Has anyone had any experience with the Profect UV Camera system? It seems that the Visia skin analyzer is the most widely used. Any comments on either product would be appreciated. Thanks!

Yeah, you want to spend 13 grand !!!! You cannot take pictures of the neck, legs, thighs, chin, abdomen, etc.

Take good quality, publish-able photos.
I recommend spending the money on a good digital camera ie, Nikon, Canon, etc. and photoshop class.

Software? Adobe is just fine. There are a few others like "Through the lens" but it does essentially the same thing.

Visia ?? Will it really add much renvenue compared to great digital consistnet photos? Probably not.

Thanks PccMD..........I appreciate your insight. That's a great point about not being about to photograph other non facial areas.

Any other comments from others would be appreciated.

Profect is coming out with full body stands for their system. I like the fact that you can take UV pics. with the Profect which exposes sun damage and ultimately sellls IPL packages. Visia is a great system, but may be overkill for what a typical MedSpa requires. I think you will be frustrated trying to make a personal camera system work like a professional system.

Profect is a pretty good system, IMO. Viscea might be a little better, but is quite a bit more expesnive as well. Profect is supposed to be coming out with a full body soon.

You can buy a profect and the body system for less than Visia. We have both and I will tell you (bought Visia two years ago) that I really like the Visia software. But not for 12K more. The mapping and diagnostic software is great on the visia. . . for the first visit. After that it is unreliable. We did a pretreatment photo on an IPL patient and compared it after two treatments. The visia said the patient was actually worse although you could clearly tell they were better. Maybe it's just our software, but it has happened more than once.

I agree that the Visia is a great tool to sell IPL's but it is not reliable for followup photos. I have done several (more than 20) before and after Visia's and consistently the after Visia session will be as bad if not worse than the before session. Then you have to try to sit there and explain to the patient why it is worse even though they can see the improvement. Visia is only good for the consultation process.

Here is the Profect site:
http://www.profectmedical.com/ultrasoftware.html

I agree that the Visia was frustrating post IPL's because sometimes it shows MORE damage...lol. But, am I wrong it theorizing that if we are drawing pigment out of the skin, or to the surface to be treated with IPL...SHOULDN'T it appear darker and in larger quanities after the first treatment?

Has anyone looked at the ClarityPro from Brightex Bio-Photonics/Moritex? It looks very similar to the Visia, but
2K cheaper and seems to be more comprehensive. Not sure about the before/after issues mentioned above.

http://www.btbp.org/products/claritypro.html

We saw the VISIA at ASLMS with their new RBX (red/brown) and it was very impressive. The Moritix / clarityPro system looks cheap and the software was just okay. Sure, save 2k, but it's too important to make the decision based on the 2k. Profect is cheaper, but won't sell as many procedures. We plan to use VISIA mainly for initial consults.

Canfield has a new body studio that seems designed for body contouring and sculpting, cellulite and meso treatments. I looked at Profect, and their lighting design is best for pigmented lesions, but we're not treating those. Profect might be good for a Derm, the Canfield system would be best for us.

Thanks for your insight Roger.

Dexter and Denise Curtis (if I may ask):
How often does the Visia rate after IPL treatments worse than pre-treatment? How do the you explain the worse-off post treatment analysis to the patients? Are the positive visible changes and the explanation sufficient for most patients? Thanks!

Has anyone found a good before/after system for face & body?

Richard,
It's funny this has come up because the timing is very good. I am flying to San Jose tonight and will be meeting with the CEO (small company) to discuss the Clarity Pro. I did an online tutorial with them and I was pretty impressed. The software looked much easier to use and I like they have a device to measure elasticity. I think this could help us sell more product and non-ablative procedures. I expressed my concerns to them about the Visia (as mentioned prior) and they claim they have much more precise algorithms to measure changes. I will follow up this post and let everyone know what I find.

As far as the Visia measuring IPL treatments worse, it happens 95% of the time. The main thing I am the most discouraged with Canfield about is that their customer service (in my case) has been terrible.

Regarding the Profect, I tend to agree with Roger. It does take great, precise pictures but I don't need a system for 8K that just takes great pictures. I need a consultation tool so that I can help my aestheticians do better patient consults and full skin evaluations.

Dexter

DEXTER. My experience with Canfield was that the booth needed to be send back to the company virtually every month. This is OK during the first year as it is under warranty. But then what. Also ditto for the post Tx situation... not a good idea to show patients post Tx photos which showed higher numbers of lines, sun damage, etc. You need to be careful with it. I also saw the new upgraded VISIA at ASLMS and it was amazing.

