Sponsored by: Quanta System

The multi-wavelength Chrome Lase Station from Quanta System (Milan, Italy) features multiple laser and light treatments, with up to three laser wavelengths (1064 nm Nd: YAG, 2940 nm Er: YAG, and 532 nm) plus an IPL emitter, and a variety of dedicated handpieces. However, the real innovation lies in the dedicated Skin App technology integrated within the system. Patients can better understand their skin and its needs, improving the efficacy of the physician consult and inspiring more thorough patient engagement.

According to Nicola Zerbinati, MD, professor of Dermatology at University of Pavia, Italy, the purpose of Skin App is to use ubiquitous modern technology to better educate the patient.“The patient is placed at the center of this concept in a unique way with Skin App,” he said.“It is a turning point in providing patients a thorough explanation about their skin and possible treatment results. This more contemporary means of communication engages and inspires the patient.”

The device itself is the culmination of a 35-year heritage of medical laser development and is designed to provide an expansive range of safe, effective treatment options for the treatment of skin. In addition, the device can grow with the practice. The core system is expandable with optional modules, allowing practitioners to utilize the device at whatever level best suits their needs. The different wavelengths can be modulated by fluence, pulse width, repetition rate, spot size, and ‘Microbeam’ modes, as well as in Q-switched, Opti-Pulse, and pulsed delivery modes. The Twain IPL features six light wavelength ranges.“The basic module starts with the new Quanta Zoom handpiece, which offers an assortment of multiple round spot handpieces all in one. Users can adjust the spot size to treat single benign pigmented lesions or even benign dermatological vessels,” said Prof. Zerbinati.

Nicola Zerbinati, MD Professor of Dermatology University of PaviaPavia, Italy

Although more than 50 therapies can be performed with the device, there are five featured offerings: Décolleté addresses aging skin and vascularization in that area, as well as evens out skin tone; Refresh pro-motes homogeneous skin tone and reduces lines and wrinkles. Define combines laser peel-based skin restoration with deeper resurfacing and collagen remodeling, while resurfacing and peeling, plus reduction of benign vascularization, is the objective of Revivo.

But the greatest offering, according to Prof.Zerbinati, is NaturaPeel.“This is the ultimate treatment to tackle the most patient requests,” he stated.“I use it every day for patients that want to fight the first signs of photo-aging to prevent deep wrinkle formation. NaturaPeel involves a light laser peel of the most superficial cutaneous layers and is absolutely painless, non-invasive, and free of downtime, with immediate visible results.NaturaPeel is very fast and allows me to treat several patients even during a lunch break. It is a ready-to-go treatment.”

As safe and effective as the numerous options are, the utility and versatility of Chrome is immeasurably enhanced with the Skin App, which can be linked with NaturaPeel, Refresh, Décolleté, Define and Revivo treatments.“When you combine the device with Skin App, you can help patients figure out what they really want with visual guidance, and it helps manage expectations considerably. Together they provide an innovative advantage as we progress further into the digital world.”

Sponsored by: LASEROPTEK Co.

Designed and manufactured to deliver industry-leading picosecond pulse energy and duration stability, the PicoLO Nd:YAG 1064 and 532 nm laser from LASEROPTEK Co., Ltd. (Seoul, Korea) is used by practitioners worldwide to safely and efficaciously treat a variety of indications across most skin types. A recent FDA 510(k) clearance expands PicoLO’s original tattoo removal indication to now include benign pigmented lesion removal, treatment of acne scars and wrinkles. Armed with this new clear-ance, PicoLO is ready to enable U.S.-based clinicians to address a wide array of skin concerns with comfortable and quick pico-second pulse laser treatments.

“PicoLO features ultra-stable picosecond laser energy at both 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths deliverable through a complete range of handpieces. This allows us to finely tailor treatment plans unique to each patient’s needs and concerns,” according to dermatologist Phil Werschler, MD, of Werschler Aesthetics (Spokane, Wash.).“The 1064 nm Dia FX® micro-beam array handpiece is a workhorse allowing me to target picosecond pulse-generated Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) where I want it, whether in the deep dermis, upper dermis or epidermis.”

