Overlooked Anti-Aging Procedures

Many fillers and injectables are marketed for the face and skin. According to the 2016 ASPS statistics, there were 2,600,000 procedures for dermal or soft tissue fillers alone. However, dermal fillers are also used for other purposes, like on the hand and neck.

Numbers are scarce regarding treatments for those areas, however some patients seek hand or neck rejuvenation, which are overlooked procedures.

There have been studies about using neck and hand rejuvenation, mostly showing promising results to the patients. Few studies have only shown complications about rejuvenation and resurfacing. Frequent modalities used in treating these areas are dermal fillers (used for off label use) and lasers or IPL.

In the official statistics provided by the ASPS, only hand surgery is listed as a surgical procedure and so far, hand and neck rejuvenation is not listed as a non-surgical procedure. It is probable that it is part of the filler statistics.

HAND REJUVENATION

Common injectables used for hand rejuvenation are Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Calcium Hydroxlypatite (CaHA), and Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) (Kühne and Imhof, 2012). According to the authors, side effects of the fillers on the hands are swelling and bruising. In addition, they suggested that dermal fillers for better effectiveness is CaHA due to collagen stimulation. Furthermore, according to Butterwick and Sadick (2016), hand rejuvenation procedures are more effective when treated with multiple modalities such as IPL, RF, and CaHA and PLLA.

In Maruyama’s (2016) study, it focused on the hand rejuvenation for 128 Japanese patients. The researcher took into consideration some skin differences and side effects. The researcher used IPL by using two wavebands, one using 560nm and another 515nm.

Immediate downtime results for wrinkles showed that most of the patients were mostly unpleased, effects improved after two or more treatments. Meanwhile, many patients were satisfied by the results with the dorsal lentigines. One of the prominent side effects presented in the author’s study was erythema, followed by hyperpigmentation and itching.

Despite such, most patient satisfaction for hand rejuvenation is usually high and there is an expected patient return or retention for a treatment of hand rejuvenation (Rivkin, 2016).

After administering an injection related hand rejuvenation procedure, massaging is recommended as it helps in the longevity of the treatment on the hands.

NECK REJUVENATION

With surgery, come the complication and risks. Batniji (2014) enumerates the possible risks of surgical neck lifts, such as induration, neck injury, and skin contour irregularities. Despite such complications, neck lifts is slowly on the rise.

As an alternative, some cosmetic physicians offer non-surgical neck rejuvenation.

However, recent literature is still little for non-surgical neck rejuvenation.

de Oliviera et al.’s (2017) study presented a 100% improvement rate upon treatment. A combined RF and PEMF treatment shows significant positive results when used to treat the neck. Additionally, the researchers note that RF alone may not be as effective. It is suggested these combined treatment be used in observing shorter downtime and lesser complications.

Their main limitation was no follow-up was done after their initial study. Any observed complication was quickly resolved.

In another study, di Bernardo (2016) used two modalities for the neck: a laser and RF for different purposes. Their study focused on the procedure of using the modalities for the neck. The researchers marked the areas to laser and used tumescent anesthesia for this treatment. As for the RF treatment, they plotted the areas to treat the neck to avoid neuropraxia.

Finally, Oram and Akkaya (2014) uses CO2 as another option in treating the neck as it showed improvement with Skin Laxity, Jowling, Fat Disposition, and Horizontal Neck Lines. Their study, however, presented complications, however it was only short lived. Despite such results, most of the patients returned for further treatments in the long-term. Their main takeaway in the study was the skin tightening due to the bettering of the skin laxity and in turn causing good effects with the jowling and fat disposition.

These two procedures, while, not popular, are also sought by patients. These elective procedures are befitting

In another post, we discuss injection techniques for hand and neck rejuvenation.

Viability of Autologous Fat Calf Grafting

Research shows that autologous calf fat grafting is a viable alternative to traditional implant-based calf augmentation for congenital calf discrepancies and aesthetic pseudo-varus deformity.

According to the study published in the official publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Aesthetic Surgery Journal, fat grafting for slender calves provides results that are comparable to those obtainable via traditional methods. 

