Opening a MedSpa and the Recession

by Francis X. Acunzo, CEO of Acara

What do Trader Joe’s, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Disney and 16 of the 30 companies that make up the Dow Industrial Average all have in common? They were all started during a recession or depression.

Every week, I am asked, “should I be opening a Medical Spa now, in the middle of this recession?” From doing my research for this post, it looks as if as many businesses launch during recessions as during stable economic times. In addition, there maybe some advantages that include getting better pricing on goods and services, weakened competitors and a frugal mindset (something everyone in a start-up mode should have). Plus, let’s hope, that by the time you open your doors, the recession is nearing a close.

The biggest hurdle right now is getting financing. Not only are we in a recession but we are also in a terrible credit crunch. Though many of the stable, financially sound local and regional banks are still lending.

So what does it take to get financed in times like these? I call it the four C’s. Concept, Credibility, Credit and Collateral.

Concept: You need a solid business plan that clearly communicates your concept including your vision and mission. In addition, it needs to identify your target market and competition. Then your concept has to be translated into a financial plan that is plausible based on historical or bench marked information. It needs to illustrate the upfront capital investment along with a minimum of 3 years of top and bottom line projections. And don’t forget, no business opens its doors and is profitable day one, you need to identify the working capital necessary to bring your business to profitability

Credibility: In order to finance a Concept you have to illustrate that you, your team and/or your consultants have the experience and knowledge to implement the concept spelled out in your business plan. Remember, banks don’t finance businesses, they finance people.

Credit: Your track record in paying your bills in a timely fashion is critical to your ability to secure financing. Lending institutions utilize your credit scores as a barometer of your ability to repay a loan. There are three large credit agencies that track credit and provide scores: Equifax, Transunion and Experian. In today’s credit environment it is almost essential to have a score of 700 or better in order to secure a bank loan with attractive terms. Many lease financing companies will finance equipment for individuals with lower scores but the rates tend to be high.

Collateral: Most lending institutions are seeking close to 100% collateral for business loans. Thus your personal and business assets will be needed to secure the loan. Banks are seeking very tangible collateral such as securities, home equity, etc.

Visit the Acara Blog: www.spabusinessmd.com

Acara Partners
866.462.2272
www.acarapartners.com

Source: Acara

Here Comes the Sun

Sothys Introduces New Cellu-Guard® Sun Care Line to Protect, Restore, and Renew Skin’s Beauty

New York, NY – For many years, sun exposure has been seen in a conflicting light – overexposure can cause serious problems, while complete avoidance is nearly impossible. Skin that has become tan or darkened due to exposure from the sun has been seen both positively and negatively in society for hundreds of years. Finding the perfect happy medium, popular culture today depicts a “healthy glow” as the best way to show off your skin.

Legendary French skin care company Sothys has recognized the sun’s importance in daily life and as a result has created a new range of sun care products designed to allow you to enjoy the sun without fear of skin damage or destruction. This Spring Sothys introduces eight new sun care products under the Cellu-Guard® line, including products for sun protection, self tanning, and after sun care. Sothys’ mission in creating their new range of sun care products was to increase your confidence when enjoying yourself on a sunny day. Sothys believes the benefits of sun exposure, including mood enhancement and Vitamin D production, can be capitalized on safely if you choose the correct product to protect your skin.

Cellu-Guard® Sun Care by Sothys
Sothys’ new generation of Cellu-Guard sun care products provide triple cellular protection through the membranes, DNA and proteins in the skin. It also provides double tissue protection of collagen and elastic fibers. The new addition of Jasmine Flavonols helps the skin to reconstitute its free-radical defense systems. According to the beauty experts at Sothys, the new Cellu-Guard line preserves the integrity of skin cells and limits photo aging – something that many people fear when exposed to the sun’s rays.

Sunless Tanning
o New! Progressive Sunny Glow Lotion: A two-in-one face and body formula that gradually gives a golden and natural looking tan. Thanks to its light concentration of tanning ingredients, it can be used daily for a healthy complexion all year long. Price: $40 (5 fl. oz.)

o Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream: Within a few hours, this non-tinted cream formula gives a natural, sublime and long-lasting tan to the skin. Its velvety texture is enriched with moisturizing ingredients for a supple look and a radiant complexion. Price: $38 (5 fl. oz.)

