Inside AAFPRS

AAFPRS Executive Vice President & CEO, Steve Jurich offers a look at what is happening inside the Academy.

For 55+ years, the AAFPRS has been leading the evolution and advancement of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. What are the benefits for facial plastic surgeons to become a member?

Our AAFPRS mission is to promote excellence in the art and science of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Facial Aesthetics through education, advocacy, and innovation. The Academy provides a growing number of resources, training (including, on average, more than 50 facial plastic surgery fellowship programs yearly), education (in person and online), information and specialty-specific advocacy to help Academy members be successful and innovate. We strategically assist members with practical practice management, marketing and social media resources and information—and we help to foster opportunities to conduct research, offer humanitarian assistance, share innovations and data-driven best practices for surgical and non-surgical procedures through our peer-reviewed Journal (Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine), and stay on top of latest advances through our evidence-based medicine and research committees. Advances and cutting-edge techniques are generously shared by our members through virtual and in-person meetings, our new collaborative online communities, and formal and informal mentoring between our experienced and new physicians.

How has the pandemic impacted the AAFPRS, specifically regarding your various meetings? What does the future look like for society meetings like the AAFPRS’?

At the beginning of the pandemic, the AAFPRS issued a statement on COVID-19 to assist our members in addressing their concerns about their patients (and about their businesses) amid the safety issues emerging in this fast-moving public emergency. We also collaborated with many of our surgeons early around a voluntarily ventilator loan assistance program. Then, as communities started to “re-open,” the Academy assisted our members by developing vital Guidance on Resumption of Elective Facial Plastic Surgical Procedures and partnering with an interdisciplinary group of specialties to publish non-surgical guidance (Project AesCert Guidance) in our Academy’s peer-reviewed journal, offering it at no cost to all who needed it. The AAFPRS Team also pivoted to provide new online resources (including a virtual Annual Meeting and other online education, as well as enhanced communications with members). We also collaborated with key surgical and specialty coalitions to advocate for physician relief and protections in the various COVID legislation packages. The AAFPRS implemented a new online learning and collaborative platform, “CONNECT,” to further enable our members to collaborate and stay connected with each other. Our abilities to pivot and provide opportunities for communication, community, networking, education, and guidance from afar will absolutely be further honed and utilized to enhance our member services as we get back to the new normal!

How does the AAFPRS enhance and promote diversity for your current and potential membership?

In March of 2017, our Board adopted a formal strategy of fostering, recognizing, and leveraging diversity and inclusion among all of our valued members. This strategy has already yielded many positive advancements, such as: 1.) much more diverse elected and appointed leaders (including the Academy’s first female Board President); 2.) better genuine engagement of all our diverse members (inclusive of our young physicians, female members, and racially diverse members); and 3.) adopting a “call for presentations” for all AAFPRS conferences, yielding greater idea generation in our education programs, a dramatic expansion of member engagement at the podium, and exceptionally high education rating scores. The AAFPRS also launched a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force in October 2019—and that Task Force put forth a Proposed AAFPRS Bylaw Amendment to add a new voting Board position to the AAFPRS Board of Directors—the Group Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion. The amendment was then put before the AAFPRS membership in the Fall of 2020 and was overwhelmingly approved, affirming our membership’s immense support of our efforts to further advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Hw do you work on a daily basis to advocate for your members and how is that work beneficial for them?

First, our five AAFPRS Board Regional Directors provide on-going surveillance in their geographic regions about proposed regulatory or legislative challenges—so we are connected daily with issues at the frontlines. The AAFPRS also maintains excellent collaborative relationships with the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS), as we actively work in various coalitions to address pertinent regulatory and legislative issues at the state and federal levels. Such concerns include: truth in advertising; scope of practice; Medicare reimbursement cuts (that would have been over seven percent to FPRS if left unchallenged last year); cosmetic surgery taxes; prior-authorization; and COVID-related matters (such as PPP relief, expansion of telehealth, and physician liability protections). At the end of the day, the AAFPRS is working daily to protect the rights of all in the specialty—and to assure that our surgeons have the legal right to practice (and advertise/promote themselves) as facial plastic surgeons!

How is the AAFPRS a resource for industry partners? Any new industry partnerships/ programs you would like to highlight?

Our valued industry partners see the AAFPRS as an effective resource for reaching their target market via participation in our conferences and/or in other member access opportunities throughout the year. Academy members understand that the more they know about the devices and products they use, the better they will be at providing quality care. As a result, our members greatly value how the Academy partners with the leading companies in our field to provide the vital information and training they require about new, cutting-edge products and services. It is important to also note that such industry engagement provides companies a core resource for genuine relationship development with our Academy members too. Utilizing AAFPRS market access channels also communicates to facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons that such industry partners are fully supportive of the AAFPRS and our specialty. While price and quality are always crucial to our members, so too is meaningful and visible support of advancing our specialty and Academy. Looking forward the AAFPRS is in the process of developing new steps to deepen our strategic collaborations with our valued industry partners, including in the areas of research, focus groups, and strategic planning. Through more tailored Academy outreach to industry, we will be customizing approaches to better serve each company and their unique business goals—while also enhancing authentic strategic relationships with industry partners to further advance our Academy and our specialty.

