American Beauty

By: Wendy Lewis
Created on 25th March 2010

Aesthetic consultant Wendy Lewis gives us the lowdown on all the latest treatments and procedures hot in from the US

WHAT'S NEW IN FILLERS
As of February 2010, Allergan Juvederm Ultra XC gets FDA approval, the third hyaluronic acid gel filler with lidocaine now available in the USA, after Prevelle Silk from Mentor, and Hydrelle from Coapt Systems.

Merz Novabel is the first facial rejuvenation product to generate extreme excitement among American doctors eager to try this new alginate-based facial shaping agent that launched in the UK and Europe in January.

Rave reviews from European injectors have made this one of the most anticipated launches. In a country that prides itself on the desire for instant gratification, Novabel delivers on immediate results, minimal to no discomfort and bruising, and longevity.

Don't be surprised if American beauty junkies make their way across the pond eager to sample this new rejuvenation remedy.

CLEAR SKIN IS IN YOUR FUTURE
The blockbuster Lumixyl Topical Brightening Creme is expanding to include the new Lumixyl Brightening System, an innovation in skin brightening technology based on the Lumixyl Peptide.

This unique skincare system includes a series of four cascading formulations. Each product in the system has been engineered individually to promote your brightest, healthiest complexion. When used in tandem, the products amplify the skin clearing benefits for blotches, brown patches and melasma, without the need of hydroquinone (HQ).

The Lumixyl Brightening System is an entirely new approach to naturally brighter, more vibrant skin. Powerful but very gentle, the ingredients yield dramatic and visible results on clarity and skin tone.

Currently, Lumixyl Topical Brightening Creme is available to buy in the UK through Wigmore Medical Ltd (020 7491 0150 or info@wigmoremedical.com) with the Brightening System set to follow from the US.

A NATURAL WAY TO SMOOTH WRINKLES AND SCARS
Pioneered by plastic surgeon Anthony Sclafani, MD, FACS, in New York City, Selphyl is a new therapy that harnesses the body's natural healing ability to improve the appearance of the skin.

In a recent study, Dr Sclafani reported that patients treated with an extract of their own blood and platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), saw significant improvement in the appearance of their smile lines within two weeks of treatment. PRFM is prepared from a small amount of your own blood obtained by using a patented system called Selphyl.

The main advantage is that the process utiliaes the patient's own tissues without the need for any foreign substance and Dr Sclafani claims that results appear to be stable for at least two years (www.selphyl.com).

SKIN TIGHT
In the US, especially in New York, LA and Miami, having smooth, taut skin takes on new meaning. There are two new skin tightening technologies with a twist exploding onto the American scene.

Pellevé is a new variation on skin tightening that involves a high frequency radiowave device to heat the skin causing it to shrink and tighten, and thus improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The treatment is not painful and the effects can be seen after a single one hour treatment session with only slight redness for a few days (www.pelleve.com).

Pellevé has been available in the UK since July 2009 (call Q Technology Group on 01604 589 928 to find your nearest practitioner).

Syneron, who markets the cellulite solution known as Velashape, is launching its Primaeva skin tightening system. With Primaeva, selected energy is delivered directly within the deeper layers of the skin while protecting the surface of the skin. It utilises a fractional delivery pattern that leaves untreated areas surrounding treatment zones unaffected so is safe on most skin types (www.primaeva.com).

ZAP OR CHILL?
Now there is an alternative to traditional methods of breaking down fat by heating it. Zeltiq is a non-invasive fat reduction system with a cool kind of energy. The technology is based on Cryolipolysis, which is controlled cooling rather than heating to eliminate fat cells.

The physician attaches an applicator to your mid section and extracts cooling energy to lower the temperature so that the fat cells are transformed from liquids to solids. The fat cells are destroyed and processed by the liver and then reabsorbed by the body naturally over the next few months.

At the current time, only the abdomen, love handles or flanks and lower back rolls can be treated and several sessions are needed, but Zeltiq is expected to offer more versatility for other body areas in the future (www.zeltiq.com). The system should become available in the UK by the end of 2010 or early 2011.