Industry News & Updates

Thursday ~ January 31, 2008

Syneron™ Previews Matrix RF™ Ablative Fractional Device and Laser-Assisted Lipolysis System at AAD Annual Meeting

Syneron™ Previews Matrix RF™ Ablative Fractional Device and Laser-Assisted Lipolysis System at American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting

YOKNEAM, ISREAL – January 31, 2008 – Syneron™ Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: ELOS), an innovator in the development, marketing and sales of elōs™ combined-energy medical aesthetic devices, today announced the company will preview two new technologies at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in San Antonio, Texas on February 2-4: the Matrix RF™ and a laser assisted lipolysis system.

The Matrix RF applicator utilizes Syneron’s patented Bi-Polar Radio Frequency technology to provide effective and comfortable skin rejuvenation. The tunable applicator, which may be used on Syneron’s eLight™, eLaser™ and eMax™ platforms, allows for the adjustment of ablation and coagulation settings to vary treatment depth and the proportion of skin treated in each session. The Matrix RF will also feature a single-use disposable. The Matrix RF is the second product in Syneron’s series of elōs fractional treatments, which currently includes the Matrix IR™ device. Like all of Syneron’s specialized applicators, the Matrix RF will be sold as an upgrade to the elōs platforms, to be used along with other Syneron applicators to expand the range of aesthetic treatments physicians can offer from each eSeries platform.

Syneron, the market leader in body shaping applications, will also unveil the company’s first device for laser-assisted lipolysis. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of liposuction procedures has increased 128 percent from 1997 to 2006. Syneron’s device is a minimally invasive alternative or complement to the liposuction fat removing procedure, designed to provide patients lasting results and little downtime. The system will feature disposable fiber optics.

“As demonstrated by the introduction of these new aesthetic devices, Syneron technology continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the aesthetic marketplace,” said Doron Gerstel, CEO of Syneron. “Our consistent technological advances and new product introductions support physician and patient demand for a deep portfolio of offerings and further cement our position as the dominant leader in our medical-aesthetic market segment.”

In addition to the two new devices being previews at the AAD, Syneron will also be featuring its VelaShape™ device, the first FDA-cleared Class II device for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite, as well as the only FDA-cleared device for the temporary reduction of thigh circumference. VelaShape, the newest addition to Syneron’s Vela™ platform of non-invasive devices for body treatment was launched in Aug. 2007. Since its launch, the VelaShape has achieved high levels of physician, media and consumer accolades for the results seen by this non-invasive cellulite and circumferential reduction treatment.

Demonstrations of VelaShape and the latest clinical research on treatment results will be available during AAD at the Syneron booth, number 4179

About Syneron
Syneron Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: ELOS) manufactures and distributes medical aesthetic devices that are powered by the proprietary, patented elōs combined-energy technology of Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Light. The Company’s innovative elōs technology provides the foundation for highly effective, safe and cost-effective systems that enable physicians to provide advanced solutions for a broad range of medical-aesthetic applications including hair removal, wrinkle reduction, rejuvenating the skin’s appearance through the treatment of superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions, and the treatment of acne, leg veins and cellulite. Founded in 2000, the corporate, R&D, and manufacturing headquarters for Syneron Medical Ltd. is located in Israel. Syneron has offices and distributors throughout the world, including North American Headquarters in Canada, North American Logistics Support Center in Irvine, CA, European Headquarters in Germany, and Asia-Pacific Headquarters in Hong Kong, which provide sales, service and support. Additional information can be found at www.syneron.com.

Syneron, the Syneron logo, elōs, Matrix RF, Matrix IR, eLight, eLaser, eMax, Vela, and VelaShape are trademarks of Syneron Medical Ltd. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. elōs (Electro-Optical Synergy) is a proprietary technology of Syneron Medical Ltd. All other names are the property of their respective owners.

Syneron Medical Ltd.
www.syneron.com

Wednesday ~ January 30, 2008

Emotional and Acne Scars Disappear with One Treatment

Emotional and Acne Scars Disappear with One Treatment

The emotional scars from bullying in high school generally go away with time, but what does one do when the physical scars refuse to fade and instead serve as a constant reminder of their previous unhappiness? How do they know when their decision to seek cosmetic surgery is informed and responsible, as opposed to a result of low self-esteem? Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Greg Wiener helps his patients make the right decision for their skin and their lives.

