FDA Approves At-Home Wrinkle Removal Device

If you’ve considered going to the medical spa or cosmetic surgeon’s office to get rid of wrinkles for good with a laser treatment, you may not need to make an appointment just yet.

The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved an at-home laser device that has been designed by Palomar Medical Technologies. This hand-held device is expected to launch in the consumer market through Johnson & Johnson, and will cost several hundred dollars.

Palomar’s laser is the first of its kind to enter the anti-aging and wrinkle removal market, and will open up several opportunities for the company in the consumer skin care industry. According to spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson, Monica Neufang, the launch date and price has not been confirmed yet.

The company does plan to sell it directly to consumers, and to medical spas and health practitioners who promote anti-aging procedures and at-home care regimens.

Palomar is a medical device company that pioneered the optical hair removal field in 1991. It was one of the first to introduce and promote a laser hair removal system, and their hair removal devices are currently used at many medical spas and aesthetic centers around the country.

The Palomar wrinkle removal device would enable consumers to maintain their youthful looks without surgery, injectable fillers and other pricey cosmetic enhancements. It’s designed with patented technology, and there is currently nothing similar on the market. Until now, consumers have had to turn to cosmetic surgeons to undergo laser treatments such as Fraxel to get rid of wrinkles permanently. Light-based treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) and other laser devices can also help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

However, these procedures can cost upwards of $2,000 per session; the Palomar device may be a more attractively-priced option for the thousands of people who looking for ways to stop the clock.

Research Shows Divorced Women Look Older

While the aging process takes its toll at different rates on different people, certain life conditions and  environmental factors can accelerate premature aging.

Bahman Guyuron, chairman of the department of plastic surgery at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, a part of Case Western Reserve University, recently worked on a study that took photographs of female identical twins and compared their lifestyles and medical backgrounds. (Source: LiveScience.com)

The study published in the ASPS journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that women were divorced could look up to two years older than those who were married or single.  Wrinkles around the eyes, fine lines around the mouth and sagging skin are some of the telltale signs of aging, and these seemed to be more pronounced in women who had been divorced or suffered from severe emotional distress.

Guyuron speculates that there are also other factors that can contribute to lackluster looks, especially in those who are approaching midlife or are older than 40.  Sun exposure can lead to the development of sun spots and premature wrinkles, while smoking and alcohol consumption can cause breakouts, skin irritations and even trigger the symptoms of rosacea. Even antidepressants can cause facial sagging; individals who are dependent on these drugs may experience poor-quality skin and a number of other health problems with continued use.

Still, there are several treatments available that can help rejuvenate the face and encourage the development of healthier skin cells.  Non-invasive treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels can freshen up the skin instantly, and also boost collagen production.  Collagen is essential for healthy-looking skin, and tends to diminsh with age.  For women who need a collagen boost, collagen fillers that add volume to the cheeks or around the mouth are also available.

Women who need to get rid of age spots, sun spots and skin discoloration caused by excessive sun and environmental damage may also be good candidates for Fraxel and laser skin resurfacing treatments.  These treatments work by removing the top layer of skin and stimulating cell turnover.  Over time, the skin becomes much smoother and more resilient.

Consumers Turn to eBay for Illegal Botox

Botox continues to be one of the most popular dermal fillers on the market, and consumers interested in achieving a wrinkle-free look have been taking matters into their own hands — literally.

Recent reports suggest that many consumers are buying their own Botox injections from resellers and other providers through online auctions such as eBay and through classified ads on Craigslist.

Botox is designed to be administered by a licensed and certified physician, and only they can detemrine what concentration will be most suitable for the patient.  Consumers who purchase Botox illegally are not only committing a crime with the purchase, but are also putting their health and safety at risk.

