Anti-aging Treatments

Glow! (Credit: strochka)

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that from 2000 to 2005, the total number of laser skin-resurfacing procedures increased from approximately 117,000 to 476,000, a 32% compounded annual growth rate. The total number of Botox procedures increased from 1.1 million to 3.3 million injections over the same period.

People are spending more than ever on their quests to stay youthful. Below are some of the newest tools in the medical technology industry's ever growing aesthetic arsenal:

ArteFill Dermal Filler by Artes Medical (ARTE):
ArteFill, made by San Diego, CA-based Artes Medical, removes facial wrinkles. The injectable gel is a combination of homogeneous precision-filtered microspheres suspended in a solution of purified bovine collagen and 0.3% lidocaine to alleviate discomfort during injection. Aesthetic results are visible immediately after injection.

In October 2006, Artes Medical received FDA clearance for ArteFill, making it the first and only approved non-resorbable aesthetic injectable implant.

Skin Rejuvenation by Iridex (IRIX):
Iridex's skin rejuvenation is a laser treatment that diminishes the damage done by sun exposure and aging.

The company's Venus laser resurfacing treats multiple cosmetic concerns, including fine wrinkling around the eyes, forehead, nose, and mouth as well as the lingering effects of chicken pox, acne scars, and superficial pigmented lesions. Treatments can range from a series of light "no-downtime" peels to a single deep peel where each line is carefully sculpted.

Eyes by Thermage (THRM):
Eyes by Thermage, a skin-tightening procedure that Hayward, CA-based Thermage says is one-of-a-kind, smoothes and tightens skin, and decreases wrinkles and hooding in the eye area, without surgery, injections or downtime.

The procedure does not involve a laser; it uses radiofrequency technology to heat the skin's underlying collagen. The procedure, which takes about an hour, causes no bruising, swelling or sutures. Thermage says patients experience tighter, smoother skin after the first procedure.

ProCyte by PhotoMedex (PHMD):
ProCyte, a PhotoMedex company, offers products based on Copper Peptide Technology for skin health, hair care and wound care. Copper is a building block for collagen and elastin, key components of firm, healthy skin.

Patients are provided with a complete skin care regimen; the products are part of a medically supervised skin care program and are available by prescription.

Venus-i Laser System by Laserscope:
The Venus-i Laser System, made by San Jose CA-based , is a portable, high power Erbium:YAG laser system with applications in dermatology, cosmetic and plastic surgery, general surgery, ENT and ophthalmology.

The laser is the smallest — yet among the most powerful — Erbium:YAG lasers on the market. It's an option for younger patients with mild wrinkles or moderate sun damage, and can be used on facial and non-facial skin such as the hands.

CT3 Laser by CoolTouch:
Roseville, CA-based CoolTouch's CT3 Laser delivers controlled energy to stimulate the production of collagen. The treatment works on all skin types and improves the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles. The CT3 treats acne by altering the sebaceous gland — targeting the source of acne versus bacterial symptoms, for longer lasting results.