ATX-104 Light Activated Dermal Filler Under Review

Today’s most popular dermal fillers include Restylane, Juvederm and Botox, and hyaluronic acid fillers ar frequently used to correct wrinkles and fine lines, reshape and contour the face, and to create a more youthful appearance. Researchers are now reviewing an innovative dermal filler called ATX-104.

Unlike regular injectables that are simply injected into the skin to produce immediate results, the ATX-104 works only after it comes into contact with an external light source. After it is injected, the filler is shaped and polymerized transdermally with the help of external light.

The ATX-104 filler is based on KYTHERA’s proprietary photochemistry platform and has been developed at Johns Hopkins University. Scientists are studying the effects of the light reaction, and working on ways to optimize the filler so that it can create dramatic results and be used to reshape the face.

Different types of injectable fillers can produce different results based on the strength of the filler, and the person’s existing skin conditions. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used to reshape the face, fill out wrinkles and lines around the mouth and nose, and to correct sagging skin. Botox is most commonly used to correct deep wrinkles on the forehead, but also has other uses including treating headaches and migraines, or stopping sweating.

So far, the ATX-104 system has been able to produce better results than many of the fillers that are readily available. It is still undergoing testing, and Kythera Biopharmaceuticals has announced that the first in-human trial of the light-activated filler was successful.

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based out of California, and was started by former employees of Amgen. It has about $40 million in funding, and is working on the ATX-104 system, along with three other products designed specifically for the aesthetic market.

Researchers Report Acetaminophen May Be an Anti-Aging Drug

Researchers at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia have been studying the effects of acetaminophen, a common pain reliever in the United States, and its link to helping prevent muscle loss due to aging.

Study leader Dr. Eric Blough reports that, “Using a model that closely mimics many of the age-associated physiological changes observed in humans, we were able to demonstrate that chronic acetaminophen treatment in a recommended dosage is not only safe but might be beneficial for the treatment of the muscle dysfunction many people experience as they get older.” (Source: UPI.com)

Anti-aging specialists involved with the study examined how acetaminophen plays a role in the regulation of protein kinase B, an enzyme that is responsible for maintaining healthy cell functioning and also plays a role in cellular metabolism. Researchers found that acetaminophen administered to aging animals could help to restore Akt activity that would help improve muscle cell size and reduce the risk of muscle cell death – one of the key signs of aging.

Another study published in the Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews journal in March 2009 reveals that acetaminophen may also be effective at keeping high blood sugar levels under control. As a result, acetaminophen may be an effective anti-aging drug with multiple benefits, and can be used to treat many different types of conditions.

Another anti-aging drug that has been in the news lately is resveratrol, a drug that may have longevity-enhancing benefits. Scientists have been studying the role of reserveratrol and its effects on slowing down the progression of heart disease, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and several other age-related diseases. Research funded in part by the National Institute on Aging has been published in the Nature and Cell journals, and Reserveratrol is now sold in the mainstream market.

The effects and benefits of acetaminophen have yet to be tested in humans, as the initial study was conducted only on mice.

SkinTyte Promises to Correct Sagging Skin without Surgery

The SkinTyte laser is designed to firm and tighten skin without surgery, and is starting to become available at several medical spas and aesthetic surgery centers around the country.

The SkinTyte treatment is designed by a company called Sciton and can be administered to the face, abdomen or neck area to firm up and tone loose skin – all without anesthetic or needles.

According to a recent report by The Plastic Surgery Channel, the surgeon uses the SkinTyte pulsing laser device to emit heat deep into the skin tissues which in turn, triggers collagen production. This produces a tightening and firming effect that can help to strengthen the skin tissues over time and make it more resilient. The SkinTyte operation uses both heat and a thermo-electric cooling system to prevent burning and injury to the skin tissues, and also to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

The average treatment takes just 45 minutes, and the patient can see results immediately, and over a period of a few weeks after surgery.

