NEWSLETTER | Spring 2009

Hello and welcome to our Spring newsletter for the Elizabeth Laser and Cosmetic Medicine Centre and the North Sydney Medical Practice and Skin Cancer Clinic.

At the Elizabeth Laser and Cosmetic Centre our goal is to help you and your skin. We combine our expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer with modern, safe methods of rejuvenating your skin. You may wish to visit us simply for a skin check. Or you may feel that skin rejuvenation and enhancement of your natural attributes is what you are after. You may want both. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome for your skin.

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Melanomas and other common skin cancers cause misery, disfigurement and death. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent many of these problems.  The Elizabeth Laser and Cosmetic Centre has facilities for Photodynamic therapy using Metvix®, a simple non-invasive treatment for solar keratoses (sunspots), and skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas and Bowen's disease. The treatment consists of applying a special cream to the lesion and, after it has been absorbed, applying pure red light. The light
alone is harmless as is the cream, but in combination they kill the cancerous cells and spare the surrounding healthy skin. Healing is rapid and scarring is minimal.

For skin rejuvenation the Centre can offer the Pixel laser, a new generation of skin resurfacing laser with minimal down time. The Pixel laser is suitable for treating skin conditions associated with ageing and active lifestyles and for acne scarred skin. Areas which can be treated include the face and around the eyes, the neck, chest,  hands and arms.

The Pixel laser works by delivering a grid pattern of microscopic laser dots (like the pixels on a TV) to the skin, while preserving the normal healthy skin between the dots. This preservation of healthy skin allows rapid healing following the treatment. There is redness and some flattening of the skin for up to 5 days after treatment but patients can expect to return to work in 1 – 2 days.

For optimum results, muscle relaxing injections and dermal fillers to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may also be used in conjunction with Pixel laser treatment.

Dr Phillipson, who is also President of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine, will be convening the 5th National Laser and Cosmetic Medicine Conference in Sydney in September. The conference, for doctors and other cosmetic medicine practitioners, has developed a reputation for delivering an outstanding academic program and this year will focus on non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Cathy, our practice nurse, has a message regarding whooping cough (Pertussis) vaccination. It's an disturbing fact that about 60% of babies and young children admitted to hospital with whooping cough have contracted the disease from a parent or grandparent. For this reason vaccination of all adults who have regular contact with babies or children is highly recommended.

The North Sydney Medical Centre provides all vaccinations for childhood infections, adult vaccinations, Gardasil for prevention of cervical cancer in young women and all travel vaccinations including Yellow Fever.