epileptic medications (anticonvulsants) fail to control the seizures. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. may be candidates for epilepsy surgery, but only about 3,000 epilepsy surgeries are performed each year, indicating a great need for more information epilepsy surgery.

Dr. Selim Benbadis, neurologist and Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at the University of South Florida (USF), provides an overview of epilepsy surgery, its role in treating recurrent seizures and how it is performed.

"Overall, (anti-epileptic) medications work for about 70% of patients with epilepsy. When they do not work, surgery is a well-accepted option for some types of epilepsy," stated Dr. Benbadis.

Lisa Benest, M.D.
Dermatologist

Topical Retinoids for Acne Treatment

"Almost all acne patients will benefit from a topical retinoid", said Dr. Lisa Benest of the Skincare and Laser Center in Los Angeles, California.

"The process of unblocking these pores takes time and patience, often months", she added. "However some results are seen almost immediately, they just continue to improve over time. Retinoids can also be irritating, causing the skin to dry out or peel, especially if not used correctly. Only a small amount is needed, about the size of a Tic Tac or two, depending on the size of the face."

Matthew Kniss, M.D.
Neurologist

Meralgia Paresthetica

Meralgia paresthetica is a neurologic condition that results in tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outer part of the thigh.

The neurologists of Neurology Associates in Lincoln, Nebraska provide their patients with a helpful summary of this condition and possible treatment options.

According to the neurologists, "Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — a nerve that supplies sensation to the surface of your upper thigh — becomes compressed, or pinched."

According to Neurology Associates, "Treatment for meralgia paresthetica focuses on relieving compression of the nerve, which may include self-care measures, such as wearing looser clothing or losing weight. If necessary, corticosteroid injections or medications (anticonvulsants) amy be indicated."

Todd Minars, M.D.
Dermatologist

Dysport™ for Wrinkle Treatment

Dysport™ (abobotulinumtoxin A) was approved by the FDA in 2009 for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). Like Botox™, Dysport™ is an injectable form of botulinum toxin type A and provides physicians with another treatment option for wrinkles and other signs of aging.

"I consider it to be pretty much equivalent to Botox", said Dr. Todd Minars, a dermatologist in private practice at Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida. "I tell patients it is 'Coke vs. Pepsi', or two different brands of basically the same thing. There are a few differences worth mentioning.

"The most important question is which lasts longer? And as far as I can tell, they both last the same amount of time."

Richard Seroussi, M.D.
Physiatrist

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Dr. Richard Seroussi, a physical medicine and rehabilitation expert at Seattle Spine and Sports Medicine, provides his patients with helpful information regarding Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) results when nerves in the thoracic outlet—located between the upper ribs and shoulder get irritated by the surrounding muscles or ribs.

Symptoms of TOS include numbness and pain. The numbness may also feel like tingling, burning, and weakness in the arm and hand. The pain is most likely to occur in the neck, upper back, shoulder, or arm. Symptoms may be worsened by working with arms out in front, lifting the arm over the head (such as brushing hair), and repetitive activities (such as typing or computer use).