The Miami Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology symposium (MCS), taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from February 20-22, 2020, is shaping up to take aesthetic medical conferences – as well as the industry itself – to the next level. With the motto: ‘Where Science, Aesthetics and Creativity Merge,’ the event has been carefully designed to offer a better version of the standard fare, as well as unique and interactive experiences for attendees looking to learn from experts and each other.
As part of Vegas Cosmetic Surgery and AMWC global series of medical aesthetic events, which includes industry leading global conferences, such as AMWC (Monaco, Asia, Brazil and Latin America) and FACE, MCS will deliver the highest quality international and domestic event ever to hit the U.S., according to scientific chairman Steven Dayan, MD (Chicago, Ill.). “Innovation and cross-pollination are key themes for the conference,” he expressed.
Dr. Dayan is especially excited about the speaker events. “Using auto response technology we will have real time grading of speakers, which will factor into speaker selections and allotted presentation time. This will encourage speakers to be dynamic and creative, as well as informative. We will also have live cadaver dissections and live treatment demonstrations.”
The scientific board includes physicians from the core specialties with each track directed by a world-renowned specialist, including plastic surgeon Z. Paul Lorenc, MD (New York City, N.Y.); dermatologist Michael H. Gold, MD, of Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, Tenn.; and ophthalmologist Steve Yoelin, MD (Newport Beach, Calif.).
“MCS will be a multi-specialty affair, which I think are the most valuable because we all have the same goals, but bring different perspectives,” Dr. Yoelin said. “When you are insulated among peers in your specialty it can lead to stagnation. This event will embrace all comers and serve as a platform for the dissemination of new ideas and thought processes, as well as bringing fresh perspectives to old ideas.”
“We are creating an innovative approach to learning in a multi-disciplinary arena,” Dr. Lorenc began, “getting away from the constant speaker-audience format and adding more idea exchanges, discussions, roundtables and the like. The attendees learn so much more from this style than from the didactic lectures they’ve seen a hundred times before.
“Patient safety is the most important thing; when we’re learning from the best, exchanging new ideas and sampling new technologies, the goal is always to provide the best care possible, and that starts with safety,” he continued.
The practice management section is directed by Mark J. Tager, MD, CEO of ChangeWell, Inc. (San Diego, Calif.), and co-author (with Stewart Gandolf) of Cash-Pay Healthcare: How to Start, Grow & Perfect Your Business.
“With so many new tools such as software and social media, and the growing complexity of internal logistics for running a practice – from how we answer the phone, to the art of the consult, to how we obtain referrals and how we cross-sell products – it is difficult to navigate. MCS’s practice management track will be about skill building and interactivity.”
The scientific directors have been charged with bringing in the best speakers with new presentations and fresh ideas. “Many meetings have the same speakers and presentations that another event had the month before; we are looking for innovation,” said Dr. Yoelin.
KOL speakers will also be more accessible – including a forum for direct KOL Q&A on the MCS mobile app. “This is so important,” Dr. Yoelin stated. “Often at conferences, the speakers finish and are whisked away, when much could be gained by a little one-on-one interaction after a session.”
A highlight of the meeting is the keynote address, which will be given by neuromodulator guru Jean Carruthers, MD. Titled “Looking Beyond the Obvious,” this enlightening event will share the story of the most impactful aesthetic discovery of all time – injectable neuromodulators for wrinkles.
More groundbreaking features within the conference include the Passion Projects gallery, sponsored by Allergan, which will showcase the passions and talents of top aesthetic physicians, out- side the realm of medicine. “Among us are artists, actors, athletes, writers, musicians, humanitarians and more, whose pas- sions go beyond the aesthetic world,” Dr. Dayan expressed. “This provides us an opportunity to get to know one another in a new and interesting way.”
‘Bagels and Brainstorming’ is a more intimate ‘roundtable’ breakfast event where attendees can discuss the industry’s most pressing issues with KOL’s and industry, giving all an opportunity to share ideas. “This is an event like no other, where you can tell the industry what you want and need, and discuss matters affecting you and your practice with others who may face the same issues and have alternate solutions,” Dr. Dayan said.
Speakers’ innovative ideas will also be highlighted in a unique way. “For each scientific session one speaker will receive an award, recognizing pioneers and visionaries.”
The full spectrum of leading and emergent aesthetic devices, treatments and services showcasing the latest in aesthetic medical and practice management technology, will be represented in the MCS exhibit hall. Some highlights include:
FotoFinder Systems, Inc. (Columbia, Md.) will be offering demonstrations of its Mediscope Bodystation, the cutting-edge imaging solution for consistent before and after photo documentation of virtually any aesthetic, medical or surgical procedure. The system features the unique Laser Liner for consistent patient positioning at baseline and follow-ups. Photos are automatically labeled and stored in a patient data- base for effortless retrieval. Proposer will enhance your consultations with impressive procedure protocol and skincare product recommendations, and the Universe iPad App provides image access at your fingertips in any consultation room. With a small foot- print, just one power cord and no loose cables or need for a floor mat, it is a truly mobile studio system.
