Senada and I are beginning a new series called “Innovations in Skincare,” where we will update you with all things regarding skincare and skin health, ranging from anti-aging treatments to new and future medical breakthroughs in the field of dermatology. Stay tuned as we explore the amazing innovations and technologies that are emerging and sweeping the field of dermatology here in the United States and worldwide.
Here is the first part in our “Innovations in Skincare” series, Beyond Botox®, where we will get a glimpse of some exciting treatments that are on the horizon in cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology.
Enjoy!
–Dr. H
In the world of cosmetic dermatology, dermal fillers and neuromodulators continue to be steadfastly popular, but today’s society is demanding more noninvasive, no-downtime treatments to help turn back the clock. Let’s dive into a few of the new cosmetic offerings on the horizon and one that has just arrived at HDC.
Allergan, the aesthetic pharmaceutical giant and maker of Botox® and the Juvederm® line of dermal fillers, has recently purchased a company that has created a topical treatment to reduce bags under the eyes. The medication was first discovered to treat glaucoma, but quickly demonstrated other applications. This pioneer topical medication called XAF5 contains a special ingredient that targets the fat pads located under the eyes. The first of its kind, this topical ointment attacks these fat pads thereby reducing the appearance of them. The medication enters the skin and binds to fat cells where it is applied and makes them discharge their lipid contents. This allows for deflation of the fat cells and shrinking of the bags. It also prevents new fat cells from forming. Together, the puffiness and bags under the eyes improve drastically, which, until XAF5, has been attainable only by going under the knife. The only downside is that discontinuation of XAF5 reverses the results. Although this topical medication is currently undergoing FDA clearance, once it becomes available, this revolutionary treatment will allow for a noninvasive way to vastly improve the stubborn areas under the eyes without surgery.
Another magical topical is in the works, where a topical treatment containing a neuromodulator much like Botox® will be applied to fine lines and wrinkles to reduce the appearance of them. Although a few different manufacturers are currently studying this needle-free, in-office topical neuromodulator treatment, one of the most promising, ANT 1207 was also bought out by Allergan®. The topical form of this botulinum toxin for clinical application is being studied for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and hyperhidrosis. In clinical trials of one particular strain of the botulinum toxin, nearly 90% of subjects saw improvement in forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. Needless to say, this topical form of the popular neuromodulator will be a significant milestone in the aesthetic world, where the “Botox®” look can be attained without needles or injections. What an amazing plus for the needle-phobic!
Although the possibility of getting your hands on topical “Botox®” and fat-zapping XAF5 might seem a bit out of reach right this very minute, there is another revolutionary treatment that has made a huge impact on the aesthetic market. Quietly launched in late 2014, a patented, high-tech mesotherapy device called AquaGold® Fine Touch has become the underdog rage, and you will be able to get it at HDC.
AquaGold® Fine Touch is an innovative adaptation of microneedling. This in-office device incorporates the use of twenty very-tiny needles that create small injuries in the dermis, while simultaneously delivering nutrients into the skin. AquaGold® Fine Touch allows the dermatologist to infuse customized solutions into the dermis, while stimulating new collagen and elastin production. This new collagen and elastin synthesis simultaneously harnesses the infused nutrients for optimal skin rejuvenation. Wow! Sign me up!
Each solution used in the AquaGold® Fine Touch device can be customized to meet the patient’s skin needs, Since it is an injection of sorts, a dermatologist creates a mixture of rejuvenation products, like Botox® or other neuromodulater, dermal filler, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or antioxidants, and delivers it into the skin, targeted to where it is needed and utilized the most. Since each needle is as fine as a human hair, AquaGold® Fine Touch is relatively painless, noninvasive, and requires very little to no downtime, which is hugely advantageous, but the innovation is so remarkable and precise such that the skin nutrients and signalers can be delivered at a precise depth and aliquoted in a uniform concentration. Think of AquaGold® Fine Touch as microneedling on steroids. This technology is not only an amazing in-office, stand-alone anti-aging treatment for those who want a more natural, rejuvenated look, but it is also a fantastic adjunct and addition to other rejuvenation treatments we offer at HDC. It works well with Eclipse PRP®, Botox®, dermal filler, chemical peels, SilkPeel® DermalInfusion, Ellipse® Nordlys laser and photorejuvenation treatment, and any of the topical skincare lines we offer. AquaGold® Fine Touch will not only restore the glow, youthfulness, and luminosity to your skin, but Dr. Honet will also customize it to whatever your skin needs are. It can also be used to treat acne scarring, large pores, and uneven pigmentation. We are extremely excited to begin using AquaGold® Fine Touch for our patients at HDC.
As always, the aesthetic market is an ever-changing, innovative industry, and we at HDC are happy to keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest. We look forward to seeing you in the office to learn more about our new cosmetic treatments that promise to keep you looking and feeling the best you can be.
Happy, Healthy Skin!
— Senada and Dr. H
