In the recent Dermatology Times, Dr. Barankin was interviewed and quoted discussing various skin conditions affecting obese patients. Skin tags, stretch marks, acanthosis nigricans, darkening & thickening of elbows and knees, psoriasis and skin infections are discussed among other skin problems more prevalent in this group. Click here to view the full article.
The following is a (partial) list of doctors who were also successful-famous writers:
Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, Congo)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes)
Oliver Sacks (The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Musicophilia, Awakenings, An Anthropologist on Mars)
Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns)
Vincent Lam (Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures)
Gabor Mate (When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress ; Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder)
Anton Chekhov (The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters
William Carlos Williams (American poet)
Sir Oliver Wendell Holmes (poet)
Sigmund Freud (Austrian psychoanalyst)
W. Somerset Maugham (novelist & short stories ; Of Human Bondage)
John Keats (poet; didn’t fully complete medical training)
Robin Cook (Coma)
Mikhail Bulgakov (Russian novelist – The Master and Margarita)
Sir William Osler (Father of modern medicine ; Canadian born)
Deepak Chopra (writer on spirituality & mind-body medicine)
Viktor Frankl (Austrian neurologist-psychiatrist – Man’s Search for Meaning)
Richard Hooker (MASH)
M. Scott Peck (American psychiatrist – The Road Less Traveled)
Samuel Shem (The House of God)
Benjamin Spock (American pediatrician – Baby and Child Care)
Atul Gawande (The New Yorker medical writer)
Renowned dermatologist and injector Dr. Anatoli Freiman speaks about Botox, answering questions about truths and myths about this controversial treatment for taking years off the appearance of individuals.
Dr Freiman explains what Botox really is, explaining that it is a purified protein that relaxes muscles. When we form wrinkles, they are muscles that have been formed from accumulated years of expression. By relaxing the muscle, wrinkling also relaxes and creates a softer, more youthful appearance. How much is enough? The patient and the doctor will discuss this prior to treating so that the patient achieves the best results suitable for the look they want to achieve.
Dr Freiman discusses the similarities and differences between Botox, Xeomin and Dysport, the latter two being newer forms of neuro- inhibitors/modulators that react in a similar fashion to Botox. Botox has been around for over 20 years, and has an incredible safety record in cosmetic usage.
Briefly discussed are topics such as why and how to choose your injector. Both dermatologists and plastic surgeons are better educated and practiced in knowing where to inject Botox in a safe and satisfying way, with the least chance of side effects. Although few and far between, side effects can occur when the injector has less knowledge of the facial muscles and depths at which to treat. A dermatologist on the other hand, specializes in a deeper understanding of the skin and is an expert in their field.
You only have one face, Botox can greatly change the way you and others see you. Be sure to choose your injector wisely and educate yourself to the benefits that Botox can bring to your appearance.
Renowned dermatologist and author Dr. Benjamin Barankin from Toronto Dermatology Centre speaks to us about Injectables and wrinkle fillers. Dr. Barankin has been treating patients with injectables for over a decade. With his extensive experience, he is able to answer all frequently asked questions pertaining to the different types of fillers on the market.
For starters, what is the difference between wrinkle fillers (e.g. Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse) and Botox? Often patients get confused, assuming that all injectables do the same thing. Where Botox minimizes fine lines and wrinkles due to movement (“dynamic wrinkles”), more common on the upper portion of the face, wrinkle fillers help to add volume to the face where it has been lost due to age, hormones, lifestyle and genetics.
The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance we have present in the mid portion of our skin (“dermis”) to start with. However, with age, lifestyle, genetics, weight loss etc., we lose a portion of it over time. Hyaluronic acid is like a tiny sponge that can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, so you can see why it is essential in maintaining a fuller, more youthful appearance. As well as filling in areas where volume has been lost, a good injector can also help to sculpt the face, adding cheekbones, a nose bridge, plump lips, or even a chin. A patient suffering from deep tear troughs or hollows under the eyes or sometimes dark circles can be great candidates for fillers as well.
With so many options on the market, a good injector will be able to tell the patient which filler is perfect for their skin and for the area being injected. How old is the patient? Do they have thin skin? What kind of look do they want to achieve? At Toronto Dermatology Centre, we carry an extensive selection of fillers from Juvederm to Perlane, Restylane and Radiesse.
Knowing the fillers, how they look in the skin and what suits a patient best are some of the reasons to choose a dermatologist over other injectors. Understanding the anatomy of the face as well as where and how deep to inject is what sets a dermatologist above most other lesser educated injectors. Proper knowledge of how much is enough and what looks most natural comes with experience, as well as understanding proper beauty proportions and symmetry.
