A woman’s hair is her crown of beauty. Witness the endless hours spent at the salon, the art and science of hair color, the changing trends in hair fashions. Hair is important as a marker for identity - a key factor in social communication and sexual attraction. When thinning hair occurs in women, it can be emotionally distressing and psychologically debilitating. Fifteen percent of women experience some degree of noticeable hair loss beginning at age thirty, constituting 40 million afflicted in the United States alone. Most women do not feel it is normal or acceptable.

Men have dealt with hair loss as a fact of life. For women it is cosmetic death. Men have always had a variety of medical remedies, but only recently have women begun to take advantage of similar options with remarkable results — and they are far less intimidated by surgical procedures than men. More women with molting manes are turning to hair transplantation as they become educated on the facts about female pattern baldness.

Men lose hair along the hairline, which progresses to the back of the scalp, and finally the “cue-ball� effect emerges. Women have an over-all thinning resulting in see-through hair as they age. They can lose hair behind the frontal hair zone resulting in an almost bald spot, but they do not generally see an alteration of their hairline. Previously turning to wigs or volumizing hair care products, women now also seek a permanent, natural, and undetectable transplantation of their own hair. Companies such as Bosley treat more and more women each year with techniques relevant to their unique needs.

Approximately 2 - 5% will benefit from surgical hair restoration. The women who are potential candidates for this method are:

• Women who have suffered hair loss due to mechanical or traction Alopecia (non-hormonal).
• Women who have had previous cosmetic or plastic surgery and are concerned about hair loss around the incision sites.
• Women who have a distinct pattern of baldness, similar to that of male pattern baldness. This includes hairline recession, vertex thinning, and a donor area which is not affected by androgenetic Alopecia.
• Women who suffer hair loss due to trauma, including burn victims, scarring from accidents and chemical burns.
• Women with Alopecia marginalis, a condition which looks very similar to traction alopecia.

Although female hair loss pattern may differ from a man’s, the treatment procedure is similar. First, your Bosley doctor and you decide upon the areas where the new hair is desired. Then the doctor locates a “donor area� with sufficient supply of good donor hair to achieve significantly noticeable improvement. Both the area to be transplanted and the donor area are then anesthetized, and the healthy hair is taken from the donor area and meticulously transplanted into tiny openings in the area of thinned hair. The in-office procedure is performed while you remain awake and read or watch TV.

Bosley has developed state-of-the-art hair transplantation techniques which provide natural-looking results, virtually undetectable from your original non-transplanted hair. To create a natural appearance, tiny follicular units of one, two, and three hairs each are created and placed very close together in the scalp. Scrupulous attention is paid to the angle and direction in which the hairs are transplanted to make sure they fit in with the existing hair in the area, ensuring natural, stylable hair as it grows in. After they have completely healed, the transplants should not be visible to a casual viewer. And within two to three months, new hairs will begin to grow and will continue growing at the normal human rate of approximately 6 inches per year.

Article contributed by Ken Washenik, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of Bosley

KEN WASHENIK, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Washenik is the Medical Director of the Bosley and the Executive Vice President of Scientific and Medical Development of the Aderans Research Institute, a biotechnology firm involved in researching tissue engineered hair follicle neogenesis and cellular based hair restoration. As part of his achievements, Dr. Washenik is a well-known national and international lecturer and has presented many seminars on dermatopharmacology and dermatology-related issues. His Ph.D. is in Cell Biology and focused on progesterone metabolism and ovarian development. He frequently lectures on the effects of hormones on the skin including their effects in acne, hirsutism and alopecia. Dr. Washenik has been widely recognized in the medical and academic communities with many honors and awards. He received top honors for doctoral research and clinical performance from the Baylor College of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program as well as first place awards in research from the American Medical Association and Mead Johnson.

Visit Dr. Washenik on the Web: www.bosley.com

From childhood on, our teeth go through a metamorphosis from bright to blah. A variety of factors are involved, both environmental and genetic. Use of antibiotics such as tetracycline in utero or in early childhood, when teeth are still developing, can cause permanent gray, black, or green stains to the teeth. In addition, as people age, their teeth risk exposure to stains based on eating and social habits. Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee and tea, are common elements which can be manifested as dark brown to yellow stains on the teeth. Smoking and even genetic factors can ultimately cause discoloration of teeth. The aging process is responsible for the loss of enamel over time. Brushing causes the enamel to wear away and exposes dentin, the yellow, under-layer of the teeth. The older you are, the greater the likelihood of yellowing teeth.