One of the least invasive procedures patients can choose to undergo is the Pro-Fractional laser, a laser treatment which pinpoints areas of skin with a laser microbeam. The procedure is virtually painless and requires no downtime, so users are able to go back to work right after the treatments.

A past patient of Pro-Fractional laser reflected, “The treatment made me feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I leave the house without makeup on now, and I even asked my boss for a promotion at work. It might sound silly, but physical appearance really can affect the way you feel on the inside, so I believe you should do what it takes to feel great, inside and out. Well, within reason, that is!”

Dr. Wiener has already performed this procedure on numerous clients and is available to comment further on this unbelievable technology that can change a person’s life forever.

About Dr. Wiener
Greg Wiener M.D. FACS is a board certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon who has been practicing at Resurrection Hospital for the past 9 years. He was named a Consumer Reports “Top Surgeon” and completed his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Wiener has been featured in several media outlets such as E! News Live, WFLD-TV, WMAQ-TV, Univision Online, Oxygen Magazine, Healthy and Fit Magazine, Forbes, US Weekly, Life & Style Weekly, Globe, Daily Herald, Chicago Sun Times and the Today Show Website.

Dr. Greg Wiener M.D. FACS
773.763.3990
www.TheArtofPlasticSurgery.com

No Longer be a Slave to Neck Concealing Attire

No Longer be a Slave to Neck Concealing Attire

Tired of using the creative turkey neck cover ups? Had it with scarves, neck kerchiefs, turtlenecks and sweaters? Sick of dreading summer attire?

Ready to wear low-cut fashions, summer clothes, or have the luxury of pulling anything out of your closet without thinking about having to camouflage your turkey neck? If so, it’s time to call Dr. Randall Weil. Dr. Weil is ridding people of their turtleneck collection with a relatively quick procedure specifically designed to get rid of the “turkey neck” called the “Mini” Neck Lift.
The “Mini” Neck Lift offers the ideal solution for men and women whose neck begins to show age faster than the upper face. For such people this “Mini” procedure is an excellent alternative to a full facelift, since it is less involved and the recovery time is significantly shorter.

Excess skin can occur because of a number of reasons, ranging from weight loss, loosened muscles, aging to hereditary factors. All of these issues contribute to a sagging neck, better known as the dreaded turkey neck. Cosmetic surgery can help to alleviate turkey neck, and usually is the only option available.

Dr. Weil’s “Mini” Neck Lift procedure creates a dramatic rejuvenation of the overall facial appearance. It reduces sagging skin and weak muscles as well as eliminates excess fat in the neck and under the jaw line. The final result is a more flattering, smoother jaw line with a restored youthful neck angle.

Usually, people who undergo the neck lift procedure are often thought to have “lost weight” or “toned up” rather than having had cosmetic surgery. This outpatient cosmetic procedure usually takes 2 hours. The down time for Dr. Weil’s “Mini” Neck Lift is relatively short and most people will return to their normal activities including work in 7-10 days.

Randall B. Weil M.D., F.A.C.S.
800.559.3229
www.randallweil.com

Tuesday ~ January 29, 2008

MesoDerm® Eliminates Needles and Painful Hypodermic Treatments

MesoDerm® Eliminates Needles and Painful Hypodermic Treatments

Beverly Hills, CA – Grammy Award winning singer Roberta Flack is one of the most recognized voices of mesotherapy. Her lifelong struggle with weight loss led her to the discovery of this advanced application that at the time meant a regimen of painful hypodermic treatments. By 2003, Flack had lost more than 35 pounds but endured over 500 injections. “I did a lot of singing when he was sticking me,” Flack told CBS News.

Luckily, for thousands of other mesotharapy patients, painful injections are a thing of the past, thanks to a product called MesoDerm – a tool that delivers the same mesotharapy drugs without the use of needles.

MesoDerm® uses a *Mesoporation® principle that delivers the desired drug directly through the skin, bypassing the injection process while maintaining the highest levels of efficacy. The key to the process is Electroporation, which reorganizes the cellular membrane via electrical impulses, creating temporary channels called Mesopores, which allow the chosen drug to penetrate the tissue.

This process can be used to deliver a wide variety of drugs used for rejuvenation, wrinkles, fat deposits, cellulites, bleaching, acne and other skin problems. Due to the non-invasive delivery method, there is no pain, swelling, or tissue damage to the patient. Because it is a not an injection, it can be performed by trained personnel under the supervision of a physician.

