Sponsored by: PDO Max

With the rising patient demand for less invasive cosmetic treatments, thread lifts have made a comeback. But not all threads are created equal. PDO Max™ (Liverpool, N.Y.) is a pioneer in the field as they design and create their own threads, resulting in a series of innovative products and one of the only FDA-cleared threads in-cannula in North America. Combined with their world-class, hands-on training, aesthetic physicians and patients benefit from access to a variety of procedures. At the same time, practices increase their armamentarium of aesthetic solutions along with their patient portfolio.

Dina BenDavid, DNP, clinical director at Divine MedSpa (Edgartown, Mass.), uses PDO Max threads exclusively in her practice.“I have found their tensile strength and product quality to be superior. In fact, PDO threads have transformed my practice,” she shared.“PDO Max has recently launched some new, exciting threads to accommodate new trends and a market void. With their products, I am able to achieve global facial optimization in a more natural and safer way, as threads are filling the gap between injectables and surgery.”

Dina BenDavid, DNP Clinical Director Divine MedSpa      Edgartown, MA

Annika Crosby, MD FounderPhysician SkinCare Services Minneapolis, MN

According to Annika Crosby, MD, founder of Physician SkinCare Services (Minneapolis, Minn.), PDO threads are easy to use, thanks to features such as cannula stiffness and a unique tensile strength of the thread.“The results are by far superior to anything we have seen up to this point,” she explained.“Before trying PDO threads, we had traveled all over the country to train on other brands of threads, and we were not happy with any of them. We decided to give threads one last shot before dropping them altogether – PDO Max won us over. We have been using PDO Max threads for several years now, with much success.”

According to Dr. Crosby, clients are enjoying the quick effects with long-lasting results. She elaborated, “In our practice, the current most popular use is of the larger, barbed threads for lifting cheeks, jowls, and brows. Our clients love the immediate and long-term results of this technique. We also are using more of the Smuth threads for collagen stimulation in areas such as the decollate, abdomen, and neck.”

Dr. BenDavid has found innovative uses for the products and shared how she uses them.“The Levo barbed lifting threads are the mainstay in my practice. They are six-dimensional (6D), multi-directional laser-cut threads with a proprietary design. I also love their double cyclone threads for a more popped lip flip and their multi-threads for filling deeper depressions (such as the temple and nasolabial folds) without the need for filler.”

The benefits of PDO Max threads goes both ways.“My thread patients are happier, and results are lasting much longer than fillers and other minimally invasive options,” Dr. BenDavid reported.“And the ROI for threads is far better than with other injectable options. I’d say that’s a win-win for both patient and provider.”

Dr. Crosby also shared her enthusiasm.“PDO Max threads benefit our practice by giving clients an alternative to neurotoxin and fillers, and also an alternative to a surgical facelift – no need for general anesthesia, and a much lower cost for the client,” she said.“And the long-lasting results of collagen stimulation keep our clients coming back.”

With the flexibility to address individual cosmetic concerns using a superior product and master training, PDO Max is certainly helping practices increase patient reach while elevating the science of beauty.

Sponsored by: Vain Bodies

The versatile, cost-effective 6 in 1 Machine by mychway (Shenzhen, Guangdong, China) stands true to its name, offering six treatments in one durable device. Operators can customize treatments using ultrasound cavitation, laser liposuction, tripolar radio-frequency (RF), and RF with vacuum technology for fat dissolution or face and body reshaping.

“You get a very quick return on your investment,” said Nikki Payne, a licensed aesthetician at Vain Bodies by Nikki in Atlanta, Ga.“And it delivers very good results. You have everything you need in one machine.”

The 6 in 1 Machine is ideal for starting an aesthetic practice in states where aestheticians can use non-invasive devices without physician medical directors.“And even though it is a low-cost device, it is durable and long-lasting as long as you don’t bump or drop it,” Ms. Payne stated. Having used the approximately $600 device for nearly three years, she also offers online and in-person training for the machine.