Protection from the Sun
o Sun Sensitive Areas Care with SPF 30: A care that protects from free radicals and photo-aging during intense sunlight exposure. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it is particularly suitable for sensitive skin Price: $40 (1.7 fl. oz.)

o Age-Defying Tinted Care with SPF10: A lotion carefully formulated to protect the skin from aging and to help retain suppleness. A tinted texture gives a sublime tanning effect upon application. Price: $44 (1.7 fl. oz.)

o Iridescent Tanning Gel with SPF 8: A protective tanning gel containing tan boosting active ingredients to help intensify and accelerate a natural-looking tan. Price: $44 (5 fl. oz.)

o Tanning Body Lotion with SPF 20: A soft, light and milky formula for a pleasant tan and ultra-effective protection. Perfect for all day and suitable for face and body application, it is water-resistant, sweat-resistant. Price: $52 (5 fl. oz.)

After Sun Care
o Repairing Age-Defying Face Care: An intensive care formula created to protect and repair the skin against the aggression of free radicals. Leaves the skin firm, radiant and well hydrated. Price: $44 (1.7 fl. oz.)

o Soothing After-Sun Body Care: A refreshing fluid which softens the skin immediately after exposure with soothing active ingredients. Through its care actives, it prevents photo-induced aging, and hydrate* the skin to restore it to its full radiance. Price: $40 (5 fl. oz.)

About Sothys
In 1946, Sothys was a beauty institute in Paris, where a list of exclusive customers enjoyed fine French products created by Dr. Hotz, a medical biologist. Sothys was acquired by the Mas family in 1966 and chairman Bernard Mas decided to add to the beautiful Sothys range and increase its availability. By 1970 Sothys had entered the United States market under the direction of esthetician Christian Garces. Sothys became an instant hit for estheticians looking for a professional, results- oriented product line. Over two decades later, it continues to be the forerunner in an extremely demanding industry. Much of Sothys’ success is due to its focus on education. Not content to simply sell its products, Sothys offers continuous, complementary education to estheticians and therapists who want to learn not just about the products, but about the industry in general. At the Sothys headquarters in Miami, and at regional Sothys offices across the Nation, classes are offered, with topics ranging from hands-on body workshops to cosmetic chemistry.

Sothys
305.594.4222
www.sothys-usa.com

Cynosure Appoints William T. Kelley as Senior Vice President of International Sales

Laser Industry Executive to Head Company’s Network of International Subsidiaries and Distributors

WESTFORD, Mass., PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX - Cynosure, Inc. (Nasdaq: CYNO), a leading developer and manufacturer of a broad array of light-based aesthetic treatment systems, today announced the appointment of William T. Kelley as Senior Vice President of International Sales. He will be responsible for the company’s direct subsidiaries in four European countries, Japan, China and Korea, and for Cynosure distributors covering an additional 55 countries.

“Bill brings more than 25 years of experience in the medical device industry and a track record of success in growing a global distribution organization,” said Michael Davin, Cynosure’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Bill has extensive background in the aesthetic and surgical laser market, and is an ideal choice to help us expand the reach of our aesthetic products around the world.”

Since 2004 Kelley was director of international sales at Sciton Inc., a privately held aesthetic device company based in Palo Alto, California, where he was responsible for all business activity outside the United States. Prior to that he served as vice president and general manager for Asclepion-Meditec Inc., the surgical laser division of international optics leader Carl Zeiss AG. As vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Summit Technology, a maker of ophthalmic excimer laser systems, he supervised the company’s direct sales forces in the United States, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia as well as distributors in other regions. From 1985 to 1991 he was general manager of Pfizer Laser Systems, the surgical laser division of Pfizer Corp.

“Cynosure has worked hard to build its base of direct subsidiaries, expanding its overseas distribution network and establishing its brand as a standard of quality in more than 60 countries,” Kelley said. “I am excited about the opportunity to guide its international organization and to help execute on Cynosure’s strategic plan for financial and operational success.”

