Actress Drew Barrymore Gets Real with Modern Aesthetics®

Drew Barrymore is the first ever celebrity ambassador for BTL's Emsculpt, a non-invasive high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology that induces supramaximal muscle contractions to tone the core, buttocks, thighs, arms, and calves. She took some time to discuss her reasons for undergoing the procedure to tighten her core and shared how Emsculpt has changed her life and lifestyle for the better.

Modern Aesthetics: What made you decide to try Emsculpt?

Drew Barrymore: I wanted to try Emsculpt because I was tired of getting injured from working out, which is something that is really important to me, not because I want to look a certain way, but because I want to feel a certain way.

My core was not available to me so I needed to find a way to work out better and smarter. Between physical therapy and pilates to develop my pelvic floor and Emsculpt to strengthen my mid-section, I now have a foundation that is better and stronger than it was before kids.

Modern Aesthetics: Have you been tempted by other body contouring treatments?

Ms. Barrymore: Nope, not even a little, because so many are about the aesthetics and that is not my personal motivation. I have a certain body type and I have certain genetics. I don't feel like battling them my entire life to be thin. I love food. I love exercise because it helps me equally mentally as it does physically—sometimes maybe more. For me, it is about never being able to work out this consistently without injury in my entire life.

It's not invasive. It's not surgery. It's not vanity. It's a way for me to be stronger and better. You can feel it and you can see it, and something that is results-oriented brings people back for more.

Modern Aesthetics: How has it changed your life and lifestyle?

Ms. Barrymore: I have been able to work out consistently without injury, making my whole core stronger. Even before kids, I was not in tune with my core. Having treatment hasn't affected what I wear. I always try to dress in a way that suits my body. I'd rather wear a pair of sweatpants with a vintage T-shirt and a kimono and make it look chic with accessories for a drapey bohemian vibe than wear [something] because it is fancier, cooler, or more fashionable.

We are all built differently and all have different genetics. Growing up in Hollywood I learned to sort of embrace what I am and what I was rather than feeling bad that I wasn't something or someone else. There are plenty of industries that can tend to make you feel like you are supposed to be something you are not and that's the perfect recipe for a toxic lifestyle.

I have plenty of other problems and I am not putting that one on my plate electively.

Modern Aesthetics: Does Emsculpt hurt?

Ms. Barrymore: I do a lot of my pelvic floor breathing when I am doing it, which is strengthening and tightening in tandem, so I am really leaning into it and embracing it and giving it my all.

I go into meditative state. I do a face sheet mask and just really tune everything out for a full integrative holistic experience. And no, it doesn't hurt.

Allergan Withdraws Textured Breast Implants Due to Safety Concerns

Just days after surgeons from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and elsewhere called for warnings on silicone-filled breast implants due to risk of “breast implant illness,” Allergan announced a voluntary worldwide recall of Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders due to concerns of another health issue—breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Breast Implant Illness is an umbrella term for a constellation of symptoms including tiredness, “brain fog,” joint aches, immune-related symptoms, and sleep disturbance that some women report experiencing and attribute to silicone implants.

Allergan is taking its recall action as a precaution, because the rare ALCL form of cancer has been linked to textured implants. Surgeons and their patients should note that the FDA and other health authorities have not recommended removal or replacement of textured breast implants or tissue expanders in asymptomatic patients.

Biocell saline-filled and silicone-filled textured breast implants and tissue expanders will no longer be distributed or sold in any market where they are currently available. Effective immediately, healthcare providers should no longer implant new Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders and unused products should be returned to Allergan. Allergan will provide additional information to customers about how to return unused products. Textured breast implants have not been commonly used in the US market.

This global recall does not affect Allergan's Natrelle smooth or Microcell breast implants and tissue expanders.

Facial Plastic Surgery in Men Enhances Perception of Attractiveness, Trustworthiness

When a man has facial plastic surgery, others see him as more attractive, likable, socially skilled, and trustworthy, new research shows.

The study, published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, shows that men benefit from facial cosmetic surgery in much the same way as women: other people find more to like in that new visage. However, the study did not show a significant impact on perceptions of masculinity, whereas a similar study performed with women in 2015 showed a significant increase in ratings of femininity for those subjects.

“The tendency to judge facial appearance is likely rooted in evolution, as studies suggest evaluating a person based on appearance is linked to survival—our animal instinct tells us to avoid those who are ill-willed, and we know from previous research that personality traits are drawn from an individual's neutral expressions,” explains the study's senior investigator, Michael J. Reilly, MD, an associate professor of otolaryngology at Georgetown's School of Medicine. Dr. Reilly is board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and sees patients at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.