Ultrasound cavitation uses sound waves to vibrate fat cells to the point of bursting. The low-level lipo laser essentially shrinks fat cells.“The fat then exits the body through the lymphatic system,” Ms. Payne explained.

RF energy delivered through any of the three probes – one for the face, two for the body – stimulates collagen-building, she continued, and the vacuum feature is useful for moving fat. According to Ms. Payne, most aestheticians use it to enlarge the buttocks.“Running the handpiece up the back of a client’s leg allows users to pick up tiny fat particles and deposit them where needed,” she noted.

In Ms. Payne’s experience, the ideal patient is basically healthy with good skin elasticity. Because treatments are non-invasive and painless, patients need no anesthesia. A typical treatment, such as laser liposuction followed by cavitation to reduce belly size, takes up to 1.5 hours.“The best results come from people who hydrate beforehand,” she stated.

Nikki Payne Licensed Aesthetician        Vain Bodies by Nikki Atlanta, GA

Additionally, Ms. Payne recommended evening out fatty areas before sculpting them.“Often, people try to sculpt first, but they don’t make the area even. However, an even abdomen allows easier sculpting,” she revealed.

Post-procedural care generally involves light exercise, sensible eating, and drinking lots of water.“There is absolutely no downtime, nothing special that patients have to do to recover.”

Bruising and swelling are rare, said Ms.Payne. The cavitation sound wave may cause people with sinus issues to hear ringing in their ears for a couple hours post-treatment.“But that is normal and will go away.”

Patients generally start seeing results in around 72 hours, although RF-induced collagen-building can take up to eight weeks to appear. Based on Ms. Payne’s experience with the machine, producing optimal results usually requires one to three sessions. Fat reduction and sculpting results are permanent, she added, provided patients maintain their weight. Collagen increases are also permanent, provided patients do not experience dramatic weight loss.

Altogether, the 6 in 1 Machine more than pulls its weight.“I made my money back the second day. I only use three machines in my practice, and this is my go-to.” Ms. Payne uses the device on 98% of her clients, and herself.“Bottom line, this is my baby.”

Sponsored by: Weave

Aesthetic practices are uniquely personal, which is why they rely on excellent patient communication and rapport. Weave (Lehi, Utah) offers the ideal interaction platform for aesthetic practices to attract new patients, build relationships and turn current patients into ambassadors. Many aesthetic practices are already taking their business to the next level via Weave’s innovation and automation

Jay Shorr, the founding partner of Shorr Solutions, a Florida-based aesthetic practice consulting firm, recommends Weave to his clients because of the multiple tools that can increase a practice’s bottom line. He pointed out that Weave allows multi-office businesses to easily operate together, automate appointment confirmations, and even attract new customers with review requests.

“We are practice management consultants,” Mr. Shorr explained.“Our clients come to us looking for a recommendation of the best engagement platforms. If something goes wrong, it becomes our responsibility, and bad experiences could result in negative referrals. Because of this, we need to ensure that the platform we recommend offers seamless integration into the practice, which is what we have with Weave.”

With today’s changing business strategies and unpredictability, patient communication defines an aesthetic practice. Your practice’s ability to keep up with changing patient schedules and send out daily reminders through Weave’s software can work to lessen no-shows. Patients have the ability to fill out electronic forms ahead of time, and getting quick text responses to their concerns results in greater patient satisfaction, all while saving your practice money.

According to Mr. Shorr, ensuring patient engagement creates a more personal and positive experience and is part of a successful business.“Using two-way texting is a great tool for making patient communications bilateral instead of one-way. But it doesn’t have to be from the office, because with this system you can reply from any laptop, mobile device, or smartphone through the Weave mobile app,” he noted.“If patients can have their questions or concerns addressed quickly, they are happier and will provide positive reviews. Reviews are crucial to business success today because people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.”Weave has a built-in Reviews tool that helps your practice generate positive Google and Facebook reviews through a simple text message.

