Total FX UltraPulse Laser Expands Into New England Market

Laser skin resurfacing treatments are among the most effective ways to get rid of fine lines, acne scars and blemishes. Some of the most innovative laser skin resurfacing techniques include the Lumenis UltraPulse C02 fractional laser, a powerful laser that can correct many imperfections, boost collagen production and tighten the skin after just a single treatment. The UltraPulse laser is available in only a few markets in the United States, but has recently been unveiled at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England.

The Total FX UltraPulse treatment has been featured on The Today Show, 20/20 and other television programs as an innovative skin rejuvenation solution.  It is among the most advanced lasers on the market, and can be used to treat facial scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and loose or sagging skin. In addition to treating the face, the UltraPulse laser can be administered to the neck and chest area for enhanced results.

The Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England is among the few aesthetic centers to acquire the UltraPulse Laser, and is adding the cosmetic treatment alongside its lineup of anti aging treatments such as injectable fillers, stretch mark reduction treatments, skin tightening procedures and Latisse eyelash enhancement.

According to Dr. Maria Atkins, owner and board certified physician at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center, “The UltraPulse TotalFX® treatment provides our clients with one of the latest advancements in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. The procedure and recovery time with this device has been so streamlined, that we like to tell our clients, if you give us five days, we’ll give you back five years.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

The UltraPulse laser is manufactured by Lumenis, the world’s largest medical laser company. This particular laser has received FDA clearance for more than 34 indications including the treatment of fine lines, acne scars and skin burns.

American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Investigates Aquamid Fillers

The results of a recent study investigating the injectable Aquamid were revealed at The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) 2009 meeting.

Aquamid is an injectable filler designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, and is made with 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel and, according to the results of the study, is as well tolerated as hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm.

Rhoda Narins, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology of the New York University School of Medicine in New York City and Director of the Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center of New York reports that, “our results demonstrate that polyacrylamide hydrogel shows strong potential as a permanent soft tissue filler.” The ingredients in Aquamid are non-biodegradable, which means this particular filler cannot migrate. The compound is also expected to last longer than traditional hyaluronic fillers, which may be a cost benefit to consumers.

Aquamid is marketed as a soft volume filler to enhance facial contours, fill out nasolabial folds, smooth out wrinkles and folds in the cheeks and lips, and can also be used to reshape the nose. The filler boasts natural-looking results and lasting satisfaction. In long-term clinical trials, physicians judged the aesthetic results at one, two and four year intervals, and found that results were still good or very good for more than 90% of patients at each interval.

Data after five years shows that patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with results during the follow-up session, and the filler produced similar aesthetic results. The filler is designed to completely integrate with the body’s tissues, which means there is no risk of an allergic reaction to the micro-particles present in the compound. Aquamid is also not linked to tissue hardening or fibrosis.

Efficacy of Aquamid was maintained through the 12-month post follow up treatment for the filler, and showed a significant improvement in results in treatment groups.

Azfibrocel-T Reviewed by FDA for Wrinkle Reduction

Today’s innovative treatments for wrinkle reduction include laser skin resurfacing treatments, facelift surgery and dermal fillers such as Restylane and Botox. However, cell therapy may be another option for men and women in the United States in the near future.

Fibrocell Sicence, Incorporated, a biotechnology company focused on developing regenerative fibroblast cells for aesthetic, medical and scientific application has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee is reviewing azfibrocel-T, an autulogous cell therapy for the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles in adults.

The FDA is currently evaluating the treatment under the brand name, Laviv ™. The treatment works by using the patient’s own natural fibroblasts. The fibroblasts are extracted, multiplied and then re-injected into the skin as a personalized treatment, allowing for the formation of new cells and stronger connective tissue fibers. Over time, this results in a significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, and creates a healthier, more rejuvenated appearance. Fibrocell Science, Incorporated is planning to continue studes for additional aesthetic and therapeutic sues.

Fibrocell Sicence, Incorporated is the result of the reorganization of Isalogen, Incorporated, a company emerging from bankruptcy. Azfibrocel-T was the sole topic of discussion at the Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting on October 9, 2009 in Maryland. In may 2009, the FDA accepted azfibrocel-T for the treatment of moderate to severe nasolabial fold wrinkles for full review. The target date for an FDA response under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act is January 4, 2010.