Since Botox is a prescription-only product, Botox advertisements that encourage people to purchase on the web have also been deemed illegal. eBay continues to be one of the most popular online venues to purchase Botox without showing proof of prescription, and some resellers have even taken steps to create their own Botox advertisements that are run across the network. These ads are designed to look like professional Botox ads and commercials; some even feature celebrities and before and after snapshots to persuade customers to make their purchase.

Consumer watchdog networks and websites have been tracking illegal Botox ads for several months and have finally managed to encourage sites like eBay to take down the ads. PlasticSurgeryPractice.com reports that, “eBay, under the guidance of the UK-based Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now vowed down on these promotions in a bid to protect consumers.”

Consumers who do purchase illegal Botox are subject to fines and penalties if they are caught distributing or reselling the product, and those who take the risk to use the injections on themselves may not be eligible for medical care in case of an emergency.  The danger of overdosing on Botox includes temporary or complete paralysis of the muscles, severe allergic reactions, as well as skin rashes and bruises.

Hypnosis for Wrinkle Removal – Just Another Fad?

Hypnotherapy has been widely accepted as a way to stop bad habits such as overeating, smoking and for managing anger, but some people believe it could also help stop you from frowning.

Frowning less frequently means you could reduce the risk of developing frown lines and wrinkles around the forehead, and possibly skip the need for Botox altogether.

Hypnox is a therapeutic audio CD that promises to re-train your muscles so that you simply frown less. Squinting, frowning and other negative expressions can make a significant difference to the contours of the face and the skin’s appearance; practicing how to relax the facial muscles and reduce stress in a natural way may help to maintain smooth-looking skin and a youthful appearance.

Hypnox works using progressive muscle relaxation techniques that relax the facial muscles in a specific sequence.  The CD is designed to be used right before bed so that the brain can remember the sequences and the facial muscles can relax completely.  This non-invasive and natural approach for improving well-being and relaxing the facial muscles may offer an alternative to pricey Botox treatments.  However, the product has only been on the market for less than a year, and is not supported by clinical trials or any in-depth research studies.

Still, the makers of Hypnox claim that the results are permanent and using the CD regularly means people can save hundreds and thousands of dollars on cosmetic treatments such as Botox and other wrinkle removal procedures.  The entire 25-minute process is safe, relaxing and completely non-invasive.

And as for side effects?  The Hypnox website reports possible side effects could be a good night’s sleep.

Fibroblast Injections May Be Lasting Anti-Aging Solution

Collagen injections and synthetic dermal fillers continue to be popular non-surgical treatments for individuals who want to get rid of wrinkles and eliminate the signs of aging.

However, researchers are reporting positive results with injections of fibroblasts – skin cells that promote collagen growth – and are confirming that this procedure may be one of the most safe and effective ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the texture and tone of the skin.

According to Isolagen Inc., a company that specializes in anti aging and skincare treatments, Autologous Cell Therapy (ACT) may be an advanced solution for eliminating wrinkles using the patient’s own fibroblasts. Recent studies involved administering two treatments of Isolagen Therapy into the facial wrinkles and lines on 40 subjects. Results were positive for all candidates, and most reported a noticeable improvement in the quality of their skin within a few weeks. 83 percent of the subjects reported diminishing wrinkles and fine lines after just six months. (Source: Cosmetic Surgery Times)

The entire process of collecting, storing and administering fibroblasts may be more costly than conventional dermal fillers and fat injections, but the results may be worth the extra investement. Autologous therapy is already avaialble in Europe, and has been providing consistent results with little to no side effects for several years. The FDA has not approved the treatment for Isolagen to launch its products in the United States, but several in-depth studies and assessments are underway.

Anti-aging experts say that it’s important to understand the distinct difference between conventional fillers and the Isolagen product; fillers help to increase tissue size and volume, while Isolagen helps restore damaged cells using the patient’s own cells. Results from Isolagen treatments may also look more natural and last longer than the 6 – 18 month timeframe of synthetic fillers.

PurTox Trials Underway – The New Face of Botox?