In addition to correcting sagging skin, SkinTyte can be used as a single treatment to reduce the appearance of acne scars, tighten up skin after face or neck lift surgery, or after Botox to enhance results of the anti-wrinkle treatment. It may also be used after microdermabrasion or chemical peels to enhance results and even out the skin tone and texture.

SkinTyte treatments have been deemed safe for all skin types and can be administered on the face, abdomen, arms and neck area. Since the procedure uses a broadband of light energy to heat up the skin, this also promotes the skin cell renewal process while increasing contraction of collagen. This helps create long-lasting, ongoing results that can be enhanced with regular treatments. Each session can be spaced out over a course of three to four weeks, and most people need at least two to five sessions to see significant results.

Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Company Begins Clinical Trials on Anti-Aging Drug

Americans spend billions of dollars every year on cosmetic surgery procedures that reverse the signs of aging, and on vitamin supplements that promote longevity and well-being. However, tapping into the ‘fountain of youth’ may soon be as easy as taking a pill.

According to a recent study by scientists at the Sirtis Pharmaceuticals center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a class of drugs called sirtuin activators may have an anti-aging effect that increases the lifespan.  In recent years, scientists have been documenting the effects of calorie restriction and genetic modifications of single gene. Both of these strategies show that these changes can bypass the natural aging process and increase the lifespan by as much as 40 percent.

Sirtuin activators may have a similar effect, and clinical trials of the drug Resveratrol show that doses may help to slow down the aging process and protect the body from certain diseases. While the drug has yet to be proven in a large-scale clinical trial, scientists are hopeful that this could be the ‘miracle pill’ that we’ve been looking for.

According to a recent article in OneMedPlace.com, other companies are making attempts to replicate the effects of Resveratrol and produce supplements and drugs that may also slow down aging and the onset of age-related disorders. Drugs such as Juvenon, a cellular health supplement, is being developed at the University of California, Berkeley and will be marketed as a dietary supplement. This will prevent it from being subject to pre-market clearance that is required of standard drugs on the market.

BioMarker Pharmaceuticals is another company that is diving into the anti-aging research market. BioMarker is focusing its efforts on translating the discovery of genes responsible for age-ralted diseases and for triggering the aging process, and are working on wellness products that may slow down the aging process.

Dr. Perricone Introduces Anti-Aging Perfume

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, one of the industry’s leading anti-aging specialists, has recently introduced a new fragrance that promises to improve memory and mental clarity, reduce stress and boost self-confidence. The Neuropeptide Synergy elixir is now available on the market for $5 a drop, or $250 for a 25 ml bottle. Smaller quantities priced at $75 are also available, and it’s the first of its kind to promise the effects of a youthful state of mind with just a sniff.

The ‘magic’ behind this elixir is the mix of fragrances that deliver pheromones to the brain, causing several changes in the mental state and improving overall well-being. It’s been deemed an ‘anti aging perrfume’ because it uses the power of neuropeptides to increase the level of pheromones circulating in the body. The product just needs to be dabbed on the wrists or the nape of the neck, and results can be experienced within a few minutes.

Dr. Perricone’s prescription and message for fighting the signs of aging is to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system in several different ways.

Dr. Perricone encourages everyone to eat a well-balanced diet that contains an abundance of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and to take supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids and a vitamin complex to maintain good health. He specializes in skin care and skin health, and sells several anti-aging skincare products over the counter.

The Neuropeptide Synergy elixir is the latest addition to the anti-aging lineup, and it is designed to reduce stress and eliminate unpleasant feelings or negative energy that can lead to anxiety, depression and excessive fatigue. It acts primarily as a stress relieving perfume that may help many people calm down naturally, thereby reducing excess stress on the immune system and protecting the cells.

Antioxidants in Certain Foods May Reduce Wrinkles

Researchers at the Hallym University in the Republic of Korea recently reported a positive connection between the antioxidant ellagic acid and collagen preservation.

The studies conducted near the end of April 2009 indicate that several fruits and vegetables that contain high concentrations of ellagic acid can reduce the risk of sun damage and destruction to the skin cells, thereby offsetting wrinkles.

