Cytori's PureGraft: Removes and Reinjects Patient's Fat in 15 Minutes

The FDA has approved Cytori's PureGraft system, which is a bedside device "capable of removing, purifying and re-injecting a patient’s fat tissue in about 15 minutes."

We haven't posted on this before, but investors sure seem to be excited about Cytori's product, as shares of CYTX are at an all-time high of 8.34 right now.

We are still awaiting news on PureGraft's approval for use in Europe. The product will be officially launched at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery meeting in late April.

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

South Beach Symposium Wrap-up

This past weekend Dr. Pozner and I both lectured at the 8th annual South Beach Symposium. This Miami Beach meeting, run by Dr. Mark Nestor, is always a very practical symposium with a large variety of lectures focusing on both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Pozner ‘s lectures focused on fractional devices such as Sciton (we use Sciton Erbium lasers) and I discussed the science of mesotherapy. I talked about our research with Kythera’s deoxycholate and on newer attempts at mesotherapy for cellulite that do not require the currently used, and highly controversial, Lipostabil approach. Mesotherapy has yet to be embraced by mainstream dermatology and plastic surgery. This may change as a more serious scientific approach is given to the techniques of mesotherapy.

One of the more interesting discussions at the meeting was a look at newer approaches to using one’s own fat for filling wrinkles (and perhaps even enlarging breasts). Although this technique has been around for well over a decade, newer approaches may be simpler, less traumatic and lead to even better results. Stay tuned!

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

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

IMCAS Buzz: Syneron merges with Candela, acquires Primaeva

Last Monday, Dr. Pozner and I returned from the 12th annual International Master Course on Aging Skin (IMCAS) in Paris, France. I have been the only American on the organizing committee of IMCAS for all of these 12 years, and have watched this meeting grow from its original meeting with only a couple of hundred physician attendees to what is now one of the leading international meetings dedicated to cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery.

This year, there were over 3,200 physicians in attendance from over 40 countries. For American physicians the meeting is fantastic because we learn of new European cosmetic approaches that are not yet available in the US. Our European counterparts also learn of American approaches from of us.

There was a buzz at the meeting about the Syneron merger with Candela and the possible purchase of Bioform by the German company Merz.

Syneron has rapidly become a major international manufacturer of new laser and laser-like technology. Candela has always been well respected since their early development of the first pulsed dye laser. There was much discussion about Syneron’s new eMatrix fractional radiofrequency devices.

They share in common with other such devices such as Solta’s Fraxel Repair, Lumenis’ FX and Sciton’s Profractional lasers the ability to deliver fractional pulses for laser resurfacing of aging skin. What makes the eMatrix different is that it is a radiofrequency device and not a laser. It is possible that this machine may be highly effective for treating acne scars and will be safer for treating darker skin types.

I also had the opportunity to present our recent research on the Primaeva skin tightening device. Primaeva was recently also purchased by Syneron. The Primaeva skin tightening approach, as well as Ulthera’s focused ultrasound technique, is an attempt to produce more consistent non-surgical skin tightening.

Merz, in Europe, has become a leading manufacturer and distributor of new wrinkle fillers and Botox-like substances. Belotero, the new Merz hyaluronic acid was much discussed at the IMCAS meeting. This product awaits FDA approval in the US.

Despite Merz’s well deserved reputation in the European cosmetic market, they are relatively unknown in the US. Their attempt to purchase Bioform with their very popular Radiesse filler gives Merz a well needed foothold in the US cosmetic market while they await FDA approval of their popular European injectable cosmetic products.

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

Guest Post: Dr. Michael Gold

I have just returned from IMCAS - regarded as one of the more innovative derm and plastic meetings of the year. What makes IMCAS great is that, as the first meeting of the year, we have the opportunity to work with companies and to listen to lectures from experts from all over the world on the most cutting edge treatment modalities for aging skin. This year was no exception and I was honored to be included in the program lecturing on a variety of innovative new devices for the aesthetic world.

These included the eMatrix from Syneron, a new bipolar radiofrequency device that has been quite successful in treating acne scars and deeper lines and wrinkles. We introduced the newest version of this device and some of the clinical data we have with it - very exciting technology.