Can you tell us about your annual meeting in Las Vegas this year? What are some of the highlights of the program?

First, the most important “highlight” about our upcoming AAFPRS Annual Meeting (September 29 to October 2 in Las Vegas) is that it will be in person! Additionally, there will be even more opportunities to earn CME at #AAFPRS2021, as this year we’ve added several master classes and featured presentations on Wednesday and Sunday of our conference to provide the most bang for your buck, and to increase educational impact. Included in this group of esteemed faculty will be Drs. Rick Davis, Andrew Jacono, Ben Talei, and Dean Toriumi, to name just a few. Also, our John J. Conley Lectureship will be given by facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Russ Kridel in his current capacity as the Immediate Past Chair of the AMA Board of Trustees (he is also a current candidate for AMA President-elect). The AAFPRS is increasing its education content, including enhancing its minimally invasive track with a robust “main stage” dedicated to non-surgical techniques, trends and technologies. We are also providing an expanded facial gender affirmation track, to offer more insight and best practices for this highly important topic. All of this amazing education, as well as the many opportunities for attendees to connect and network in person, is sure to provide a much-needed face-to-face re-convening of the specialty!

Steve Jurich
• AAFPRS Executive Vice President & CEO

Cytrellis’ Ellacor Cleared for moderate to severe Facial Wrinkles

The FDA has cleared the ellacor system from Cytrellis for the treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles in the mid to lower face. The minimally invasive device, featuring Micro-Coring technology, is a first-in-category device that safely removes micro-sized portions of excess skin without surgery, thermal energy, or evidence of scarring.

Based on the initial research of Cytrellis’ scientific founders, Drs. William Austen, Jr. and Rox Anderson, the novel system mechanically removes full-thickness cores of skin.

“It can remove as much skin as some surgical procedures without scarring,” says William G. Austen, Jr. MD, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chief of Burn Surgery at MGH in Boston and Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School.

Galderma’s Restylane Contour Approved for Cheeks

The FDA approved Galderma’s Restylane Contour for cheek augmentation and correction of midface contour deficiencies in adults over the age of 21.

Restylane Contour, a new hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler, is formulated with XpresHAn Technology for the cheeks. XpresHAn Technology uses a unique manufacturing process which creates a smooth, injectable gel that integrates into the skin for natural, dynamic expression in motion.

The FDA approval of Restylane Contour is supported by data from a randomized, comparator-controlled, multi-center, pivotal Phase 3 study conducted at 15 centers across the United States. The study evaluated 270 patients across two groups over 48 weeks. Group A compared the effectiveness and safety of Restylane Contour (n=142) versus a control comparator (n=68). Group B compared the injection of Restylane Contour with needle (n=60) and cannula devices (n=60) in the same patient on each side of their face. Results showed that Restylane Contour is safe and effective for cheek augmentation and the correction of midface contour deficiencies. Patients treated with Restylane Contour required less total volume injected to achieve optimal aesthetic results compared to patients treated with the comparator (4.26 mL versus 4.88 mL, respectively). In Group A, ≥76 percent of patients treated with Restylane Contour were ‘satisfied’ with their cheeks compared to ≥73 percent treated with the comparator across all FACE-Q questions through Week 48. Among patients in Group B, more than 91 percent were “satisfied” with their cheeks across all FACE-Q questions at all timepoints through Week 48.

In the Phase 3 study, Restylane Contour was well tolerated for cheek enhancement. The most commonly observed side effects for cheek injection were bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, and itching at the injection site. Most patients (85 percent) did not experience any adverse events (AEs) related to treatment with Restylane Contour. There were no severe or late-onset AEs related to Restylane Contour treatment, and 93 percent of AEs related to treatment with Restylane Contour were mild in intensity (53/57), with four moderate AEs of bruising, pain and/or facial pain. Restylane Contour showed comparable efficacy and safety when injected with needles and cannula devices.

Outside of the US, XpresHAn Technology is known as OBT and Restylane Contour is marketed as Restylane Volyme, which received its CE-mark in 2010 and has been used to treat more than 1.5 million patients worldwide to date.

Alastin: New Study Supports Benefits of TransFORM Body Treatment

A clinical study and scientific article in The Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ) highlights the beneficial results of daily use of TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology (TransFORM) from Alastin Skincare.

The Alastin Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment with patented TriHex Technology has been shown in previous studies to complement popular non-invasive fat reduction and skin tightening procedures, accelerating outcomes by supporting the body’s natural repair processes. In this new randomized, blind, controlled study, TransFORM was shown to provide skin smoothing effects and the appearance of more youthful-looking skin when used twice daily, without any procedures.

Led by Jean Carruthers, MD, researchers studied the effects of TransFORM compared to a bland moisturizer applied twice daily on the inner and outer areas of the forearm over a 12-week period.