While there may be good injectors out there, there are also a lot of “professionals” that really shouldn’t be injecting. It is your face, the only one you have. Feel safe, feel confident, and know that the knowledgeable, experienced Dermatologists at Toronto Dermatology Centre are among the best Canada has to offer.
Our very own Dr. Benjamin Barankin was recently quoted in Cosmetics Mag in the article “Ick Factor”, discussing men’s skin and hair sins, and how to avoid and treat dandruff, acne, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and more.
Guys, we’re onto your skin and hair sins—and they’re not pretty. Here’s how to clean up your act
The blotchy rash on your face or neck, known as razor burn, is triggered by some common slipups: using dull blades, shaving against the grain and skimping on shaving cream. You need more glide so the razor is “not just dragging on dry skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers of Pacific Dermaesthetics in Vancouver. Applying a gentle moisturizer post-shave will also help alleviate any discomfort.
Ingrowns strike when a hair curls back under the skin instead vof sprouting through the follicle, resulting in an inflamed bump or, even worse, an infection. A pre-game warm-up is smart play: Dr. Benjamin Barankin at the Toronto Dermatology Centre suggests shaving in the shower since heat relaxes pores. Gliding in the direction of your hair’s natural grain helps, too, though the shave won’t be as close. Another option is an electric razor, or for an old-school gentleman’s approach, reach for a shaving brush to apply your cream: the fibres will help flick the hairs up so they don’t start growing under the skin, says Dr. Barankin.
Being plagued by the super-sweats (a.k.a. hyperhidrosis) is a killer for any dapper man’s closet. “People with this have to change their shirts all the time,” says Dr. Rivers. Serious drippers can now find antiperspirants marketed as “clinical strength,” such as Gillette Clinical Clear Gel, made with molecules able to absorb into sweat valves before you start overheating. Or ask your doc about Botox: the wrinkle smoother is also used to block sweat glands. Administered to the pits, it can cost $1,000 to $2,000 (which may be partially covered by private health insurance) and effects last five to 12 months. Don’t worry, your body will find other outlets to let off steam. “You’re blocking a tiny fraction—two percent—of your body’s surface area,” says Dr. Barankin.
Body acne—think: “bacne” and its down-south relative, “buttne”—tends to be of a heartier stock than the kind afflicting your face. “Acne on the back tends to be deeper, more chronic and more stubborn,” says Dr. Barankin. That said, the strategy is the same as for traditional zits: nab a cleanser with bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide, such as Spectro AcneCare Wash, or a body wash with pore-declogging salicylic acid. Those with especially hard-to-treat cases may need to see a derm for a course of oral antibiotics.
Dandruff isn’t limited to the scalp—it can also be the bane of your hipster beard. Technically called seborrheic dermatitis, this condition is thought to be exacerbated by overactive oil glands and is characterized by flaking, scaling, redness and itchiness. “When you shave every day, you’re exfoliating and removing oils,” says Dr. Barankin. “Most people who wear a beard don’t wash it as vigorously.” To treat it, you can use a dandruff shampoo such as Head & Shoulders on your face forest. Leave it on for 20 seconds max every other day, alternating with a gentle face wash. If that doesn’t help, your derm can prescribe an anti-inflammatory lotion containing an anti-yeast ingredient.
Credit: By Ryan Porter, cosmeticsmag.com
Many skin conditions are common in young kids. Dr. Anatoli Freiman, dermatologist and medical director at the Toronto Dermatology Centre shares his expertise on the topic in Parents Canada magazine.
“We see a lot of eczema, moles that develop, rashes and skin infections, like warts and molluscum,” says Dr. Freiman. Since it can be hard for parents to determine what, if anything, is wrong, speak to your family doctor if you have concerns. If more specialized treatment is required, you will be referred to a dermatologist. Different conditions can look very similar, so it’s important to show your family doctor early on. If things are left untreated, it can get out of hand. Here’s his primer to help you know what kinds of skin conditions to look for in your preschoolers:
Moles: “Some conditions, like skin cancer, are genetic, so take your kids to a doctor if you notice moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, are discoloured, are larger than six millimetres or are changing. This is cause for concern.” A doctor will assess moles and monitor them over time.
Warts: These are common and contagious bumps that are often found on the bottom of feet or tops of hands. They can be treated with liquid nitrogen and a prescription preparation.