As is evident by the increasing popularity of teeth whitening, people of all ages are seeking a whiter, more youthful smile. Modern cosmetic dentistry offers the option of whitening teeth at home or in an in-office setting. Although at-home whitening can be less expensive, it is usually a more time-consuming process and often does not produce the same results. After spending your hard-earned money and devoting substantial amounts of your time to teeth whitening procedures, it is important to learn how to maintain your bright new color.

Over time, exposure to certain foods, drinks, and tobacco will gradually darken your newly whitened teeth. But there are steps one can take to extend the life of those pearly whites. Below are a variety of ways to maintain that smile.

• Avoid or limit your intake of stain-causing beverages or foods. These include: coffee, tea, colas, red wine, berries, and chocolate. This is especially important for the four hours following the whitening process when your teeth are more susceptible to re-staining.
• If you do choose to consume beverages which stain, consider using a straw so that the liquid bypasses your teeth.
• Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods.
• Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing.
• Consider touch-up treatments. Depending on your whitening method, you may need a touch-up in six months or after a year or two. If you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, for example, you may need a touch-up sooner.
• Also, for women, wearing a lipstick or gloss with blue undertones will help to make teeth appear whiter.

While both in-office and at-home whitening procedures are effective means of combating tooth discoloration, the process must be repeated over time. Those who think they can extend their results by using toothpastes containing baking soda or peroxide are mistaken. Toothpastes with baking soda act as an abrasive; and while they can remove stains, they will not brighten teeth. Peroxide, on the other hand, could be an extremely effective measure for brightening teeth. Unfortunately, you would have to brush your teeth for five hours instead of five minutes to achieve any noticeable difference.

Remember that with the proper daily care, it is easy to maintain a radiant and healthy smile.

Article contributed by Bruce G. Freund, D.D.S.

BRUCE G. FREUND, D.D.S.

Dr. Bruce Freund is a general and cosmetic dentist with a private practice in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Dr. Freund received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry in 1975. Since then he has completed an intensive two-year implantology program at NYU and has had extensive training in laser dentistry. In the past, Dr. Freund has been a clinical instructor at both NYU and Mt. Sinai Hospital and has instructed other dentists in the techniques of laser dentistry. He has also taught cosmetic dentistry for one of the largest cosmetic dental companies in the United States. Dr. Freund has served as a forensic consultant to the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office and was part of the forensic team during the 9/11 identification process. He is presently an attending dentist at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, N.J.

Dr. Bruce Freund
510 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201.568.0606
www.drbrucefreund.com

Getting your beach body ready in time for the official start of summer can often mean endless hours on the treadmill. Ever feel like you have tried everything to eliminate that little area on your thighs or buttocks? You work out regularly, eat right, and it just won’t seem to budge. Well now those unsuccessful, grueling workouts are being replaced with quick touch ups and instant results. Enter Micro Lipo. I am using a technique designed specifically for those who are happy with their overall physique except for that one stubborn spot. I am very excited to be able to offer my patients this wonderful alternative because people tend to equate liposuction with a very involved operation. Now, in those micro mini areas I can use tiny cannulas to extricate fat and truly sculpt a desired area.

My patients love that there is so much less involved with Micro Lipo than with traditional liposuction. When you are dealing with an area which is smaller, the complication rate is less. And, patients should see rapid results and can expect to return to work within a few days. This is made possible by fewer incision sites and less swelling, pain, and bruising than would be present when multiple sites are suctioned.

Coincidentally, the areas which are most exposed during the skin-revealing summer months are also ones that would benefit the most from Micro Lipo. These are the outer thighs (where the bulges are commonly referred to as saddlebags), inner thighs, and under arms. On the area of the upper inner thigh I have taken care of patients who are fanatical about working out and absolutely cannot effectively target fat in stubborn areas. These target areas respond quite well to Micro Lipo.