Botox is one of the most coveted non-surgical cosmetic enhancements for men and women who want to get rid of wrinkles on the forehead and reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.

However, recent reports of bad Botox procedures and a noticeable increase in ‘bargain Botox’ scams has many patients looking for alternative solutions to the popular wrinkle-fighting injectable.  Mentor Corporation has been working an alternative to Botox called PurTox for several years, and has recently completed the first set of clinical trials in its Phase III study.

PurTox is a purified form of Botox that promises to offers a similar outcome of the popular dermal filler – reducing wrinkles on the forehead, smoothing out the skin and even getting rid of laugh lines in the short-term.  PurTox is a branded form of Botox, and differentiates itself from the conventional Botox treatment based on how long the results last and how quickly it starts to work.

The recent trial involved 400 patients who received a single treatment with either PurTox or a placebo.  According to Cosmetic Surgery Times, “a very large percentage of subjects expressed a high degree of satisfaction with treatment outcome.”

After the second and third sets of trials for Phase 3 are complete, Mentor Corporation will be able to file a Biologics License Application for FDA approval.  If approved, PurTox could be one of several dermal fillers to offer a safer, perhaps alternative option for wrinkle removal.

AboutFACE Conference Reviews Energy Devices for Wrinkle Reduction

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), infrared treatments and laser procedures are some of the most popular anti aging treatments currently available, and have proven to be effective at reducing the sign of wrinkles, tightening up the skin and bringing back ‘that youthful glow.’

As technology continues to improve, more anti aging doctors and medical professionals are turning to a lineup of innovative energy devices that complement dermal fillers and other skin rejuvenation procedures, claiming that a combination of heat, light and radiofrequency waves may be the ultimate solution for restoring the skin to good health and maintaining a youthful appearance.

The Art and Science of Using Injectable Agents and Energy-based Devices for Facial Aesthetic Enhancement event will be held from March 27 to 29, 2009 in Las Vegas, and the symposium will be reviewing several innovative treatments and technologies designed specifically for the anti aging market.

One of the educational objectives at the symposium is to “Perform a comprehensive facial aesthetic analysis to determine which areas would benefit from treatment with injectable agents, energy-based devices, cosmeceuticals, surgery or a combination of these techniques to achieve optimal results.” (Source: eduysmp.com)

Wrinkle reduction and skin firming technologies such as ReFirme, FotoFacial RF Treatments, the Fraxel C02 Repair and Thermage are a few brands and procedures under scrutiny, even though they have been approved for consumers in the U.S. market.

Some people experience dramatic results with a series of these procedures, while others experience mild to moderate complications from the treatment.  The AboutFACE conference will be reviewing each of these treatments, along with a lineup of new procedures on the horizon, to determine which ones are indeed a legitimate solution for long-term wrinkle reduction.

LEDs Help Lighten Up Wrinkles – Better than BOTOX?

BOTOX and injectable fillers continue to be a popular choice for getting rid of wrinkles, a nonsurgical option for baby boomers and individuals who want a more youthful look.  Still, these fillers are only temporary and frequent touch-ups mean many patients are filling their monthly schedules with a pricey treatment.

Researchers in Germany are investigating an alternative to injectable fillers that may provide lasting results for the anti-wrinkle crowds.  The ACS Crystal Growth & Design, a bi-monthly journal scheduled for publication on November 5, puts the spotlight on using LED lights for skin rejuvenation. Applying high-intensity, light emitting diodes to the skin’s surface may help reduce wrinkles and create a brighter complexion.

The LED study was conducted by researchers Andrei P. Sommer and Dan Zhu, and they point out that high-intensity light has been used for decades to help heal the skin, reduce the signs of aging and also increases the production of collagen and elastin.  Currently, there are several variations of light therapy on the market; many consumers turn to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments to remove blemishes and tighten and tone the skin, and infrared light treatments to help reduce the signs of wrinkles.