About Cynosure, Inc.
Cynosure, Inc. develops and markets aesthetic treatment systems that are used by physicians and other practitioners to perform non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures to remove hair, treat vascular and pigmented lesions, rejuvenate the skin, liquefy and remove unwanted fat through laser lipolysis and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cynosure’s products include a broad range of laser and other light-based energy sources, including Alexandrite, pulsed dye, Nd:YAG and diode lasers, as well as intense pulsed light. Cynosure was founded in 1991. For corporate or product information, contact Cynosure at 800-886-2966, or visit www.cynosure.com.

Cynosure, Inc.
800.886.2966
www.cynosure.com

Source: Cynosure

Introducing Melanage In-Office/Home-Care Peel Treatment - Safely Treat Hyperpigmentation, Blemishes and Acne Scarring on Dark Skin Colors

(Livingston, NJ) Until know, there has been very few effective treatments for hyperpigmentation, blemishes and acne scars for people with darker skin tones. Most lasers and light technologies on the market today do not safely treat dark skin. The Melanage Peel Treatment is a Hydroquinone and Retinoid masque that has been introduced to treat hyperpigmentation and pigmented blemishes on all skin types, even the darkest black.

Melanage is a superficial peel designed to improve the texture and appearance of hyperpigmented skin which involves a one-time, in-office masque treatment and an at-home regimen.

Susan Stevens Tanne, MD, laser expert, aesthetic physician and Medical Director of Cosmetic Laser MD in Livingston, NJ has been treating patients of all skin types with the Melanage Peel. “From Caucasians, to Latinas to African Americans, Asians and Indians, Melanage has been eliciting exceptional results,” says Tanne. “Melanage is a simple procedure and less time consuming as patients have one peel done in the office and leave with two months worth of face products to continue treatment at home.”

The application of the Melanage masque takes approximately twenty minutes. A uniform layer of Melanage is applied by the doctor. No discomfort is experienced and patients describe the procedure as soothing and relaxing. The masque remains on face for four to t en hours according to the patient’s skin type. Some patients leave the office with the masque on their face and are responsible for adhering to an easy-to-follow, but strict, at-home regimen. The take home product kit includes an Anti-Redness Foaming Cleanser, Anti-Redness Soothing Crème, Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, Vitamin A pads, and Melanage 2 Crème.

Approximately 48 hours after the treatment the skin will start to peel which will generally last two to five days. Although most patients experience peeling of their skin, not every patient will notice this. Results are dramatic and generally patients will see a significant improvement of the appearance of pigmented areas. Dark spots will lighten and skin texture and tone will improve over a period of three weeks.

“Only one treatment is usually needed, but a touch-up on stubborn areas can be performed after one month if necessary,” adds Tanne.

Melange - Susan Stevens Tanne, M.D.
973.716.9000
www.cosmeticlasermd.com

Source: Dr. Tanne

Syneron Medical Announces Management Change to Support Strengthening of Syneron’s Leadership Position in a Challenging Professional Aesthetic Market

Mr. Louis P. Scafuri Nominated to Syneron’s Chief Executive Officer Position; Mr. Doron Gerstel Will Leave Syneron to Pursue Other Career Opportunities

YOKNEAM, ISRAEL — (Marketwire) — Syneron Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: ELOS), an innovator in the development, marketing and sales of elos™ combined-energy medical aesthetic devices, announced that its Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Lou Scafuri to the CEO position of the company; this nomination is effective immediately. This change in leadership is part of the restructuring process initiated by the company under the guidance of the Board of Directors to better prepare the company for the changing conditions in the global professional aesthetic market.

Mr. Scafuri brings to Syneron a wealth of management experience in the medical technology market with a proven track record in turnaround situations and the execution of complex strategic transactions. Among other executive positions, Mr. Scafuri was the COO and President of GE Marquette Medical Systems in Milwaukee, WI, where he led a corporate-wide strategic planning and restructuring effort to improve global operational efficiencies. Mr. Scafuri worked at Marquette for sixteen years and played a key role in the acquisition of Marquette by GE Medical Systems. Prior to the acquisition of Marquette by GE Medical Systems, Mr. Scafuri was responsible for a business unit which was widely recognized for innovative product design and new product development. In April 1999, Mr. Scafuri was recruited to the COO position in ESC Medical, where he was in charge of the worldwide sales, R&D and operations of the company. Mr. Scafuri led the acquisition and integration of Coherent by ESC that created the world’s largest medical laser company with annual revenues of $400 million. Mr. Scafuri was instrumental in leading the combined company to profitability and achieving a growth in EPS from $0.68 in 2000 to $1.80 in 2001. From 2002, Mr. Scafuri acted as an entrepreneur and angel investor in medical device and medical aesthetic companies in the U.S. Mr. Scafuri holds a B.Sc. degree in biology from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY in 1975.

