The Future of Beauty

Last weekend I spent three days at the historic Sagamore Hotel in upstate New York attending the symposium on Controversies & Conversations in Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, which focused on the latest advances in cosmetic treatments. This symposium is remarkable because it provides a venue for some of the best minds in the field to discuss candidly which cosmetic treatments really work and which are just a lot of hype. I left with some good ideas for my current practice, but also with a lot of optimism for the future of cosmetic dermatology. So here are some of the things that you are likely to see in the next decade of skin science:

1. There will be a better Botox. Botox's competitor Reloxin, also known as Dysport in Europe, is in phase three clinical trials and will likely be approved by FDA for use late next year. At this point we do not know whether Reloxin will be better or worse than Botox, but it will certainly make for a more competitive market. Future Botox and Reloxin treatments are likely to be longer lasting than their current formulations. Researchers are also evaluating injection-free Botox delivery methods, where the product could be absorbed through a patch or cream instead of being injected with small needles.

2. It will be possible to have a laser system at home.There are currently only two laser devices that are FDA approved for home use. One is a small laser designed for diabetics to prick their finger for glucose monitoring and the other is an acne treatment device called the zeno, which most of the dermatologists at the symposium viewed with a dose of skepticism. However there are several home devices under development, including home hair removal devices that deliver low levels of laser energy to the skin to slow hair growth and light emitting diode devices that help stimulate collagen production in the skin. These devices will have to be proven safe before they will be allowed for public sale and will not be as powerful as the treatments that are delivered in doctor's offices.

3. Fat is the final frontier. Several companies are developing ways to remove fat. One of the most promising approaches is the Smart Lipo system, which uses a laser on the tip of a cannula to heat and liquefy fat and then suctions the fat out of the body with traditional liposuction methods. Other companies are developing treatments that use ultrasound waves to break up the fat or attempt to dissolve fat by injecting special detergents. Only the Smart Lipo system is FDA-approved at this point and the other methods still need to be further investigated to establish their safety and efficacy.

Although only time will tell which of these ideas prove to be safe and effective, the future of cosmetic medicine certainly seems very bright.

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Comments

[mommadona]

I have this vision.....of an autobody shop.....and an airbush paint tent.....naked bodies on an assembly line......­..*snip*sn­ip.

And, who's insurance is paying for all these "non-essential"s?