We also discussed the numerous cellulite devices on the market, including the VelaShape from Syneron and the SmoothShapes from Eleme - and presented the clinical trial data we have obtained with the SmoothShapes and the reduction in thigh circumference which can be achieved with these machines. I also had the honor to speak on the new cold fat removing device, the Zeltiq - and introduce it to some of the European luminaries working with the product. This machine uses cold to destroy the fat cells and to remove inches from your skin.

And I spoke on some of the new fillers and toxins which are on the market - and those which are coming. This included the use of the Anteis "Pen" - a novel injection system which puts fillers and even toxins in the skin in exact measurements and with less pain - not yet available in the US market but someday - and something very exciting as well.

IMCAS is a great meeting - to share experiences with colleagues and friends.

Dr. Michael Gold
Gold Skin Care, Nashville TN

Topical Botox is for real

One of the best presentations at the IMCAS was by Dr. Michael Kane, a plastic surgeon from NY, who presented the phase 2b data from Revance's RT001 - also known as "topical botox."

This topical preparation allows the botulinum toxin molecule to penetrate the skin and affect the targeted underlying musculature. In the study Dr. Kane presented, they developed a wrinkle score for crows feet - periocular wrinkles and showed the results of the Revance toxin. The preparation significantly improved the wrinkles at rest - which was most impressive as all the other toxin studies show improvement with motion. The toxin is also thought to be very effective in treating axillary hyperhydrosis - aka underarm sweating.

Bottom line - no needle botox is going to be a blockbuster.

Revance is privately held, but we'll go to a quote from Colin Stewart's "In Your Face" blog for the details on their deal with Medicis.

"...Medicis Pharmaceutical, which sells the popular dermal filler Restylane and the new Botox-like injection Dysport, decided in 2007 that RT001 was promising enough that the company paid Revance $20 million for an option to buy it.

In the deal, Medicis acquired a 10 percent stake in Revance plus an option to buy the company outright or to acquire an exclusive North American license for RT001."

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

Merz adds Bioform to become Merz Aesthetic

I recently went to Merz's advisory council. They introduced their Belotero hyaluronic acid fillers to a group of US dermatologists and plastic surgeons. We hope that it is FDA approved soon. I got a turn at injecting it in Paris and it is very smooth and may last longer than Restylane and Juvederm, which represent the current generation of hyaluronic acid fillers in the US.

For the European market, they introduced Novabel - an alginate facial shaper that has a duration of effect of at least 12 months. It uses a proprietary technology called Geleon. With their recent Bioform acquisition, Merz is becoming a huge player in the aesthetic marketplace.

According to Merz, they're also introducing a new neurotoxin called Bocouture/XEOMIN, which they bill as "a neurotoxin free of complexing protein, available today to customers outside of the United States for aesthetic and neurological use and currently in phase 3 trials for aesthetic indications in the United States."

We'll keep you updated!

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

Live from the IMCAS!

We're off to the annual International Master Course On Aging Skin, held in beautiful Paris.
That picture was taken by me today! Dr. Goldberg is very involved with the planning of the IMCAS. It focuses on many products and treatments that are currently being used in Europe, but are not yet available in the United States.

In our coverage of last year (here and here) there were extended looks at treatments like Ulthera, and fillers such as Novielle, Voluma and Revanesse.

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

The NEW Ultrashape coming soon

Ultrashape is introducing a new machine that combines RF with ultrasonic waves for fat removal.

Yes, it is a NEW device. Dr. Goldberg and I have been at the forefront of non-surgical fat removal in the US, having been involved in the current generation Ultrashape FDA trial (before/after from Good Morning America pictured above, still awaiting approval), as well as using the Zeltiq device off-label for cosmetic purposes.

Dr. Pozner recently attended the Liposonix advisory board meeting as well. Basically, we are involved with all the non-surgical fat removal devices from the major companies.

Dr. Goldberg will be helping Syneron launch the new Primaeva fractional radiofrequency skin tightening device at IMCAS. Primaeva and Ulthera represent the 2 newest approaches to improve non-surgical skin tightening.

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

Bioform (makers of Radiesse) bought by Merz Pharma Group

Merz Pharma Group, in Germany, announced today that they're buying Bioform Medical for $253M today.

Bioform will now be known as Merz Aesthetics, and they are most prominently known for producing the popular dermal filler Radiesse, which consists of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel.

According to the ABC News report on this event, BioForm is "developing a surgical adhesive intended to be used in repairing large blood vessels, and an injectable treatment for varicose veins."

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