Some patients who want to undergo calf implants are concerned with the risks associated with the surgery and the possibility that strenuous exercise may cause the implant to move. Some plastic surgeons use silicone implants that is selected based on the patient's anatomy. These implants are placed under the fascia of the original calf muscle that is strong enough to withstand physical sporting activities.

Researchers Gerhard S. Mundinger and James E. Vogel pointed out in the research that there are few studies published regarding the advantages of fat grafting for calf augmentation and re-shaping compared with the traditional silicone calf implants.

According to Dr. James E. Vogel,

Autologous fat augmentation offers a number of advantages over calf implants, including liposuction in adjacent areas to improve calf contour, smaller incisions, additional augmentation through subsequent fat grafting, durable results, lack of foreign body reaction, and precise patient-specific adjustments not possible with off-the-shelf implants.

Medial and lateral calf augmentation was accomplished with injection of prepared autologous lipoaspirate intramuscularly and subcutaneously.

Thirteen patients underwent calf augmentation and reshaping with autologous fat grafting over a period of five years. Ten patients underwent bilateral calf augmentation, and three cases were performed for congenital leg discrepancies.

Prior to the fat transfer, local anesthesia was injected to utilize the smallest amount of effective anesthetic volume. This was also done to precisely place it into the muscle resulting in less sedation and more rapid postoperative recovery.

Fat was harvested from the abdomen, lateral thigh, medial thigh, waistline, flanks, axilla, upper back, and hips. Irrespective of the fat harvest site, liposuction was also performed at the knee to improve contour.

A mean of 157 cc of separated fat was transferred per leg, with roughly 60% and 40% transferred into the medial and lateral calf, respectively. Injections were first performed directly into the calf muscles and then into the subcutaneous calf tissue.

Four patients underwent a second round of autologous fat injection for further calf augmentation because they desired additional volume. Fat volume was judged to be sufficient when the calf was minimally firm but not tense. At a mean of 19.6 months of follow-up, durable augmentation in calf contour was documented by comparison of standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs.

The research concluded that the use of autologous fat transfer is a viable option compared to the use of traditional silicone implants.

Read more on: http://asj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/09/01/asj.sjv166

Finally – A Non-Invasive Machine That Delivers on the Promise

We are all used to the myriad of vendors who scurry up to us at every conference or torment our office staff for a 10 minute appointment to discuss the next GREAT non-invasive cosmetic surgical miracle machine.  Everybody promises everything….and seldom is the technological “punch” anywhere near the nirvana alluded to in the glitzy ad brochures. How many of you have $100,000 dollar machines in a back room with dust covers over them?  They are expensive doorstops!!  So typical of this industry.

As you can surmise, I have a jaundiced view of the whole “gadget” biz in cosmetic medicine. I like using cold steel, but appreciate the demand for non-surgical alternatives in this market. I have NEVER purchased a laser box (the economics just don’t make sense to me).  I dodged the Smart Lipo frenzy………..whew.  So, as a certified Negative Nellie, I have finally crossed over to the other side and am totally thrilled with the results a new minimally invasive technology is delivering.  In my mind, they deliver EXACTLY what was promised  in the hype.

ThermiAesthetics is a relatively new company employing temperature controlled radio frequency technology for multiple applications that really work.  Basically, ThermiRF delivers radiofrequency energy in a multitude of platforms – the common denominator being using thermal energy to safely shrink tissue.

In my mind the ‘home run’ for this technology can be found in two applications: ThermiTight is a minimally invasive procedure where a micro-probe in passed under the skin and withdrawn in a controlled fashion, heating the dermis underneath.  This results in significant skin shrinkage and is best used in the lower face and neck (great for jowls).  It also shrinks skin in the arms, abdomen and above the knees. ThermiVa is a topical application, designed to shrink labia, tighten vaginal mucosa, increase vaginal moisture and sensitivity and even cure mild to moderate stress incontinence. Really!