Results demonstrated that, compared to arms treated with the bland moisturizer, arms treated with TransFORM showed higher amounts of new collagen and elastin and stimulation of the CD44 receptor that is associated with formation of new hyaluronic acid. The quantitative photographic analysis demonstrated a greater increase in smoothness overall for the TransFORM-treated arms compared to the bland moisturizer-treated arms. The inner, non-sun exposed area of the arms showed a significant increase in smoothness after treatment with TransFORM, whereas the inner area of the arms showed essentially no change after treatment with the bland moisturizer. The outer, more sun-exposed area of the arms treated with TransFORM showed an improvement in smoothness approximately three-times the level of improvement observed on the bland moisturizer-treated arms. Results from two different elasticity devices showed similar trends of increased elasticity on the TransFORM treated arms.

New Alma Launches

Alma Hybrid, the first laser platform to include an ablative 10,600nm (CO₂) laser and a non-ablative 1570nm laser for skin resurfacing, in launching in the US.

Alma Hybrid, which received FDA 510(k) clearance, offers physicians a comprehensive solution to utilize each best-in-class laser independently or for the very first time, customize the treatment pattern by combining both wavelengths. HyGrid introduces an entirely new injury pattern unseen with any other device on the market, the company says.

Alma Hybrid is the only device to feature high performance delivery known as HyPer. In HyPer delivery, an ablative CO₂ injury is followed by a non-ablative 1570nm injury in random pattern, significantly reducing treatment time and improving patient experience.

“The combination of an ablative CO₂ laser and a non-ablative 1570nm laser in one platform already makes Alma Hybrid unique. But the unmatched level of flexibility and customization makes this device the ultimate resurfacing tool,” says Jeffrey Hsu, MD, a dermatologist at Oak Dermatology, in the greater Chicago area. “I can fly through a full-face skin resurfacing treatment in 15 minutes with HyPer delivery, and the synergy of CO₂ and 1570nm gives me the best possible combination of effectiveness and safety.”

Alma is also launching a new women’s treatment for Alma Duo. This new treatment protocol uses focused low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) to stimulate blood flow and help increase pleasure for women.

Alma Duo, which is available in North America, was launched in January 2021, having been clinically validated to improve blood flow and bring spontaneity back to men’s lives.

LI-ESWT was introduced in the 1970s for stone fragmentation and has since evolved to successfully address additional medical concerns in orthopedics and in cardiology. It is associated with anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects. This patented shock wave therapy causes mechanical stress to the treatment site, triggering a cascade of wound healing responses that stimulate blood flow, restore function and support intimacy for women. Alma Duo is a quick, comfortable in-office treatment that requires no topical anesthetic and no downtime.

“People often don’t realize the significant role proper function plays, but when women struggle with intimacy, the effects can be comprehensive. It can negatively affect stress levels, physical health, and strain partner relationships,” says Carolyn DeLucia, MD, an OB/GYN and pioneer of non-invasive sexual wellness treatments. “Alma Duo has been able to reinvigorate this aspect of my patients’ lives, by helping increase their pleasure, comfort and overall interest.”

Mentor Joins the ASPIRE Galderma Rewards Program

Mentor is joining Galderma as the first external collaborator for the ASPIRE Galderma Rewards Program.

Now when patients choose qualifying Mentor Breast Implants, they’ll earn ASPIRE points that can be redeemed for savings on future Galderma treatments. Patients will also receive special offers through the program, so they are more likely to explore new treatments and are given more reasons to visit their providers.

Chuck Hibbett, Head of U.S. Sales and Marketing Mentor Worldwide LLC, says this collaboration is a natural evolution to what has been a very successful collaboration between Mentor and Galderma.

“We have a shared customer base looking for options in who they partner with and as respective market leaders, we are better together. Galderma has done a wonderful job creating a patient loyalty program with ASPIRE that keeps the patient and the practice front and center. We are proud to be the first company outside of Galderma to be allowed into the ASPIRE ecosystem. As the leader in breast aesthetics, we believe that we can help bring together the surgical with the non-surgical procedures that patients and practices rely on in a better way than has been done before,” he says.

By opting into ASPIRE, private practices gain key insights and business-building tools allowing them to understand the benefits of offering Galderma products and Mentor Breast Implants to their patients. With the ASPIRE program, Mentor and Galderma are working to provide new patient benefits that complement MAGIC+ (Mentor and Galderma Injectable Collaboration), which offers healthcare professionals valuable cost savings on Galderma products, and launched in 2018.

And the program offers out the insights and tools practices who opt into the Aspire program gain?

“Outside of the basics of point redemption that we have grown accustomed to in different patient loyalty programs across various sectors, ASPIRE provides practices with a variety of benefits specific to our specialty. ASPIRE members have access to customer practice insights and data to identify new patient opportunities. There are branded communications to help build patient excitement and engagement, along with treatment resources to ensure surgeons can inform and support patient education every step of the way,” Mr. Hibbett explains. “And as with any good loyalty program, there are various exclusive offers available to ASPIRE members throughout the year that can provide additional savings back to the practice or can be extended to a surgeon’s patients. Ultimately, ASPIRE was built to help healthcare providers build their aesthetics business, and we are here to support them throughout that journey.”