FDA Approves Sculptra®Aesthetic, A Facial Injectable for Correction of Nasolabial Folds and other Facial Wrinkles

Bridgewater, N.J., July 29, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Sanofi-aventis U.S. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sculptra®Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid) for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy patients. Sculptra®Aesthetic works gradually to offer natural-looking results that can last up to two years.

“We are excited by the FDA approval of Sculptra®Aesthetic because it changes the landscape of what physicians can offer patients seeking natural and gradual looking results from an aesthetic injectable that is long-lasting,” said Doris Day, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University and in private practice in New York City. “Sculptra®Aesthetic allows for a natural correction.”

The FDA approval of Sculptra®Aesthetic is based on results from a randomized, comparative, evaluator-blinded, parallel group, multi-center study of 233 patients. Patients received Sculptra®Aesthetic or an approved human derived collagen for the treatment of their nasolabial fold wrinkles.

Sculptra®Aesthetic was administered in a single treatment regimen, at three week intervals, for up to 4 treatment sessions for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies using a deep dermal grid pattern (cross-hatch) injection technique. The Sculptra®Aesthetic patients were followed for an additional 12 months. Sculptra®Aesthetic treatment effects were maintained up to 25 months after the last treatment session, while the human derived collagen was effective up to 3 months.

“Sculptra®Aesthetic showed effective correction of the nasolabial folds, which are considered to be the hallmark signs of facial aging,” said Paul Chew, M.D., Chief Science Officer/Chief Medical Officer, sanofi-aventis U.S.

No serious adverse events were reported in this study for either treatment. Commonly occurring short-term injection site reactions were bleeding, tenderness or pain/discomfort, redness, bruising, itching or swelling and were reported in both treatment groups. Other adverse events reported during the 25 month trial included small bumps and lumps, some with a delayed onset and were mild or moderate in intensity. Most side effects resolved on their own; one small lump required treatment by the healthcare provider.

Important Safety Information
You should not use Sculptra Aesthetic if you are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Sculptra Aesthetic should not be injected while you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area and should not be injected into the red area of the lip. Use in the skin near the eyes is not recommended.

Side effects of Sculptra Aesthetic may include injection site discomfort, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching and swelling. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported. In a key clinical study the numbers of small and larger lumps were low and most resolved without treatment.

About Sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis U.S. is an affiliate of sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to help improve the lives of patients. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi-aventis U.S.
800.981.2491
www.sculptra.us

Source: Sanofi-aventis

Tangent Announces Energy Efficient All-In-One PC Designed As Notebook Replacement for Medical Carts

Easily Cleaned, Ultra-Thin PC Offers Up To 20 Hours per Charge and Is Available At Reduced Cost on Selected Carts

BURLINGAME, CA (July 28, 2009) - Tangent Inc. (www.tangent.com), a leading provider of technology solutions for the medical market, today unveiled VITA LT, a space and energy saving All-in-One PC for the medical market that is perfect for mobile cart solutions.

Ultra-light (10.5 lbs.) and ultra-thin (1.4”) and with an 18.5 inch widescreen LCD, the VITA LT is designed as a notebook replacement for medical carts.

As part of the new product launch, the company is offering the system at a reduced cost on selected carts. The VITA LT is also ideal for wall mounting that conforms to fire ordinances limiting wall protrusions limits. Its size limits the need for structural reinforcements of walls.

Its VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) support can save money, reduce power consumption, and enhance mobile productivity for doctors and nurses with software like VMware View. The VITA LT offers industry-leading power efficiency at 34 watts and 72% less energy usage than standard Energy Star 4.0 compliant PCs based on a test done by a leading cart manufacturer.

The system’s form factor and new design is ideal for both documentation or medication carts. Its power efficiency extends cart run times to as much as 20 hours per charge and its low rolling weight allows easier portability. The display has a tilt range from -5 degrees to +25 degrees to provide viewing comfort and ergonomic flexibility.

Its high resolution 18.5” widescreen provides a clear view of applications, which run on a power- saving yet powerful Intel Atom processor. Built in 802.11 wireless provides the ultimate flexibility for installation anywhere.