If Laviv ™ becomes available in 2010, the treatment will be joining the ranks of fat transfer procedures, laser skin resurfacing and other skin rejuvenation treatments. Laviv ™ would be made available at many plastic surgery centers and aesthetic centers around the United States.

New Drug May Help Slow Down Aging Process

Many and women head to the plastic surgeon’s office to get rid of wrinkles, tighten up loose skin and defy the aging process, but there may soon be another option.

According to results of a research study published by Randy Strong, PhD of the Aging Interventions Testing Center in San Antonio, a drug that was found in the soil of Easter Island in the South Pacific may be effective at slowing down the aging process.

Rapamycin has extended the life expectancy of middle-aged mice used to conduct the research by as much as 38%, and researchers believe that the drug may not only slow down the development of wrinkles and other signs of aging, but can also lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer in humans. Rapamycin may be effective at postponing death from cancer, and slowing down several ageing processes that are linked to cell metabolism. According to a recent article in WebMD.com, rapamycin has immunosuppressant properties and is also being studied as a potential anticancer drug. Still, experts say it is too soon to believe that  this drug can and will have a positive effect on humans.

The Aging Interventions Testing Center is funded by the National Institute of Aging, and the drug is the first to have shown a significant increase in life span in both male and female mice. The drug was delivered in a time-release formula that allowed for better absorption in the bloodstream. In the future, the drug may be combined with other drugs and medications in order to achieve desired results.

While more research and tests are required to determine if similar effects can be achieved in humans, researchers can now count on data that shows new molecular pathways for other drugs that may be effective in improving overall health and slowing down the ageing process.

Prevention Magazine Encourages Women in their 40s to Embrace Retinoids

Take a trip to the cosmetics counter at any department store and you will be bombarded with the latest anti-aging products, serums, creams and makeup that promise to zap wrinkles and improve your looks.

For women in their 40s, the quest for a more youthful look is often high on the priority list, and there are now hundreds of products on the market designed specifically for this demographic segment. Some experts believe that maintaining a youthful appearance could be as simple as applying retinoid-based creams and serums to the skin.

Dr. Ranella Hirsch, president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and a cosmetic dermatologist in Cambridge, Massachusetts recently interviewed with Prevention magazine to discuss the effects of aging on women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, and to provide some insights on what women can do about wrinkles, fine lines and other skin issues as they age. “Embrace retinoids” was the directive for women in their 40s that want to improve the texture and tone of their skin, and reduce the risk of developing future wrinkles.

According to the article in Prevention magazine, “retinoids rev up sluggish cell turnover, so skin becomes smoother and more radiant, and dark spots fade.” (Source: msnbc.com)

Retinoid creams are available over the counter, and many require daily or nightly application for a period of 8 to 12 weeks in order to achieve results. Drugstore products may also be more effective for sensitive skin and for those who have not undergone any cosmetic surgery or non-invasive procedures, because medical-grade products are often harsh on the skin.

Many medical spas and aesthetic surgery centers also offer retinoid-based treatments as part of a facial or anti-aging package. These incorporate retinoid creams and serums into the treatment so that the skin can absorb the compounds more readily. In these cases, results can be achieved within a few days after the treatment.

Sonya Dakar Launches Innovative Anti Aging Skincare Line

There are now hundreds of anti-aging skincare products on the market, and the multi-billion dollar industry continues to grow at a rapid pace as more people join the quest for the fountain of youth.

Major brands in the industry continue to create innovate facial products such as serums, creams and vitamin-infused gels that promise to reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin. Sonya Dakur is one of them, a high-end skincare and makeup company that now boasts a complete anti-aging product line.

Sonya Dakar has introduced the UltraLuxe anti-aging collection that features spot-lightening treatments, moisture-infusing products and serums that promise to ward off the signs of aging. Most recently, MINDYS Cosmetics, the maker of Sonya Dakar Skin Care, has added a hand spot lightening and firming with SPF 30, and a neck and décolleté firming and spot lightening cream with SPF 30 to reduce the appearance of sun spots, and make the skin appear firmer and stronger.