Unlike the legendary vocalist who had to suffer through repeated painful injections, mesotharapy patients now can enjoy painless treatments that offer the same results – without having to sing the blues through every visit. Tell your doctor about the MesoDerm, he’ll be glad you did!

*Mesoporation is a process developed by Microlab Biomedical, an Italian Bioengineering Company, and American doctor Aleksy Dobradin M.D. MesoDerm® is FDA approved and registered as a Class III medical device. It is available in the USA and can only be purchased by licensed physicians.

Mesoderm
888.MESO.661
www.mesoderm.com

MesoDerm® and AA Advanced Technology, Inc. www.mesoderm.com MesoDerm®, Mesoporation® and Mesos® are a registered trademark of AA Advanced Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. FDA Approved Class III Device.

GLS’ New Thermoplastic Elastomer Offers Phthalate-Free / Plasticizer-Free Formulations

GLS’ New Thermoplastic Elastomer Offers Phthalate-Free / Plasticizer-Free Formulations

Exceptional Clarity and High Performance Make VERSAFLEX(tm) CL E95 TPE Ideal for the Healthcare and Infant Care Markets

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Jan. 29, 2008 – GLS Corp., a PolyOne company (NYSE: POL), and global leader in the manufacture of high-performance, custom-formulated thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), today announced the introduction of a new phthalate-free TPE in its specialty VERSAFLEXTM TPE product line. The new product, called VERSAFLEX CL E95 TPE, addresses recent regulations limiting phthalate-based plasticizers and recent market demands for low extractable TPEs. This new phthalate-free, plasticizer-free TPE offers water-clarity, sterilization capability, and low extractables. It is well-suited for a variety of extruded tubing and films as well as blow-molded bags, containers, toys, and other infant care items. Samples of the new material are on display here at GLS booth # 1761 at MD&M West 2008.

According to Joseph Kutka, GLS technology launch manager, “We developed VERSAFLEX CL E95 to provide our medical customers with an extrudable and water clear product that complies with the demands of autoclave sterilization. We view our new plasticizer-free technology, combined with our entire phthalate-free TPE product line, as the technology platform to support our customers requiring no phthalates. By choosing this technology, customers requiring a single non-phthalate-containing global product can manufacture and market their products globally.”

California recently passed a bill (California AB 1108) that will restrict six forms of phthalates used in any toy or childcare article beginning Jan. 1, 2009. Other states are considering similar legislation, and the European Parliament voted in 2005 to restrict the same six forms of phthalates in toys and child care items as well (EU Directive 2005/84/EC). Finally, there is a growing trend in the marketplace to reduce the use of phthalates in global products.

GLS’ New VersaFlex(tm) CL E95 TPE is Formulated without Phthalates

GLS TPEs Used in Medical Devices
The use of clear, phthalate-free GLS VERSAFLEXTM CL E95 thermoplastic elastomer in medical devices such as this face mask can help manufacturers comply with existing and future regulations restricting phthalate use. The GLS material offers high performance in extruded and blow-molded applications.VERSAFLEX CL E95 TPE offers a unique balance of superior clarity, low hardness, and excellent flexibility at low temperatures as compared to competitive products. The new grade is stable under gamma and autoclave sterilization. Leveraging its well-known customization capabilities, GLS can tailor this technology suite into a variety of different hardnesses, custom colors, and flow properties.

Following are the typical physical properties of this new material:

• Hardness: 95 Shore A
• Specific Gravity: 0.90
• Tensile Strength at Break: 2500 psi
• Elongation at Break: 575 percent
• 300 Percent Modulus: 1700 psi
• Tear Strength: 700 pli
• Autoclavable & Radiation Stable
• High Clarity (Haze <5 ASTM D1003)

The CL E95 TPE was developed for markets requiring a clear, sterilizable, low extractable TPE and applications requiring no phthalates. Target applications include FDA and medical tubing, drug storage and delivery, face masks, and infant care products.

Note: VERSAFLEX is a registered trademark of GLS Corp.

About GLS Corp.
GLS Corp., a PolyOne company, is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of high-performance, custom-formulated thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and is headquartered in McHenry, Illinois, USA. The company specializes in the manufacture of application-specific high performance soft TPEs for injection molding and extrusion. GLS has supplied specialty TPEs to the industry since 1979, and is recognized as a worldwide leader in TPE technology solutions. See www.glscorporation.com for additional information on GLS.