The VITA LT is not only functional, but it’s cosmetically matched to a variety of attractive new mounts and carts. Its sealed front allows easy cleaning with medical disinfectants while its white color aids in spotting hygiene issues. It is also available with spill resistant peripherals and an array of medical accessories.

VITA LT is powered by Microsoft Vista Business, Windows XP Professional, or XP Embedded and comes standard with integrated graphics, slim CD-ROM/DVD/CD-RW/DVD RW, 4-in-1 media reader, built-in speakers, up to 2GB of DDR SDRAM, up to 250 GB hard drive, and 10/100/1000 Gbit LAN.

Pricing starts at $1099. VITA LT comes standard with a one-year parts and labor warranty and optional on-site service. It is available direct from Tangent.

About Tangent, Inc.
Founded in 1989, Tangent has more than 17 years experience providing technology solutions to education, government, corporate, and healthcare markets. Tangent’s award-winning technology includes desktops, notebooks, wireless labs, thin clients, and servers. Tangent has earned numerous honors including eight Editor’s Choice awards from PC Magazine.

Tangent, Inc.
800.342.9388
www.tangent.com

Source: Tangent, Inc.

Thermage® & Fraxel® Combination Treatments

Deliver Dramatic Synergistic Results. 1 + 1 = 3

“By combining the Thermage and Fraxel procedures sequentially, our experience has shown greater tightening and greater smoothing of the skin than with either procedure alone.”
—Robert Weiss, M.D.

WEBINAR
Monday August 10th at 8:00am PDT
Presenter:
Robert A. Weiss, M.D. Maryland Laser, Skin and Vein Institute, Assoiciate Professor of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins U. School of Medicine

Topics
• Technology Overview
• Clinical outcomes of combination procedures
• Treatment protocols and patient selection
• Maximizing profit with combination therapies
• Live Q & A

If you missed the first webinar, here is another opportunity to hear Dr. Weiss.
Register for the EVENT

Solta Medical
877.782.2286
www.solta.com

Source: Solta Medical

PatientNOW Announces Reseller Agreement with Tangent

PatientNOW, the leading provider of electronic medical records (EMR) and medical practice management software to the aesthetic market, today announced a reseller agreement with Tangent, that will provide state-of-the-art medical computers and tablets to surgical and aesthetic physicians nation-wide.

Computers have become an integral component of medical practices over the years, and with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or what is referred to as the Stimulus Package propelling Electronic Medical Records (EMR) into healthcare, the need for medical practices to move to a paperless office has become paramount.

Today physicians are seeing more patients on a daily basis than ever, creating larger number of charts that need to be completed by the end of each day. A growing number of physicians are using a portable wireless tablets, such as Tangent’s Medix 10T, to enter patient information during the examination. This allows the physician to document the necessary details in the Electronic Medical Records system while meeting with the patient. This also permits the physician to see the allotted number of patients without having to deal with paperwork at the end of the day.

Tangent recently released the Medix 10T touch screen tablet that uses hot swappable batteries instead of a single battery, allowing a physician to use the tablet the entire day, switching batteries as needed, and never having to waste time waiting on the device to reboot. In addition, the Medix 10T has an integrated fingerprint reader and barcode scanner so that medical tasks can be performed efficiently anywhere in the office. Tangent’s systems are hospital grade and are used by personnel throughout the medical practice such as the front office to check-in patients or schedule appointments, and the back-office to quickly enter or access information on wall-mounted terminals.

Using PatientNOW’s Medical Suite 5.0 software running on Tangent computer systems allows the medical practice to manage patient information while saving time and improving services of the practice. Tasks such as insurance verification, e-prescribing, EMR, inventory, electronic billing, and point-of-sale can all be accomplished using PatientNOW.

PatientNOW
800.436.3150
www.patientnow.com

Source: PatientNOW

Radiesse™ Works Instantly to Make Hands Look Younger

New Procedure Takes Fifteen Minutes and Provides Immediate Results

(New York, NY) Cosmetic procedures are often performed on the face, but a person’s hands can give away their true age. Because of this, what some call a “hand lift” is becoming more popular, and now the procedure is faster and easier. Elasticity and firmness are lost with age, and as the skin and muscle tissue of the hands becomes thinner, veins and bones appear to be more prominent, creating an uneven surface that causes hands to look fragile, even skeletal. Hand rejuvenation is the answer to patients who are concerned about the aging appearance of their hands

BEFORE & AFTER RADIESSE TREATMENT

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Radiesse™, an injectable filler that has worked wonders when used in facial procedures, is now being used to rejuvenate hands in a process that can take as little as fifteen minutes, providing instant results.