In addition to the depth control available with the 1064 Dia FX, the unique optical design of the 1064 nm and 532 nm hand-pieces deliver consistent picosecond laser energy density across the entire array, minimizing hot spots and resulting in safe and comfortable treatments with little to no downtime.

Phil Werschler, MD, FAAD     Dermatologist   Werschler Aesthetics Spokane, WA

Steven Shapiro, MD, FAAD        Dermatologist      Gardens Dermatology Clinic                           Palm Beach Gardens, FL

“I am highly interested in the area of regenerative aesthetics,” Dr. Werschler began.“In addition to utilizing photomechanical forces to break up pigmentation and scar tissue, this device allows us to non-invasively generate micro-wounds in dermal and epidermal tissue, catalyzing the body’s wound healing response that regenerates collagen and elastin from within. The picosecond laser energy creates much less heat and adjacent tissue damage in comparison with nanosecond lasers while leaving the stratum corneum completely intact. I am really excited to see what can be done with this laser both as a standalone and in combination with other modalities,” he noted.

Dermatologist Steven Shapiro, MD, of Gardens Dermatology Clinic (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) attributes PicoLO’s ability to effectively treat a multitude of skin indications to the strength of its design and build quality.

“I’ve been working with lasers and other energy-based devices throughout my 29 years as a dermatologist and have a good understanding of what it takes to consistently deliver safe and efficacious results over the long term,” Dr. Shapiro explained.“My treatment philosophy revolves around repairing skin as the way to achieve positive cosmetic outcomes, and being in Southern Florida; we see a lot of solar-damaged skin in need of repair. The technologies developed and deployed in this device give us the ability to effectively remove benign pigmented lesions as well as generate a lift and improvement of skin texture to deliver positive medical and cosmetic results.

“The safety profile that picosecond pulse lasers exhibit, combined with PicoLO’s energy and pulse duration stability, gives me confidence to safely treat most patients, including darker skin types,” Dr. Shapiro added.

 

 

 

Sponsored by: Eclipse

U.S.-based medical providers now have access to a new microneedling device that has been a big hit in Canada since being introduced there last year. The FDA just announced that it has cleared the MicroPen EVO from Eclipse (The Colony, Texas) for treatment of facial acne scars.

According to Tom O’Brien, CEO at Eclipse, MicroPen EVO is the microneedling pen that the U.S. aesthetic market has been waiting for.“We want this to be the last micronee-dling device that practices in the U.S. feel they have to invest in for the long term.”

Microneedling technology has come a long way.“The origins of microneedling in the clinical setting started with rollers and manual stampers, followed by the introduction of the mechanical and automated pen,” said Michael O’Brien, vice president of strategy at Eclipse.“These original microneedling pen devices were novel, but not very precise nor medical-grade. Many had a cord and they were not designed to last in a high-volume aesthetic practice.”

Despite some of the early devices’ short-comings, microneedling has proven to be safe, effective and often is preferred for treating acne scars and wrinkles, according to authors of a systematic review on microneedling published in 2018 in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery^.1

Jean Carruthers, MD, FRCSC, FRC (Ophth)  Cosmetic Surgeon  Vancouver, British Columbia

Paul Nassif, MD  Facial Plastic Surgeon Nassif MD Plastic Surgery              Beverly Hills, CA

According to the article, microneedling showed noteworthy results when used on its own...When compared with other treatments, it showed similar results but was preferred due to minimal side effects and shorter downtime.¹

And, aesthetic physicians embrace micro-needling. In its 2019 Survey on Dermatologic Procedures, The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) reported that microneedling was among the top cosmetic treatments in 2019, with members performing 238,000 microneedling treatments that year^.2

What EVO Brings to the Market

The MicroPen EVO maintained what doctors already love about the original devices, and then improved upon the microneedling pen concept, according to M. O’Brien.

"It is the most precise pen in terms of the tissue effect and its clinical outcomes,” M.O’Brien said.“But it is also a device that practitioners are going to enjoy using and really fall in love with in terms of how it feels in their hands and how it operates."

EVO was designed and is manufactured in the U.S., with features that make it easy to use, such as a lightweight aerospace-grade alloy body, a fluid-resistant turbo safety cartridge and wireless charging.

