Coming

Innovative Products

It’s an exciting time in aesthetics with a host of new products and new uses for existing ones taking center stage. This includes a resurgence of thread lifts, including Nova Threads’ PDO threads for lifting and tightening. Up until now, there was little we could offer patients who wanted a lift that didn’t involve surgery. Nova Threads remain in place for about four to six months before they start to dissolve, but results last for a year or more. PDO threads are available in different textures for customized treatments. Silhouette threads for lifting are also absorbable and can be placed under local anesthesia, as well. Some volumization can also be obtained from these absorbable threads.

Hyperdilute Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite, Merz) for skin laxity is another procedure that is growing in popularity in the US. We dilute the Radiesse at a ratio of 1:2 or higher with saline or lidocaine and inject it more superficially to address concerns related to skin texture and laxity, such as fine wrinkles, crepiness, acne scars, and cellulite, as well as saggy skin. It’s being used on the face, neck, chest, arms, abdomen, legs, and buttocks. Consider adding this to your menu of services, as patients are incredibly satisfied with the results.

There’s also a flurry of activity and innovation in the neuromodulator space of late that may expand our options even further.

Going

Clarisonic

It’s sad, but true. Clarisonic has closed up shop for good. The iconic brand and its oscillating brush said goodbye to the beauty world with an everything-must-go sale that left devout users stocking up in a mad frenzy. “This difficult decision was made so that L’Oréal can focus its attention on its other core business offerings,” says a statement posted on the Clarisonic website. (L’Oréal acquired Clarisonic in 2011.)

Many other home skincare and beauty device companies are attempting to fill the void in this space and in consumers’ hearts. One is the LUNA range from Foreo. “To help Clarisonic fans, we’ve created an offer for those looking to switch. Those who sign-up will receive a $39 credit towards a LUNA product,” shares Sarah Jade Lacoursiere, Head of Business Development in the Professional Channel Division of Foreo North America.

Home skincare and beauty devices can play an important role in our patients’ care and can augment in-office procedures, especially when there is a break in services, such as during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. I suggest educating yourself on what is out there so when patients ask, you can make an informed recommendation about which devices may benefit the condition they are interested in reversing or preventing and which ones are a waste of money.