About Dr. Eviatar
Joseph Eviatar, MD, board certified Oculoplastic Surgeon at Chelsea Eye and Cosmetic Surgery Associates in New York City, is skilled at hand rejuvenation and has proven amazing results using Radiesse. It works by actually raising the skin level of the hand, smoothing wrinkles and adding plumpness so that the veins, tendons and joints are not as prominent. Radiesse particles form a scaffold through which your body’s own collagen grows, and for this reason, the desired long-term effect is achieved. Unlike other treatments, the results are noticeable immediately, and the patient can go right back to work or resume any other activity after the injection. Results can last up to two years, making it more cost-effective than prior hand rejuvenation treatments.

Joseph Eviatar, MD
212.727.3717
www.chelseaeye.com

Source: Dr. Eviatar

BIOTONE® Pure Touch Organics - Everything You Want in Your Massage Products and None of What You Don’t

Abingdon, VA – BIOTONE’S new Pure Touch™ Organics line of massage products are organic, formulated without parabens, gently pH balanced, and environmentally friendly, yet they still maintain the quality and purity you expect. They are rich, thick, hypoallergenic, and unscented, and contain jojoba, shea butter, sesame oil, sunflower, and chamomile.

For over 20 years, BIOTONE has been a trusted industry leader and supplier of superior quality massage therapy crèmes, oils, lotions, and gels chosen by professionals everywhere. You can depend on BIOTONE to be uncompromising about the quality and consistency of its products.

With a selection of products to meet all of your clients’ needs, you can transform your therapy room into a revitalizing spa.

About Universal Companies
Universal Companies is the leading single-source supplier to the spa industry, providing thousands of products to help day spas, resort spas, medical spas, and independent practitioners manage and grow their businesses. An early innovator in the spa industry, Universal has forged strong partnerships with hundreds of manufacturers to create unique and effective products that meet the needs of the business owner or spa practitioner. Universal Companies prides itself in “simplifying” the demands placed on spa operators by being a “one source spa solution” and providing numerous resources, including consultative selling and education.

Universal Companies
800.558.5571
www.universalcompanies.com

Source: Universal Companies

NEW Fall Launches from Sothys

NEW Pore Refiner System
Reduction and elimination of open pores requires a targeted treatment therefore the Pore Refiner System visibly tightens the skin grain and illuminates the complexion as the skin reaches its ultimate stage of beauty. This range is composed of four products to be used alone or in synergy for rapid action or for a treatment effect on the enlarged or collapsed pores. The line “hyper-activates” to treat pores in a very targeted way and obtain quick, visible and long-lasting results.

Refining Peel Off Mask
A treatment mask with a stretchable film texture. After drying, this mask is peeled off acting as an effective exfoliant. Skin is instantly more refined, lighter and softer.

Complexion Perfector
An innovative texture with ultra-soft matifying microspheres acts as a “second skin” to camouflage pores. It’s light feel and non-comedogenic formula provides a natural matte finish, hiding imperfections and providing a perfect illumination under makeup.

Matifying Refiner Solution
A high-tech product concentrated with Meadowsweet to reduce excess sebum and constrict the follicle walls while boosting the pool of healthy cells. The ultra-soft microspheres visible reduce the appearance of enlarged pores while controlling shine. The Matifying Refiner solution is very well suited to combination-oily skin and/or to skin that is momentarily affected with enlarged pores due to exposure to aggravating factors.

Smoothing Refiner Solution
Stimulates the synthesis of collagen and remodels enlarged pores hollowed by age. Almond proteins form a film on the surface of the skin that smoothes for an immediate tensor effect. Skin grain is visibly tighter and the complexion is visibly smoother and more radiant .