The cartridges are easy to apply. There are no cords getting in the way during treatment. And the device is reliable, with a removable lithium-ion battery that quickly charges, wirelessly, so that operators are never left in a lurch, unable to finish a case, according to M. O’Brien.

"The EVO’s battery life is four to eight hours,” M. O’Brien noted.“The recharge time is the shortest of any cordless device out there.”

 

The EVO also offers many built-in safety features.“One of the concerns about the safety of microneedling has to do with the potential for the pinpoint bleeding that occurs on the patient’s skin to be transferred to the pen,” M. O’Brien advised.“Of course, we have a protective sleeve that goes over it to protect the pen. The cartridges are single-use, sterile cartridges, but it is the design of our pen that makes our cartridge the safest on the market. Unlike other devices that require the cartridge to be inserted into the body of the pen, the EVO’s turbo safety cartridge is positioned on the outside of the pen’s body, making it virtually impossible for blood to be pulled into the housing of the pen.”

“You protect the pen with a sleeve and then, after use, you wipe it down with disinfectant and give it one last pass with UV radiation, which will kill anything that may have made accidental contact,” M. O’Brien said.“So, we have what we feel is the safest microneedling concept ever brought to market in terms of reducing the risk of cross-contamination and giving practitioners added assurance of keeping patients safe.”

The EVO is made with high-quality medical-grade stainless steel needles, and a Swiss-engineered high-speed motor for improved treatment efficiency. The device’s needles pulse at 7000 rpms (+/- 10%), with a maximum penetration depth of 2.0 mm.

Well-known innovators and leaders in cosmetic dermatology, Jean Carruthers, MD, and Shannon Humphrey, MD, of Vancouver, British Columbia, were the first practice in North America to upgrade to the new MicroPen EVO.“

MicroPen has been a wonderful addition to our armamentarium of skin rejuvenation tools,” said Dr. Carruthers, who is recognized worldwide for pioneering the cosmetic use of botulinum A exotoxin (Botox) with her husband Alastair Carruthers, MD.

“As a long-time customer of Eclipse, I’ve appreciated their ability to innovate and improve the technologies we use every day,” said Paul Nassif, MD, of Nassif MD Plastic Surgery (Beverly Hills, Calif.).“EVO is the next big thing.”

Minimal Investment. High Return. Low Patient Risk.

Compared to many of the technologies available at U.S. aesthetic practices,microneedling devices are relatively simple and low cost. That’s the beauty of microneedling, according to M. O’Brien.“

Microneedling gives practices a very affordable frontline therapy that delivers results which exceed patient expectations. And when you can deliver that kind of patient satisfaction level in a device that typically does not require any sort of capital lease or debt, practices are happy and so are patients,” M. O’Brien stated.“Microneedling becomes a trust builder with patients in terms of offering them something that is low downtime and affordable,” he continued.“When they see results, they really appreciate the doctor or medical provider for delivering something that works, is not too expensive and does not create a lot of downtime. It is just good business.”

Eclipse has a full team in the field, covering all 50 U.S. states, ready to introduce practices to the EVO.

“During the COVID era, we embraced an online training module that introduces practices to the device when they purchase the system,” M. O’Brien indicated.“We follow up with in-person training. And we are one of the few companies that offers continuing medical education (CME) grants on the front end for our customers so that if they want to receive advanced training, our CME training partners will be able to provide that for them as part of their customer experience.”

References:

1. Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature - ScienceDirect. 2018; 70(1):1-4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2017.06.006

2. 2019 ASDS Procedures Survey Release: https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/news-room/press-releases/asds-members-performed-nearly-14-million-treatments-in-2019

 

Sponsored by: BTL Aesthetics

The role of sex in overall health has been well-established; even more so, the impact of age-related issues on sexual capacity in women. Core-to-Floor therapy using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy with Emsculpt or Emsculpt Neo and Emsella from BTL Aesthetics (Boston, Mass.) may provide a significant boost in sexual health, owing to the FDA-recognized enhancement of blood flow as a side effect of HIFEM, and preliminary data suggesting improvement in sexual satisfaction¹, plus other added benefits. By improving and strengthening core musculature with scientifically demonstrated health advantages, including improved continence – the barriers to the enjoyment of sex for women with urinary incontinence may be falling rapidly.

