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Botulinum toxin treats underarm sweating

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating beyond the natural requirements of the body, is a common problem that affects approximately 3% of the world's population. It can affect one's social life,work and psychological well-being. It can prevent those affected from certain social activities, restrict the type and colour of clothing worn, and affect self-confidence.

A recently published article in the Dermatologic Surgery journal studied the use of botulinum toxin type A, commonly known as Botox, for the treatment of underarm sweating. Although, this treatment is commonly performed currently, the article formalised the treatment by studying 52 patients over the period of 4 years (from May 2001 to December 2005).

After treatment with botulinum toxin injections into the underarms, the patients remained asymptomatic for an interval of 3 to 14 months, with a median of 5.97 months. No significant complications were noted from this treatment modality and a total of 97% of patients were highly satisfied with the treatment.

Treatments such as these can help reduce the need for operations such as an ETS or endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy to help stop sweating. Botulinum toxin type A for localised areas such as the underarms is a safe and effective means of treating excessive sweating.

Posted on 2008-07-17T18:04:00.000-07:00


Radiesse 4 year safety study

Dr. Tzikas reports in the recent Dermatologic Surgery Journal his findings about the use of Radiesse, or calcium hydroxylapatite, for facial soft tissue augmentation. His study spanned over 52 months and involved in the treatment of 1000 patients.

More than 80% of patients in this study reported persistance of the product for greater than 12 months, with the most common side effects as redness or bruising.

Radiesse in this study was used in the lips leading to the formation of nodules in some cases which needed to be physically removed (for this reason Radiesse is not recommended at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute for the augmentation of lips). Outside of the lips, only 2 patients experienced nodule formation.

The picture shown illustrates a patient before and after cheek augmentation with Radiesse performed by Dr. Tzikas.

Posted on 2008-07-12T15:52:00.000-07:00


10 minute nose job?

Injectable rhinoplasty is the latest technique to non-surgically reshape a nose. Stars such as Ashlee Simpson have been purported to have undergone this procedure (see photo). The actual shape and size of the nose is perceived by its contours, rather than its absolute size. By injecting dermal filers such as Radiesse into areas such as above a bump, or into a hollow in the nose, the nose can be made to appear smaller and straighter. Also, the entire height of the nose can also be lifted in some cases.

The price for injectable rhinoplasty with Radiesse is $660 and can last for around 18 months.

Posted on 2008-07-03T14:33:00.000-07:00


Berwick branch moving... around the corner

As of Monday July 14th 2008, our Berwick branch is moving to Suite 2, 72 Gloucester St, Berwick.

The new premises are walking distance (one block) from the previous.

There should be no disruption to our usual services. The phone number remains unchanged: 9707 0888

Click here for a map of the location of the new premises.

Posted on 2008-07-01T14:50:00.000-07:00


Chin enhancement = rhinoplasty replacement?


The balance between the facial features often determines the perception of the actual size of certain parts of the face. For example, enhancing the chin can make a perceivable decrease in the apparent size of the nose. Chin enhancement can be performed with dermal fillers that last from 6 to 18 months. There is also improvement in the 'double chin' when the chin is enhanced to project further forward.
For more information on non-surgical facial shaping, click here.

Posted on 2008-06-27T15:17:00.000-07:00


Portrait PSR plasma receives FDA approval for acne scars

Plasma skin regeneration, used to resurface skin, has been FDA approved for the treatment of acne scarring.

A study conducted by Potter et al in the UK showed a 23% improvement in acne scarring after 6 months and this was sustained for 2 years. The study used silicone elastomer moulds to measure the improvement of the scarring pre and post treatment.

Clinically, at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we have noticed an improvement in acne scars for those who undergo the high energy (PSR3) plasma treatments, with a noticeable improvement in skin texture, wrinkles and pigmentation also.

Posted on 2008-06-19T07:46:00.000-07:00


Evolence... a longer lasting collagen injection.

Injectable collagen has been around for over twenty years now. Although, it still remains as the gold standard in the filling of fine lines, it has a few downfalls. In particular, its lack of longevity (often around 2 to 4 months) can be inconvenient, necessitating frequent re-treatment.

Evolence, a dermal filler that has been available in the UK since 2005, is a bovine based collagen product that last 12 months. However it is not yet available in Australia yet.

Using patented technology, Evolence avoids the need for forearm patch testing, as required for normal collagen treatments. The need for patch testing can delay treatment for 6 weeks.

The clinical uses of Evolence have mainly been directed towards filling folds and larger wrinkles, unlike the original collagen which can be used for filling even the finest of lines.

Posted on 2008-06-18T04:57:00.000-07:00


Is fat the new facelift?

Traditionally, the primary mechanism for facial ageing was gravity leading to facial descent. Hence the logical answer to this probem was to combat this with a variety of surgical procedures such as a facelift, browlift or blepharoplasty (removal of the upper or lower eyelid skin).

A paradigm shift has occurred, and the way we think about ageing and reversing the ageing process has now progressed. Pioneers like Dr. Sydney Coleman have lead the way of this change, and believe that volume loss, in the form of soft tissue, bone, and fat loss are key factors in facial ageing rather than simply just facial descent/droop. An analogy is that a young person's face is like a grape, full of volume and no wrinkles. As this person ages, their face becomes more like a sultana. To revolumise the face is therefore the most important part of reversing the ageing process, rather than stretching the skin.

Revolumising can be performed in a number of ways, including fat transfer from another part of the body, or simply with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers offer the advantage of being a minimally invasive procedure with little or no downtime. They can be used to reshape and revolumise the face and return the youth to a face.