Ya sure, you may quip…………..but it delivers as promised.  My staff, my wife, my patients are all raving about it.  Easy, cheap and relatively painless.  Who can ask for anything more? Sure, the technology is relatively new and the longevity of the procedures is still being figured out.  But so far, I think this technology is a refreshing home run – delivering as promised – even for a cynic like me. Check them out.

Juvederm Ultra XC: Year-Long Lip Fillers

The US FDA has approved Allergan's JUVEDERM® ULTRA XC for the injection into the lips and perioral area for lip augmentation in adults over the age of 21.

Allergan's trials show that results last up to a year in the lips, but as always, there are two sides to the coin.

Since 2006, Juvederm formulations were already FDA approved for correction of moderation to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as parentheses lines around the nose and mouth. Then in 2013, the Juvederm XC for age-related mid-face volume loss was introduced.

Clinical trials for Juvederm revealed that 79% of subjects showed an improvement in lip fullness three months following the treatment. More than 78% of the subjects reported an improvement in their overall satisfaction with the smooth and natural look and feel of their lips at one year after treatment.

Executive Vice President & President, Allergan Medical Philippe Schaison said that:

As the leader in medical aesthetics, Allergan is committed to continued research and development in this area. Providing physicians and patients with premium products that allow them to achieve the aesthetic results they want is always our goal. Understanding that the desire with lip augmentation is to achieve a natural-looking and lasting result, we continued our research of JUVEDERM® ULTRA XC for the lips. With this approval, JUVEDERM®ULTRA XC is now the only filler that is approved to last up to one year in the lips while providing natural-looking results.

Juvederm Ultra XC contains a smooth gel formulation of modified form of hyaluronic acid (HA) and a small amount of lidocaine. The hyaluronic acid helps the skin to maintain its moisture and softness and the lidocaine acts as a local anesthetic to improve the comfort of the injection.

While the increase in the time between injections is going to be welcomed by patients, there are some physicians and clinics that might lose income since patients are not coming in as frequently. Additionally, these longer fillers might not be appropriate as a "first-time" filler for patients who are unsure if thy're going to love the effect. There's a big psychological difference between living with a change for a few months and an entire year. Still, the general increase in lenght is a good thing for clincs and patients who are familiar with the effects.

Radiesse: FDA Approved For Hand Rejuvenation

Radiesse is now FDA approved for "hand rejuvenation".

Radiesse is an FDA approved dermal filler for smoothening out facial wrinkles and facial contouring. Recently, Radiesse got its FDA approval, making it the only FDA-approved filler for the hands although hyaluronic acid has been used by physicans for years.

The product, according to its website, can hide visible bones and tendons, making the hands look more youthful and smooth. Radiesse utilizes a safe gel formula that contains calcium microspheres (CaHA). These can immediately create added volume and then stimulate the body to produce collagen which results in volume augmentation that can last for around a year.

According to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brent Moelleken, MD FACS:

Radiesse is a great option as a filler for hands. It’s safe for all skin types, and leaves no obvious line between the hand and wrist. The hands are the last frontier, so-to-speak, and often give away the true age of a woman.

Depending on the severity of the volume loss, patients should expect to pay for about one to two syringes of Radiesse at an average cost of $800 - $1,200 per syringe for their hands.

Dr. Moelleken adds that because of the product's pliability and softness, it is a great filler which may also be used for deep filling in the face.

Patients are cautioned to seek out experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon in using the Radiesse hand filler because of the many veins, nerves, and arteries in the hand. During the clinical trials, patients showed swelling, redness, bruising and pain in injection sites.

Because of this recent development, cosmetic doctors may now offer enhancement and rejuvenation for both the hands and faces of their patients.

For more information, you may visit:

https://global.radiesse.com/treatment-options/hands#hands

FDA Approved Saline-filled Breast Implants

Ideal Implant Incorporated has recently announced the FDA approval of its Structured Breast Implant for use in the United States and Canada.

The breast implant was designed by a plastic surgeon and it is the first to provide women with the feel of silicone gel-filled implants combined with the safety of only saline inside. The natural feel of the breast implant is attributed to its patented unique design and internal structure which was a product of more than 10 years of research and clinical studies.