I have many female patients who come to me after they have given birth. Even though they have returned to their previous weight, many of these women have some resistant areas as a result of the pregnancy. One common place where women retain fat is the outer hips. These patients are ideal because the fat is localized so it is not difficult to suction and sculpt the surrounding area to create the desired contour.

The buttock also responds quite well to Micro Lipo; however, I am less aggressive with this part of the body. I have to be prudent with this area or patients can have a horrible drop buttock. This is a good area on which to use Micro Lipo, since only a small amount of fat is removed during the procedure. The ensuing result is a well defined buttock, instead of one which slowly graduates into the upper thigh. This will yield an aesthetic result with a clean line where the buttock ends and the upper thigh begins. The knee area can also benefit from this technique. In most cases, patients who store fat here are genetically predisposed. It is hard to build muscle and burn fat around the knees, but Micro Lipo allows me to specifically zone in on the fatty pads surround the knees.

The chin is another area which responds favorably to Micro Lipo. Fat can accumulate below the jaw line very easily in some people even if they are not particularly overweight. Many workout gurus offer exercises designed to target this area, but they often prove fruitless. Although chin exercises can improve muscle tone, fat on the upper neck or under the chin will remain. Micro Lipo can easily remove the double chin fat. And during the healing process, significant tightening of the chin and neck skin will naturally occur.

Unlike traditional liposuction, Micro Lipo delivers results very quickly and with a short recovery period. When suctioning fat from a small area, less swelling and bruising results because there is less trauma to the site. This is exciting news for people who would like to remove that very tiny area of fat, especially after they have tried other modalities. In the past, people thought that liposuction was only indicated for those who wanted a circumferential change. But for those with a double chin, fatty knees, bulging saddlebags, soft inner thighs, a slight abdominal pouch or saggy underarms, help with feeling confident in your beach wear can be accomplished as fast as you can say, “Micro Lipo.�

Article contributed by Boris M. Ackerman, M.D.

BORIS M. ACKERMAN, M.D.

Dr. Boris Ackerman is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation with Endoscopy and Laser Liposculpture and Breast Surgery. He was one of the first surgeons in California to utilize the laser in plastic surgery. Dr. Ackerman has been in private practice in Newport Beach since 1987. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received his Doctorate of Medicine from the Dartmouth Medical School. He performed his postgraduate training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Ackerman is on staff at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. He is an active member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and the Orange County Medical Association. He was recently seen on the Discovery Channel’s Plastic Surgery Before and After, and will be appearing on the upcoming season of MTV’s I Want A Famous Face.

Visit Dr. Ackerman on the Web: www.doctorackerman.com

Today’s society places such an emphasis on image and appearance. As a result, cosmetic plastic surgery has begun to take center stage. Historically, only women were held to specific aesthetic standards and ideals. Now the tables have turned; and men, too, are judged by their looks and are thus opting for cosmetic enhancement. Additionally, the media and reality TV makeover shows illustrate the drastic improvements cosmetic surgery creates in appearance and self-esteem. All of these elements contribute to the recent trend of men undergoing plastic surgery.

I believe the number of men seeking cosmetic surgery is a combination of the social trend/phenomenon of “metrosexuality,� marketing of cosmetic companies, the media, society’s weight on appearance, and personal satisfaction. Although the metrosexual lifestyle does have an influence on men, there are many other factors leading to the rise in plastic surgery. The skin care market is a multi-billion dollar industry. Men are the great untapped potential so the cosmetic companies’ marketing forces are out there. Getting a manicure, using a moisturizer, or having a new haircut does not mean you have to sign up for liposuction. Men must realize, and I believe most do, that cosmetic plastic surgery is elective and should be done for the right reasons.

In many respects, men and women have the same reasons for plastic surgery. Most men, like women, want to feel better about themselves and look good in clothes. Men’s clothing is becoming narrower, more defined, and men cannot hide anymore in baggy, double-breasted suits. Men don’t necessarily want to look younger. They want to look better. They want to look less tired, more energetic. The workplace is obviously a very competitive environment, and everyone needs to look his or her personal best. Studies have shown how attractive men and women get paid more, are more respected, and better liked.