Commenting on Mr. Scafuri’s nomination, Dr. Shimon Eckhouse, Chairman of Syneron, said: “Lou has a superb track record of leading complex organizations in challenging markets, improving their efficiencies and enhancing their market position.” Dr. Eckhouse continued, “With his vast experience both in senior management positions and in the aesthetic sector, the Board is confident that Lou is the right person to guide Syneron, taking advantage of our technology, market position and strong balance sheet. We plan to use these demanding times to improve Syneron’s business model and capitalize on the unique business opportunities which exist in today’s markets.”

Regarding Mr. Gerstel’s service at Syneron, Dr. Eckhouse said: “I want to personally express the Board of Directors’ deep gratitude to Doron for the substantial contributions he has made to Syneron. Doron’s leadership and management skills allowed the company to successfully complete the transition process of key management roles and our recent corporate restructuring, while maintaining our leadership position in the market. Doron’s accomplishments and the management team cultivated under his leadership will be key factors in Syneron’s continued business success.”

Remarking on the management changes, Mr. Gerstel said: “My tenure with Syneron has been demanding, exciting and at times difficult, particularly in light of the recent economic downturn. I am proud of my accomplishments at Syneron and with the recent corporate restructuring successfully behind us, I feel now is an appropriate time for me to pursue other opportunities. I have full confidence in Lou’s ability to successfully lead this company through this difficult market environment and will work with him and the Board closely during the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.”

Mr. Scafuri said: “Syneron, with its superior products, strong market share and renowned customer care programs, is poised for significant growth and progress. We are facing challenging but very exciting times, and I look forward to working with the Board and our management team to identify opportunities and execute growth strategies that will help us achieve greater profitability and value for our shareholders, employees and business partners.”

Syneron, Inc.
877.340.7913
www.syneron.com

Source: Syneron

Sciton Unveils the JOULE™ Aesthetic Laser Platform for Physicians Battling the Economic Squeeze

OptiPlex Technology Combines Capabilities of Multiple Lasers in One Future-Proof Platform

Palo Alto, California - Sciton, Inc. announces the launch of the JOULE aesthetic laser platform. By combining multiple, distinctive laser technologies into a single, slender system, JOULE offers aesthetic practitioners a vastly expanded range of procedures, opens a simple path to future technologies and procedures as they become available, and provides revenue stimulus for the current economic environment that will easily translate to solid long term practice-building and growth.

OptiPlexing Wavelengths and Delivery Modes for Expanded Procedure Options
With JOULE, Sciton offers the optimal combination of multiple laser wavelengths delivered through any of JOULE’s three delivery modes—arm, fiber, or broadband light (BBL)—enabling aesthetic physicians to offer the widest variety of procedures available. A single platform can provide today’s most requested procedures, laser-assisted lipolysis and deep and fractional skin resurfacing, as well as hair removal and a wide range of vascular treatments. Sciton’s scientists call this technology OptiPlex™: the optimal multiplexing of optical technologies.

“The optiplexed JOULE has the potential to change the entire landscape of an aesthetic practice,” says Dr. Jason Pozner, plastic surgeon and medical director of Sanctuary Plastic Surgery and co-owner of Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center in Florida. “Combining laser lipolysis and both fractional and full skin resurfacing in a single platform makes it possible for me to offer the most popular treatments more conveniently. The benefit to a growing aesthetic practice is significant. They can expand their practice with a single laser. It is an ideal system for aesthetic surgeons with an on-site operating facility as well as those with an office treatment room. It would take multiple lasers to do what JOULE does. It’s a game-changer.”

Procedure-Specific and Practice-Expanding Treatment Modules
JOULE offers unprecedented versatility with its comprehensive selection of modules and the ability to add future Sciton modules for cosmetic procedures. In addition to any combination of three delivery modes, the base laser system has four laser bays as well as a pulsed light bay. A practice can begin with one module, and grow into many as the practice grows, or, it can be fully built-out from the very beginning to enable the widest range of treatment capabilities for expansive revenue opportunity for the aesthetic practice. The platform is “future-proof” as modules yet to be invented will be designed to be fully functional on the JOULE Aesthetic Laser Platform.