As to its design, the company's website provides the following:

Years of research and testing led to this innovative design, with a series of implant shells nested together and two separate chambers, which hold the saline filler. The internal structure controls movement of the saline, and is designed to reduce folding and wrinkling, thought to be the main cause of implant rupture and deflation. On the outside, the edges have been lowered for better contouring to the chest wall.

According to Robert Hamas, MD, a Dallas plastic surgeon:

Now, for the first time, women can have a breast implant that offers them a natural feel without silicone gel. It has only saline inside for their safety and peace of mind. Unlike silicone gel implants that have a high incidence of silent rupture that requires an MRI scan for detection, with the Ideal Implant, a women can look in the mirror each day and have the confidence of knowing her implants are intact.

In a study, patient satisfaction for those who received their first breast implants were at 94.3% while those who had replacements for their previous implants was at 90.6%. The high satisfaction rating among women were attributed to the natural feel of the implants coupled with ease of mind because of its saline-filled components. The surgeon satisfaction was also high at 95.9% for primary implants and 91.7% for replacements.

For more info,

you may visit www.idealimplant.com

or contact Adeena Fried, 917-633-4380, idealimplant@evolvemkd.com

Filler Injections: Achieving the Ideal Lip Shape

Our lips provide competence to the oral cavity when we chew our food. They may also affect sounds and facilitate facial expression which help us communicate what we feel. Lips also have their own aesthetic value.

Earlier this year, the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge went viral on the internet. People who took the challenge sucked the air out of a glass to create fuller lips that is said to be more attractive. Of course, everything did not go well for others because many attempts ended in painful bruisings and trips to hospitals.

Sucking glass cyclinders did not make Kylie's lips look plump - it was cosmetic enhancement that did it. In an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, she admitted using a filler and advised others who want a similar look to try a filler that lasts about two to four months, in case they change their mind and want to give it up.

For dermatologists and Medspa owners who work with patients desiring for plump lips, giving advice to patients during patient consultation may boost patient satisfaction rate.

A study in Germany was conducted "to clarify what it is that makes lips attractive - and whether there are gender-related differences of an attractive lip and lower third of the face".

After patients' lip and chin regions were photographed and evaluated by voluntary judges through a Likert scaling system, the results showed that there were certain parameters of the lips that add attractivity of both male and female individuals. Further, gender-related differences were manifested in the form and shape of an attractive lower third of the face.

• There is a significant higher ratio of upper vermillion height/mouth-nose distance in frontal-view images of attractive compared to unattractive female (p < 0.001) and male (p < 0.05) perioral regions.
• Furthermore, the ratio of upper vermillion height/chin-nose distance was significantly higher in attractive than in unattractive female (p < 0.005) and male (p < 0.05) lip and chin regions.
• The nasolabial angle was significantly sharper in attractive compared to unattractive female perioral regions (p < 0.001).
• Attractive female lip and chin regions showed a wider mentolabial angle compared to unattractive female lip and chin regions (p < 0.05).
•  Comparing men and women, we found that attractive female perioral regions showed a higher ratio of lower vermillion height/chin-mouth distance (p < 0.05) and lower vermillion height/chin-nose distance than attractive male perioral regions (p < 0.05).

Read more on: http://www.jprasurg.com/article/S1748-6815(15)00137-0/abstract

miraDry: FDA Approved Treatment for Unwanted Underarm Hair and Sweat

Good news for armpits or another player competing in the same space?

The US Food and Drugs Administration has recently approved miraDry - the only FDA cleared technology for the treatment of unwanted underarm hair of all colors and permanent reduction of underarm sweat.

How does miraDry work?

According to its manufacturer Miramar Labs, the miraDry System delivers precisely controlled microwave energy non-invasively to the region where the sweat glands reside resulting in thermolysis of the sweat glands.

At the same time, a continuous hydro-ceramic cooling system protects the superficial dermis and keeps heat at the level of the sweat glands. Because sweat glands do not regenerate after treatment, the results are significant and lasting with most patients reporting an average of 82% sweat reduction.