Dexter:
I also got an online demo and came away impressed by it. I like that you can analyze the whole face consistently instead of Visia's clicking of multiple points to define the analyzed region. While I haven't seen it in person, it looks pretty similar to the Visia in design. Please update me with what you find out on your site visit.

medspa guy:
I saw the upgraded Visia and thought it looked great, but I don't think I want to deal with explaining why patients look worse off after tx. If the booth needs to be serviced every month, I wouldn't be able to deal with that since I'm in Hawaii and that would probably mean being out of service 1 week a month with shipping times.

Thanks for the insights everyone.

richard,

I meet with them tomorrow and will let you know what I find.

Dexter, I too took the Clarity-pro demo tour and felt it was more comprehensive than the Visia. What did you think after meeting w/ the people in the Bay area???

Dexter,

We also looked at both systems but decided on neither and went in a different direction for photographs. We did buy a machine (I can't remember the name, I'm writing from home) to help with consults that showed skin facial damage when the patients looked into the machine. Mirrors in the machine let the patient see the skin damage. But, there was a problem. To see the damage the patient had to remove all their make up at the consult and most all were unwilling to remove, then reapply their make up. They were only interested in the damage that showed in the mirror. Our experience is that women do not want to remove make up at a consultation.

DermaRogue,

Wow. I was blown away by the Clarity Pro. I own a Visia and Profect and I can tell you that the Clarity Pro biometrics are far, far better than Visia. Since the Profect is actually just a camera with UV capabilities I do not find it as helpful if you are looking to substantially enhance your consultations. It takes great pictures, but I can't justify an $8000 system for that. Now, I do need to preface that with I was able to see a lot of the R & D software which is not available currently. The things they CAN do are quite impressive. The things they already do are still better than the Visia (although I have to admit I have not seen the new RBX technology). The things I like: the software is much easier to move around and manipulate, the biometrics which are measured are more substantial, the results of the biometrics actually show improvement after multiple treatments. The last part to me is the most important. With the Visia, it has been a great consultation tool but as far as tracking results it is not reliable. I also like the customizable matrix that will recommend laser and skin care based on the biometrics. For example, if it shows a high degree of pigmentation it will recommend a series of IPL or peels. If they have a high bacteria count you can recommend your particular skin care products. I think Visia has this capability, but since the biometrics of Clarity Pro do things Visia don't it is more impressive. I really like the feature that separates epidermal pigment from dermal pigment. Since we have lasers and IPL which focus on these different depths our recommendations are adjusted accordingly. If they have a high bacteria count we can prescribe our cleansers etc. If they have inflamed or blocked pores we can prescribe facials, microderm etc. I also like the ability to do an elasticity measurement of the skin. This will help us recommend products and collagen building laser wavelengths. They also have biometrics that look at the lips which are helpful for products and fillers.

The problem this software will help us with is two fold. I firmly believe we will sell more product. Since we are primarily using CBI for a private product line it helps us tailor our cosmeceuticals. Also I think it will help with turnover and training. As you know. aestheticians in this business come and go. That's fine, but it's hard and time consuming to train new employees. Since the software is doing the evaluation I belive it will help educate new employees to OUR philosophy and products not THEIRS. We will always leave room for the aesthetician to make changes she feels appropriate, but I think it adds validity to our recommendations if both the aesthetican and computer are making consistent recommendations. It's sort of like having a cheat sheet for an aesthetician when deciding what to recommend. Although I despise the phrase "turn-key" it kinda of is. Basically, I believe it will shorten the learning curve. It will also make every consultation more repeatable. I think that is a big deal.

As far as the makeup issue, it can be an issue. We try to use it to our advantage. When the client takes off their makeup it's an opportunity for our aestetician to apply our makeup line and try to get them to switch. I think this will increase our makeup sales. Basically, while we do see clients who are weary of taking off their makeup we explain to them when setting up their appointment it will be necessary but we will professionally reapply makeup for them.

We offer a complimentary skin evaluation for every client who comes in the door. If they come in for hair removal they get a "skin print" We know that if they do a full evaluation they are more likely to buy product or procedures for us. We assign a value of $100 to the print but waive it. That way there is an appearance of value.
There are two types of buyers: those that know they need your services and those that don't. The ones who know are actually the minority. We want to capitalize on those who don't yet know how we can help them. The cherries are easy to pick. It's the others that make up a high volume business. I think a product like Clarity or Visia opens up those customers.

