New non-surgical skin-tightening procedure smoothes wrinkles

November 20th, 2009 more images more imagesWASHINGTON - High irradiances of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can worsen skin cancer, and thus should not be used over melanomas, say researchers. Researchers from Bergen University College, Norway, studied the pain relieving, anti-inflammatory 'cold laser', finding that it caused increased tumour growth in a mouse model of skin cancer.

November 20th, 2009 LONDON - A new study has poured cold water on the theory that drinking lots of water gives you a glowing complexion. In fact, according to researchers, a balanced diet and lots of sunscreen can prove helpful in keeping skin healthy.

November 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Botox not only fights wrinkles but is also a medication for chronic pain, a new study has said. Between five and 26 people out of every 100,000 have their lives significantly disrupted by some form of chronic pain.

November 6th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists have come up with a new plastic surgery technique that offers women the option of breast reconstruction after mastectomy that also provides a tummy tuck. The surgery, called Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap procedure, uses skin from the tummy to reconstruct a woman's breasts after mastectomy to prevent breast cancer, following breast removal for cancer.

November 3rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers have come up with another reason to stay away from cigarettes after linking smoking to skin problems in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Experts at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) found that smokers with the long-term autoimmune disorder faced an increased risk for skin damage and rashes.

October 26th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Botox is more than just a solution to beat wrinkles. It can even be used as a pain medication to fight Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), according to a new study.

October 21st, 2009 HHS secretary has minor skin cancer removedWASHINGTON — The office of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (seh-BEEL'-yuhs) says she had a slow-growing form of skin cancer removed from her forehead Tuesday. The spot was a basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer and a highly curable type since it typically is easily cut away.

October 7th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists at Michigan hospital have launched a trial to test gene transfer therapy that would help restore better mobility in Parkinson's patients who have lost responsiveness to drug therapy. When brain neurons in brain begin to die, the cells can no longer manufacture the molecule dopamine, a chemical critical for controlling movement.

October 5th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Cosmetic surgery to repair droopy eyelids has also been found to improve patients' overall quality of life, say researchers. Blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-ro-plas-te) is surgery to repair droopy eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle and fat.

September 29th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Port wine stain, a vascular birthmark characterised by reddish to purplish discolouration of the skin, is now easy to wipe off through laser therapy. Three of every 1,000 children born have a port wine stain, which is made up of numerous dilated vessels in a localized part of the skin, and for most the skin discolouration has caused discomfort, embarrassment, and even pain.

September 22nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Very-light-skinned white kids without red hair who tan seemingly had more nevi (birthmarks, moles or other coloured spots on the skin) as compared to those who did not tan, a new study has found. Jenny Aalborg, M.P.H., of the Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Denver, and colleagues examined the link between tanning and number of nevi.

September 16th, 2009 WASHINGTON - While women are all set to bid adieu to their summer wear, and get ready to shop for the latest fashion gear for fall, experts have advised them to be aware of fashion and beauty trends that may be harmful to their health. Shazia Khan, co-medical director, Loyola Primary Care Center at Oakbrook Terrace, Loyola University Health System (LUHS), has cited many dangerous fashion and beauty trends that include large bags or purses, high-heeled shoes, nickel jewellery and acrylic nails.

September 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers at the University of Leicester and Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal have found that vitamin C can help protect DNA damage of skin cells and lead to better skin regeneration. Previous research has shown that DNA repair is upregulated in people consuming vitamin C supplements.

September 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - New treatment for facial wrinkles, which combines high-intensity light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lotion made of green tea extract, could emerge as an effective alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery. Scientists in Germany have reported a major improvement in their potential non-invasive technique for ageing lines.

September 8th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Doctors at Toronto Western Hospital have come up with a new minimally invasive, outpatient spine surgical procedure for treating cancer that has spread to the spine. It is believed that almost 40-50 percent of metastic cancers end up in the spine and the most common primary cancers to spread to the bones of the spine are breast and lung cancer.