GLS Corp.
815-385-8500
www.glscorp.com

Saturday ~ January 26, 2008

American Academy of Dermatology 66th Annual Meeting February 1 - 5, 2008

American Academy of Dermatology 66th Annual Meeting February 1 - 5, 2008

The 66th Annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting will be held from this Friday, February 1st, through Tuesday, February 5th at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The AAD meeting is a recognized forum for peer-reviewed presentations of new research and clinical applications by dermatologists from around the world. The meeting provides an array of scientific sessions, poster exhibits, and technical exhibits.

The Annual Meeting features hundreds of noted speakers who will present the latest scientific advancements in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions.

American Academy of Dermatology

Massachusetts Medical Spa Task Force Drafts Standards and Proposed Regulations

Massachusetts Medical Spa Task Force Drafts Standards and Proposed Regulations

A recent article in American Medical News entitled “State boards keep an eye on medical spas” focuses on the Massachusetts State boards actions to regulate medical spas. The task force’s goal is to ensure that patients are safe and that physicians perform or supervise certain procedures properly.

Massachusetts has formed a medical spa task force to draft standards and regulations, attracting attention from other boards interested to see what it proposes. Thus far, many boards have taken a reactive approach, responding to complaints from patients or physicians on a particular procedure and creating rules on it. The article cites that a major problem is that different practitioners — such as aestheticians, cosmetologists and nurses — do various procedures, and each is regulated by a different board in most states.

The Federation of State Medical Boards has no national guidelines on how boards should deal with medical spas. But the organization is raising awareness about the facilities. The FSMB in October devoted its monthly roundtable conference call to medical spas and a board attorneys’ workshop featured a session about spas.

“It is something that’s being looked at around the country because it’s a relatively new phenomenon and it’s changing very rapidly. We’re monitoring what states are doing and sharing information at this point,” said Lisa Robin, FSMB senior vice president of member services.

In July 2005, the board approved a revised statement that said each laser hair removal patient must first be examined by a physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. A physician is expected to provide adequate oversight before and after the procedure, the board said.

Source: SPATRADE

Friday ~ January 25, 2008

Florida Laser Clinic Operators Arrested

Florida Laser Clinic Operators Arrested

TAMPA - Two people reported to the state Health Department that they were permanently scarred after being treated at a Westchase-area clinic run by a Hillsborough County Commission candidate and his wife.

The state Department of Health on Tuesday charged Rita Moroz Kruse, 45, who operates Tampa Laser Touch at 11309 Countryway Blvd., with the felony unlicensed practice of medicine and 20 misdemeanor counts of unlawfully dispensing prescription drugs.

State investigators that day also charged her brother-in-law, Michael Kogan, 49, who operates Perfect Laser Touch at 1155 S. Dale Mabry Highway, with felony unlicensed practice of medicine, records show.

Rita Kruse and Kogan are each free on $15,000 bail.

Don Kruse is a Republican running for the county commission in District 6 against Brian Blair.

A sales manager for Bill Currie Ford, Don Kruse also manages the business affairs of his wife’s clinic and The Electrolysis Institute of Tampa with her.

The clinic was closed Thursday because investigators had seized the equipment as evidence.

The Kruses said the charges were a misunderstanding. They were confident Thursday that Rita Kruse and Kogan would be exonerated.

Department of Health spokeswoman Eulinda Jackson, however, said Kruse broke the law. “She’s practicing without any supervision,” she said. “She’s beyond her scope.”

The Health Department said Kruse allowed several people, including students, to perform laser hair removal without the direct supervision of a licensed Florida physician.

Direct supervision, under state statutes, means on the premises. A licensed physician, Charles Alvarez, was attached to the clinic but died in December, Jackson said.

In interviews, the Kruses said they thought they had 60 days to replace Alvarez. They also said they had hired another physician, who was due to sign a contract the afternoon Kruse was arrested.

Jackson said there is no grace period. “She cannot practice one second without a licensed supervisor,” she said.

A few people complained to the Health Department that they had been burned during treatment, said the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, which assisted the Health Department in the arrest. Two said they were permanently scarred.

Asked about the complaints, Kruse said she only knows of one from a previous student. “While I was not here, she sneaked in with other students and were using the laser,” she said.

State records show Kruse has a license in electrolysis issued in 2004 that is valid until May 31. She also has been certified since 2004 by the Society of Clinical & Medical Hair Removal Inc., as required by law, records show.