CEO and President of Miramar Labs, Mr. Michael Kleine says that

We believe the potential for microwave energy in aesthetics is exceptional. Miramar was the first company to receive clearance for axillary sweat reduction and we are now the only company with FDA clearance for permanent reduction of axillary hair of all colors. These are both tremendous market making opportunities in aesthetics.

The miraDry System, which came out as a result of more than 6 years of study and clinical research provides a range of energy settings, hydro-ceramic cooling system to protect dermis and a vacuum to stabilize tissue. It also comes with a custom software that guides the procedure.

Is anyone using this system and willing to share thoughts?

Read more on:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/miramar-labs-announces-fda-clearance-for-the-permanent-reduction-of-underarm-hair-of-all-colors-and-subsequent-launch-of-mirasmooth-300117634.html

http://physicians.miradry.com/physicians/miradry-system

High Dissatisfaction among Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Opportunity for New Market Entrants

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, appears most commonly in one-year old children, and about half of these children will have them when they become adults. Sadly, research reveals a very high dissatisfaction among adult patients of the treatments available for atopic dermatitis (AD). On the other hand, this is a good news for new entrants in the market.

The research done by GfK Disease Atlas on atopic dermatitis covered eight countries, over 4,000 pediatric and adult atopic dermatitis patients, and over 800 physicians. Results reveal that 6 out of 10 patients experiencing moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who were treated with topical steroids are not satisfied with the results.

This is amidst the the fact that about 92% of them said that their doctors explained what is expected from the treatment. Four out of 10 of doctors also expressed their dissatisfaction. Topical steroids are used mainly to reduce the swelling and inflammation in affected areas and control eczema.

There is a lack of options available for patients, making them repeat the same treatment options.This is the reason why GfK Immunology and Dermatology Therapy Director Alison Rose said that there is a huge potential for new players to enter the market and provide with other therapy options.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, atopic dermatitis cannot be cured but it can be controlled. This is done by preventing AD from getting worse, calming the skin and relieving pain and itch, preventing infections, and stopping the skin from thickening.

Further, according to the AAD website, there is no way to determine if AD will ever go away or it will be a lifelong disease, however, it gets milder with age. Treatments, therefore, are very much important in preventing AD from getting worse and relieving a patient's discomfort.

Read more on: http://www.gfk.com/news-and-events/press-room/press-releases/pages/dissatisfaction-in-atopic-dermatitis-treatment.aspx https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/atopic-dermatitis

How Patients Deal with Discomfort after CoolSculpting

Popsicle panniculitis became the inspiration for the non-surgical CoolSculpting procedure. This phenomenon was observed when excessive exposure to cold popsicles result in the reduction of fats in cheeks.

CoolSculpting usually works on patients who have fats in certain areas of their body that can be "pinched" by doctors. This procedure will not work with obese patients. It specifically targets fat cells and doesn't harm any muscle tissue or skin.

Patients undergoing this procedure often complain of discomfort, most often in the abdomen area, after the non-surgical treatment. Itching is associated with the body digesting the dead fat cells. A patient who has experienced such itchiness after the CoolSculpting noted that the doctor prescribed Neurontin to ease the discomfort felt while the nerves in the affected area are still recovering. Others also use compression garments or lightly massage the area to lessen the itch. Redness, bruising, and swelling may also develop for some patients but these are only temporary.

One patient took Motrin every five hours to treat the pain and inflammation in the area. With CoolSculpting, patients' level of discomfort is lower compared to those performed after a tummy tuck or liposuction. There are even patients who immediately go back to work the day after the non-surgical treatment, claiming that the discomfort they feel is tolerable.

Most patients are actually looking forward to the results and wouldn't mind the little discomfort. It is very important for those who administer CoolSculpting procedures to assess whether a patient can have this treatment. Also, they must be briefed and informed about the after-effects of the procedure and the discomforts they might feel.

Popsicle Panniculitis?

"Popsicle Panniculitis" can be caused by a number of conditions, most often exposure to cold that affects some infants 6 to 72 hours after they suck on a popsicle or ice cube. