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Houston, Texas

2004

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New Treatment Can Help Remove Birthmarks From Young Children
KTRK, August 16, 2004 HOUSTON ABC-13

Birthmarks can damage a child's self-esteem - especially when they're on the face. But a new technology is fading the pain for many young patients.

It used to be that dermatologists didn't want to start birthmark removal treatments on babies. But that's changing with new laser technology. And by beginning treatment early, parents are doing more than cosmetic improvements - they're protecting their child from some heart-wrenching stares.

Robin Montez has had part of her face covered with a huge birthmark since she was a baby. Robin's father Tony Montez recalled, "When she was born, we noticed right away that it looked like there was bruising. And that's what they described it as. But when it didn't go away after about a week and re-diagnosed it they determined it was a strawberry birthmark". The birthmark, commonly called a "port wine stain", is caused by a proliferation of blood vessels beneath the skin, which gives the appearance you see in patients. Now there's a new treatment for the condition using a device called the "pulse dye laser".

Dr. Paul Friedman with DermSurgery Laser Center said, "The laser basically works by targeting the blood vessels beneath the top layer of the skin and the body reabsorbs the blood vessels during the healing process".

Robin, who's now 13 years old, has been receiving the treatments since she was six months old. Now her birthmark is barely visible.

"She's had 10 treatments to date, and she's had probably 50 to 70% improvement of her port wine stain and this will continue to improve with subsequent treatments", Dr. Friedman explained.

Robin says the laser treatments have made her less self conscious. "It's very, very light now and it's much better", she said. "Now with the makeup, people don't even know I have it."

The pulse laser treatment takes about 15 minutes. The risk of scarring is low and it can treat other conditions like rosacea, spider veins, red scars and stretch marks.

New Wrinkle On Looking Younger
KHOU-TV Feb 20, 2004 HOUSTON
by Nancy Holland / 11 News

Until recently, Americans were making a run for the border for injections of something called Restylane. But now the wrinkle treatment is available in Houston. Tracey Spitz was looking for help to hide the lines caused by years of sun and cigarettes. Tracy Spitz after Restylane.

"We can do it," Dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman assured her. Restylane injections have been used for more than a dozen years in 60 countries. Doctors call it "very safe" with minor discomfort from a new needle pricks. "As you can see here a little bit of redness and swelling which you know generally lasts for about two to three days," said Dr. Friedman.

But for patients with about 30 minutes and $500 to $1000 bucks to spare, the result is immediate, even halfway through the treatment.

"It's instant," Spitz said. "I can't really smile." Only because she's still numb. Otherwise she would be smiling.

Most of the patients having the injections are women. But some men are trying Restylane, too -- mostly for the treatment of acne scars.

"This is actually how we create fullness," said Dr. Friedman as he continued Spitz's injections.

The results from Restylane can be seen immediately.

Because Spitz had botox before, she liked the idea of an instant result, and certainly liked the sculpting without surgery. "That's why I think it's so gratifying because there's definitely, you know, an artistic feel to it," said Dr. Friedman.

The result will last about six months.

"God, what a difference. I mean I'm smooth," said Spitz. "Put it this way. I won't be without it any more."

And with a little dusting of makeup, Spitz likes the "after" picture much more than the "before."

Arthritis Treatment Fights Wrinkles
KHOU-TV, Jan 26, 2004 HOUSTON 11 News
By Dr. Karen Johnson

11 News has learned that a substance used to relieve arthritis pain is now being used by dermatologists to decrease wrinkles on the face.

A synthetic version of Hyaluronic acid, or Restylane, can add volume and fullness to smooth facial wrinkles and folds.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in all living organisms and is used to treat various medical problems. Now a synthetic version is available to treat skin conditions associated with aging. Karen, a pharmaceutical representative who feels she looks tired, has decided to try the treatment. "Basically, I have these really deep lines that have gotten worse with age, and for about a year I've been looking into different alternatives," said Karen, "and when I heard this was FDA approved, I was really excited."

Dr. Paul Friedman will inject Karen with hyaluronic acid, or Restylane, to add volume and fullness to smooth facial wrinkles and folds.

"Restylane actually improves the contours on several areas of the face, including the cheeks and chin as well as improving contours around the mouth and adding volume to the lips," said Friedman. Restylane costs about $500.

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For more information about Restylane or any other service, please call Dr. Friedman at DermSurgery Laser Center
(713) 791-9966

Click here to request an appointment for
Restylane and other procedures