“The optiplexed JOULE platform offers great economics in two important ways,” states Lars Isaacson, Vice President of Sales at Sciton. “You can pick the most profitable procedures for your practice today, adding modules for new capabilities in the future at a far lower cost. And here’s an even more immediate economic boost: contrary to industry trends, there are no hidden disposable costs, which can be $400 per tip, or charges for handpieces that automatically disable themselves after a limited number of pulses.”

Highest Value, Lowest-Per-Procedure Cost
In addition to cost-optimization through more capability in a single aesthetic platform, Sciton physicians achieve the lowest-per-procedure cost because Sciton does not charge for disposables, nor does it place an unnecessary “marketing” limitation on the use of disposables. Sciton enables physicians to use open source fibers on its lasers, providing a competitive cost advantage to its customers. All Sciton systems offer unlimited pulses within a 3 year warranty or during service contracts, a standard unmatched in the industry.

“With this challenging economy, physicians benefit from a combined fractional resurfacing and laser lipolyisis platform that affords both cost efficiency and the cutting edge technology that our patients seek,” commented Dr. Michael Kaminer, a dermatologic surgeon and partner at SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, MA. “Combining these two procedures in a single system is a terrific advantage, and having no disposable expense is an added bonus. Sciton has used its unmatched laser science expertise to offer superior clinical outcomes and address the economic challenges that physicians face.”

Modules Currently Available for the JOULE Aesthetic Laser Platform
1. Contour TRL: robotically-scanned MicroLaserPeel or tunable deep skin peeling
2. ProFractional: 2940 nm erbium for fractional skin resurfacing
3. ProFractional XC: fractional skin resurfacing with tunable thermal effects
4. ClearScan: 1064 nm for hair removal, pigmented and vascular lesions
5. ThermaScan: 1319 nm for non-ablative treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scars
6. BBL: pigmented and vascular lesions, hair removal, acne
7. SkinTyte: firming of tissue, on or off face
8. ProLipoPlus: Two different wavelengths, 1064 nm or 1319 nm, used individually or in combination for laser lipolysis
9. Pro-V: endovenous ablation (EVA) for the treatment of leg veins

Availability
The optiplexed JOULE Aesthetic Laser System is available for sale immediately. Along with the laser, Sciton will make available its “Economic Stimulus Package for Aesthetic Practices” and is also launching “Best Practices of the New Economy,” a compilation of physician methods and experiences for combating the current economic squeeze. To receive either publication, interested parties should write info@sciton.com.

About Sciton, Inc. and the Science of Sciton
Sciton Inc., (Palo Alto, CA) is a privately owned medical device company formed in 1997 to provide advanced lasers and light sources to the aesthetic medical markets. Sciton designs systems that are technical and performance leaders for their applications, giving physicians the highest possible value; to ensure extraordinary reliability and durability, resulting in the highest rate of productive hours; and to deliver systems that solve real problems and improve the human condition. Enlightening medical laser technology through advanced research and application of laser physics, the science driving Sciton’s advanced R & D laboratories constantly delivers new solutions for medicine. Sciton is ISO 9001 certified and follows strict FDA guidelines. Sciton has a large network of sales representatives in the United States and a growing network of international distributors.

Sciton, Inc.
888.646.6999
www.sciton.com

Source: Sciton

Smith & Nephew Announce the New RENASYS™ EZ System for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

St. Petersburg, FL – February 24, 2009 – Smith & Nephew’s Advanced Wound Management division (LSE: SN; NYSE: SNN) today announced the U.S. launch of its new RENASYS™ EZ Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) system, designed to address the needs of wound care professionals and patients, and allow clinicians to exercise their own best clinical judgment in NPWT with confidence. Smith & Nephew will preview the RENASYS™ EZ at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, and will introduce it in March 2009.