Automation and integration are becoming more common, but according to Mr. Shorr, some businesses are losing money by not taking advantage of certain features.“Practices that aren’t using all the tools in engagement software like Weave may be missing out on providing a better patient experience and limiting their ability to attract new business,” he conveyed. A great tool for never missing an opportunity to engage with potential clients is Weave’s Missed Call Text feature. This tool automatically sends a text any time a call is missed and allows you to begin communicating with patients and potential customers by text. This is particularly important for capturing new business since 90% of missed calls never call back.

Finally, analytics are an important way to help your business thrive. Access to information such as canceled appointment trends and busy call times can help boost monthly production, and automation means you can dedicate more time to your patients.

In today’s competitive aesthetic market, building relationships with integrated technologies like Weave leads to a successful way of doing business that benefits your practice, your staff, and, most importantly, your patients.

Sponsored by: U.SK Under Skin

With a combination of biomolecular science and innovative ingredients, U.SK™ Under Skin (San Diego, Calif.) has created a new line of concentrated, sterilized solutions that pair with professional aesthetic treatments to boost efficacy and enhance results. The Skin Savers™ collection complements cosmetic procedures as they promote healing, reduce inflammation and even improve cell turnover. Patients enjoy immediate comfort, while practices benefit from increased patient satisfaction.

Skin Savers is high-performance skin care for professional use only. According to Barry DiBernardo, MD, medical director of New Jersey Plastic Surgery® in Montclair, N.J., the six effective formulations include Acne, Hydra, Hair, Age, Firmness and Clarify, and employ technologies for superior and effective penetration.“I use them predominantly with treatments that create disruptions in the skin’s surface such as microneedling and resurfacing,” he said.“But theoretically, because the molecule’s size is so small, it can penetrate the skin during non-invasive treatments, as well.”

Suneel Chilukuri, MD, is director of cosmetic surgery at Refresh Dermatology (Houston, Texas), where he has been a leader in nonsurgical facelifts for over 20 years. He shared his approach to combining the products with his treatments.“We most often pair the Clarify Skin Saver with a 1927 nm thulium laser or microneedling to enhance pigment improvement, decrease inflammation and prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation by inhibiting dendritogenesis,” he explained.

Each of the Skin Saver products complements specific treatments that address concerns from acne to anti-aging.“We combine U.SK’s Acne Skin Saver with a 650 ms Nd: YAG laser to clear most acne lesions in one to two days,” Dr. Chilukuri continued.“It incorporates soothing plant extracts to improve the skin barrier and decrease trans-epidermal water loss, while salicylic acid acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. The Firmness Skin Saver provides a noticeable tightening and uplifted appearance of the skin, which is achieved by stimulating cell proliferation, renewal, and reactivating cells that had stopped replicating properly.”

Dr. DiBernardo agreed that Skin Saver products enhance the patient experience.“I find the Hydra Skin Saver very useful and use it the most right now for our more aggressive treatments like resurfacing and RF micronee-dling,” he shared.“Once we apply the Skin Saver product, patients report an immediate comfort and soothing effect post-treatment, and they feel that their healing processes are starting immediately.”

Barry DiBernardo, MD                   Medical Director        New Jersey Plastic Surgery             Montclair, NJ

Suneel Chilukuri, MD                   Director of Cosmetic Surgery Refresh Dermatology  Houston, TX

Wendy Roberts, MD  Dermatologist   Rancho Mirage, CA

According to Wendy Roberts, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Skin Savers give patients more value as they enjoy procedure efficiency. She explained that when doctors apply the products, the patient has less to think about post-procedure, which can improve the healing process. She also shared some product benefits.“The Hydra Skin Saver augments microdermabrasion, chemical peels, fractional CO₂ and RF microneedling. It boosts brightness, collagen formation and promotes even pigmentation,” she reported.“Age Skin Saver is also great when used with RF microneedling and fractional CO₂ and helps patients see the results quicker. In addition, the Hair Skin Saver can stand alone or can be used with RF microneedling to improve hair appearance with increased hair shine and decreased hair shaft breakage,” she added.