However, scientists are now saying that LED lights may do a better job at reaching the deeper skin tissues in need of repair so that the body can naturally begin to produce collagen.  The light is powerful enough to change the molecular structure of elastin; the result?  Fewer wrinkles, tighter skin and possibly a reduced risk of developing more wrinkles in the oncoming years.

Overall, the LED treatment provides a revitalizing and rejuvenating treatment, and may soon become a part of the suite of services available from anti aging doctors across the country. Will it be better than BOTOX?  It’s too soon to tell if this will be a replacement for the ever-popular fillers, but it may work as a complementary treatment in the short-term.

(Source: Medical News Today; Picture Credit: Zpyder, via Flick’r)

Botox Binge Fuels Obsession to Get Rid of Wrinkles

Turbulent economic times and consumer’s penny-pinching habits are leaving the cosmetic surgery industry in a flux, and many consumers are turning to BOTOX and other injectable fillers for a more affordable wrinkle treatment.

However, experts at the Harley Medical Group, a cosmetic surgery center in the United Kingdom claim that more people have been asking for the quick-fix wrinkle solution – even when they don’t need it.

Medical News Today sheds some light on the recent phenomena in the United States where women in particular are ‘binging’ on BOTOX injections, sculpting and tightening up their face in hopes of obtaining the ultimate wrinkle-free look.  Unfortunately, too much BOTOX can create a ‘frozen’ appearance and do more harm than good; frequent BOTOX treatments may even lead to long-term paralysis of the muscles.

Liz Dale, the Directory of the Harley Medical Group explains that:

“Used properly, Botox is a fantastic cosmetic surgery treatment giving smoother, tighter and more youthful looking skin. But like with any procedure, it’s highly unadvisable to have more done than is necessary. At The Harley Medical Group all Botox treatment are administered by specially trained doctors who will look out for signs of a Botox ‘habit’ and will advise patients according to their individual needs.” (Source: Medical News Today)

Researchers at UCLA have already reported on the emotional impact and ramifications for those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).  These people often have a distorted self-image where they only see their flaws. UCLA psychiatrist Jamie Feusner  estimates as many as 15 percent of cosmetic surgery patients and 2 percent of the world population suffer from BDD (Source: KNBC.com)

Demand for BOTOX in the U.S. continues to run strong, and the treatment reached the most-sought after treatment list as the top non-invasive procedure in 2007. Still, patients are advised to seek counseling if they are stuck in an addictive cycle of fixing themselves or have become obsessed with getting rid of wrinkles.

Dr. Candice Lane Encourages Boomers to Try MicroLaser Peel

Fraxel laser technologies have become a popular topic in the cosmetic and aesthetic industry in recent years as the Fraxel laser has been deemed safer, more effective than traditional skin rejuvenation treatments.

Now a ProFractional treatment using the Sciton laser has entered the market, a laser peel that promises unparalleled results to even the Fraxel laser.

The MicroLaserPeel is an innovative skin rejuvenation procedure designed to reduce redness while tightening the skin for a more youthful look. Dr. Candice Lane, a leading physician who specializes in biodentical hormone and nutrient replacements, is promoting the MicroPeel as the ultimate anti-aging facial treatment, a procedure that can help reduce wrinkles and even make the skin healthier.

Dr. Lane describes the MicroLaserPeel as follows:

“It is an intra-epidermal laser peel that precisely ablates the outermost layers of the skin. The procedure is individually tailored to the nature of the condition to be corrected.Skin conditions such as: wrinkles, scars, acne scars,keratoses, or pigmentary problems have been very successfully treated with a MicroLaserPeel.” (Source: HormoneHealthMD)

The MicroLaserPeel is a step beyond the conventional chemical peel and skin exfoliating treatments such as microdermabrasion, allowing patients to achieve results similar to an often-extensive dermabrasion procedure. The procedure is now available at several anti-aging clinics and medical spas across the country.