Smith & Nephew designed the RENASYS™ EZ based on customer insights to improve the NPWT experience, focusing on greater ease-of-use and patient comfort across the full range of wound types. RENASYS™ EZ allows clinicians to use variable pressure control, enables clinicians to treat surgical, traumatic or chronic wounds according to the individual needs of the patient and the characteristics of the patient’s wound. RENASYS™ EZ can be used with both the foam and gauze wound interfaces, allowing for broader therapy selection from a single supplier.

“Smith & Nephew asked clinicians and administrators worldwide what they wanted in a NPWT system,” said Joe Woody, President, Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management. “Their answer? A system that delivers all the clinical benefits of NPWT while improving performance in patient comfort, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. We believe that RENASYS™ EZ more than meets these needs and will play an important, growing role in the NPWT marketplace. With United Hospital Services and Apria Healthcare as our partners, we have the largest NPWT distribution channel in the U.S. and can deliver and support NPWT systems wherever clinicians and patients may need them.”

Dr. Raymond Dunn, Chairman of Plastic Surgery, University of Massachusetts, said, “Negative pressure has given us another tool to manage difficult wounds. The new devices and range of wound interfaces that Smith & Nephew now offer provides clinicians with greater choice for different types of clinical wound problems. Smith & Nephew’s leadership in this area will greatly facilitate additional innovation and research needed to improve patient outcomes and create greater economic value for the healthcare system.”

RENASYS™ EZ Features & Functions
In addition to a simple control that varies pressure from 40 to 200 mmHg and the ability to use both foam and gauze dressings, Smith & Nephew designed RENASYS™ EZ with additional features that enhance the patient experience and facilitate its ease of use.

• An intuitive design and quick-click connectors can help reduce the risk of error.
• Multiple safety alarms and a patient lock-out feature alert clinicians to changes in pressure status or pump function.
• The RENASYS™ EZ battery runs for up to 40 hours and charges in three hours.
• A convenient IV pole and bed mounts reduce the system’s footprint at the patient’s bedside.
• The system weighs only 7.4 lbs, reducing stress on the caregiver.

“We conducted the clinical in-market evaluation of the RENASYS™ EZ at University of Massachusetts,” said Dr. Dunn. “We used the RENASYS™ EZ to treat a wide range of acute, chronic and peri-operative wounds. The study showed improved outcomes in the healing of skin grafts, including grafts for very complex wounds.”

Promoting Choice in NPWT
Smith & Nephew introduced small, medium and large RENASYS™ F Foam Dressing Kits in December 2008 to provide clinicians with access to foam and gauze wound interfaces from a single NPWT device manufacturer. With the extra-large (43×30x3 cm) foam dressing kit due in March 2009, Smith & Nephew will offer the most comprehensive range of foam- and gauze-based dressing kits available in the marketplace.

“Foam may be cut easily to fit a patient’s wound that has a regular contour, such as surgical dehiscence or abdominal wound,” said Robin Carlstein, Senior Vice President of Advanced Wound Devices at Smith & Nephew. “For pain-sensitive patients or patients with shallow or irregular wounds, gauze may be a better choice for the wound bed. We want the clinician to be able to select the best wound interface based on the patient’s needs, the wound, or the particular care setting.”

Leadership in Wound Care
“True innovation in medical technology should improve patient outcomes and lower costs to the healthcare system,” added Mr. Woody. “Smith & Nephew has been the innovative leader in wound care for over 150 years. We continually challenge ourselves to understand the critical issues faced by our customers and deliver products and services that add value to their clinical practice and healthcare institutions. We are the only company to provide a total wound management solution with a broad portfolio of great products. We are very excited about the future of our new NPWT solution.”

Smith & Nephew will demonstrate the RENASYS™ EZ’s efficacy, flexibility and ease of use at Booth 3211 and Booth 2817 of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Venetian/Sands EXPO in Las Vegas from February 25 to 29, 2009.

About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, including Reconstruction, Trauma and Clinical Therapies; Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2008 were $3.8 billion.

Smith & Nephew
646.201.5445
www.smith-nephew.com

Source: Smith & Nephew

Electro-Optical Sciences Announces Positive Top-Line Results from Landmark MelaFind® Pivotal Trial

Company to Host Conference Call at 8:30 a.m. EST Friday

Electro-Optical Sciences, Inc. (”EOS”) (NASDAQ: MELA) today announced positive top-line results of its pivotal trial of MelaFind, a non-invasive, point-of-care instrument to assist in the early detection of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The blinded study, conducted at seven centers across the US, included 1,831 pigmented skin lesions from 1,383 patients, making this the largest prospective study ever conducted in melanoma detection. EOS is working to complete its Pre-Market Approval (PMA) application and expects to file it with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shortly.