Eczema: This common skin condition is characterized by red and itchy rashes. Because of the itch, children may rub their head, cheeks, and other inflamed patches. In many cases, eczema disappears before age two. In the meantime, proper treatment can help. See your dermatologist for advice on avoiding irritating ingredients in creams and lotions, rough, scratchy, or tight clothing and woolens. Proper bathing and moisturizing can help. A cool mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom is also a good idea. For stubborn cases, a cream may be prescribed.
Molluscum: Molluscum are little bumps that look as though they have a whitehead in the middle. It spreads easily and it’s important to diagnose and treat this early. “When you’re covered in molluscum, it’s hard to treat,” says Dr. Freiman. Repeated treatments of cantharone or liquid nitrogen may be required.
Sunburn: To prevent your kids from developing skin cancer, sun protection is key. “Doctors recommend that kids over six months use sunscreen,” says Dr. Freiman. Make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with SPF 30+. “Be sure to look for the Canadian Dermatology Association symbol on the bottle so you know dermatologists recommend it.” He also reminds parents to have their children wear sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and try to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The first time it happened to me was about two years ago. I had a patient who was in her early 20’s with a rather intense flare up of rosacea. After our consult, I sent her home with a sample of SkinMedica Redness Relief. She called me a week or two later saying she loved the product and wanted to get it. She decided that she didn’t want to pay the regular price for it so she decided to go online. She called me very excitedly saying she ordered it from a US site for half the price. I asked her to bring it in so I could see it.
When she arrived, I took off the lid and noticed the product she had smelled like ours but it was a cream. SkinMedica Redness Relief is an ointment. It doesn’t come in any other form. What she received was a fake. She was very disappointed and decided to buy the real thing. Smart, because who knows what was in the product she got?
I was reading an article in Modern Esthetic magazine the other day and it brought back that memory and many others since that time. Fraudulent, fake medical grade products are being sold in abundance online these days. For those seeking a cheaper product, then that is what you will get. You won’t get the product for a reduced rate, you will in fact get a cheap rip off.
The problem with counterfeit cosmeceuticals seems to be growing. As a medical clinic, we can be sure that the items we are receiving come directly from the approved vendor and no middle man tampering with, or swapping out the product has taken place. Not only can fake products fool the customer and waste your money, but they could be potentially dangerous to them as well. Then the clinic and even the product line are at risk of damage to their name. The patient isn’t aware that what they have purchased isn’t the right product, so they blame the clinic or the product line itself.
Do a Google search for the top cosmeceutical product lines and you will see a multitude of companies selling online, usually at very low, reduced prices. It is important to understand that true cosmeceutical lines (medical grade, and with an abundance of active ingredients) can ONLY be sold through a physician. They cannot be sold online. Certainly there are some lines that have a spa alternative line that may or may not be authentically sold online, and therefore the buyer has to decide whether or not they are willing to take a chance with those products. However, those products should not be confused with medical grade skin care. Even as a medical esthetician, I am not allowed to purchase medical grade products from our vendors. They are physician- based products. If in any doubt, the price you see should be a good indicator of telling you what it is that you are actually buying.
Imagine you want a Prada purse, but you don’t have an extra $2000 sitting around. You can decide to purchase a fake, but it will always be a fake. It may look good to the untrained eye, but it will never match up to the real thing. Of course there is a big difference between buying a fake bag and purchasing something you plan to apply to your face.
I had an esthetician come see me awhile back. She had purchased a chemical peel online. She decided to try to remove a tattoo with it. Yeah, I know, but she did. Anyway, she was seeing me because she burnt all the skin and was left with a very ugly scar. She realized too late that what she purchased was not what it seemed. Certainly I could have told her that a peel wouldn’t remove a tattoo, but it also shouldn’t have burnt her and left a scar. Who knows what was in the product she bought? And there was nothing she could do. No money back guarantee, no clinic to return a product to, just a loss of cost for the product, a painful result and now the cost to fix the scar it left.
There are legitimate reasons why medical grade products are sold ONLY in medical clinics. They have many active and well-studied ingredients and very low allergic potential and if not used properly, they can have negative results. Your medical Esthetician and skin doctor are trained on how to properly recommend and teach how to apply your products for optimal efficacy and minimal side effects.
We all love to look online for clothing or housewares, but when it comes to your health or skin, don’t be taking chances. Consults at Toronto Dermatology Centre are complimentary, always. What do you have to lose? Make your appointment today and feel secure that what you are purchasing is exactly what you expect it to be, as well as safe and effective.
~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre
Dr. Benjamin Barankin was quoted recently in SWEAT magazine discussing how athletes can take care of their skin. Click here to see the article.
