Vein Expert: New Studies Show Therapies Safer, More Effective

Tuesday, October 14th, 2014


Rolling Meadows, Ill. (PRWEB) October 09, 2014

New therapies — including a treatment just made available in August — are leading to more effective vein treatments, Mitchel P. Goldman, M.D, a leading expert on vein treatments, told a gathering of skin and beauty experts recently.

Working with other dermatologic surgeons, Goldman has studied the safety, effectiveness and satisfaction ratings of foam sclerotherapy for veins on the legs, hands and chest as well as the use of a long-pulse Nd:YAG dynamically cooled laser to treat facial veins.

His results are just now being released, in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Goldman, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, spoke recently at the late-September ASDS “Skintelligence” presentation in New York City. During Skintelligence, he and several other dermatologic surgeons outlined innovative procedures and new trends in cosmetic and medical skin treatments.

Foam sclerotherapy involves mixing an injectable sclerosant solution with air or carbon dioxide so the resulting foam increases the drug’s surface area in the veins, displacing the blood and causing eventual closure and disappearance of the veins.

Goldman was among the first in the country to perform foam sclerotherapy for leg and hand veins and then teach others the procedure. He also has written extensively about the treatment.

Treatment of large leg varicose veins has taken a big step forward with the debut of Varithena, which combines Polidocanol and a carbon dioxide mix to create a new injectable foam. “Foam treatments have come a long way,” said Goldman.

Varithena, by BTG, became commercially available in August after receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late 2013. It can be used to treat veins in the great saphenous vein system, which runs the entire length of the leg. Goldman conducted clinical trials on Varithena before FDA approval.

While some patients may regard veins as essentially a cosmetic concern, Goldman said leg veins can cause health problems. Fifty percent of patients with varicose and other leg vein problems experience blood clots or ulceration. Varicose veins also can cause night cramps, restless legs, pain and other issues, in addition to cosmetic concerns. An estimated 30 million-plus Americans ages 18 to 70 have varicose veins, he said.

A survey of 221 patients who participated in the final clinical trial for Varithena shows success with the new treatment, Goldman said.

At one year post-treatment, the patients showed consistent improvements in appearance; disease severity; and symptoms such as heaviness, aching, swelling, throbbing and itching, Goldman said. Both physicians and the patients themselves assessed how the leg looked.

“I have no doubt Varithena will be an important addition for physicians’ abilities to treat leg veins successfully,” Goldman said.

Goldman said prominent hand reticular veins – the dilated blue and green veins just beneath the skin’s surface – bother many of his patients. Though he has used foam sclerotherapy effectively on veins in the hand for years, “The treatment is not widely used yet and the literature in terms of side effects and treatment outcomes is somewhat lacking.”

He and Drs. Anne Marie Tremaine and Daniel P. Friedmann reported in August the results of a retrospective review for both effectiveness and safety of patients whose hands had been treated with foam therapy between 2003 to 2012.

Patients representing 30 of the 38 treated hands reported themselves “very satisfied” with the results, with only one expressing dissatisfaction. Eighty-one percent said they would definitely consider repeat treatments if necessary.

Adverse events following treatment were rare and mild, Goldman said. The most common side effect was blood coagulation, as had been seen in earlier studies, followed by mild pain, redness, bruising and swelling.

“Based on our experience, foam sclerotherapy seems to be a safe and effective means for treating prominent reticular veins on the back of the hands,” he said. “Patients had excellent long-term satisfaction and experienced far less adverse events compared with sclerotherapy of leg veins.”

Goldman – working with Friedmann and Andres Cruz, M.D. – similarly found foam sclerotherapy effective for treating blue and green surface veins appearing on the chest.

The three dermatologic surgeons followed up with 12 patients, all female, who had undergone a total of 16 procedures. “Patients reported substantial long-term efficacy and satisfaction scores, with few adverse events,” Goldman said. “Though we believe further studies are needed, initial indications are that foam sclerotherapy is a very viable treatment option.”

Facial Vein Treatments

While facial surface veins cause no harm, many patients find the visible blue and green surface veins distressing, Goldman said. Yet there is no true gold standard for treating what patients regard as unsightly veins near the eye socket or temples, he said.

Through surveying former patients treated with a dynamically cooled laser, he and Ana Marie Liolios, M.D., conclude the procedure “is a safe and effective treatment for facial reticular veins with minimal side effects,” said Goldman. The non-invasive treatment utilizes the dynamically cooled, variable spot size 1064 Nd:YAG laser, known as the CoolTouch Varia.

Other treatments – including intense pulsed light therapy and a variety of other laser procedures – are popular, but they do not specifically target larger surface veins, Goldman said. Moreover, many of the treatments are not without risk.

“There also is hesitation using sclerosing, or foaming, injectable agents because of the proximity of the veins near the eyes,” he said.

Of the 40 patients interviewed by Goldman and Liolios, 30 reported themselves “very satisfied” and their improvement ratings averaged 81.2 percent. The most common side effect was mild swelling, and half reported no adverse effects at all.

One patient reported the veins reappeared after six to nine months. This patient had a repeat treatment at a slightly higher energy level with good results, Goldman said.

The dynamically cooled, variable spot size 1064 Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment for facial reticular veins with minimal side effects, he and Liolios concluded. The results are usually immediate and, based on a long-term follow-up, tend to be long-lasting, Goldman said.