“Taken together, our findings suggest that both men and women undergoing facial cosmetic surgery can experience not only an improved perception of attractiveness but other positive changes in society's perception of their persona,” he says.

In recent years, men in America have changed their social attitudes about “appearance maintenance” from one bordering on narcissism to somewhere on a continuum of well-being, Dr. Reilly adds. Men are now 15-20 percent of the cosmetic surgery market, but many preferred male facial features are the opposite of what is prized on a female face. For example, it is believed that attractive male features include prominent cheekbones, a square jaw, and prominent chin, while attractive female features are round cheeks, softer contours, wide smile and large, wide eyes.

“Our studies are designed to see if this is indeed true,” Dr. Reilly says.

In the study, 24 men underwent facial cosmetic surgery by one of two Georgetown surgeons—Dr. Reilly or Steven P. Davison, MD, who is also a co-author. The men had one or more of the following surgeries: upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, face-lift, brow-lift, neck-lift, rhinoplasty, and/or a chin implant.

These men, who paid for their own surgery, agreed to the use of their before and after photographs for research purposes. Six surveys were designed, each of which included eight photographs (four before surgery, four after surgery. No survey contained both of a single individual).

More than 150 participants (mostly white, between the ages of 25-34, and with a college degree) reviewed the photos and were not told of the study's intent. They were asked to rate their perception of each patient's personality traits (aggressiveness, extroversion, likeability, risk-seeking, sociability, trustworthiness), attractiveness, and masculinity.

The research team built a complex multivariate linear mixed model in order to be able to assess participants' reaction to a specific surgical procedure—rhinoplasty, for example—while controlling for changes from additional procedures done on other areas of the face.

Researchers found that chin augmentation was the only procedure that did not have an effect on perceived attractiveness, masculinity, or personality. The authors believe this was due to the low number of study patients undergoing this procedure. The other procedures showed the following changes, among others:

• Upper eyelid: increased likeability and trustworthiness

• Lower eyelid: decreased risk-taking

• Brow-lift: improved perception of extroversion and risk-taking

• Face-lift: increased likeability and trustworthiness

• Neck-lift: increased perceived extroversion and masculinity

• Nose: improved attractiveness

The statistically significant findings overall reflected increases in attractiveness, likeability, social skills, and trustworthiness.

“Cicero described the face as the ‘mirror of the soul,' meaning that a person's physical appearance is the personal characteristic most obvious and accessible to others in social interaction—so it's not surprising that subtle changes in neutral facial appearances are powerful enough to alter judgments of personality,“ Dr. Reilly says.

Dr. Reilly says more study is needed in order for cosmetic surgery to reach its full potential. “Optimizing patient outcomes will require a broader understanding of the potential changes in social perception that can occur with surgery.”

“SELFIE-ESTEEM” May Influence Perceptions of Plastic Surgery

Low “selfie-esteem” may be a gateway to cosmetic surgery acceptance, a new study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery suggests.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore surveyed 252 adults aged 18 to 55 on their social media use, their self-worth, and their interest in plastic surgery. People who used social media platforms that are more visual, like YouTube, Tinder, and Snapchat, were more likely to consider plastic surgery to be a positive option. Additionally, people who regularly use filters when posting selfies, have removed selfies because they weren't edited or enhanced to their liking, or based their self-worth more on their appearance were more likely to see plastic surgery in a positive light, the study showed. None of the survey respondents had undergone any cosmetic surgeries.

Overall, YouTube and WhatsApp social media users had lower self-esteem scores than nonusers, as did photo editing platform users of VSCO and Photoshop. Researchers say their findings could help to inform discussions between patients and physicians regarding expectations and outcomes of cosmetic surgery but caution that results aren't representative of most patients seeking cosmetic surgery due to the young age of survey participants.

Take 5

As many as 98 percent of women have cellulite, and there is little they wouldn't do to get rid of their dimpled cottage cheese thighs and butts. They've tried creams and specialty massages, lasers, and subcision, and many still feel frustrated by the lack of aesthetically pleasing results. Now, Endo Pharmaceuticals' collagenase clostridium histolytic (CCH) cosmetic is set to shake up the cellulite market. Patrick Barry, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Endo Pharmaceuticals, talked to Modern Aesthetics® magazine about the company's injectable cellulite product and their go-to-market plans, if the drug gets the FDA nod. “We are preparing for FDA submission in the second half of 2019, and anticipate the launch of CCH for cellulite, if approved, in the second half of 2020,” he shares.

