News and Trends; Special Report: 5CC World Congress Goes Virtual

Taking place virtually, the 12th international 5CC held late this summer was, by all accounts, a great success. 5CC Board Members and congress organizers worked tirelessly to convert this highly successful international congress to an all virtual platform. As we have learned this year, virtual events are even more challenging than live conferences, as there are many moving parts and a steep learning curve to get it right.

According to New York dermatologist David Goldberg, MD, JD, and a 5CC board member, “I have presented at many virtual conferences this year, and the first Virtual 5CC was the most successful worldwide virtual aesthetic meeting of 2020. We managed to feature a world-class faculty presenting to over 3,000 registrants from every continent. The virtual format made the conference accessible to a much larger global audience by eliminating travel and logistical challenges.”

The full three-day program featured a robust selection of interactive panels, video demonstrations and sessions from a diverse group of global practitioners from many specialties, as well as industry leaders. The panel “The Brain Behind the Brain—Optimizing Results with Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning” brought together experts from industry, academia, and aesthetic practice for a look at the challenges and opportunities ahead. Parisian plastic surgeon and anatomy expert, Dr. Matt Stefanelli provided a free Cheek Anatomy for Fillers, Toxins and Threads Masterclass, in cooperation with iClass Anatomy. Dr. Tapan Patel from the UK presented his Full-Face Filler Techniques Master Class in cooperation with e-MASTR.

Dermatologist Dr. Maurice Adatto from Geneva and a 5CC board member was also present. “As the first virtual edition of 5CC, I was a little skeptical regarding the absence of physical contact between people, but it was above my expectations. The navigation within the virtual space was so intuitive and smooth. Going back and forth from one room to another took only one click, much faster than when we do it physically. I moderated two sessions that were very comfortable, and lectures were always on time as they were pre-recorded. The Q&A at the end of the sessions was really interactive, as speakers were available live, and the audience asked questions through a chat. Industry booths were easily reachable, and everybody could chat live with a representative of each company. There was also a dedicated ‘room’ for people to meet and chat freely. This 5CC virtual experience changed my opinion about this concept,” he says.

As a 5CC veteran, I moderated the “Spotlight on Practice Management and Marketing for Aesthetic Clinics” panel featuring dermatologists Drs. Michael Gold, H.L. Greenberg, and David J. Goldberg, as well as plastic surgeon Dr. Rolf Bartsch of Austria. Each speaker presented their personal experience of navigating their practice through COVID-19, and we ended with a lively question and answer session about the marketing trends and the future of aesthetic medicine.

“We had to quickly learn how to meet the needs of our sponsors and partners, and to offer a diverse three-day program to provide something of interest to all of our registrants. The 5CC team made it work well so everyone was able to adapt and engage with the new virtual exhibition platform,” says Dr. Gold, Chairman of the congress. “We all want to hold our congresses like the good old days, but we are currently in a different time and place. We demonstrated that you can hold a global summit with high level speakers from all over the world and do it in a seamless way so everyone could learn and connect through our platform,” he says.

One of the highlights of the 5CC meeting is the splendid city of Barcelona, which is always a big draw. Next year, the 5CC Board and Scientific Committee are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Spain.

Save the Date: September 2-5, 2021, Barcelona.
www.5-cc.com

Revance Team to Roll Out RHA Collection of Dermal Fillers

Revance Therapeutics, Inc. will begin introducing the RHA Collection of dermal fillers, Resilient Hyaluronic Acid, and the HintMD financial technology platform, in the US this fall.

The RHA Collection of dermal fillers are designed with a crosslinking method that preserves the hyaluronic acid network to more closely mimic natural HA found in the skin. (Read a global perspective on page 32)

Revance recently concluded the RHA Collection PrevU early clinical experience education and training program for select practices ahead of the consumer launch of the RHA Collection and plans to share observations in the near future. The same commercial infrastructure is anticipated to roll out DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection for the treatment of glabellar lines upon FDA approval later this year.

“Revance is positioned to re-energize the aesthetics industry with the creation of a prestige category of innovative products and services and elevated customer and patient experiences available through select practices. Our commercial team, comprised of industry experts with decades of aesthetics and commercial experience, is now trained and in position to execute Revance’s first commercial launch,” says Dustin S. Sjuts, Chief Commercial Officer, in a news release. “We are delighted to be entering the market with the RHA® Collection, the latest innovation in HA technology and an integrated fintech platform designed to transform existing payment processing ecosystems and improve both aesthetics practice economics and patient experiences, along with our lead investigational candidate DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection’s anticipated approval just around the corner.”