“MelaFind appears to be an excellent tool to help detect melanoma at the earliest, most treatable stage,” said Gary D. Monheit, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and the lead investigator for the MelaFind pivotal trial. “With no cure for late stage melanoma, early detection is our best defense against this cancer, which has reached epidemic proportions.”

Prior to the start of the study, EOS and the FDA entered into a binding protocol agreement to stipulate the sensitivity and specificity endpoints that should be used to determine the safety and effectiveness of MelaFind.

MelaFind detected 112 of 114 (98% sensitivity; lower confidence bound of 95%) melanomas that were eligible and evaluable for primary sensitivity endpoint analysis, and 125 of 127 (98% sensitivity; lower confidence bound greater than 95%) melanomas overall. The protocol agreement calls for sensitivity endpoints of greater than 95% lower confidence bound[1].

MelaFind’s specificity, the ability to accurately rule out disease, was significantly superior (9.5%) to that of the study dermatologists (3.7%), who are skin cancer experts (p-value less than 0.02). The protocol agreement calls for MelaFind to be more specific than the study physicians at a p-value[2] of less than 0.05.

Almost half of the melanomas in the study were melanoma in situ, the most curable yet most difficult form of melanoma to detect.

“These clinically compelling data suggest that MelaFind may help detect melanoma earlier, and more accurately differentiate many of the non-malignant lesions that mimic melanoma,” said Darrell Rigel, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical School. “This should lead to improved biopsy efficiency and help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies, which can be painful and scarring.”

The skin cancer experts who participated in this study had previously made the decision to biopsy all 1,831 pigmented skin lesions prior to enrolling the patients in the MelaFind clinical trial.

In order to generate a comparison with dermatologists’ ability to accurately detect melanoma, EOS conducted a parallel pilot readers’ study with a different group of 39 dermatologists. Using images and clinical histories of 23 randomly-selected melanomas from the pivotal study, this group of dermatologists, on average, would have decided to biopsy only approximately 18 (80%) of the melanomas, whereas the MelaFind result would have led to a biopsy of 22 of the melanomas (biopsy sensitivity of 96%). A larger readers’ study to provide additional data regarding the sensitivity of MelaFind relative to physicians will commence shortly. Data from these studies will be submitted to the FDA.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the pivotal study and are now focused on completing our PMA to submit to the FDA as quickly as possible,” said Joseph V. Gulfo, MD, President and CEO of EOS. “Our mission with MelaFind has always been to provide a useful tool to aid in detecting melanoma at its earliest, most curable stage. We look forward to discussing these data with the agency.”

The company chose the final classification algorithm based on its success at identifying melanomas in a series of large, blinded and sequential internal classifier selection studies conducted immediately prior to the analysis of the pivotal trial data. Including the pivotal trial, the MelaFind classifier successfully detected 430 of the 432 melanomas against which it was tested.

There were no adverse events associated with the use of MelaFind.

The FDA has notified EOS that the MelaFind PMA will receive Expedited Review once the application is submitted. EOS plans to submit the findings from the pivotal study and the readers’ studies to peer-reviewed journals for publication.

MelaFind uses 10 different wavelengths of light to see where a clinician cannot – up to 2.5 millimeters below the skin’s surface. Using advanced algorithms, trained and developed on a database of 9,000 pigmented skin lesions and over 600 melanomas, including those from the pivotal study, the system provides an immediate result that informs the decision to biopsy.

Conference Call Information
EOS will host a conference call on Friday, February 13 at 8:30 am EST. To participate, please dial 800-299-7089 fifteen minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin. Callers outside of the U.S. should dial +617-801-9714. The conference call passcode is “Electro Optical Sciences”. A live webcast of this call will be available in the investor relations section of www.eosciences.com. A webcast replay of the call will be available for one month on the company’s website, or until February 27, 2009 by dialing 888-286-8010. Callers outside of the US should dial +617-801-6888. The replay participant code is 52141913.

About Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, responsible for approximately 80% of skin cancer fatalities. The melanoma rate has continued to increase with an estimated 120,000 new cases projected in 2009. A recent National Cancer Institute report published in the July 10 online edition of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology indicates that annual incidence of melanoma among young adult Caucasian women rose 50% between 1980 and 2004. Melanoma is the most common cancer in women age 25 to 29 and the number one cancer killer of women age 30 to 35. Although no cure is currently available for advanced-stage melanoma, if caught early, melanoma is virtually 100% curable.

About Electro-Optical Sciences
EOS is a medical device company focused on designing and developing a non-invasive, point-of-care instrument to assist in the early detection of melanoma. MelaFind features a hand-held imaging device that emits light of multiple wavelengths to capture images of suspicious pigmented skin lesions and extract data. Using sophisticated algorithms, the data are then analyzed against a proprietary database of melanomas and benign lesions in order to provide information to assist in the determination of whether the lesion should be biopsied.

Electro-Optical Sciences
914.591.3783
www.eosciences.com

Source: EOS

Acara Launches Laser Lipolysis Business Boosting Program

Acara generates on average $35K per Laser Lipolysis Event for its Medical Spa Clients. This success rate is the catalyst for their new Laser Lipolysis Business Boosting Program which is a cost effective vehicle for MedSpas and Aesthetic Practices to increase revenues.

Branford, CT (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 – Acara announced the launch of their new Laser Lipolysis Business Boosting Program for Medical Spas and Aesthetic Practices. This is a low up-front investment program that allows an Aesthetic practice or MedSpa the opportunity to enjoy the success that many of Acara’s clients have already experienced when holding Laser Lipolysis Events.

“It is very exciting to know that we are able to have such a tremendous impact on our client’s business by planning, marketing and facilitating their Laser Lipolysis events.” comments Francis X. Acunzo. “We have been able to achieve an average of $35K per event with our client best of $75K. Truly an effective way to build an Aesthetic Medical practice or Med Spa.”

Acara’s new event program includes advertising and promotional templates, an event promotions plan and guide, event coaching, onsite sales training and event facilitation. This program offers Aesthetic Practices and MedSpas an opportunity to receive the benefits of Acara’s tried and true marketing success.

Mr. Acunzo is available for consultations to discuss how Acara can support MedSpa owners and operators to improve their company performance.

For companies seeking more insight into Acara’s expertise and knowledge they can visit their blog www.spabusinessmd.com which is a Medical Spa business resource or attend one of their complimentary Webinars.

About Acara Partners
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience.

Acara
866.462.2272
www.acarapartners.com

Source: Acara

Allergan Marks the 20th Anniversary of BOTOX®

2009 is a milestone year for Allergan’s BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A). Celebrating its 20th anniversary, BOTOX® has evolved from a therapeutic treatment for certain orphan conditions (blepharospasm, strabismus, cervical dystonia, etc.) to an iconic physician-administered aesthetic treatment used by millions of women and men worldwide since its aesthetic indication (marketed under the name BOTOX® Cosmetic) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. Today, Allergan is working in collaboration with many academic institutions, researchers, scientists and physicians to continue exploring the full medical potential of BOTOX® based on its versatility and to develop new therapeutic uses for the product in areas where there is a need for new treatment options.

The botulinum toxin industry is evolving as well, as later this year, for the first time, other botulinum toxin products will come to market. As biologics and as stipulated by the FDA, it’s important to understand that botulinum toxins are not interchangeable and that each has a unique structure, formulation, efficacy and safety profile, distinct dosing requirements, as well as its own specific risk/benefit profile that should always be discussed by the physician with his or her patient prior to treatment. Physicians should not assume that they can use another botulinum toxin product and obtain the same precise and predictable results.

Allergan has developed a desk reference that addresses the Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic. The questions and answers contained in the links below provide useful context on the unique qualities of BOTOX®, common misperceptions and myths about the treatment, important information for patients and consumers about its risk-benefit profile, as well as considerations when assessing different botulinum toxin products.

BOTOX® and BOTOX Cosmetic Top 10 Q&A

BOTOX® Prescribing Information

BOTOX® Cosmetic Prescribing Information

Allergan
800.433.8871
www.botoxcosmetic.com

Source: Allergan