Kruse said she has allowed students to perform laser hair removal on each other, friends or relatives while in school, a practice similar to student hairdressers performing beauty treatments on each other.

“They never do clients,” Kruse said. “It is free. It’s no charge. It’s allowed by law.”

This is incorrect, Jackson said. “That should not be done, be it a student or the general public.”

Investigators also said Kruse called in prescriptions to local pharmacies under physicians’ names without authorization.

Kruse said the prescription was for a numbing cream that clients apply before treatment. The prescription and doctor’s authorization are on file with a pharmacy, she said.

Source: The Tampa Tribune / Tampa Bay Online

Wednesday ~ January 23, 2008

Candela Names Lewis J. Levine Vice President of Engineering

Candela Names Lewis J. Levine Vice President of Engineering

WAYLAND, Mass. - Candela Corporation (NASDAQ: CLZR) announced that Lewis Levine has joined the company as Vice President of Engineering. Mr. Levine will oversee all engineering resources and drive technical initiatives related to new product development.
“Lew brings over 15 years of engineering and new product development experience within the medical device industry to Candela. The addition of new leadership to our engineering division will further our ability to effectively deliver innovative laser solutions to the dynamic aesthetic industry,” said Jay Caplan, Chief Operating Officer.

Most recently, Mr. Levine served as Vice President of Research and Development at Datascope Corporation, a Montvale, New Jersey-based medical device company, where he led efforts to improve product development methods within the Patient Monitoring Division. Prior to this role, he directed the development of a unique technology platform for a medical device start-up which was later acquired by GE Healthcare. Additionally, he is named on eight issued and pending patents.

Mr. Levine earned a Bachelor’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northeastern University.

Candela Corporation
www.candelalaser.com

28th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

The 28th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery will take place Wednesday, April 2 - Sunday, April 6, 2008 in Kissimmee, Florida

Find out how lasers and light-based technologies are redefining the field of medicine. Mark your calendars for this premier educational conference of the world’s leading laser experts. The scientific conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) will be held Wednesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 6, at the Gaylord Palms Resort™ in Kissimmee, Fla.

This is your opportunity to learn firsthand how cutting-edge research in laser technology is leading to improved diagnostics and clinical treatments in disciplines as diverse as dermatology, ophthalmology, urology, cardiology, pediatrics and more. ASLMS Program Chair Emil Tanghetti, MD, promises attendees “will leave this conference with a greater understanding of how lasers are continually improving patient care and represent an unlimited source of future scientific potential. Scientists who are discovering new laser applications in the lab and clinicians who are enhancing their patient care therapies will be presenting their findings – many for the first time – in the various courses and educational sessions.”

Medical Professionals

NEW For 2008 - Register now for “Fundamentals of Lasers in Health Care,” a modular, 2-day course on April 2-3, 2008. This 13 hour course is for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, physician assistants, basic scientists, researchers, and industry who are interested in investigating the use of lasers and for individuals who are currently involved in the use of lasers in patient care who wish to develop a greater understanding of their application.

Physicians currently using lasers are encouraged to consider this course for their staff assisting them with patient care involving lasers and related technology. Both CME and CE contact hours are available. In addition, ASLMS will offer its first “Knowledge Based Exam” at the conclusion of the Course. The exam will be offered at no additional cost to individuals who register for the complete 13 hour Fundamentals Course.

Hot Topics:

• PROMISING LIGHT-BASED DIAGNOSTICS – The potential for enhanced detection of diseases, such as breast cancer, hearing disorders and Alzheimer’s disease

• THE SKINNY ON FAT REDUCTION – From reducing cellulite to non-invasive fat removal

• BREAKTHROUGH CLINICAL APPLICATIONS – How lasers and light sources are easing the pain of psoriasis, glaucoma, osteoarthritis, ALS and wound healing

• TRENDS IN COSMETIC LASER TREATMENTS – Head-to-toe applications from skin rejuvenation, scar revision and laser hair removal to pain management post-breast augmentation and leg vein therapy

Keynote Speaker
This year’s keynote speaker is laser pioneer R. Rox Anderson, M.D., professor at Harvard Medical School, adjunct professor at MIT, and director of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

With more than 4,000 members, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery is the world’s preeminent resource for laser research, education, technology and knowledge.

American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery
LASER08
www.aslms.org

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