Patient satisfaction and experience are important for any cosmetic practice.“My number one priority is to provide the best results for our patients,” Dr. Chilukuri exclaimed.“I am always researching innovative options that will consistently benefit clients, and the biomolecular science behind Skin Savers is impressive.” U.SK Under Skin truly is the science behind the beauty that physicians can use to enhance patient results with innovative solutions that work.

Sponsored by: Cutera

The pandemic has resulted in trends that are affecting the world of aesthetic treatments, including the demand for non-invasive body sculpting. Cutera (Brisbane, Calif.) offers aesthetic physicians truBody, a complete body-shaping solution that pairs truSculpt iD® to remove fat and truSculpt flex® to build muscle for comfortable treatments and proven results.^{1a, 1b, 2}

According to Arash Morazadeh, MD, of AM Facial Plastics in Beverly Hills, Calif., truBody offers solutions for a very broad demographic of patients, both male and female.“We are seeing more people coming in for these treatments,” he shared.“We are treating more areas than ever. We are also seeing a broad age range, including people in their 20s all the way into their 80s, and all are enjoying benefits.”

The broad demographic is a direct result of the truBody pairing of both truSculpt iD and truSculpt flex technologies, which helps amplify results with customized treatments.“Those with a more moderate thickness in their fat pads see more dramatic results, quickly,” Dr. Morazadeh explained.“But I find that even those who are heavier set enjoy benefits because this device is highly customizable and not restricted by body mass index (BMI). This opens the door for more body types; you might need to do more sessions, but once the patient understands, their expectations match the results.”

The truSculpt iD targets unwanted body fat in 15 minutes with no downtime and no recovery time needed, with a 24% fat reduction on average in a single treatment.1a, 1bThis is complemented by truSculpt flex muscle building technology, which strengthens, firms, and tones muscles with three treatment modes that replicate an intensified crunch, squat and twisting actions to provide an increase in muscle mass. Dr. Morazadeh reported that the technology benefits both his employees and patients.“I think the technology is very user-friendly, very well tolerated, and the results are very important when you are doing procedures for patients with high expectations.”

Referrals are the backbone for many aesthetic practices and so become an important part of marketing and return on investment (ROI). Tahl Humes, DO, medical director of Vitahl Medical Aesthetics in Denver, Colo., utilizes the truBody in her practice and sees the benefit for both her patients and her business.“Patient reaction is overwhelmingly positive because we don’t sell a service, we sell an outcome,” she stated.“The benefits for our patients are no downtime and great results. And when our patients see great results, they are satisfied and come back to treat other areas. As they obtain even more great results, they refer their friends."

Pairing treatments like truSculpt iD’s monopolar RF technology and truSculpt flex’s multi-directional muscle stimulation (MDS) provides patients with the results they expect from a solution that can be delegated, if necessary.“It doesn’t cost me a lot of money to perform this treatment, yet the value is very high,” Dr. Humes said.“And, I can delegate the treatment to nurses and estheticians, which frees up my time. We are able toults they refer their friends.”

In today’s post-pandemic world, aesthetic physicians have the ability to help patients restore or improve both appearance and confidence, and Cutera makes it easy.truBody technology offers proven and long-lasting results, and with the popularity of body shaping treatments still on the rise, aesthetic physicians can deliver a safe and affordable option to their patients.

References:

1a. Taub A, Bartholomeusz J.Ultrasound Evaluation of a Single Treatment With a Temperature Controlled Multi-Frequency Monopolar Radio Frequency Device for the Improvement of Localized Adiposity on the Abdomen and Flanks. J Drugs Dermatol.2020;19(1):28-34

1b. Somenek MT, Ronan SJ, Pittman TA.A Multi-Site, Single-Blinded, Prospective Pilot Clinical Trial for Non-Invasive Fat Reduction of the Abdomen and Flanks Using a Monopolar

2 MHz Radiofrequency Device.Lasers Surg Med. 2021 Mar;53(3):337-3432. Stephen J. Ronan M.D.A Novel Bio-Electric Current Stimulation Device For Improvement Of Muscle Tone 7/2019.