According to an article by ScienceDaily.com, ellagic acid works by protecting the skin against UV damage, and reducing the effects of inflammation and destruction of the collagen molecules and enzymes under the skin’s surface. Topical application, not consumption of ellagic acid, may effectively help reduce wrinkle formation and help the skin become thicker and more resilient. (Source: ScienceDaily.com)

Ellagic acid has also been linked to a reduction in the inflammatory response on aging skin, which means that the rate of photo-aging could be slowed down significantly with regular topical application of the acid. The compound is readily available in raspberries, cranberries and pomegranates, and even some nuts and vegetables.

The tests were conducted on hairless mice, a breed that is often used for dermatology and anti-aging studies. The mice were first exposed to UV rays three times a week so they developed a mild sunburn. This damaged skin was then tested with applications of the ellagic acid, and researchers say the acid was especially effective for increasing the thickness of the skin, and preventing collagen breakdown. Researchers confirmed that wrinkle formation was reduced significantly because of the ellagic acid, and that ellagic acid may be effective at reducing the risk of collagen destruction and inflammation after sun damage.

Cosmetic companies and anti-aging specialists may soon be able to take advantage of the properties in natural ingredients such as strawberries and pomegranate to combat the signs of aging.

L’Oreal Labs Researching Effects of Stem Cells for Wrinkle Treatment

While biologists, genetic scientists and dermatologists continue to study the genetic triggers that are responsible for the aging process, some researchers are finding innovative solutions for treating skin and literally turning off the aging gene.

Researchers at L’Oreal labs have been studying the effects of adult stem cells and how they affect the skin’s aging process. Recent studies suggest that stem cells may be the missing link to the fountain of youth.

Jacques Leclaire, Vice President of L’Oreal’s Life Sciences Division in Clichy, France and a biochemist, recently stated that “Stem cells are at the origin of regeneration of skin, so it’s important to understand how they behave during the aging process.”  (Source: ScientificAmerican.com)

Leclaire and his team of scientists have been working on a line of products that protect the cells from environmental damage, and keep the stem cells functioning at their optimal level. Healthy stem cell functioning may play an important role in reducing the effects of aging, and the stem cells can help with cell renewal process.

Researchers are also trying to find out when the optimum time to use certain beauty products throughout the day is, and what types of treatments can effectively trigger collagen production.

Collagen-producing treatments already exist at cosmetic surgery centers and medical spas around the country, and many take the form of laser and heat treatments designed to damage the tissues deep under the skin’s surface.  Over time, this helps with cell regeneration and helps the skin recover and heel. The increased collagen leads to firmer, tighter and more youthful-looking skin, better elasticity, and a significant reduction in wrinkles.

Tests are still being conducted on topical products that could have similar effects, but stimulating stem cell activity could become one of the most effective treatments for aging skin.

Surgeons Look Forward to High Demand for Cosmetic Surgery from Seniors

While baby boomers and patients in their 20 and 30s make up the majority of the target market for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, a recent study shows that seniors  – those who are between the ages of 65 and 85 – are among the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, and may be some of the best candidates for cosmetic surgery in the near future.

The trend was reported in late 2000 in the article, “Turning Back Time” on WebMD; according to Brian Kinney, assistant clinical professor of plastic surgery at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles, many health-conscious 65-year olds “realize they have another 20 or 30 yeas to socialize.”  Many focus on enhancing their appearance, and can look forward to aging gracefully. (Source: Medicine.net)

Dr. Ferdinand Becker, a facial plastic surgeon and assistant clinical professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Vero Beach, Florida points out that he treats more older patients than the typical surgeon, and this is a growing trend in the cosmetic surgery industry.