I give Clarity Pro a "strong buy".

Dexter

Thank you Dexter for this very informative post and the many other ones that you've made on this site.

I guess the next question would be, Is anyone else interested in getting one and could we group our purchase to get a better price?

Thanks Dexter for your input on this topic; now's the time for me to do some -Chin Scratchin-

Richard

I think a group buy may be great...I may be down for that..how many more might be interested?

I have a pretty good relationship with Raj (the CEO) and could probably facilitate it. We bought one, but are interested buying one more for our clinic.

did you guys already do a group buy? if not,I'm interested in getting one for my spa too. pls contact me.

Hello All...
I had a LENGTHY post but it disappeared when i hit send. I won't rewrite it but I'm an indy rep for Moritexusa and I can give you lots of info.
Please respond if you're interested in how we compare.

Best Regards

Hello All...

I'm pleased to answer an inquiry regarding 2 products: the Canfield 'Visia' and the Clarity Pro 'Facial Stage' from MoritexUSA. First,I'ld like to compliment Dexter on a very thorough review of these products, posted on 5-25...everyone should pay attention to what he has to say.

What I can do is add to the conversation. As stated the value of these devices should not be considered a 'luxury'...read what he said about training and retention. I always say that the doctor is in the software. In the 1st 5 minutes that a client is in front of the camera, you will have a series of fotos, the personal profile and info regarding the condition of the skin that will give you a SCIENTIFICALLY produced baseline that is stored and available to use in consultations and follow up exams. Whoever is trained to do the intake (can be sales/non tech person)
will sit with the prospect in front of the computer and both can look at the results together. Then, all that the staff person has to say is "how soon do you want to get started?"...this is the most cost effective, time saving tool that you can have in your business.
If you're in certain markets you can experience the Visia in a retail setting without any hype about the unit itself! A high end cosmetics retailer has teamed with Visia and a famous medical center to promote their line of cosmeceuticals. You can go in for a consultation and SEE and HEAR how the Visia is used. When I did it, it was free! Go to 'Sephora' on the web and clik 'events' to find the locations that have the units.
Not surprisingly, these base units are priced almost equally. They look alike and I think that they must share some DNA. Software and programming capabilities set them apart with the 'Facial Stage' being the medical grade type unit ( see Dexter ). Go to the 'MoritexUSA.com' website and check out the upgrades, all the video microscopes and the hand held units that can help everyone on a tight budget...I sold a handful of the simplest sensor units to an organization selling a line of skin products...what a great professional tool to close an individual or group sale.
The complete retail package of laptop or desktop loaded with the standard software and the camera is in the low 'teens. The system is designed to accomodate the 'scopes for even more powerful info and sales potential. Finding Moritex products is more difficult.We don't release business IDs so you'll have to ask...again , Dexter would be the one to start with.
I'm promoting a new premier medspa in my area but I'm still involved with Moritex...you can bet that I will have a 'Facial Stage' in my spa! Feel free to contact me with any questions and your best price quotes.

Best Regards

John

Has anyone had any additional experience with the camera systems since th elast post about 8 months ago? I would like one, but it seems like a huge cost for a digital camera. Does it really put the client in a better space to hear about other procedures?

Thanks!

Dear All,

I am putting up a Spa & Facial Center which would be operational in the 4th Week of Sept 2008. As for the analysis Tool I was recommended 2 Major Skin Analysis System i.e Visia & Clarity Pro. I did read few things about Visia from different websites & forums but i am unable to get more information & reviews about Clarity Pro.. Is it becoz VISIA is owned by Canfield ?? Or does it mean that Clarity Pro has hardly been sold for the users to send their Reviews.
I would really really appreciate if I could get the reviews about the Clarity Pro from an actual user ( Probably someone like Dexter or Myster John etc.. ) I am really confused where to Invest my Money ?? Even the Company ( Brightex ) does not seems to do any Publicity, advertising etc & they are hardly known in the industry.

Can i request for some honest opinions & reviews so that it would help me put my investment in the correct skin analysis system.

Regards
Armaan +91 9900693599
a big Brand..

This posting for an almost new Visia has been moved to the Marketplace Classified Ads section of this site.