Sponsored by: Crown Aesthetics

Neck wrinkles might have gone under the radar before the pandemic, but that changed when COVID-19 fears forced people to replace in-person meetings with virtual connections. Thanks to the “Zoom boom” and “tech neck,” the neck took center stage.

Crown Aesthetics (Dallas, Texas) is leading the charge to correct this troubling area, announcing in April 2021 that the FDA cleared its SkinPen Precision microneedling system to treat neck wrinkles.

“SkinPen was the first induction therapy with needling to obtain an FDA clearance. I think that demonstrates the company’s commitment to the science,” said Michael H. Gold, MD, of Gold Skin Care Center (Nashville, Tenn.).“Anytime you go through the FDA process, you are investing not only in the technology, but you are looking at the safety of it, the satisfaction from it, and the results that you get. I like that commitment.”

The FDA’s most recent clearance for the microneedling technology comes on the heels of a single-center study of 35 subjects (including patients with darker skin types) ages 35 to 65 years. Patients were treated with the SkinPen four times, on days 1, 30, 60, and 90, with follow-up visits at one month and three months after the final treatment.

Michael H. Gold, MD DermatologistGold Skin Care CenterNashville, TN

Investigators safely treated patients' necks with the SkinPen microneedling device at a depth of up to 2.5 mm and demonstrated clinical improvement of dermal lines on the neck and high patient satisfaction at one and three months post-treatment. At one month, 94% of patients noticed an improvement in the appearance of the wrinkles, and 88% were satisfied with the treatment. More than 80% of participants said they would recommend the device to improve neck wrinkles.

There were no adverse events in the study. The SkinPen Precision system is safe to use as a treatment for neck wrinkles in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types II - IV, according to Crown Aesthetics.

What to Expect

Microneedling treatment of the neck generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes, according to Dr. Gold.

In general, from three to six treatments are recommended to treat neck wrinkles or acne scars, which was the original indication cleared by the FDA, according to company literature.

“Depending on how aggressive the treatment, pinpoint bleeding might occur, but that goes away pretty quickly,” Dr. Gold noted.“You can use topical numbing, and with that, patients are comfortable. They are going to be red for a day or two, and there is some swelling associated with the procedure. But downtime should be nothing significant. That is the joy of microneedling, there is not a lot of downtime.”

More than 2 million patients worldwide have been treated with the SkinPen Precision microneedling device. And most SkinPen Precision procedures have a return on investment (ROI) of about 450%, according to Crown Aesthetics literature.

Crown Aesthetics will be publishing the study data on neck wrinkles and presenting it at global aesthetic dermatology meetings in 2021.

Sponsored by: The HydraFacial Company

The HydraFacial Company (Long Beach, Calif.), known in the aesthetic industry for its popular HydraFacial treatment, has rolled out the company’s HydraFacial CONNECT certification program to aesthetic professionals throughout the U.S.

The U.S. expanded release comes on the heels of the program’s successful pilot certification of 200 licensed professionals, including aestheticians and cosmetologists. As part of global expansion plans, the Company is in the process of piloting the CONNECT certification in EMEA and will expand into Asia by the end of the year, according to Joanna Ebbers, Vice President of Training and Education at the HydraFacial Company.

“The HydraFacial CONNECT certification is a first-of-its-kind aesthetic industry certification,” according to Ms. Ebbers.“This course goes well beyond what an aesthetician might learn in esthetic school or even what they might learn in some certifications from other companies in this space. CONNECT certification takes all the components of being successful in aesthetics and layers in skills like business building, marketing,cross-selling, social media, networking, mentoring, and building long-lasting client relationships.”

Program graduates are exposed to a breadth and depth of skills development that simply does not exist anywhere else in this space, Ms. Ebbers stated.