In a recent article, “Older Patients Are Boosting Their Lives with Cosmetic Surgery” in the Cosmetic Surgery Times,  writer Karen Donley-Hayes references statistics that reveal a 40 percent increase in the number of men and women in their 60s having cosmetic surgery.  The most sought-after procedures include breast reduction, tummy tucks, facelifts and eyelid reductions.  Surgeons may be able to attract more clients by tailoring their treatments specifically for geriatric patients, and older patients who take the time to learn about the complications of the procedure and any contraindications will be the best candidates for surgery. (Source: ModernMedicine.com)

The patient’s health is an important factor when considering plastic or cosmetic surgery, and the patient may need to consult with their general physician to make sure they are not putting themselves at risk when undergoing surgery that involves anesthesia or extensive incisions.  Despite the implications associated with cosmetic surgery, many people can still benefit from liposuction, eyelid surgery and facelift surgery well into their 80s and 90s.

Drinkable Collagen Proves Successful in Dermatological Review

Collagen is naturally produced by the body, a protein that keeps skin looking smooth and fresh.  It is the highly-sought after compound for those who want to reverse the signs of aging and tap into the fountain of youth, and natural collagen production can be increased when there is trauma to the dermis.  This is why treatments such as Thermage and laser skin resurfacing are so effective; the procedures ‘injure’ the skin tissues so that the body produces extra collagen to promote healing.  However, some researchers report that we can now consume collagen for smoother skin, with a tasty and nutritious beverage called TOKI.

TOKI, a collagen drink made with Hijiki seaweed extracts, collagen peptides and other youth-enhancing ingredients, has been under close review by aesthetic doctors and researchers looking for alternatives to anti-aging procedures and surgery. One of the first clinical trials for TOKI involved testing on 32 women between the ages of 35 and 65, who drank the formula regularly throughout an 8-week trial. Subjects were evaluated every two weeks with a thorough visual assessment; they also had their blood collagen levels tested during hte first four weeks of the study.

Dr. Irwin Kantor, M.D., the supervising doctor involved in the clinical trials for TOKI, explains that, “TOKI excelled on all levels of expectations, especially in the improvement of the overall blood collagen levels, which is critical to the improvement of the outermost layer of the dermis.”

Results of the TOKI study were published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA), and the product is now available online for a retail price of $175 per box. Results can be expected within as little as 45 days according tothe TOKI sales website, and the drink can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while making the skin look smoother, tighter and more resilient.

TOKI is available as a powder that is mixed into water or juice to ensure quick and rapid absorption into the bloodstream.  Key ingredients in the supplement include collagen peptide proteins, Vitamin C, Glucosamine, Hyulaornic Acid and Dermantanic Acid, Stevia leaves, and Sea Algae amino acid extracts.

More information about how TOKI works can be found here.

Frame Thread Lift Helps Get Rid of Wrinkles Without Surgery

The conventional facelift procedure typically involves several incisions and extensive repositioining of the skin tissues in order to get rid of sagging features and wrinkles.  However, a renowned Korean cosmetic surgeon has developed an innovative facelift technique that does not require a single incision.

The Frame Thread Lift works by pulling up the skin tissues using small threads that are attached to key muscles in the cheeks, upper eye area and chin. A small net is spread under the skin to create a ‘frame’ that the surgeon can then move and manipulate as needed.  Many doctors are already attending private seminars and workshops to learn this new technique that has caught the eyes of many professionals around the globe.

According to a recent press release about the debut of this innovative thread lift technique, “The difference of the Frame Thread Lift procedure as opposed the Contour Lift is that Dr. Woo Jung Ho’s vector technique creates a “frame” on the face. The frame effect supports the structure and tissues–from low to high. There have been more than a thousand clinical tests, so its effectiveness is proven.”

The Frame Thread Lift was demonstrated at the recent Anti-Aging Medicine Conference in Las Vegas, and may be the next non-surgical option for getting rid of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin for millions of baby boomers and patients interested in the facelift.

Dr. Woo Jung Ho is a cosmetic surgeon in Korea and Director of the Miracle Cosmetic International, a cosmetic surgery center with branches in Japan, Singapore and the United States.  He has been working on perfecting this technique for several years; the Frame Thread Lift is being hailed as the ‘100% non-incision facelift’ and is an advanced cosmetic enhancement that is still undergoing research and testing.