Both of these products, and several other products in the UltraLuxe anti-aging skincare line, are designed to plump up the skin and lighten the complexion to create a natural, more youthful glow. Sonya Dakur products are infused with a combination of antioxidants and natural extracts that sink deep into the skin and help promote a healthier complexion.

These anti-aging treatments are supported by several research studies, and participants in the studies report a “dramatic decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” However, they may not be as effective as some of today’s cosmetic wrinkle treatments. Some of the active ingredients that may play an important role in achieving results include SYN-AKE synthetic snake venom, grape seed extract, and organic pomegranate that is rich in antioxidants.

Other innovative anti aging products in the Sonya Dakar lineup include the Retinol Renewal Serum, Oxygen Eye Cream, Youth! Serum, and Hydrasoft Cream. Most products in the anti-aging line are priced between $69 and $155 per bottle.

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.

Medical Spa Unveils No-Needle Botox Treatment

Botox continues to rank at the top of the most popular minimally invasive procedures in the United States, generating over $1.3 billion in sales in 2008 alone.

Botox injections for cosmetic purposes are designed to decrease deep furrows and lines in the forehead, eliminate crow’s feet, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles around other areas of the face. However, these injections do run some risks, and maintaining a Botox treatment plan can be pricey.

One medical spa hopes to capture a portion of the Botox market with an innovative no-needle Botox treatment. The ‘Botox facial’ treatment is available at the Spatique medical spa in Manhattan, and involves a light peel, electrical current technology, and the application of a nourishing cream that helps to tighten and tone the skin.

The peel is designed to tighten the skin from inside out, and the electrical currents are administered to help improve product penetration. The spa insists that there is no actual paralysis of the face with this procedure, but the muscles do become relaxed and the skin becomes tighter, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The nourishing cream applied to the face is rich in hyaluronic acid, and Vitamins C and E. These are essential ingredients and nutrients for maintaining a youthful appearance, and help to enhance the effects of the treatment. Clients who have undergone the treatment report softer, smoother skin, and a gradual diminishing of fine lines and wrinkles. Most patients notice their skin is glowing after just one session. Though results are more subtle than the standard Botox treatment, this may be a healthy, non-invasive alternative to injections.

One Botox facial session costs approximately $150, and there is no downtime involved. The spa recommends a series of at least six sessions in order to see results, which is the total price of about two Botox injections.

(Source: CBS4.com)

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Iryna Kurhan via ScienceDaily.com

Anti-Aging Skincare Line Made with Replica Snake Venom Challenges Botox

Instead of heading to the doctor’s office for a Botox fix or other dermal filler treatment that can zap away wrinkles, many people resort to skincare products made with natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, alpha lipoic acid and collagen extracts, to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

A new product made with replica snake venom has recently entered the market, and is one of the first skin-care lines in the world that promises to freeze fine lines and wrinkles by reducing muscle contractions under the skin.

This is essentially what dermal fillers such as Botox and Dysport are designed to do, but this skincare line does not require injecting compounds into the skin tissues. The product is instead applied directly onto the top of the skin and absorbed through the pores.

The product was developed by Brynja McGrady and Deborah Flattery, and is called Miracle Hydrate. It contains the patented Innovenom compounds, that are a replica of snake venom of the exotic temple viper. This synthetic viper venom was duplicated from the Malaysian Temple Viper’s venom, and is marketed as the newest Generation 6 peptide. The treatment has been named ‘Best Botox Alternative’ in Switzerland, and is available in five different formulations that combat various effects of aging.

Miracle Hydrate contains several anti-aging ingredients including hyaluronic acid, a natural skin-tightening and moisturizing agent, kombuchka, and the free radical fighter hydrolyzed algin. The proprietary treatments are a mixture of serums and moisturizers that are designed to improve the texture, tone and clarity of the skin, while reducing or eliminating the signs of wrinkles.

Miracle Hydrate products are currently available online, and retail for $40 to $120 per bottle, depending on the serum or moisturizer. The N ject Line Elimination Serum is priced at $120, and is the revolutionary product that promises to freeze the skin, slow down the aging process, and eliminate lines and wrinkles with the proprietary neuropeptide blend.

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.