About ASDS

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring popular treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. Their work has helped create and enhance many of the devices that remove blemishes, hair and fat, and tighten skin. Dermatologic surgeons also are experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to taking steps to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit asds.net.

Website: http://www.asds.net

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Emerge! Fashion Show New York Fashion Week Showcased Top Emerging Designers & Honored Legendary Model Beverly Johnson

Saturday, September 20th, 2014


New York, NY (PRWEB) September 18, 2014

Now in its 7th season, EMERGE!, A Fashion Runway Show, positioned an eclectic ensemble of artists Tuesday, September 9, 2014 during New York Fashion Week. These talented and aspiring fashion designers from around the world showcased their artistic genius with amazing collections that powered down the runway. (http://www.EmergeFashionNYC.com)

Each season Emerge! presents the coveted Fashion Innovator Award to fashion industry leaders. Emerge! has presented the FIA to some of the most recognized faces in the fashion industry. This season the award was presented to legendary model Beverly Johnson for her work as one of the first African American models that graced the cover of top magazines, including her iconic Vogue cover. The award was presented to her by J. Alexander of America’s Next Top Model. One of the highlights of the evening was when Ms. Johnson and J. Alexander walked the runway to a thunderous applause from audience.

Emerge! is one of the top emerging designer collective showcases during fashion week, with over 500 guests who were in attendance in anticipation of the fashion industry’s brightest upcoming designers who presented their Spring/Summer 2015 fashion lines. Emerge! provides designers with an opportunity to propel themselves into the spotlight on a national stage. This season’s elite group of designers included Danny Nguyen Couture (http://www.DannyNguyencouture.com); Michael Alan Stein (http://www.michaelalansteinstyle.com ); Tina Marie Style (http://www.tinamariestyle.com); Seanna Sharpe (http://www.urbancircusnyc.org); Eaden Myles (http://www.eadenmyles.com) & ZhiZhu Fashion.

EMERGE! is produced by D. Williams Public Relations Group (DWPR) and debuted on the Fashion elite social scene in February 2011 and has been consistent in providing a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work twice a year during New York City Fashion Week.

“Each collection by the designers was extremely beautiful and exciting,” states Emerge! creator Dionne Williams, President of DWPR.

Emerge! sponsors provided five-star services and products all contributing to the beautiful and unique experience of Emerge! Fashion show. Partners included: Bennett Career Institute, LAMIK Cosmetics & Hotel BPM. Creative & casting directors filled by Iran ‘Bang’ Paylor & Aaron Handy of Models, Inc. Photography provided by Time Frozen photography.

Featured EMERGE! Designers:

DANNY NGUYEN

Danny has developed further in many other aspects of the fashion world upon his arrival to the rich and diverse culture of Houston. He has his own studio for alterations and design entitled DNC (Danny Nguyen Couture) in which he spends a great deal of time pursuing his dream which dances at the end of every needle he drives into his next exquisite creation. He is a son, a brother, and a friend but most importantly, he is the embodiment of a calling whose sound does not quiet until it has reached the end of the runway.

MICHAEL ALAN STEIN

Michael Alan Stein, is a costume designer and the chief fashion designer of the eponymous Michael Alan Stein Collection: a prestigous, ready-to-wear women’s apparel line. In a career spanning more than two decades, Michael’s costume designs have graced many premiere stages across the United States. On stage, screen and personal appearance, Michael’s designs have been worn by such celebrated artists as Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Jane Seymour, Erykah Badu, Jennifer Holiday and Elizabeth Berkley. His professional journey began at Parsons School of Design and The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where he studied Fashion Design.

TINA HUGHES

Tina Hughes is a talented designer with a BFA in Fashion Design, an Associate’s in Buying and Merchandising, and extensive knowledge of textile design. The latter often informs her designs, as she creates each piece with an expert eye for juxtaposition and a thorough understanding of the economics and waste behind traditional textiles.Tina Marie is designed for the woman who loves thoughtful details, intriguing silhouettes, nostalgic whimsy and modern quirks. Her goal in creating each design revolves around natural and organic textiles, limiting harmful dyes by creating her own textiles, supporting local, made in the USA, and having staple items to build your wardrobe.

EADEN MYLES

Eaden Myles is illuminating innovation in the 21st century of men’s fashion. With a focus to provide customers with a one stop shop for well-made, well-tailored suits and accessories which compliments a unique structure. The Eaden Myles collection is a European Inspired Collection of men’s suits. Eaden Myles has made it their business to take care of the suiting needs for clients. They deliver High Fashion, High Quality, suits, and carry custom fits; standard fit suits, and slim fit suits. Each of their fits are created to give a tailored look and fit, complimenting body type structure, reflecting style, comfort and ultimately sophisticated current fashion.

SEANNA SHARPE

Seanna Sharpe traveled to 26 countries before finding her home base in New York City, where she continues to draw on international inspiration even after switching out a path in Politics for a successful career in Aerial Arts. After creating work and performing for over 300 clients (including Beyonce, The Roots, and The Guggenheim) Seanna now runs Urban Circus NYC, a circus school, cutting-edge company, and not-for-profit kids program offering a full spectrum of performance, production, and education.                    

ZHI ZHU FASHIONS







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