FILLERS
The News: Edging out the competition among the new pack
of hyaluronic acid fillers is Belotero, from Merz Aesthetics (creators
of Radiesse). The general consensus is that this gel leaves a
smoother-looking appearance than its predecessors (Juvéderm, Restylane,
and Perlane).
Lewis’s Take: “The differences are subtle, but the
doctors I’ve spoken to in Europe really like it. One main advantage is
Belotero’s softer formulation, which doctors think will be useful in the
tear trough area, which is tough to treat. The main disadvantage now is
that it isn’t available with lidocaine, a local anesthetic.”
SPOT TREATMENTS
The News: Hydroquinone creams or standing laser and
chemical peels have been the most effective way to fight
hyperpigmentation—until now. Syneron’s new nonirritating topical cream,
elure, uses melanozyme, a proprietary enzyme that directly targets dark
spots
and breaks up already-formed melanin clusters.
Lewis’s Take: “Elure is safe for all skin tones, has no
side effects,
and can be paired with laser treatments and even
hydroquinone.
You have to consistently use the product, though—once you
stop,
it’s back to baseline.”
ADVANCED LIFTING
The News: Derms are raving about the radio frequency
tissue-tightening device Exilis, thanks in large part to its
temperature sensor.
It lets them know exactly how deeply heat is
penetrating the skin, allowing for more precise fat contouring. And
unlike its rival treatment, Thermage, patients won’t need topical
anesthesia or painkillers for what doctors are calling a painless
procedure. Though it’s FDA approved only for lifting and tightening,
studies focusing on its body-contouring capabilities are being
conducted.
Lewis’s Take: “All the ‘before’ and ‘after’
photographs from devices
like Exilis start to look the same, but at the
end of the day there are people who absolutely do not want to have
surgery, and these procedures are really popular with them.”
FAT ELIMINATION
The News: Kythera’s ATX-101 (its company code name) is
a chemical injectable undergoing clinical trials in Europe and the U.S.
Because
of its ability to target fat cells, it seems poised to become
the holy
grail of fat melting.
Lewis’s Take: “There’s minimal downtime, and the idea
of being able to noninvasively shrink the presence of fat deposits in a
certain area—like under the neck—is very exciting. Who doesn’t want
that?”
KINDER, GENTLER INJECTIONS
The News: Needlephobes who’d rather keep their wrinkles
than face daunting syringes should look out for the release of Restylane
Vital and Juvéderm Hydrate. Both hyaluronic acid fillers are injected
via tiny needles, which doctors overseas are using on the backs of hands
and around the eyes. These are great for someone who needs less than a
full-fill job but more than a potent moisturizer.
Lewis’s Take: “When it becomes available here, it will
be great for people with fine, sun-damaged skin, but it’s not for deep
wrinkles. It’s temporary, but it really hydrates the skin—another option
for someone who doesn’t need or want a long-term filler and just wants
to try something on for size.”