I notice more and more men are opting for cosmetic surgery as a good business investment. It literally pays to look good. An Ivy League education and an MBA will take today’s executives only so far. The bottom line is that businessmen are often judged by their appearance, which ultimately affects earning potential and success. Studies from the Universities of Texas and Michigan show that plain- looking people earn 5 to 10 percent less than people of average looks, who in turn earn 3 to 8 percent less than those deemed good-looking.

Top procedures for men remain liposuction, eyelid lifts, hair transplants, and rhinoplasty. Eyelid lifts are particularly popular because men want to look awake and energized. By removing excess fat, skin, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging, or tired-looking eyes. Body contouring and body lifts are increasing due to the number of gastric bypass/weight reduction surgeries.

I predict less invasive procedures such as Botox, fillers such as Restylane and collagen, and laser hair removal will continue to increase in number because there is no downtime. Facial resurfacing with lasers will continue to decrease due to prolonged redness. Chin liposuction is one area of increase I project for men. Even relatively thin men can still be plagued by a double chin. Although the physique might be slim, the extra flesh around the chin can convey an appearance of sloth that can be extremely detrimental to climbing the corporate ladder. Once fat is suctioned from the chin area, those stubborn fat cells are banished forever. Additionally, I believe the current trend of chin implants will remain popular. While ladies may opt for breast implants or Botox injections, men are “taking it on the chin� and refining this feature to rival that of celebrities such as Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, and John Travolta. A chin implant can modify the profile and lend that more authoritative, aggressive look. Limited downtime is a major advantage of this procedure. The patient can simply book the surgical procedure before the weekend to be back at work early the following week.

Article contributed by Steve R. Fallek, M.D.

STEVE R. FALLEK, M.D.

Dr. Steve Fallek obtained his B.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, in 1987, and received his M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, NY in 1991. After medical school, he completed a general surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he then received fellowship training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Fallek is a Board Certified Diplomate with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Academic appointments include Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) - University Hospital, Newark, NJ, Clinical Instructor, Department of Surgery, and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) - University Hospital, Newark. He is a member of the following societies: New Jersey Society of Plastic Surgeons, Lipoplasty Society of North America, Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Candidate Member, Executive Board - UJA - Young Physicians and Allied Health Professionals, and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee - University Hospital, NJ.

Visit Dr. Fallek on the Web: www.fallekplasticsurgery.com

What do peri-oral wrinkling, stretch marks, fine lines and acne scarring have in common?
These are all conditions which have been frustrating physicians and patients in their inability to be effectively treated. Now, at last, a new, non-ablative and efficacious treatment is available.

No, we are not referring to the myriad of lasers now on the market, or the extremely deep peeling options. At last, another option is now available to physicians and their patients – Medical Needling or, as it is officially called, Collagen Induction Therapy. Pioneered by the internationally renowned South African Pastic Surgeon, Dr. Desmond Fernandes, Medical Needling is a simple procedure which requires no capital equipment investment on the part of a physician, little down time for patients (no more than four to seven days) and significant, measurable, and sustainable results.

The principle behind Collagen Induction Therapy is simple: to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen. This is accomplished by causing a minute injury to the dermis, which results in the start of the wound healing cascade. The instrument is a sterile roller comprised of a series of fine needles which are used to puncture the skin and cause wounds and inflammation. These wounds, and there are thousands, produced by rolling the instrument across the treated area, become the focal point for the body to produce its own collagen, even in peri- and post-menopausal women. As the body is producing its own natural collagen, there is no rejection. Results last as long as the body’s own collagen, 5-10 years or more.

Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen. The patient, however, sees continual improvement. The procedure takes from ten minutes to over an hour, depending on the area to be treated. The patient must be anesthetized, usually first with a topical cream which is then followed by one or more of the following, based on the treatment area: local nerve block, infusion, or for large areas, conscious sedation.

A crucial part of the treatment is the preparation of the skin prior to the procedure with topical vitamins A and C. This significantly reduces down time and patient discomfort.
It is very important that the patients continue using the topical vitamins for at least 6 months post procedure to ensure the production of healthy collagen and elastin. We have experience that the results are vastly inferior and that patients experience unnecessary discomfort when not following these protocols.