According to Carolyn DeLucia, MD, director of ViVa Rejuvenation Center (Hillsborough, N.J.), physical health plays a key role in sexual health and vice versa.“Countless surveys and studies have shown that the vast majority of women experience these problems and that they reduce sexual function and desire. This isn’t news because the knowledge has been around since the dawn of time,” she said.

Carolyn DeLucia,  MD                     Director                 ViVa Rejuvenation Center     Hillsborough, NJ

Beyond the obvious, we also know sex has health benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress, and improved immunity,” Dr. DeLucia continued.“But at a certain point in life, women experience hormonal changes that impact enervation and blood supply to the genitalia. Reduced blood supply leads to vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. Issues with enervation and subsequent loss of sensation make it more difficult or even impossible for a woman to achieve orgasm. Each of those will negatively impact libido. On top of that, many women develop incontinence after childbirth or from hormonal changes as well. Sexual desire in women is also understandably reduced when they are self-conscious about issues like incontinence.

 

“Because it is personal and embarrassing, women don’t readily discuss these issues, and they have been considered ‘just part of life’ for the longest time,” Dr. DeLucia expressed.“But that is simply not true anymore. There is a growing armamentarium of viable therapies that address these issues, and Core-to-Floor therapy with BTL’s Ems-sculpt and Emsella is a big part of that. Induced exercise to improve core musculature and reduced impact of these issues on muscle function has a positive impact on desire to participate in sexual intimacy. If you consider that about 45% of women experiencing urinary incontinence are unwilling to be sexually intimate, that alone is huge.”

“HIFEM has been shown to enlarge and improve all pelvic floor musculature and increase blood flow,” Dr. DeLucia continued.“Emsculpt Neo has been shown to close diastasis rectus an average of 19% at three months as well as decrease fat by 30% with a corresponding 25% increase in muscle. Improvement in abdominal muscle tone and pelvic floor function seems to correlate directly with improved sexual function in the literature.”³

Improvements in incontinence, sex, and quality of life have been demonstrated in two key studies of HIFEM technology. Samuels and colleagues² studied women with urinary incontinence (n=75, age 55.45 ± 12.80 years, childbirths 1.85 ± 1.28 deliveries) who underwent six twice-per-week HIFEM sessions, with assessment of improvement in incontinence via standardized questionnaire and recording of the use of incontinence pads.

Secondary subjective measurement of changes in quality of life was also conducted. More than 80% of subjects reported marked reduction of symptoms after the sixth session, with almost 50% improvement as per the questionnaire, which increased further at six-month follow-up. Dramatic reductions in use of absorbent pads were also noted. Patients reported increased libido and better overall control of urination as well.

More importantly, preliminary data from a prospective one-arm study: Samuels and Evans¹, presented at the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting (Sept 30, 2020 – Oct 3, 2020), is very promising. Women showing de-creased interest in sex accompanied by urinary incontinence (n=31, age 49.8±9.9 years) underwent six twice-per-week sessions with Emsella; rated with industry-standard questionnaires for incontinence as well as sexual function.

The results included statistically significant improvement of both continence and sexual function, with the greatest improvement seen at three-month follow-up, which was maintained at six months. Overall, subjects reported significant reduction in urinary leakage, reduced pain during intercourse, im-proved arousal and lubrication, greater satisfaction with orgasms, and increased sexual desire.

“What this all shows is a strong correlation between what HIFEM improves and a physical outcome that positively impacts sexual intimacy in key ways,” Dr. DeLucia explained.“Women who are embarrassed because of incontinence are much less likely to be intimate, so the scientifically proven improvement in incontinence with Core-to-Floor therapy brings this barrier down."

Add to that reported improvement in sexual sensitivity with Emsella, and we see more obstacles to sexual fulfillment removed. This indirect improvement mimics what physicians have been reporting anecdotally in our practices across the country. So many women abstain from any activity during which they may experience a bout of incontinence – especially sex – and that is a massive patient base.”