In an 18-month, head-to-head, randomized and controlled study in Dermatologic Surgery, RHA 2, 3, 4 were evaluated for efficacy, durability and safety versus other available comparator gels on the market for the treatment of nasolabial folds. Results showed:

• Overall physician preference for RHA Collection products due to ease of injection and product placement, immediate results, and results after massage of the injected tissue
• High levels of improved satisfaction immediately after injection and in the long-term for both investigators and participating subjects
• Fewer touch-ups were needed by (or at) day 14 with gels in the RHA Collection (26.7% versus 35.6% with comparators)
• Better long-term improvement of nasolabial folds volume with gels in the RHA Collection based on 3D skin topography measurements.

In the European Clinical Experience and Tissue Integration Analysis published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, observations from clinical experience included:

• RHA fillers blend well into wrinkles and folds with excellent tissue integration
• RHA 2 and RHA 3 fillers could be used effectively in the superficial and mid-dermis for the treatment of perioral and marionette lines
• RHA 4 filler, when used for volumizing, injected very easily and, during the follow-up period, the treated areas remained supple and treatment results natural looking.

AmSpa Releases New Guidelines, To Host Educational Program

New Guidelines for Non-surgical Medical Practices (Medical Spas) released by the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa) are designed to help medical aesthetic practices—and the medical aesthetic industry at large—establish and maintain a culture of safety and compliance, the Association says.

The Guidelines for Non-surgical Medical Practices (Medical Spas) cover a wide variety of topics, including:

• The provision of medical treatment;
• Medical directors, protocols and training;
• Initial examination, diagnosis and treatment plan;
• Provision of medical services, delegation and supervision;
• Restrictions of certain medical treatments and providers;
• Ownership and compensation; and
• Advertising, marketing and social media.

In addition, each article includes commentary from the authors in order to further clarify their intentions.

“These guidelines were developed in conjunction with medical spa owners, physicians, attorneys and a variety of practitioners, including plastic surgeons, dermatologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, aestheticians… you name it,” says Alex Thiersch, JD, founder of AmSpa. “The goal of the practice guidelines is to create a unified, consistent set of guidelines that medical aesthetic practices can follow in order to ensure they are operating in a compliant manner. AmSpa is very excited about these guidelines, and I truly believe they will go a long way toward unifying the industry.”

Suneva, Neauvia Partner to Market and Distribute Plasma IQ in North America

Suneva Medical, Inc., will market and distribute Neauvia Plasma IQ throughout North America as part of a new partnership.

The first Class 2 FDA-cleared plasma energy device, Plasma IQ delivers focused, controlled plasma energy to create microinjuries on the skin, renewing and restoring it. It is FDA cleared for the removal and destruction of skin lesions and the coagulation of tissue.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Plasma IQ to our ever-expanding portfolio of facial regenerative aesthetics products,” adds Pat Altavilla, CEO of Suneva Medical. “With the introduction of Plasma IQ, we continue our commitment to providing proven and validated innovations for aesthetic providers and their patients.”

Gwyneth Paltrow Named Global Face of Xeomin

Actress and Goop wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow is the first global face of Merz Aesthetic’s Xeomin. In this role, Ms. Paltrow will be sharing details about what she does to look and feel her best, and will ask women to do the same on social media using #DareToSelfCare.

“For me, beauty is about deepening happiness versus trying to chase youth,” says Ms. Paltrow in a news release. “And it’s no secret that I’m an open book when it comes to trying new beauty regimens, but I want to know what’s in a product before putting anything into my body. Finding highly purified and proven products is so important. That’s one of the many reasons I started using Xeomin a few years ago.”

“Gwyneth and I have been friends born out of mutual respect, which began with a shared desire to be true to yourself and to embrace ones’ desire to look and feel your best—the definition of graceful aging,” adds Julius Few, MD, Founder of The Few Institute for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Chicago. “Like Gwyneth, more and more of my patients tell me they don’t want to look different—they just want the outside to reflect how they feel on the inside. Xeomin, which is backed by science, helps give their frown lines a smoother appearance.”