This procedure has been successfully used to treat peri-oral wrinkles, the appearance of stretch marks, abdominal laxity, facial and acne scarring, and rejuvenation of sun damaged skin on the chest as well as other areas. Physician training programs are readily available throughout the United States.

While medical needling is suitable for almost all patients, it is not recommended for those with active infections, chronic skin disorders, blood clotting problems, poor healing, a clear-cut keloid diathesis, or skin malignancies.

Many physicians have been pioneers in combining Medical Needling with other treatments including botox, a variety of fillers, and traditional surgical producers to produce an extraordinary facial rejuvenation result. A leader in this procedure is Dr. Leonard B. Miller, Brookline, MA.

For more detailed information, copies of scientific articles or additional information, contact Dr. Janine Ellenberger or Rob Trow at info@dermacareconcepts.com or call 508-539-8900. You may also visit the following web sites: www.vivida.co.za or www.environ.co.za or www.dermacareconcepts.com.

Article contributed by Janine Ellenberger, M.D. and Robert Trow

Dr. Janine Ellenberger operates a cosmetic practice in England and also serves as a physician trainer for DermaCare USA, the Eastern United States distributor of the Medical Needling instrument mentioned in this article; Rob Trow and his wife Carol Trow are distributors of Environ Skin Care and Medical Needling instruments in the Eastern US.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (NYSE: VRX) announced that it has signed an agreement with actress Courteney Cox to represent its Kinerase® line of skin care products in 2005. As its first spokesperson, Cox will represent the brand through personal appearances and in Kinerase® support materials distributed throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Cox is best known for her role as “Monica� on the hit TV series “Friends,� and was named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.� Along with appearing in several upcoming motion pictures, Cox is running Coquette, a successful production company she formed with her husband, David Arquette. She is also producing television projects for a number of networks and is developing a full slate of feature films.

“Kinerase is a simple and effective skin care regimen which keeps my skin looking healthy and youthful,� said Cox. “Like every woman trying to juggle family and career, I no longer have the time or patience for time-consuming beauty routines. Kinerase is gentle but effectively maintains younger-looking skin. I am proud and excited to represent a product that I have personally enjoyed and recommended to my friends and family.�

“We are delighted to have Ms. Cox sign on as a partner for Kinerase,� said Wes Wheeler, Valeant’s President, North America and Global Commercial Development, “She is naturally beautiful, instantly recognized and she loves Kinerase. We are privileged to have her on our team and look forward to working with her.�

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
714.545.0100
www.valeant.com

Thermage®, Inc., a leading aesthetic medical device company which pioneered a non-invasive skin tightening and contouring procedure using a patented radio frequency technology, announced the ratification of evidence-based treatment guidelines for optimizing the effects of its ThermaCool™ device. A specially convened panel of cosmetic procedure experts reviewed
impressive Thermage results with standardized treatment guidelines, backed up by independent research findings presented at the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) annual meeting March 30 through April 3.

The scientific proceedings, co-chaired by Dr. Jeffrey Dover, Associate Clinical Professor, Dermatology Section of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology - Yale Medical School, and Dr. Brian Zelickson, Assistant Professor, Dermatology at University of Minnesota, marked the first time leading physicians representing the four major aesthetic specialties-dermatology, plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and oculoplastic surgery-have met jointly to evaluate standardized guidelines for performing the first and only non-invasive procedure proven to tighten and contour deep tissue.

“This meeting is another milestone in the continued cooperative research progress among cosmetic procedure specialists,” said co-chair Dr. Dover at the meeting’s conclusion. “The new evidence presented enabled this group of experienced physicians to come to an agreement on proven methods to optimize the impressive efficacy and safety of the Thermage Procedure.” Plastic surgeon Dr. Jay Burns, Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical School added, “While Thermage does not replace a surgical lifting procedure, we all agree that this standardized approach to non-invasive tissue tightening now provides the majority of patients with noticeable changes, without the downtime required by surgery.”