From a business perspective, Core-to-Floor therapy with HIFEM is proving to be a big winner for reasons like these.“The percentage of women who might benefit from HIFEM is very high,” said Dr. DeLucia.“But the personal nature of these conditions makes them difficult to discuss, so we have to get the word out because they will not or cannot seek treatment when they think this s just part of life and/or they aren’t aware of viable therapies like Core-to-Floor which are accessible to most people.”

Regular communication through email and social media improves the awareness, as do real patient testimonies, but you have to get them in the door. For Dr. DeLucia, her core OB/GYN specialty opens doors for discussion. But for practitioners of other specialties where that may be more challenging, she had this marketing advice: “I have rather frank signage in my office that won’t be as appropriate for a dermatologist, for example, but little teaser signs in the restrooms and other private areas hinting at the possibilities may be just the thing. We need to let patients know what we can do, and they will want us to do it.”

 

References:

1. Samuels JB, Evans K. Female sexual function, and urinary incontinence: six-month follow-up after high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure. Presented at North American Menopause Society 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting, Sept 30, 2020 – Oct 3, 2020.

2. Samuels JB, Pezzella A, Berenholz J, Alinsod R. Safety and efficacy of a non-invasive high-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) device for treatment of urinary incontinence and enhancement of quality of life. Lasers Surg Med 2019 Nov;51(9):760-766.

3. Dhikav V, Karmakar G, Gupta R, et al.Yoga in female sexual functions. J Sex Med 201 Feb;7(2 pt 2):964-70.

 

 

 

Sponsored by: Oxygenetix

Providers are catching on to an exciting medical-grade camouflage and aftercare product from Oxygenetix (Beverly Hills, Calif.) that can be applied immediately after most aesthetic procedures for faster cell turnover and wound healing.

Oxygenetix’s exclusive Ceravitae Complex, found in the Oxygenating foundation and Hydro-Matrix moisturizer, is a patented formula that stimulates the oxygen uptake process. It also contains hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture and sodium PCA to bind moisture to skin cells. In addition, an aloe vera peptide helps combat inflammation and reduce the stinging, discomfort, and redness associated with lasers, peels, injections, microneedling, and surgery.

According to users, Oxygenetix foundation helps them book procedures more regularly than before as clients no longer need to wait for downtime in their schedules. “We get patients that are very on-the-go,” said celebrity clinical aesthetician Nina Carla Navarro who practices at Motykie Medspa (West Hollywood, Calif.) and has used Oxygenetix for seven years. “Especially for our red-carpet clients or celebrities that have to go to an event or have to film right away, this is the product we recommend so they can leave and immediately get on with their day,” she said.

Nina Carla Navarro Clinical Aesthetician Motykie Medspa West Hollywood, CA

Michelle Regoso, RN              Beverly Hills, CA

In one case, Ms. Navarro performed a full-face deep treatment of Stellar Skin microneedling on a client who had an event to attend immediately afterward.“I applied Oxygenetix to her skin so she could heal but also get coverage at the same time. The product gave her a beautiful glow. She had to film and meet with people right after, and no one knew she had just had a major treatment. She was a happy patient.”                                                                                           

Oxygenetix products help drive patient retention because most will continue to use it daily even after their skin heals. Then, when they run out, they come back into the office to re-purchase the product, allowing your staff to remind them to reschedule procedures like Botox and filler.

“It helps practices build and sell their procedures,” said Michelle Regoso, RN (Beverly Hills, Calif.), who has used Oxygenetix as post-treatment camouflage on her patients for years. In addition, she likes how well the moisturizer pairs with a breathable foundation (SPF 30) for compromised skin.“It reduces inflammation, so they are not leaving with red, angry-looking skin. They are also getting the added sun protection, and it is a clean product, so we do not have to worry about acne breakouts,” she explained.

A medical-grade topical, Oxygenetixwas created in 2008 and has since become a favorite among practitioners, aestheticians, makeup artists, beauty and skincare gurus, and celebrities. It is considered a safe alternative to everyday makeup.

Athletes like that they can work out wearing Oxygenetix foundation and still allow their skin to breathe. Actors like that they can film long hours in it with no adverse side effects like pore congestion. They say that even under harsh studio lights, one application lasts all day and night. “Oxygenetix is a product I use on myself daily and believe in,” Ms. Navarro indicated.