Social Patient Center (SPC) practice management software from Crystal Clear Digital Marketing (Orlando, Fla.) empowers practices with the tools to manage their businesses in undreamed of ways. This cloud-based software solution provides integrated marketing and lead-generation features combined with powerful tools to run your day-to-day operations. This ultimately allows physicians to see each and every patient all the way through from lead submission to becoming paying
and returning customers. The SPC was designed specifically for elective medical practices to help maximize revenue, streamline operations and increase efficiency in all areas of the practice.
Advice Media (Park City, Utah) wants to know what success means to you and your aesthetic practice. The company has partnered with thousands of aesthetic practices throughout the past two decades to help doctors achieve personal and professional success. Advice Media is focused on growing your patient base through website design and digital marketing, allowing you to transform more lives and achieve your own definition of success.
Fotona (U.S. and Europe) will feature its newest device, the next-generation aesthetic laser, TimeWalkerTM. This device uses a unique combinAtion of technology optimized for non-invasive face-lifting treatments including Fotona4D®, EyeLase and LipLase. Fotona4D is a comprehensive approach to rejuvenation that treats deeper, medial and superficial connective structures of the skin, targeting imperfections and resulting in a more smooth, lifted and youthful look without downtime or injectables. TimeWalker’s integrated technology combines the unsurpassed range of pulse duration modes of Fotona’s VSP (Variable Square Pulse) technology with Adapted Structured Pulse (ASPTM) to adapt the temporal structure of laser pulses to the biophotonic dynamics of laser-tissue interaction.
The PiXel8-RF microneedling system from Rohrer Aesthetics, LLC (Homewood, Ala.) was developed to combat the signs of aging. This device is suited for all skin types, and after a single application most patients notice that the area treated is smoother and softer. Energy delivery is adjustable, as is penetration depth of microneedles (insulated or non-insulated, from .5 mm up to 3.5 mm). Competitively priced, the PiXel8-RF uses a unique design for tissue coagulation and hemostasis that may improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and striae, and includes an Arctic Chill cold air chiller for cooling.
EMTONE from BTL Aesthetics (Boston, Mass.) delivers simultaneous thermal RF and mechanical Targeted, Pressure Energy (TPE) to synergistically treat all major contributing factors to cellulite. Studies show that the device is more effective than stand-alone procedures for building collagen and elastin (+64% and +59%, respectively) and up to 50% faster.
Also from BTL, EMSCULPT builds muscle using non-invasive High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM®) energy to induce powerful muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary means such as exercise, leading to increased local metabolism and fat reduction. Studies report a 16% average increase in muscle mass with 96% patient satisfaction. EMSCULPT also offers the first non-invasive buttock toning procedure.
Renuvion® cosmetic technology from Apyx Medical Corp. (Clearwater, Fla.), is Reshaping What’s Possible® for the practice and patient. Combining the unique properties of helium plasma with the efficiency of proprietary RF waveform, Renuvion delivers even, controlled energy with exceptional precision, heating tissue in a way never before possible for rapid tissue con- traction not reliant on bulk heating.
SkinPen® from Bellus Medical (Dallas, Texas) is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. After excelling in 90+ validation studies that ensure safety for both the patient and provider, SkinPen helps leading physician-directed providers around the world grow their businesses by setting the standard for profitability, efficacy and safety. Procedures are short, comfortable, minimally invasive, work for all skin types and require little to no downtime. As a result, 90% of subjects in clinical trials said they would recommend SkinPen treatments to friends and family.
MINT, which stands for minimally invasive nonsurgical thread, from HansBiomed Corp. (Seoul, Korea) provides instant, natural lifting without the risk of surgery. Newly available in the U.S., this polydioxanone (PDO) thread product features bi-directional, helically positioned barbs that anchor onto the soft tissue and then approximate it to the desired position. The procedure is simple and done through local anesthesia, with results lasting up to one year.
Episciences, Inc. (Boise, Idaho), intro- duces the new, powerful Epionce acne-fighting duo, Purifying Wash and Purifying Spot Gel. In head-to-head trials, Purifying Spot Gel has been clinically proven to clear acne blemishes faster than the leading prescription clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide product. Designed specifically for adult acne, the unique Epionce approach to clearing blemishes combines new moieties of traditional acne-fighting ingredients with botanicals that provide proven therapeutic benefit without dryness, irritation or redness. Clinical study information is on file with Episciences, Inc.
Aesthetics Biomedical (Phoenix, Ariz.) will feature SoMETM+ PRP customized skincare, the first autologous topical skincare product with proven results. This skin rejuvenating product is great for all skin types, made without harsh and unnatural alcohol-based additives that dry out the skin. Starting with a combination of botanical preservatives including two honeysuckle variants to keep it fresh for everyday use, the physician adds the patient’s own PRP, creating a truly personalized skincare product that remains effective for three months.