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