Posted on 2008-06-15T14:25:00.000-07:00


Apogee Elite laser for hair removal now in Berwick branch

The Apogee Elite laser is now available in Berwick as well as Templestowe branches. This is a dual wavelength laser that can be used for any skin/hair type (except for blonde and grey).

The 755nm wavelength is suited to fairer skin types and the 1064nm wavelength can remove hair even from the darkest of skin types.

Used in conjunction with a zimmer cooler, a machine that blows cold air over the treatment area, hair removal is made more comfortable and safer.

Posted on 2008-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:00


Cosmetic medicine and surgery group on facebook

Join the cosmetic medicine and surgery group on facebook to discuss the latest techniques and trends in this field.

Click here to be directed to the facebook page

Posted on 2008-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00


Dr. Gavin Chan features in The Age Sunday Life article on tattoos and their removal

The Sunday Life's cover story on June 1st, 2008 is an article written by Clive Hopkins on people with tattoos. Dr. Gavin Chan features in the article discussing laser treatments for tattoo removal.

Click here to Download the Sunday Life article

Posted on 2008-06-01T00:13:00.000-07:00


New port wine stain laser treatment video

Dr. Sara Read discusses the treatment of port wine stains (red birthmark) with the Gemini laser.

See http://www.thevictoriancosmeticinstitute.com.au/red-birthmarks/

Posted on 2008-04-17T04:33:00.000-07:00


New laser hair removal video posted

Our laser hair removal webpage has a new video of Dr. Natasha Moscato demonstration the four different lasers used for hair removal at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute.

To view this video, click here.

Posted on 2008-03-04T03:30:00.000-08:00


Free 1st laser hair removal treatment

The Victorian Cosmetic Institute is offering 100 people the opportunity to experience laser hair removal by offering the first laser hair removal treatment for free.

For more details, click here.

Posted on 2008-02-14T02:14:00.000-08:00


Plasma skin regeneration video posted

Our plasma skin regeneration skin page has been updated with a video of a low energy (PSR1) plasma skin regeneration.

Click here to view our page on plasma skin regeneration.

Plasma skin regeneration can be performed at low energy levels to minimise the downtime and intensity of the treatments. Generally, 3 low energy treatments equate to one single high energy treatment.

Posted on 2008-01-31T03:41:00.000-08:00


New melasma protocol with medlite laser

We have recently updated our melasma laser protocol with the medlite laser. Low energy level treatments with the medlite laser using both wavelengths have helped to target both the deeper and superficial parts of the pigmentation. For more information about skin pigmentation , click here.

Posted on 2008-01-22T13:00:00.000-08:00


Christmas trading hours

The Victorian Cosmetic Institute will be closed from the 22nd of December 2007 and re-opening on the 7th of January 2008.

There are a still a limited number of appointments left for those who would like to book in for a consultation or treatment.

We all wish you happy festive season, and look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Posted on 2007-12-15T14:51:00.000-08:00


Pro-bono work and charities

The Victorian Cosmetic Institute regularly performs pro-bono work on people who have particular disfigurements that are congenital or acquired. Examples include facial birthmarks and facial tattoo removal with our lasers.

We also support a number of charities including;

The Cancer Council Victoria
Make-A-Wish Australia
SIDS and Kids
Guide Dogs Victoria
Australian Conservation Foundation

Posted on 2007-11-27T04:05:00.000-08:00


Berwick branch of The Victorian Cosmetic Institute opening soon

The Berwick branch of The Victorian Cosmetic Institute officially opened on the 16th of October.

Posted on 2007-10-21T07:49:00.000-07:00


Apogee laser arrives

The apogee laser has now arrived at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute in Templestowe Lower.

The laser has two wavelengths, 755nm and 1064nm. The 755nm wavelength works well on fairer skins and fine to coarse hair, and the 1064nm works well on darker skins with darker hairs.

For more information on laser hair removal, click here.

Posted on 2007-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00


It's plucking good news


Dr. Gavin Chan features in a Leader newspaper article on laser hair removal circulated on October 5th, 2007.

Posted on 2007-10-10T05:20:00.000-07:00


Cynosure Apogee elite laser arriving

A dual wavelength laser from Cynosure, named the Apogee elite will be arriving at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute this week. It has two wavelengths that will help to remove hair on any skin type.

The 755nm wavelength (alexandrite) will remove even the finest of hairs on fairer skins, and the 1064nm (Nd:YAG) will remove hairs on dark skin.

There is a Zimmer cooler that is used with the machine that helps to chill the skin and protect it whilst the laser penetrates deeper to the hair follicle.

For more information about laser hair removal, click here.

Posted on 2007-10-05T15:39:00.000-07:00


Berwick branch of The Victorian Cosmetic Institute opening soon

Within the next two weeks, the Berwick branch of The Victorian Cosmetic Institute is opening. We welcome Dr. Jenny Kimmins and Dr. Bryan Lim to our practice and the years of expertise in the field of cosmetic medicine that they bring.

Posted on 2007-10-02T14:23:00.000-07:00


1st post for The Victorian Cosmetic Institute

This is the first official blog of The Victorian Cosmetic Institute.

Dr. Gavin Chan has been speaking this week on ABC radio about laser tattoo removal. He discusses the new permanent, yet reversible ink, that is soon to hit the market. The ink particles are biodegradeable, but are held in micro-capsules that are not broken down by the body. One single laser treatment, however, can rupture these micro-capsules and release the ink.

For more information on laser tattoo removal, visit our website.

Posted on 2007-09-29T22:49:00.001-07:00





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