Beautiful. Medicine.

Correct and Transform your skin with OBAGI. The MIAMI Institute is proud to announce the latest addition to our skin care division. OBAGI is the top selling skin care system in the physician-dispense market. The systems are designed to prevent and improve the most common and visible skin disorders in adult skin.

OBAGI has developed clinically-proven skin health products and systems primarily for the dermatology, plastic surgery and related aesthetic markets. Using its Penetrating Therapeutics™ technologies, the company’s products are designed to improve penetration of prescription and cosmetic agents across the skin barrier for common and visible skin conditions in adult skin including premature aging, photodamage, hyperpigmentation (irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin), acne, sun damage, rosacea and soft tissue deficits, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

The Obagi Nu-Derm System consists of topical products, which when used as a system result in substantial improvement to many of these skin related conditions. The company continues to maintain its position as a leader in skin health by having launched several successful new systems of products, including the Obagi-C® Rx System which is the first prescription-strength Vitamin C and hydroquinone system; the Condition & Enhance™ System, developed to enhance the results of physician delivered surgical and non-surgical procedures; the ELASTIderm® family of products, a one of a kind treatment developed to restore skin elasticity and collagen production, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and décolletage; CLENZIderm M.D.™ Acne Therapeutic Systems to treat and prevent acne at it’s root; and most recently the Rosaclear™ System, developed specifically for the treatment and prevention of the signs and symptoms of rosacea.

Because Obagi® Systems and products contain prescription-strength formulations, the systems are only available through physicians, primarily dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical spas and other skin care and medical specialists. Please call Shareese Logan, our Medical Esthetician, to schedule a complimentary consult to see which OBAGI product is right for you.

The hands are continuously exposed to environmental elements.  Women in Asia frequently wear gloves to protect their hands from sun damage. A loss of volume in the inter-metacarpal space combined with soft tissue thinning and sun damaged skin contribute to the appearance of aged hands.  The concept of harmonious rejuvenation among the thirds of the face, neck and body is well understood in aesthetic medicine. It is with great enthusiasm and tremendous patient satisfaction that we now include ”Stem Cell Hand Rejuvenation” with autologous fat transfer in our anti-aging armamentarium.

The technologies for adipose harvesting, processing and transplantation have evolved substantially over the past two decades.  Clinical advances have been supported by our improved understanding of molecular, cellular and immunobiologic events surrounding adipose derived progenitor cells and tissue transplantation. We have clearly identified stem cells within adipose tissue (fat) and have documented regeneration of surrounding structures related to autologous fat transfer. Research has confirms that progenitor cells contained in fat grafts trigger the induction of host derived remodeling and cellular morphogenesis, resulting in repair, regeneration and rejuvenation of surrounding tissue.

In addition to generating a youthful appearance as a filler, progenitor cells in fat grafts have been shown to improve the quality of overlying skin, soften wrinkles, decrease pore size and improve pigmentation irregularities.

The concept of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies has led to widespread utilization of autologous fat grafts for rejuvenation of face and body.  Adipose has been described as an ideal soft tissue filler which can last forever. Other characteristics adding to it’s popularity include an abundant supply, availability and host compatibility with no allergic reactions in a procedure that can be repeated without difficulty. Successful engraftment and long-term survival of transplanted adipose tissue has established structural fat grafting as a safe, regenerative, long-lasting, natural approach to soft tissue augmentation.

”Stem Cell Hand Rejuvenation” can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with a recovery that has been described as “easy” by the patients.

BiophysicalPre-D is a tool for physicians and patients who want to understand the risk for developing pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 57 million people are estimated to have pre-diabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that the typical patient with new-onset type 2 diabetes has had diabetes for at least 4 - 7 years before being diagnosed.

The good news is that progression to diabetes is not inevitable. Studies have shown that people with early risk factors who make lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. The key is detecting the subtle changes that mark the beginning of the disease process so that long-term health problems can be avoided. Advances in biomarker technology make this possible. Please call us to schedule an appointment with Dr Juan Remos for the BiophysicalPre-D testing.

Two additional risk factors are associated with developing type 2 diabetes: obesity and age. We know that most obese people over 45 will not develop diabetes, but as a physician, Dr Remos determines who within this large risk group, is on a clear path to develop diabetes. These patients will benefit most from treatment.

The MIAMI Institute approach is to combine validated multiplex technology with well-established and accepted biomarkers of pre-diabetes to create a multi-biomarker panel for continuous and categorical measurements of the risk of conversion to type 2 diabetes. The BiophysicalPre-D test is intended for  patients over 45 years old with a BMI over 25. We provide a comprehensive report that explains the biomarkers, provides the biomarker levels and, perhaps most importantly, tells you whether you are at low, medium or high risk for developing pre-diabetes.