Key Milestone

Patrick Barry: In our Phase 3 trials, collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) was investigated for the treatment of cellulite in women. When injected into an area identified for treatment, CCH is thought to lyse the fibrous septae. We recognize that the appearance of cellulite is a result of several factors, including age, skin elasticity, and body mass index (BMI). However, subdermal anatomy, specifically the fibrous septae that tether the skin to the underlying fascia, is a key determinant. Targeting and dissolving these septae could reduce the appearance of cellulite dimples. In November, we announced the results of RELEASE 1&2, the largest cellulite study ever conducted with 845 participants. Results from these two identical Phase 3 RELEASE trials showed statistically significant levels of improvement in the severity of cellulite after treatment with CCH, as measured by the primary endpoint.

The Phase 3 studies of CCH cosmetic for cellulite are an important milestone for our branded business as we complete the transformation into a specialty focused branded organization. They create a clear regulatory pathway for seeking approval of what could be the first approved injectable for the treatment of cellulite. The results give us reason to broaden our footprint by entering into the medical aesthetics space.

Disruptive Technology

Mr. Barry: There is currently no FDA-approved injectable treatment for cellulite. We recognize that cellulite occurs as a result of various factors, including age, BMI, and skin elasticity, and, as such, may require a multi-modal approach for some patients, but we believe that CCH has the potential to become the cornerstone for the treatment of cellulite. These are truly exciting times and we believe if approved CCH for cellulite could truly be a potentially disruptive technology for the medical aesthetics space.

Launching into Aesthetics

Mr. Barry: On the physician side, we will do this by increasing our presence at aesthetic meetings leading up to the anticipated launch date. If approved, the goal would be to provide support services for physicians and clinics to help our partners increase patient engagement. On the consumer side, we will be filling the gap by engaging consumers and educating them in the pathology of cellulite and the role CCH may play in its treatment. We plan to invest heavily in consumer engagement and marketing efforts to motivate demand and to ensure that appropriate promotional efforts do not fall solely to practices. We believe we have the opportunity to create a category and our aim would be to do just that because today there isn't an FDA-approved injectable solution to treat one of the underlying causes of cellulite, the fibrous septae.

Large, Unmet Need

Mr. Barry: If approved, CCH for cellulite will be the first FDA-approved injectable treatment for cellulite. In spite of multiple therapeutic approaches for the attempted treatment of cellulite, physicians and patients continue to struggle to find additional appropriate treatment options. This remains a large, unmet need in aesthetics. In a growing, well-accepted injectable space, an injectable cellulite treatment could represent considerable opportunities for patients, physicians and practices.

The Bigger Picture

Mr. Barry: Endo Aesthetics is part of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company with more than two decades of pharmaceutical experience, headquartered in Malvern, PA. Endo has an established presence in men's health, orthopedics, and endocrinology, and in 2017, the company made a strategic shift toward investing our resources into highly focused specialty treatments, sterile injectables, and high-value generics. Our specialty portfolio is a growth driver for the organization with Xiaflex as our cornerstone asset. The active ingredient in Xiaflex is CCH. Xiaflex, a different preparation of CCH, is indicated for the treatment of Peyronie's disease and Dupuytren's contracture. As result of our current footprint, we have a growing medical therapeutics portfolio and we are thrilled to be in a position to potentially launch an additional growth driver, by expanding the branded strategy into medical aesthetics.

Our primary goal is to direct all of our efforts toward the successful launch of CCH for cellulite before we consider other products and treatments. With the potential for an upcoming launch, we are excited to keep the momentum going with first-to-market products that will revolutionize the industry. Of course we will continue to look at CCH as a part of our ongoing life cycle management process and we will continue to assess opportunities for additional indications.

New Florida Law Tightens Restrictions on Cosmetic Surgery

Florida is cracking down on the state's cosmetic surgery industry. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a major reform that gives the state the power to suspend a clinic's operations or revoke its registration if the facility poses an imminent threat to the public.

The new law will also block doctors from opening a new facility for up to five years if their previous clinic has been shut down due to malpractice. Doctors operating these offices would also be required to register with the Department of Health.

The Florida Board of Medicine recently approved an emergency measure prohibiting Brazilian butt lifts, USA Today reports.

Florida now has one of the toughest laws regulating cosmetic procedures in the nation. At least 13 women died after surgeries at Florida facilities opened by felons over the past 10 years, the USA Today Network reported in April as part of its ongoing investigation.