I have the profect camera system and studio body system. I got it as a package from medsurge and paid around $5000 total for both. I know it seems like a great deal and probably was, as the sales rep didn't work for them much longer. I like the flecibility of the system. I can take it off the stand and use the macro setting when I want.
I have had some issues with the lights, but they have quickly replaced them at a nominal cost, so overall we have been happy we chose the system.
Nothing beats proof of improved outcomes than reliable pictures.

Does anyone know anything about the Beau Visage system. I saw this recently at the AAD show whilst passing by the Palomar display stand.
I didn't get a chance to get a good look, but it seemed to produce images like the Visia RBX, what else can it do?

Dear MahanMD, My Profect uv lights broke after 3 uses and no help from the distributor. Where did you get your lights fixed?

It's clear why the Visio is showing more damage after IPL treatments. The IPL's are all damaging and aging all of the patient's skin. They make the skin look better for a very short term because of the swelling that occurs by the dermis trying to healing the damage done by the IPL treatments. Read the article at the following link for a complete description of the aging results from peels, microderms and IPL treatments.

What link Casey Bahr?

Casey: The link you posted said nothing about IPL treatments. Only peels. Interesting -- but only one guy's opinion. It looks like a lot of conjecture to me. But then I am not a dermatologist.

I was last week at the ASLMS and found a new system from Fotofinder which does great before and afters of face and body and skinanalysis. Their systems are resonably priced compared to Canfield.

We have a Photofinder in our office and I love it. We bought it last year and we did not have any issues... Everybody in the office uses it and the photos are great.

We have a Photofinder in our office and I love it. We bought it last year and we did not have any issues... Everybody in the office uses it and the photos are great.

We have a Photofinder in our office and I love it. We bought it last year and we did not have any issues... Everybody in the office uses it and the photos are great.

We have been using the Clarity Pro Advanced in my practice for the last year and it is easy enough for everyone in the office to use. The results allow me to show my acne patients changes down to their lesion counts and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I used the Visia system before and my staff was so frustrated we decided to switch- well worth it. My aestheticians swear by the automated recommendations Clarity pro offers - and our patients love it. If you are looking for a system with great images and reliable before and after results Clarity Pro is the way to go, the company is small but their service and support has been consistently responsive to mine and my staff's needs.

I am the managing editor of Healthy Aging magazine, a magazine for physicians interested in helping patients look and feel good as they age. If any of you are interested in sharing your experiences with these products (specifically Canfield, UltraPlus, Fotofinder, Clarity Pro), please give me a call at 800 355 5627 1262. I am writing a review of these products and am looking for further expertise. My email is mlandsmann@advanceweb.com.

Marci Landsmann

Hi All,

I have been using Clarity Pro at my practice from past 9 months, its very amazing.Good number of clients turned up after i got this machine setup at my place. All the features especially acne scoring has got a very good feedback from them.

This product is very user friendly.Their support is also very good.I have suggested my colleagues also to use this product.

Thanks

i have been using Clarity Pro at my practice from past 1 year, before i had visia. I really liked the features which are being provided by Clarity Pro Advanced. The Pre and Post treatment evaluation has just made the clients look back at my practice.

It just takes a couple of minutes to analyze and provide scores to the clients.Previously i couldn't show the improvement of their skin projection in the form of the scores. Now Clarity Pro made me to bring out the treatment results more efficiently through which my clients where satisfied.

Complete Profect Medical Image System $4000.......................... email if interested

We have been using the Clarity Pro Advanced in my practice for the last year and it is easy enough for everyone in the office to use. The results allow me to show my acne patients changes down to their lesion counts and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I used the Visia system before and my staff was so frustrated we decided to switch- well worth it. My aestheticians swear by the automated recommendations Clarity pro offers - and our patients love it. If you are looking for a system with great images and reliable before and after results Clarity Pro is the way to go, the company is small but their service and support has been consistently responsive to mine and my staff's needs.

What you might be missing as far as why the scores are worse sometimes is the fact that your treatment IS working. Let me explain...say you image a person and they have 200 UV spots. You see 250 now after an IPL. What does the IPL do? It breaks up the spots, so yes, you will have more smaller spots now, but with treatment and proper skin care, these will eventually lessen. What does Retin A do? It brings blood to the surface to repair damage, right? Well, obviously the scores for Red Spots will be worse...more blood! VISIA is a great tool for before & afters if you read them correctly & listen to the trainings. It is worth the money. Just the Tech Support alone is worth it....as the other companies how long they have been in business for....ask them about Tech Support. I trust Canfield & are staying with them...plus they now have 3D systems that are just amazing technology!