This test can be used on an ongoing basis to evaluate the effects of lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

Let’s face it, bad breath is embarrassing. The good news is that for the most part, bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be avoided. Here are some great remedies from our Smile Architect, Dr. Todd B. Barsky.

Gargle on minty mouthwash
If you need 20 minutes of freedom from bad breath, gargling with a minty mouthwash is a great idea. But like Cinderella’s coach-turned-pumpkin, when your time is up, the magic will be gone, and you’ll be back to talking from afar again. Dr Barsky recommends Dental Herb Company’s TOOTH & GUMS TONIC.

Carry a toothbrush
Some odors can be eliminated — permanently or temporarily — if you brush immediately after a meal. The main culprit in bad breath is a soft, sticky film of living and dead bacteria that clings to your teeth and gums. At any given time, there are 50 trillion of these microscopic organisms loitering in your mouth. They sit in every dark corner, eating each morsel of food that passes your lips, collecting little smells, and producing little odors of their own. As you exhale, the bacteria exhale. So brush away the plaque after each meal and get rid of bad breath.

Brush your tongue
Most people overlook their tongues. Your tongue is covered with bacteria. Under this bacteria there’s room to harbor plaque and some of the things we eat. That causes bad breath. While brushing, gently sweep the top of your tongue, too, so that you don’t leave food and bacteria behind to breed bad breath.

Eat parsley
Parsley adds more than green to your dinner plate; it’s also a breath-saver, because it contains chlorophyll, a known breath deodorizer. So pick up that sprig of garnish and chew it thoroughly. Or toss a few handfuls (even add some watercress to the mix) in a juicer. Sip the juice anytime you need to refresh your breath.

Watch your intake of odorous foods
Highly spiced foods like to linger long after the party’s over. Certain tastes and odors recirculate through the essential oils that they leave in your mouth. Depending on how much you eat, the odor can remain up to 24 hours, no matter how often you brush your teeth. Some foods to avoid include onions, hot peppers, and garlic.

Ban certain beverages
Coffee, beer, wine, and whiskey are at the top of the list of liquid offenders. Each leaves a residue that can attach to the plaque in your mouth and infiltrate your digestive system. Each breath you take spews traces back into the air.

Rinse out your mouth
Even when you can’t brush, you can rinse. Take a sip of water after meals, swish it around, and wash the smell of food from your mouth.

Chew a mint or some gum
Like mouthwash, a breath mint or minty gum is just a cover-up, good for a short interview, a short ride in a compact car, or a very short date.

Schedule your oral cleaning every 3 - 4 months.

Dear Dr Fine,

Why do I always feel better in the summer and what can I do to feel this good all year round? Thank you!

Claudio
Grove Isle

Dear Claudio,

From a young age summer has always been associated with a more casual lifestyle or “downtime” from our fast paced lifestyle. Whether it’s the end of a school year, a summer vacation or a visit from friends and family summer can inspire us and give us perspective. Nature awakens and stimulates our senses. Feeling the wind on our face, the sun on our skin, the smell of the flowers all can give us of a sense of harmony and balance. The benefits of being in natural settings have long been verified by psychological studies. Summer is a good time to forge and renew friendships, travel, and to learn new skills, thus creating new opportunities and life experiences. Living in Florida allows you to experience summer all year long. I recommend that you recognize the parts of summer that you connect with and incorporate them throughout the year.

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Dear Dr Fine,I am stressed out at work and have a child that is having a difficult time at school. I have read that meditation is helpful in relieving stress. What are your professional thoughts on this? I appreciate any advice you can give us.LynetteNorth Miami BeachDear Lynette,

Meditation is very helpful in transforming stress and helping one to relax. It provides you the opportunity to escape from your troubles and observe thoughts and feelings thereby assisting you to an inner alignment. If you cannot find time to meditate or find it difficult to meditate, I recommend just making yourself a cup of green tea and sitting outside for 30 minutes. This can have a calming effect.

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Dear Dr Fine,The usual techniques for stress management such as meditation, yoga or journaling do not help me is there anything else you can recommend?Marylinda
Brickell KeyDear Marylinda,I recommend all the techniques you mentioned. However it is important that along with meditation, yoga and journaling that you eat right and get at least 8 hours of sleep. Other techniques I recommend is exercise, spending quality time with friends and family and perhaps adding a pet to your family. I hope that helps you. Have a great Summer!