NEW Beauty Garden Organic Gommage Scrub
An addition to the renowned organic line, which contains ingredients between 99.5% and 100% from natural origins, this new facial scrub contains Helianthus and Walnut Shells to gently eliminate dead skin cells and refine skin structure. Product is recommended for use every other day following make-up removal and cleansing.

Sothys
305.594.4222
www.sothys-usa.com

Source: Sothys

Midmark’s Ritter Sterilizer Promotion Supports Infection Control

While Offering Physicians Valuable Product and Rebate Incentives

VERSAILLES, Ohio – Midmark Corporation, in an effort to help promote proper infection control for patient and staff safety, today announced its newest promotion for physicians and healthcare facilities, offering special product and rebate incentives on its market-leading sterilizers. The promotion, entitled, “Small Changes…Big Difference.” kicked off July 15, 2009, and runs through September 30, 2009.

Under terms of this promotion, with the purchase of each eligible Ritter M11and/or M9 UltraClave® Automatic Sterilizer during the promotional period, the physician or healthcare facility will receive either a $500 rebate from Midmark or a Midmark Soniclean® M250 Ultrasonic Cleaner with safety basket (valued at $1,803).

Also, in an effort to promote better healthcare globally, any physician or healthcare facility who donates a sterilizer to Direct Relief International® along with an eligible purchase, will receive an additional $250 rebate. (For complete information regarding this promotion, including product information, incentive choices, redemption instructions and eligibility, please reference the 2009 “Small Changes…Big Difference.” promotion details.)

Important dates for this promotion:
• Promotion order period: July 15 – September 30, 2009
• Last date to take shipment of products: October 31, 2009
• Last date to claim incentives: November 30, 2009

About Midmark Medical
Dedicated to helping healthcare providers deliver the most efficient patient care, Midmark offers innovative medical equipment, diagnostic and software solutions. Its line of Midmark and Ritter Barrier-Free® examination and procedures tables, diagnostic products, sterilizers, lighting, seating and casework have become the industry standards in medical practices of all sizes, helping improve the patient experience while improving safety, productivity and profitability. Midmark products, such as the IQ line of diagnostic products, seamlessly connect to EHR/EMR systems for the most efficient information flow in the clinical office.

About Midmark
Midmark Corporation brings efficient patient care to billions of people each and every day in the human and animal healthcare industries around the world. The most trusted name in medical, dental and veterinary healthcare equipment solutions, Midmark is committed to providing innovative products and services for the healthcare professional, integrating value-added technology into everything it does. With over 1,100 teammates worldwide, Midmark is dedicated to making a positive difference in the practice of healthcare. Headquartered in Versailles, Ohio, Midmark Corporation is a global organization with subsidiaries in California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, India and France.

Midmark Corp.
800.MIDMARK (643.6275)
www.midmark.com

Source: Midmark

TriBeCa MedSpa: Where Medicine & Luxury Meet in the Middle

New York, NY (July 15, 2009) – The current economic climate has caused beauty buffs to question their investment in aesthetic services and products. Weekly pedicures and blow-outs that were once accepted as part of a beauty regimen are now considered luxury treatments. When consumers are forced to cut back on spending, they want value when it comes to investing in their health and their appearance.

The spa industry has taken note of medicine’s new role in beauty. Treatments and services delivered in a medically supported environment have gained credibility in the eyes of the consumer. Unlike traditional spas, where the goal is often relaxation and pampering, medical spas, also known as “MedSpas,” provide clients with instant, quantifiable results. Leading the way is New York City’s TriBeCa MedSpa, a therapeutic environment that offers effective and innovative medical aesthetic treatments – making clients look and feel their most beautiful.

TriBeCa MedSpa Proprietor Camille Meyer says, “The trend of medspas is not new but it’s become relevant more than ever.” She continues, “At TriBeCa MedSpa, we set a gold standard of care for the beauty industry. We create a stress-free treatment environment as well as access to more non-invasive healthcare alternatives and advanced technology such as laser and other anti-aging solutions. Our board certified medical director, physician assistant and medical aestheticians use state-of-the art technology to customize each client’s treatment, catering to individual skin types to achieve the best possible results.”