Allergan Aesthetics and Skinbetter Science Launch DREAM

Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, and Skinbetter Science have jointly launched a new long-term, educational initiative—DREAM: Driving Racial Equity in Aesthetic Medicine. The DREAM Initiative™ is committed to furthering the principles of racial and ethnic diversity, inclusion, respect and understanding in the fields of dermatology and plastic surgery.

Case studies and data relevant to darker skin tones are grossly underrepresented in current educational materials and textbooks, which can lead to under or misdiagnoses for black and brown patients. Allergan Aesthetics and Skinbetter Science endeavor to start to bridge this gap in dermatology and plastic surgery with The National Racial Equity Medical Residency Curriculum. This program is designed to assist students, faculty, and staff in dermatology and plastic surgery residency programs in identifying and addressing the risk of implicit bias in academic and clinical settings. This Curriculum is being piloted at a leading university, with subsequent nationwide rollout planned thereafter. The DREAM Initiative is also sponsoring the development of The Spectrum of Dermatologic Disease, a comprehensive textbook photo atlas, which will present the characteristics of skin conditions across the range of skin types. The Spectrum of Dermatologic Disease, upon publication, will be disseminated to medical residents, faculty, and program libraries, and thereafter be available as a resource for clinical practitioners worldwide.

The DREAM Initiative plans to convene Forces of Beauty Summits to help identify different perceptions of beauty among racial and ethnic groups, so media, aesthetic providers, and corporations can better understand and meet the aesthetic needs of all patients.

InMode Rolls Out the Morpheus8 Platform and the Morpheus8 Body Fractional Technology

InMode Ltd. is introducing the Morpheus8 Body handpiece and Morpheus8 Platform.

Morpheus8 Body is a full-body fractional technology that delivers RF energy up to a thermal depth of 8mm (7mm pin depth + an additional 1mm thermal profile), with its 40 gold-coated pins. The new Morpheus8 Body will be launched on a new Morpheus8 Platform, a workstation complete with dual handpieces and four fractional tips with different microneedle configurations (Prime 12 pin, Resurfacing 24 pin, Morpheus8 24 pin, and Body 40 pin). The platform includes the Morpheus8 Prime for the treatment of delicate areas with high tissue curvature and the Morpheus8 Body for large zones.

“The addition of these new treatment modalities can provide a customizable, full-body solution for each patient,” says Shakil Lakhani, InMode President of North America, in a news release.

“Morpheus8 has become a standard treatment in my clinic,” says Dr. Stephen Mulholland, a plastic surgeon in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. “Whether I use it as a stand-alone treatment for tightening and smoothing of the skin or combined with one of my other treatments, it is my go-to treatment for patients looking for significant, but non-surgical, remodeling improvement.”

My New Favorite Thing Foster’s Lab, Anti-Tech Serum

With Pedro Boyer, Licensed Aesthetician

“The Foster’s Lab, Anti-Tech Serum is my new favorite product because it’s a free radical protection powerhouse – the first product I’ve experienced that combines such high levels of key and active ingredients, creating an easier and luxurious skincare ritual usually reserved for products of a much higher price point.

As an alternative to Retinol, the Bakuchiol ingredient naturally benefits the skin without causing harsh effects. It is a plant-based Vitamin A that helps regulate all cellular activity including absorption, repair, and regeneration. The Serum integrates the most stabilizing form of Vitamin C, Tetrahexadecyl Ascorbate, which performs as a healing agent, correcting hyperpigmentation. Oxidative stress of blue and pollution is combated by the formula’s Theobroma cacao seed extract. Lastly, the powerful peptide complex Hexapeptide-37 & Heptapeptide-32 consist of elastin and collagen proteins, working together to assist in cellular regeneration. The complex is an absolute must for any skincare product claiming anti-aging benefits. You would expect this ingredient list to be divided amongst five products in a traditional skincare routine, however, the innovative Anti-Tech Serum houses them all.

The Foster’s Lab team adhered to the recommended dosages of each key ingredient and thus, created a product with the most desirable and beneficial concentration levels. I look for effective products that can stand on their own, so when used in conjunction with other powerful products, my skin is at its best. You can tell that no corners were cut in the making of the Anti-Tech Serum and I am eager to see what the brand offers next.”

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Pedro Boyer

Licensed aesthetician based out of New York City. He practices out of Shen Beauty in Brooklyn Heights and 27 Hampton Salon in Southampton, NY.

