Created on 11th September 2009
Aesthetic consultant Wendy Lewis gives us the lowdown on all the latest treatments and procedures hot in from the US
Lighten up with LumixylTM
LumixylTM is a non-toxic, non-irritating, synthetic peptide technology proven to significantly improve the appearance of unwanted discoloration, age spots, sun spots and uneven skin tone and is now available to help consumers achieve picture perfect skin.
A hydroquinone alternative, this new skin brightening/lightening cream can be found in the practices of leading doctors and dermatologists.
Developed by dermatological researchers from Stanford University, Lumixyl's groundbreaking technology is the only peptide capable of directly restraining tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for initiating the overproduction of melanin that can cause uneven pigmentation and dark spots. Lumixyl lightens dark spots and can help with melasma, sun damage and uneven pigmentation. Lumixyl will be available in the UK very soon; for details of a practitioner near you and further information contact Customer Services at Wigmore Medical on 020 7491 0150.
Botox: the next generation
It seems that Botox® is getting injected just about everywhere these days, including acne spots to inhibit oil gland production and sweaty armpits.
Two more variations of neurotoxins to soften wrinkles are raising a few eyebrows these days. Xeomin (Merz) and Purtox (Mentor/Ethicon) are in the running for FDA approval some time in 2010. The difference with these two products is that they are free of proteins which may be an advantage for people who are resistant to Botox® and Azzalure®.
Xeomin is currently licensed for Cervical Dystonia and Blepharospasm and is awaiting license for aesthetic use in the UK. For further information call the Medical Information team at Merz Pharma on 0845 009 0110.
Purtox is undergoing very successful trials in US currently and should be available in Europe from 2011.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Non-surgical fat blasting and body shaping techniques are taking the cosmetic beauty world by storm. The newest fat reducing system launched in Europe is the LipoSonix® system marketed by Medicis, the company that has Restylane® in North America.
It uses focused high intensity ultrasound energy to cause heat destruction of fat cells without causing damage to the skin's surface. The ultrasound beam goes beneath the epidermis to do the work of reducing bulges and volume where you don't want it, like on your thighs and hips.
According to top cosmetic doctor Rita Rakus, "Clinical studies with LipoSonix have shown an average reduction of 2.0 cm after a single one-hour treatment." www.liposonix.com
Read My Lips
Evolence® Breeze is a collagen-based dermal filler that provides long-lasting treatment to enhance facial areas and especially the lips. The results are immediate, with no swelling or bruising, and clinically proven to last about a year.
Due to its more finely textured consistency, it is ideal for use in lips. Evolence® Breeze replaces collagen which naturally depletes as you age, and adds volume to contour, fill and augment the upper and lower lips and nasolabial folds.
Having had a few injections in my lips over the past decade, I was amazed by how natural Evolence® Breeze looks and feels and for me at least, it's a keeper.
Approved in Europe and Canada, EVOLENCE® Breeze is awaiting FDA approval next year, however, the first generation of EVOLENCE® is widely used all over the US and the rest of the world.
www.evolence.co.uk
Bienvenue Sculptra Aesthetic!
At long last - over ten years and counting - Sculptra® Aesthetic (www.sculptraeasthetic.com) was FDA approved in July in America to the overwhelming excitement of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors all around the country.
Now Americans can expect to hear more about this versatile collagen stimulator that is already available in the UK with a comprehensive consumer education website launching and training programs planned for new physicians eager to use the product for wrinkles, lifting, acne scars and skin texture improvements.
Dr Jennifer Wakerley of The Beauty Doctor who offers Sculptra to her patients says, "Sculptra's fantastic as it doesn't freeze time, it helps you grow some of it back, making you look naturally younger for years."
CS&AM
Wendy Lewis, also called The Knife Coach, is President of Wendy Lewis & Co Ltd, Global Aesthetics Consultancy in New York and London, and the author of ten books including Plastic Makes Perfect (Orion). She is also Founder of www.beautyinthebag.com.