Until a few years ago, day spas limited their “medical” procedures to an occasional light chemical peel or microdermabrasion. Today, TriBeCa MedSpa is committed to offering clients optimal customer service as they go above and beyond the expectations of traditional spas. By working with their medically advanced staff, TriBeCa MedSpa provides unique and personalized treatments that cater to each of their clients’ needs.

TriBeCa MedSpa’s Course of Treatment

According to Camille, “many of my clients have adopted the mantra, ‘if you’re going to spend the money and the time, spend it on effective treatments that deliver results.’” TriBeCa MedSpa services range from facials to skin resurfacing to injectable treatments, allowing clients to customize their personal beauty needs.

VISIA Skin Analysis

* Upon entering the facility, one of TriBeCa MedSpa’s skincare professionals will perform a VISIA Skin Analysis, a complimentary procedure that analyzes the current state of the skin. The 30 to 40 minute procedure takes multiple pictures of the skin, including UV photos to expose photo damage below the skin’s surface. This will allow the medical staff to produce validated recommendations for the optimal rejuvenation treatments to match each unique complexion.

Medical Aesthetic Treatments

* TriBeCa MedSpa offers corrective facials, medical grade peels, and acne treatments to serve all of their clients varying needs. Due to the variation of skin conditions,

TriBeCa MedSpa’s facials are developed to cater to each individual client. “Our medical skincare professionals are aware that no two skin types are the same,” says Camille, “medical aesthetic treatments are constantly being altered to meet the skincare needs of each client.”

o City Grime Detox Skin Therapy
+ Daily exposure to harmful environmental elements such as pollution can take a toll on the face’s sensitive skin. TriBeCa MedSpa’s detoxifying treatment consists of a gentle cleansing facial massage to stimulate and exfoliate the skin, removing pore-clogging pollutants city dwellers encounter. Dermaplaning, a procedure used to remove all access build-up and dead skin cells is performed, to expose the new, healthier skin. The treatment is completed with blue light therapy to remove bacteria to eliminate unwanted irritation and breakouts.

Laser Treatments

* TriBeCa MedSpa offers a 3-tiered, strategic approach to rejuvenate the skin which results in noticeably improved skin tone, texture and tightness. TriBeCa MedSpa offers personalized treatments that provide a powerful solution for skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles and sunspots that target below the surface of the skin to result in a younger apperance. The medical aesthetician will determine which laser to use to address each skin condition individually.
o TITAN™: A breakthrough, FDA approved procedure that tightens skin tissue to reverse the signs of aging, laxity, drooping, sagging and wrinkled skin. TITAN™ utilizes a safe, infrared light to heat the dermis well below the skin’s service to tighten loose skin around the face, neck, arms, legs and abdomen to result in a youthful appearance.
o Laser Genesis: A non-ablative procedure that treats premature signs of aging while gently heating the dermis below the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen re-growth. The treatment will result in a healthier complexion as the appearance of large pores are reduced in size, the skin’s texture is improved, and minor imperfections are diminished.
o Photo Genesis Skin Therapy: An innovative way to eliminate hyperpigmentation while removing the sun and age spots from the face, chest, arms and hands. Photo Genesis works to resurface the skin on the outer most layer to result in an even skin tone and color.

Leg/Facial Vein Therapy

* TriBeCa MedSpa utilizes the most advanced laser technology to treat blue leg veins and small red veins (commonly known as Telangiectasia or “spider veins”) on the face and legs of men and women. The treatment delivers significant improvements over the course of a few weeks. Normal day-to-day activity can be resumed immediately after the treatment but it is advised to avoid direct sun exposure for up to three weeks before and after treatments.

Fraxel®

* The cumulative effects of time, sun, pollution, stress and fatigue, can keep the skin from looking its best. Fraxel, a revolutionary laser procedure, safely and effectively penetrates beneath the skin’s surface, to eliminate old, damaged, uneven skin cells. The treatment stimulates the body’s own natural healing process leaving the skin looking youthful with a softer and evenly toned, glowing surface.

The Fraxel treatment is safe and effective on delicate skin areas, such as the eyes, neck, chest and hands, in addition to the face.