New from Lumenis: NuEra Tight

Lumenis is rolling out the NuEra Tight with FocalRF technology for body contouring. NuEra Tight became in the US in August 2020, and will be available in Europe, the Middle East and Asia later this year.

“Radiofrequency treatments are among the most requested aesthetic therapies today,” says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD, FAAD, Clinical Dermatologist, Laser Surgeon and Researcher Dermatologist, New York, in a news release. “NuEra Tight with FocalRF technology is highly customizable with a wide selection of frequencies and handpieces that deliver fast, comfortable and non-invasive treatments. This results in my patients’ achieving their desired improved appearance, while ensuring safety and efficacy. This device is painless yet effective in body contouring, a game-changer for my patients.”

The system’s interface features NuAPIC (Automatic Personalized Intelligent Control) which ensures the therapeutic temperature throughout the procedure as well as NuLogic advanced protocol customization tool to enhance further personalization for optimal treatment.

“One size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we revolutionized the NuEra Tight,” says Tzipi Ozer-Armon, CEO of Lumenis. “We recognized the need for the next level solution in non-invasive body treatments, which led us to create a device that tailors a treatment specifically for a particular condition and body area. We developed FocalRF to accurately target various skin conditions throughout the procedure, resulting in a treatment that is as unique as your patients.”

Take Five: Merz Aesthetics’ Bob Rhatigan

Big changes have been taking place at Merz Aesthetics in recent months, and Bob Rhatigan, Global CEO, Merz Aesthetics, sat down with Modern Aesthetics® to discuss the new organizational structure and branding campaign, resilience of the aesthetic market as well as how the company coped with COVID-19 and helped customers do the same.

1. New Organizational Structure

Merz Aesthetics remains family owned as a part of Merz Group, which has existed for more than 112 years. In November 2019, Merz separated into three distinct businesses: Merz Aesthetics, Merz Therapeutics, and Merz Consumer Care.

“The intention was to provide much better focus and connectivity with customers in each of these distinct verticals. We now have a globalized Merz Aesthetics headquartered in Raleigh, NC. As of April 1, we were fully effective and operating in this new environment. We now have a number of months under our belt and it’s been very productive for us and our customers. We have a fully dedicated aesthetics R and D team from the top down,” Mr. Rhatigan says. “We expect acceleration of a number of projects now that we are centered.”

The global leadership team was finalized with new hires Samantha Kerr, PhD as Chief Scientific Officer and Karl Kokrhoun as Chief Financial Officer. “We established a dedicated independent business with a leadership team representing four geographic regions: Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Latin America (LATAM) and North America (NA). Each of those regions is responsible for adapting and implementing global strategies that the global leadership team develops in a way that is culturally appropriate,” he says.

2. New Branding Campaign

“We embarked on an effort internally to find what our purpose is as a company. We also did a lot of research with customers and current consumers as well as those who are considering medical aesthetics treatments. The ‘confidence to be’ branding platform reflects the fact that we exist to fuel confidence by helping people look better, feel better and live better,” he explains. “We want everyone to have the confidence to be their best self. We recognize the fundamental promise of medical aesthetics is to deliver a high-end emotional benefit beyond the functional aspect. It’s more than wrinkle removal or wrinkle reduction. These procedures confer a higher emotional benefit and confidence is elevated as a result.”

3. A-list Celebrity Ambassador

Gwyneth Paltrow is the new global face of Merz Aesthetics’ flagship injectable, Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), in her first-ever medical aesthetics partnership (See page 14).

“Her work helping others be their best selves is in line with our purpose—we at Merz Aesthetics exist to fuel confidence and help people look better, feel better and live better. Gwyneth exemplifies our purpose by encouraging women to choose beauty on their own terms. She believes in sharing her own individual approach to self-care in order to look and feel her best. In particular, Gwyneth is passionate about knowing exactly what she puts into her body. For her, less is more. This is one of the many reasons she has been using Xeomin, the first and only FDA-approved anti-wrinkle injection for frown lines uniquely purified to remove unnecessary proteins, for years as part of her self-care routine,” Mr. Rhatigan says.

4. Coping with Covid-19

Merz Aesthetics helped its customers when COVID-19 affected business.

