The Skin Enhancement
Center
November / December 2005
Members of the “boomer” generation and others
who are looking to rejuvenate their skin and slow down the
signs of aging can find safe and effective treatments at
the Skin Enhancement
Center at Penn Medicine at Radnor. From unwanted birthmarks
in children to telltale wrinkles in the elderly, solutions
are cutting-edge and performed by board-certified dermatologists.
Leading the Center is Cherie
Ditre, MD, Director of cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Ditre
has received extra training in cosmetic dermatology and
is a faculty member of Penn's Department of Dermatology,
notably the oldest such department in the nation and the
largest dermatological teaching and research facility in
the region. Dr. Ditre is the developer of a glycolic acid
peel system that is used worldwide in the treatment of
acne, rosacea and aging skin.
Chemical peels have been safely used for more than 100 years
to treat acne scarring, oily skin, sallow complexion, rough
skin, melasma (“mask of pregnancy”), hyperpigmentation
or uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, photo damage, sun spots,
and age spots. They are performed in the dermatologist's
office and usually take a few days to several weeks for a
complete recovery.
Broken blood vessels in the skin (telangiectasis) and other
face-reddening conditions, such as rosacea, are common complaints
of both men and women who visit the Center. These conditions
are treated with topical and oral therapies or with a vascular
laser, depending on the amount of redness. “This is
relatively new news,” says Dr. Ditre. “While
we don't have any five-year study results yet, patients
have told us how much the vascular laser treatments have
helped them.”
The number one cosmetic procedure performed in the United
States is the injection of a muscle relaxant called Botox.
It is used to smooth frown lines, wrinkles and crows' feet
and to prevent hanging or sagging jowls. A filler substance,
such as Radiesse, Restylane or Sculptra, is often injected
in conjunction with Botox.
“We have learned that the real problem with patients' faces
as they age is that they are losing some of the fat and natural
proteins that give that buoyant, chubby-cheeked, youthful
look,” says Dr. Ditre. “A lot of people think
they have to visit a plastic surgeon and get cut. They don't
have to do that. Filler substances are proven to be effective
and very safe.” The effects of filler substances can
last from three months to as long as two years.
Hair removal is done at the Center by electrolysis, a long-standing
method of permanent hair removal and by a new and very popular
laser procedure that Dr. Ditre calls “a revolution
in removal.” After about three laser treatments, hair
is 75 percent gone and after six treatments, it is almost
entirely gone.
Many patients visit the Center after their
doctors have trivialized their concerns about cosmetic
issues or after they have been told that nothing can be
done. “People
get distressed over marks that others can see,” says
Dr. Ditre. “Sometimes, these conditions can be quite
disfiguring and are not easily covered with makeup. Patients
need to know there are other physicians who are interested
in helping them.”
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Referring Physicians: To speak with a Penn physician
or refer a patient, contact PennHealth through the secure online
referral form or by calling
1-800-789-PENN
(7366). |
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