It may have seemed that winter would never end. Now that spring is upon us, summer is not far behind. For most of us summer is the time that we want not only to feel good, but also to look and feel our best.

It’s that “summer feeling” that, in the winter and spring, spurs us to start the diet and exercise programs that we’ve been promising to do. The combination of eating well and exercising regularly should be a part of everyone’s regime, regardless of age.

We do know, however, that there are “body issues” that cannot be resolved by diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, there are procedures that can help you get ready for summer, when less clothing reveals more of you.

MCW: Hello Dr. Mash. Thank you for taking the time, once again, to address the questions and concerns of our readers of Montgomery County Woman. Last time we sat down together, we were discussing our New Year’s Resolutions and now spring is already here and summer, quickly approaching. This leads us to our topic of discussion today.

Q: As the temperatures heat up, so do outdoor activities . . .and unfortunately, so do I. I have been receiving Botox injections for excessive sweating under my arms but I am looking for something more permanent. Can you tell me about the new permanent procedure that you have been performing to help patients like me with hyperhidrosis? - Mark, Malvern, PA

Dr. Mash: Millions of people exhibit symptoms of hyperhidrosis. The good news is that a majority of these symptoms can be successfully treated. In some people, the body’s mechanism for cooling itself is overactive — so overactive that they may sweat four or five times more than is necessary, or normal. When sweating is this extreme it can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and disabling. It can disrupt all aspects of a person’s life, from career choices and recreational activities to relationships, emotional well-being, and self image.

In the past 20 years three solutions have been offered. Antiperspirants and deodorants will minimize the problem for the majority of people but for some people these methods do not even scratch the surface of the problem. Botox is effective but very costly and unfortunately this treatment is not permanent and treatments need to be administered every 6-12 months.

Lastly, curettage has been practiced for several decades with good results. This involves inserting a sharp instrument under the skin and then scraping away sweat glands from the under-surface of the skin.

I have been experiencing great success with a similar procedure that utilizes ultrasonic and laser technology for a much more gentle and permanent result. This method greatly reduces the incidence of scarring, diminishes the pain, and is affordable – making the procedure much more appealing than all of the alternative treatments. There is also little to no down-time associated with this procedure. For people who suffer from excessive sweating, this procedure can dramatically change their life.

If you have questions regarding this procedure and/or want to know if this procedure is right for you . . . you can call our office or email me at NoSweat@drmarlenemash.com. Click to read more about Hyperhidrosis.

Q. Summer is quickly approaching and I am concerned about the inevitable breakouts that come with the season’s humidity. What’s a girl to do when I want improvement in my skin but the topical and oral treatments make my skin ultra-sensitive to the sun? - Joanne, West Chester, PA

Dr.Mash: There are many treatments for moderate acne including creams, washes, and oral medications. Unfortunately, many patients cannot tolerate the common side effects and limitations of available treatments such as sun sensitivity, topical irritation and dryness, gastrointestinal difficulties, and antibiotic resistance.

I am excited to now offer my patients an alternative – The Isolaz™ Acne and Pore Purification laser.

• The only FDA system cleared to treat comedonal (black head/white head) acne

• The only no downtime painless laser treatment for acne.

• The only system that purifies and literally drains

your pores from the inside.

• The only system that combines vacuum and laser to help destroy acne causing bacteria.

• Isolaz clinical studies show immediate results within 24-48 hours, including pore size, reduced redness, clearing of skin discoloration and immediate drying/flattening of the blemishes

• The laser also rejuvenates the skin with intense pulsed light to rid of the textural and pigmentary abnormalities that acne often leaves behind.

BEFORE

AFTER

Many of my patients have found that their skin feels tighter and has a healthy radiant glow immediately following their treatment. Click here for more on information from Dr. Mash's Website.