“The convening of this panel of elite specialists and their endorsement of the optimized treatment guidelines validates the promising future of our unique technology,” said Steve Fanning, CEO of Thermage. Additional papers and case reports from leading researchers were presented, demonstrating that the Thermage Procedure is easily combined with other common cosmetic procedures such as tissue fillers, erbium lasers, and Botox for complementary improvements in facial appearance.

Thermage, Inc.
510.785.2287
www.thermage.com

Syneron Medical Ltd. and Syneron North America (NASDAQ: ELOS), the maker of medical aesthetic devices using the revolutionary elos technology, announced that it will host a weekend conference for physicians interested in growing their practices with medical aesthetics. The conference will be held from June 3-5 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. This unique conference will have experienced physicians and business professionals on hand to teach physicians how to not only manage a medical practice more successfully, but also how they can increase practice revenue by adding medical aesthetic procedures.

Syneron’s Medical Aesthetics Conference is a CME-accredited event with sessions on successful practice management and effective marketing strategies for practice growth. In-depth presentations on medical aesthetics will be reinforced with hands-on demonstrations of the most popular aesthetic services including hair removal, skin rejuvenation, wrinkle treatment, and injectables. The conference is open to physicians of all specialties, who are interested in learning more about how offering aesthetic services could help their practice. Physicians already offering aesthetic services are also welcome to come and learn about new procedures and techniques to add to their practice as well as how to better manage and market their services.

Featured speakers include esteemed physicians in medical aesthetics, Dr. Stephen Martin, Facial Plastic Surgeon and Dr. Stanley Kovack, founder of Midwest Dermatologic Laser & Vein Centre in Chicago, Ill. The cost to attend is $1800 and includes AACME Category 1 CME credits, two nights’ hotel accommodations, meals, transportation to and from the airport, comprehensive syllabus materials and certificate of training. To register, contact Kim Bello, Syneron Events Coordinator, or register on the company’s web site.

Syneron Medical Ltd.
617-269-5889
www.syneron.com

Swiss-American Products, Inc. (Swiss-American), a Dallas-based manufacturer of the Elta brand of specialty skin and wound care products, has announced the promotion of two of its key employees and the hire of a new sales and marketing manager for its Elta Gold line of skincare products.

Ede Payne has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer for Swiss-American Products, Inc. In her new role, she will continue to oversee the operations for the company, in addition to providing overall strategic direction and support for sales and product development.

Keith O’Neill has been promoted to Director of Medical Sales for Swiss-American Products, Inc. In his new role, he will provide support to the company’s field sales force, helping to develop sales skills, identify opportunities, and generate new avenues for growth.

Laurie Walkenhorst has been hired as Sales and Marketing Manager, Physicians Products. Walkenhorst will oversee the sales and business development efforts related to the Elta Gold line of skin care products, sold exclusively through physicians.

Swiss-American Products, Inc.
800.633.8872
www.eltagold.com

Tina Alster, MD, (Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery) and Roy Geronemus, MD, (Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York) co-hosted a gala “roast� for Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick at the New Orleans Wyndham on February 20. Fryin’ Fitz was this year’s annual event honoring a dermatologist or individual in a vascular malformation related field. It raised $159,000 for The Sturge-Weber Foundation awareness, education, and research programs.

Dick Fitzpatrick is a Dermatologist at the University of California in La Jolla. He is a long time supporter of SWF endeavors and has been in the vanguard of laser treatment for PWS. His antics have livened up previous “roasts� and now it was his turn to be the object of his peers’ witty admiration. He was uproariously “fried� by his friends, family and colleagues.

This heartfelt tribute evening got off to a bang when first time sponsor and Premier Underwriter, SkinMedica, Inc. invited attendees to their video booth with Mardi Gras hats, tiaras, sunglasses and beads, so that attendees could tape a tribute to Fitz before heading off to the evening’s festivities. Special thanks go to Fitz’s wife, Betsy and Lynda Schreck of SkinMedica who were invaluable in the pre- party planning and set-up. Melanie Wood, SWF Board of Directors member and event chair, choreographed another amazing evening establishing a new record for SWF special events.

Sturge-Weber Foundation
800.627.5482
www.sturge-weber.com