Tuesday, June 2, 2009

A new twist on Latisse, and more from the Annual Cosmetic Dermatology Meeting

I have just returned from co-directing the Annual Cosmetic Dermatology-Santa Monica Meeting. The meeting, directed by me and Dr. Christopher Zachary, Chairperson of Dermatology at the University of California –Irvine, was highlighted by discussions about 1) Dysport – the new competitor to Botox; 2) new techniques for body contouring; 3) novel approaches for the use of wrinkle fillers; 4) the benefits of cosmetic camouflage; 5) nuances of Latisse, the new eyelash enhancer; and 6) a look at the aging process of the face.

Dysport, the newly FDA approved wrinkle relaxer, will be available to US physicians over the next month. Based on the European experience with this product, US physicians are expected to embrace the new Botox competitor. In Europe, Dysport has been very popular for both wrinkles and excess sweating. Of note, the amounts to be injected are different than Botox. Patients will need to be certain injections are undertaken by experts so as to receive the appropriate response while lessening the chance of complications.

Cryolipolysis by Zeltiq, Focused Ultrasound by UltraShape and Liposonix (Medicis) are all expected to have a major impact on non-invasive body contouring. Although the results do not appear as profound as those seen with surgery, the non-surgical nature of these techniques should make them highly popular. What is not at all clear is when the FDA will approve these methods.

Wrinkle fillers are commonly used for smile lines. However the meeting focused on the use of such fillers for creating 1) a more natural lip appearance and 2) gently lifting droopy eyebrows. However, with any technique some bruising is possible. Dr. Howard Steinman, an expert in cosmetic mineral based camouflage techniques, taught attendees how to hide injection induced bruising.

We also learned some of the nuances of Latisse, the newly FDA approved eyeliner enhancer. It seems that although life-long use is required to keep eyelashes thick, the daily applications initially required may not be required with time. Finally, Dr. Val Lampros, a California based plastic surgeon, gave a fascinating lecture on the 3 dimensional changes that occur in all of our faces over the course of our lives. By understanding this, techniques for cosmetic improvement will continue to improve.

The meeting was highly educational. Santa Monica was fun. I will be back there again in a year.

Dr. Jason Pozner
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, Boca Raton
Sanctuary Plastic Surgery, Boca Raton

Dr. David J. Goldberg
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, Boca Raton
Skin Laser Surgery Specialists of NY/NJ

11 comments:

  1. I understand that Doctors sell Latisse to make money. What I don't understand is why anyone would pay $120.00 (my OB/GYN sells it) for this product when there are OTC products that do the exact same thing (in the same timeframe) for less money. I use Revitalash (it was developed by an eye doctor) and got longer (even curlier) lashes in 9 weeks. I was hesitant to try any of these products, but am so glad I did. Lashes make such a difference to the face. I get lot of comments, mostly people want to know what mascara I use. Needless to say, Revitalash is good option to the pricey and risky Latisse.

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  2. I just came across this post and I agree with the above comment. I thought about trying latisse until I read about how expensive it was and the scary side effects. I have been using Revitalash as well and have had nothing but beautiful lashes. I think I will stick with that!!

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  3. Where can I get this Revitalash? I just read that Oprah uses it, too! I've been hearing so much about lash-growth products and was confused about which one to try! Revitalash is getting a lot of buzz, so it's the one I'll buy. Can't wait, keep ya posted...

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  4. I am happy with my lashes after using Revitalash, I just threw my lash curler because I don't need it anymore.

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  5. I was wondering how to get longer lashes without putting on fake ones for having it permed. Someone mentioned in one site regarding Revitalash. I was intrigued at the many responses it gets. I am on my 7th week now and to be honest, my lashes have grown longer and thicker too.

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  6. I am happy and in bliss after using Revitalash for 2 months, finally my money and time has finally paid off. My eyelashes are thicker, longer and darker in color. I am loving it.

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  7. I adore Revitalash, order one now girls and you will be happy with what you will get.

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  8. Revitalash has yet again, proven to me that it really works. My friends and I have been using it and now my mom who was very hesitant now loves Revitalash.

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  10. Using Maximum Lash has been my personal miracle and I will continue and endorse Maximum Lash.

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  11. Maximum Lash really works, it worked for me, my sister and mom, so I bet it will work for you too.

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