“While we have a no-return policy on products, we unquestionably have taken back expired products during the pandemic. We have also had a few cases where people have had requests to extend payment terms, and we have honored these requests,” Mr. Rhatigan explains. “We are focused on our customers and making sure they see and feel our commitment when they safely reopen their practices.”

5. Resilient market

Mr. Rhatigan is hopeful about the future of medical aesthetics. “We saw a rebound of the medical aesthetics market in May. None of the fundamentals have changed. This is not a reset of the overall medical aesthetics market. It was just a pause that people had been experiencing and the practices and areas that are reopening have seen tremendous demand for procedures. It’s a very resilient market. We are also seeing younger demographics coming into the market, because medical aesthetics is demystified and is now seen as part of the ongoing self-care routine.”

Modern Aesthetics® Gets Up Close and Personal with CoolSculpting and Cooltone’s Newest US Celebrity Ambassador Malin Akerman

You may know her as the ruthless and stylish Lara Axelrod on “Billions” or from any of her films, but Malin Akerman has a new role. The Swedish-Canadian-American actress, model, and singer is the newly anointed US Ambassador for Allergan Aesthetics’ Coolsculpting and Cooltone. Ms. Akerman is supporting two new body contouring campaigns and encouraging consumers to “Shape Your Moment with CoolSculpting” and purchase a $300 CoolSculpting gift card for only $150 through November 30 or to “Set The Tone with CoolTone” and purchase a $300 CoolTone gift card for only $150, now through December 31.

She answered questions about fitness, beauty, wellness, self-care and what drew her toward these devices in an exclusive interview with Modern Aesthetics® magazine.

Why Coolsculpting and Cooltone?

Malin Akerman: You can only work out so hard and eat so well. There’s always a little bit that can’t go away. I heard really positive feedback about CoolSculpting and CoolTone so this was the perfect marriage. It feels so organic. I just wanted that little bit gone and CoolTone can actually tone and strengthen your muscles. I had my love handles and abdomen treated with CoolSculpting and then three weeks later, I started CoolTone to treat the muscle layer.

My husband can’t believe the change. The fat just kind of melts and my figure is so much more flattering around my abs and love handles. I was wearing one-piece bathing suits and now I am putting on a bikini. I am feeling stronger and more toned. I am definitely seeing a difference and I’m only a few weeks out from my last treatment.

What is your message as brand ambassador?

Akerman: We feel like we are cheating when we do something other than eating right and exercising, but it’s OK to focus on yourself and to be able to feel your best. I just want to take away any shame about working on your body and giving it an extra boost.

How do you stay in shape?

Akerman: I include a lot of whole grains in my diet. I don’t eat so much red meat. I eat a lot of fish and vegetable burgers. I try to stay hydrated too. I exercise at least three days of every week whether pilates, cycling, or hiking. We have a dog so hiking in the canyon gets us back to nature and is lovely. Exercising gives you endorphins. If I am getting ready for a role, I train heavier.

Like the Sleepover?

Akerman: Yes. There are a lot of stunts and fight scenes in “The Sleepover.” I got up before work and trained five mornings a week and brought prepared meals to the set. I don’t enjoy it, but I do it because I know the results will be worth it.

Did this routine change at all during the quarantine?

Akerman: For the first couple of months of quarantine, I did nothing. I added more carbs to my diet, and I might have worked out twice in two months.

How do you stay so centered?

Akerman: I try to meditate for 10 to 20 minutes a day. I took a class in Transcendental Meditation while I was shooting “Billions.” I do 20 minutes at lunch time. It’s a saving grace.

What about beauty sleep?

Akerman: Sleep is something I look forward to, but can’t seem to get enough of.

What are some skincare products you can’t leave home without?

Akerman: Beauty Counter+ No. 2 Plumping Facial Oil because I have dry skin and Shani Darden Skin Care Texture Reform.

How are Swedish beauty ideals different than the ones promoted in America?

Akerman: Your body and nudity is looked at in a very natural way in Sweden. Here it can become a little more sexualized.

Which characters have you identified with most in your career?

Akerman: In a little indy film that I did called “The Ticket” with Dan Stevens, I play a mother who is married to a blind man. He ends up being able to see, and the film explores what that brought to the table. There are a lot of interesting themes that are true to life. I understand her quite well.

For more information, visit coolsculpting.allerganaestheticsgiftcard.com or cooltone.allerganaestheticsgiftcard.com