HydraFacial CONNECT is a 3-level certification, which qualifies as continuing education in states that require continuing education units. The program is also NCEA accredited and BPPE accredited by the state of California as a private post-secondary education institution – a nod to our instructional quality, according to Leah Argento, who leads the HydraFacial CONNECT Certification.

With each level, content grows increasingly more complex as participants will be challenged to demonstrate their skills while receiving personalized coaching from CONNECT Master Educators.

“The certification is not just for HydraFacial providers, but for any licensed beauty health professionals interested in expanding their knowledge into business, wellness, hospitality, and marketing, while also becoming HydraFacial certified,” Ms. Argento said.

Practice and aesthetic clinic owners, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons who might employ these licensed experts, should know that CONNECT certification participants gain valuable knowledge about procedures beyond their scope, including lasers, injectables, and body contouring.

We teach these professionals about those modalities across all areas of aesthetics because we understand that if they have deeper knowledge and understanding of the treatments, they can refer the clients in their treatment rooms to those other services within the practice, effectively making them more valuable to the bottom line,” Ms.Ebbers said.

The HydraFacial Company has partnered with well-known skincare brands to add to what participants can learn and use in practice.

“We often refer to ourselves as an ‘And’Company because of our unique partnership model. We partner with other well-established industry skincare experts, and many of those experts are featured in our curriculum, including partners like Murad, Alastin, Sente, Hydropeptide, and other skincare brands. So, CONNECT attendees get an education in skincare, as well,” Ms. Ebbers added.

Licensed U.S. aestheticians and cosmetologists can enroll in the program at any time. It is primarily online, is self-paced, and will continue to build experience-centered live content elements over time. Each of the three levels ranges in price from $550 to $750, and the company offers discounts for bundling.

Sponsored by: PCA SKIN

As innovators of professional-grade skin-care products for over 30 years, PCA SKIN®️ (Scottsdale, Ariz.) brings truly transformative products to the market to improve not just your patients’ skin health but their lives too. And now, PCA SKIN will introduce their latest breakthrough innovation, ExLinea®️ Pro Peptide Serum, which launches on June 14, 2021.

ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum is an advanced neuropeptide spot treatment that can be used alone or as a complement to your patients’ in-office aesthetic treatments. The formula features Peptide-Pro Complex, a proprietary technology that blends efficacious levels of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts to visibly reduce expression lines, lift and tighten skin, and improve epidermal thickness while increasing hydration and moisture retention.

Peptide-Pro Complex, the proprietary blend that incorporates SNAP-8™ peptide, Argireline®️ Amplified peptide, a polysaccharide-amino acid blend, and bacillus/soybean marine extract, affects nerve-to-muscle communication to reduce facial muscle con-tractions while contouring and firming skin.

Carolyn Jacob, MD, FAAD  Dermatologist Founder and Medical Director Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology Chicago, IL

The unparalleled efficacy of this advanced serum is clinically proven. ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum was tested on 31 female participants between the ages of 35 and 55 years old with Fitzpatrick types ranging from I to III to evaluate the product’s effects on the skin when applied twice daily over 12 weeks. Immediate results showed significant lifting and tightening ten minutes after just one application. 100% of patients demonstrated a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and a smoother skin texture after 12 weeks.

Carolyn Jacob, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, founder, and medical director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology in Chicago, Ill., was one of the fortunate physicians to get a sneak peek of the new formula.“This is a great product for patients who are needle-phobic,” she reported.“It also works for patients who want to smooth areas not treated by neuromodulators and for anyone who wants some prerejuvenation.” She also pointed out that the product can be used for moms who are nursing and patients who are in-between injectables, making this a truly versatile product.

“ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum can be used to complement all injectables and as an adjunct to cosmetic treatments or as a stand-alone solution,” Dr. Jacob continued. And, with some patients opting to use more at-home treatments because of the recent pandemic, physicians and patients will be pleased with the clinical study data that backs the results.

Today’s aesthetic patients rely on their physicians to provide them with safe and effective skincare they can trust. With proven results and exceptional versatility, ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum by PCA SKIN will ensure high patient satisfaction.