The legislation was filed by Sen. Anitere Flores. A companion bill (HB 933) was filed by Rep. Anthony Rodriguez.

“Tonight, victims and families of those affected by surgical center malpractices can breathe easier. Safety should be of utmost concern to all physicians, but unfortunately, many innocent lives were lost at the hands of bad actors,” Mr. Flores said of the bill's passage.

Alastin Issued Second Patent

Alastin Skincare, Inc. was issued a second US Patent (No. 10,286,030)from the United States Patent and Trademark Office covering Alastin's platform TriHex Technology. The patent also covers a variety of topical compositions based on Alastin's TriHex Technology.

The comapny says its products with TriHex Technology have created a new and growing category within the aesthetic market to address a previously unmet need for topical products that provide complementary benefits for patients undergoing rejuvenating procedures. These products are designed to help patients prepare the skin prior to a procedure, speed recovery, and enhance outcomes post-procedure.

More Headlines from AestheticsWire

BTL Partners with Dress for Success

Through the partnership, participating practices will collect accessories at their practice and host in-office “accessory drives” that support their local Dress for Success chapter. BTL will also be supporting the organization via a monetary donation. This partnership kicks-off BTL Cares, which provides a platform to engage physician partners by creating an opportunity for them to give back to their local communities.

Proof of Concept Study Supports Dermata's Topical Delivery Mechanism for Toxin

“This study provides convincing evidence that DMT310, our Spongilla lacustris powder with millions of microscopic needle-like spicules, is effective in creating channels through the stratum corneum for biologics to enter the dermis, resulting in effects similar to injections,” says Gerry Proehl, President and CEO of Dermata Therapeutics.

Clint Carnell and Clement Gingras Join SENTE Board

“We are thrilled to have both Clint and Clement join the SENTÉ team,” says Faheem Hasnain, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SENTÉ. “They bring tremendous expertise and validation to our company during this exciting next phase of growth.”

Sciton Inc. Launches Clear Suite Products

The Clear Suite offerings make the JOULE platform customizable. Utilizing the 1064 Nd:YAG wavelength, the Clear Suite family of products, including ClearV, ClearSilk, and ClearHair, combined with BroadBand Light (BBL), allows physicians to treat veins, skin, and hair from a single platform.

Hologic's Cynosure Division Expands Body Contouring Line

Hologic is rolling out the TempSure Firm handpiece and a petite mask for WarmSculpting with SculpSure Profile treatments. And SculpSure submental treatments are now FDA cleared for patients with a BMI up to 49—the highest BMI clearance on the market for submental treatments.

Adelle Walker is New CMO at SENTÉ

As Chief Marketing Officer, Adelle Walker will take a leadership role in defining pipeline strategy and internal and external portfolio planning. Her commercialization leadership will span across all facets of communications from marketing to professional relations, education, and promotion.

Cutera Introduces truSculpt flex

“We are very excited to introduce truSculpt flex, and proud to be the first aesthetics laser company to offer a muscle toning system that treats up to 8 muscle groups simultaneously, covering the largest treatment area in the body sculpting industry,” says Jason Richey, COO and Interim CEO of Cutera.

MY NEW FAVORITE THING: BUILDMYBOD

“BuildMyBod is the best thing I've done for my practice to date. The simple technology allows me to add an easy line of code and embed a ‘Get a Quote' button at the top of my site. The great part is that patients enter in their information for fully transparent pricing, and it allows me to segment those who are truly interested in a treatment versus those who are merely browsing.

I've been using BuildMyBod for the past five years since relocating my practice from Houston, TX to Knoxville, TN. It has streamlined my office processes and made my consults infinitely more productive. The days of the ‘price shopper' consults in my office have been eliminated. Also, it has helped me build both my patient and email database—2,991 leads since June 2015. We're now seeing almost 200 new leads a month!

Many practices pour tons of money into SEO or Google and Facebook ads, but with BuildMyBod, we get organic leads by simply driving them to our site. We use deep links for specific procedures to share on Instagram too. For example, when we're sharing Mommy Makeover testimonials and results, we include the deep link on our profile and add a call to action to click the link to learn more.

The beauty behind BuildMyBod is that by using price transparency, you can easily attract more leads, but also drive conversions with their checkout process. If a potential patient starts entering in their information and stops, the system reminds them (and the doctor's office) via email that they have to finish their selections to get a quote. And last but not least, BuildMyBod is even set up for payment. If someone wants to pay right then and there, they can!”

—Jason J Hall, MD, FACS
Plastic and Craniofacial Surgeon
Knoxville Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery | Knoxville, TN