Tanning Addiction

Tanning Addiction   (Plastic Surgery in Houston)

Having a skin complexion with a golden hue may give one a look of healthy vigor. Whether you're a Jersey Shore wannabe or a Baywatch fan, it is important to be aware of the possible adverse effects of tanning.  Recent studies have shown that having a “toasted look” by going to tanning salons may predispose someone to a tanning addiction or tanorexia. 

Image from Lovelyish.com

Fast Facts about Tanning Addiction

• UV light is the reinforcing stimulus for tanning addiction.
• UV exposure increases endorphin levels of tanners.
• A study from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and University of Albany showed that frequent tanners were more likely to report moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression than those college students who tan less frequently or did not tan at all.
• 30.6% of college students in the study who used tanning facilities were addicted to tanning.
• 47% of Caucasian women aged 18-19 tan. 
• All of the heavy users of tanning salons are aware that one could increase their risk for skin cancer from using tanning booths. 
• Addiction to tanning  increases one's risk for more symptoms of anxiety, depression and use of alcohol & marijuana.

Effects of Tanning

• Increased risk for skin cancer (melanoma risk is eight-fold higher than people who never used tanning beds.)
• Premature skin aging
• Eye damage (both short term and long term)
• Tanning addiction

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.

Reference:

Mosher et al. Addiction to Indoor Tanning:  Relation to Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse.  Archives of Dermatology. 2010; 146(4):412-417

Organ Transplant Patients at Increased Risk for Skin Cancer

Organ Transplant Patients with Increased Risk for Skin Cancer

Organ transplant patients have been found to have an increased risk for skin cancer.  The medication given to patients with organ transplants to prevent organ rejection plays a key role.  Unprotected sun exposure also increases the person’s risk for skin cancer, especially in organ transplant patients.  Clinical studies have shown that 20 years after receiving an organ transplant, patients have a 40% overall increased risk for skin cancer.  This is especially true for patients living in temperate climates, such as Australia.

Fast Facts about Organ Transplant and Skin Cancer:

•      Squamous cell carcinoma is more common among organ transplant patients
•       27% of mortality is due to skin cancer in one study in Australia
•       40% overall increased risk for skin cancer in organ transplant recipients 20 years after receiving an organ
•       Skin cancer in organ transplant recipient patients tend to develop 2-4 years after the organ transplant.

Recommendations to Prevent Skin Cancer

•         Obtain a full body examination before your organ transplant to inspect for suspected skin lesions
•         Apply sunscreen daily and wear sun-protective clothing
•        Avoid direct sun-exposure and tanning beds/devices
•        Obtain regular dermatologic check-ups with your primary care provider or dermatologist.
•           Perform regular self-exams.  This can be life-saving, especially since skin cancer treatment is most effective when treated early.

Having an organ transplant is a life-saving and life-changing procedure, but it is very important to be aware of this risk of skin cancer in these patients.  Whether you have a friend, family or yourself have an organ transplant, being aware of this risk and learning what one can do to reduce the risk of skin cancer are likely to improve one’s quality of life, and even survival of your loved one.

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
The Woodlands Plastic Surgeon

References:

Berg D, Otley CC. Skin cancer in organ transplant recipients: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2002; 47: 1-17; quiz 8-20.

Euvrard S, Kanitakis J, Claudy A. Skin cancers after organ transplantation. The New England Journal of Medicine 2003; 348: 1681-91.

Ong CS, Keogh AM, Kossard S et al. Skin cancer in Australian heart transplant recipients. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1999; 40: 27-34.

Which Dermal Filler is Best For Me?

Which Dermal Filler is Best for Me?

"Which dermal filler is best for me?" is a common question asked by patients who are interested in non-surgical facial rejuvenation. So what are the best dermal fillers? Which give the best and most natural results? Which last the longest? Which one should you choose? These are just some of the questions that one should ask your plastic surgeon.  

Which dermal filler last the longest?

• Radiesse has been shown to be the dermal filler that last the longest (typically1 to 2 years).

Which dermal filler has the most natural looking?

• These dermal fillers produce a natural look after injection and reduce the fine lines or unwanted creases.
• After a dermal filler injection, one may be able to feel the filler after the procedure for several weeks.  Although you may not see it, but you may feel the filler with your fingers.  
• Juvederm is reportedly has the smoothest feel.

Which dermal filler has the least bruising and least pain?

• The smoothest material to inject is Juvederm, and thus the least painful
• Radiesse is somewhat more painful when injected since the material requires a larger needle, and the injection technique is a little bit more traumatic 

So which dermal filler is the right one for you?

• If you desire the longest correction possible with an FDA-approved filler, and if you don't mind more bruising with each procedure, then Radiesse may be a better choice since you will have to do the procedure less often.

• If you are new to fillers, desires less downtime, less bruising and less pain with the procedure, then a hyaluronic acid derivative (Restylane or Juvederm) may be a better choice.

Are there any other dermal fillers?

• Sculptra is another dermal filler made of poly-L-lactic acid that is FDA-approved for the use of facial lipodystrophy (facial fat loss) in HIV patients.
• There are other dermal fillers, such as Cosmoplast & Cosmoderm (collagen dermal fillers), that are no longer available in the US.

I recommend consulting one of your Woodlands Plastic Surgeons regarding which dermal filler would be best for your individual needs.

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.

http://www.delacruzplasticsurgery.com/

Other articles related to dermal fillers:

1) The Truth About Botox
2) Are You a Good Candidate for BOTOX?
3) Dermal Fillers (Juvederm | Restylane | Radiesse)

4) Potential Complications of Dermal Fillers (Restylane/Juvederm)