Fraxel is effective in treating the following conditions:

o Acne Scars and Surgical Scars
o Skin Resurfacing
o Wrinkles around the Eye (periorbital wrinkles)
o Age and Sun Spots (pigmented lesions)
o Brown Spots/Pregnancy Mask (Melasma)
o Stretch Marks (from weight loss or pregnancy)

Medical Pedicure

* TriBeCa MedSpa offers four exclusive medical based treatments designed to treat unwanted conditions of the feet. Treatments include the Exclusive TriBeCa MedSpa Medi-Pedi, Podiatric Dermal Filler, Anti-Fungal Foot Therapy and Botox for the Feet.
o The Exclusive TriBeCa Med Spa Medi-Pedi
+ A corrective pedicure treatment that is designed to eliminate bacteria, fungal infections and other foot conditions. This Medi-Pedi consists of an anti-bacterial sprays, gentle thermal exfoliating foot scrubs, and medical grade ingredients to leave feet feeling clean, soft and smooth.

At-Home Skincare by TriBeCa MedSpa: Camille NY Cosmeceuticals

* To further combat the aging process, Camille Meyer has created Camille of NY Cosmeceuticals, a diverse product line which caters to each unique skin type whether its in need of acne solutions, hydrating treatments, anti-aging remedies or balancing tonics. Made of the highest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and concentrated in the purest form, the products are formulated to be free of all unnecessary and harmful chemical additives.
o Oil Free Sun Block SPF 30: Created with micronized titanium dioxide, apricot kernel oil and vitamin E in a hyaluronic acid based formula to protect and hydrate the skin. The oil and fragrance free sun block’s thin formula is absorbed quickly and does not clog pores.

According to Camille, “Today’s spa-goers are expecting visible results and real outcomes for the repeated facial and skin treatments that are being advertised as important components of one’s overall health and wellness. TriBeCa MedSpa clients are not only experiencing top-of-the-line medical aesthetic treatments administered by a professional and caring staff, they are investing time in themselves, and taking a break from their hectic and chaotic lives. After their first visit, they will realize that time at TriBeCa MedSpa is time well spent.”

About TriBeCa MedSpa
TriBeCa MedSpa provides the expertise of New York’s top plastic surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and experienced medical estheticians in a spa-like setting. Our medical spa offers the area’s most effective medical skin treatments. Whether concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, acne, scarring or other conditions, TriBeCa MedSpa will design a treatment that rejuvenates and revitalizes your skin while preventing future damage. TriBeCa MedSpa, understands skincare and are committed to making you look and feel beautiful.

Meet Dr. Gerald D. Ginsberg, Medical Director of TriBeCa MedSpa
Dr. Gerald D. Ginsberg is a highly esteemed plastic and reconstructive surgeon. In private practice in New York City since 1983, he serves as the Director of Plastic Surgery at New York Downtown Hospital, a member of the prestigious New -York Presbyterian Healthcare System and an academic affiliate of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. With an extensive background in plastic surgery and liposuction, Dr. Ginsberg brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to TriBeCa MedSpa. Dr. Ginsberg is board certified in Plastic Surgery, and received his medical degree from Northwestern University. He completed residencies in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and fellowship in Hand Surgery at NYU Medical Center. Dr. Ginsberg is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery. He has been recognized in many national publications for his medical excellence and is considered to be one of the “Best Doctors in New York” by New York Magazine.

Meet Michele Rivard, Physician Assistant of TriBeCa MedSpa
Michele Rivard - “The Botox Strategist” is renowned in New York City for her ability to tailor Botox to each individual’s preferred look. She uses her extensive knowledge in facial anatomy to enhance a client’s natural beauty without “over botoxing” or immobilizing facial animation. Michele has been working as a Physician Assistant in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery for the last seven years. She has worked with some of the best surgeons in New York and in the operating room as first assistant to Dr. Gerald Ginsberg. Michele graduated Cum Laude from Long Island University’s Physician Assistant program and also holds a graduate degree in surgery from Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants, the American Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery and the Association of Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants.

Meet Camille Meyer, Proprietor of TriBeCa MedSpa
Camille became passionate about high quality skincare after struggling with her own skin issues, including adult acne. In 2006 she formulated a skincare line of cosmeceuticals and created the vision behind TriBeCa MedSpa. Camille graduated from Ferris State University with a major in PreMed and Nuclear Medicine and continued her education at the University of Michigan to finish her adjunct clinical studies. From 1991-1996 Camille worked at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX performing nuclear research for the FDA with focuses on transplantation, lymphoscintigraphy and early detection of colon cancer. From 1996-2005 Camille worked in surgery as neurotology/otolaryngology specialist for the ConMed Corporation focusing on new surgical techniques and procedures.

TriBeCa MedSpa
212.925.9500
www.TriBeCaMedSpa.com

Source: TriBeCA MedSpa

Branded Surgery Is Not Always the “Quick Fix” it is Advertised To Be

Aesthetic Society Discusses Brand Name Surgical Procedures

New York, NY (July 16, 2009) – Have you seen the commercial for in-office procedures that will make your face wrinkle-free or sculpt your stomach, with no downtime and no scars? Lifestyle Lift, Lunchtime Lift, Thread-Tox, and Smart-Lipo, are just a few of the brand-name surgical procedures being marketed to the public as a cosmetic quick fix with a clever name.

Brand name surgical procedures generally fit under two categories; first, those that are legitimately assigned the name of the person that has popularized the technique, for example Saldanha’s lipoabdominoplasty or Furnas’conchal setback technique, (either through the efforts of that same person or others assigning his or her name to it) and second, those that are simply created by someone to market a the procedure to the public. The first situation is usually a very legitimate situation and is often in the scientific literature, but not in the public domain. However, the second situation has become very popular for cosmetic surgery procedures. But are highly marketed procedures really the right choice when deciding on aesthetic surgery?

“In the wrong clinical setting, the results may not come close to the promises made in the advertising,” says J. Peter Rubin, MD, a plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh, PA. “What is really indispensible for the best results, however, is not a specific procedure but the judgment of a board certified plastic surgeon who can match the right patient with the best procedure for them.”

“These named procedures are used by the marketing entity to popularize the technique so that patients ask for it whether it fits their situation or not. This is a problem that can be very dangerous,” said Dr. Al Aly, a plastic surgeon from Iowa, and a member of the Aesthetic Society’s Body Contouring Committee. “A procedure is only as good as the hands that perform it.”
“Patient safety and efficacy need to be the top priorities, not commerce or marketing,” says Robert Singer, MD a plastic surgeon from La Jolla, CA and a past-president of ASAPS. If you decide a procedure is right for you, make sure you have done your homework, that the procedure has been fully explained, you know exactly who will be performing your procedure and that they are qualified to perform the exact procedure you are undergoing, and that you have thoroughly read and signed informed consent documents.

Facial surgery and body sculpting procedures are often marketed to the public with brand names. “One does not have to be a plastic surgeon to know intuitively that one facelift technique will not be appropriate for all individuals undergoing a facelift,” says Sherrell Aston, MD, past-president of the ASAPS and member of the Society’s Facial Surgery Committee. “The human anatomy and the aging process vary significantly from person to person. The so-called minimally invasive surgical procedures have gained popularity in all surgical specialties. For many procedures the work that is performed through the small incisions is rather extensive, and requires significant expertise on the part of the surgeon. A short incision facelift can give an excellent result, when properly performed for the appropriate patient.”

“The issue of untrained or inadequately trained practitioners, some of whom are not medical doctors, performing cosmetic plastic surgery is an extremely serious patient safety concern,” says Salt Lake City, UT plastic surgeon and president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Renato Saltz, MD. “For ultimate patient safety it is essential that the media and the general public be better educated about what constitutes appropriate training to perform operations such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast surgery and cosmetic eyelid surgery.” The demanding residency program that all plastic surgeons must complete before they can be considered for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) ensures that they not only acquire general surgical knowledge and experience but, additionally, that they master the principles, ethics and practice of plastic surgery.

About ASAPS
The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), founded in 1967, is the leading organization of ABMS-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. With ASAPS active members certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Canadian active members certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and International members certified in their countries of origin, ASAPS is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery.

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711)
www.surgery.org

Source: ASAPS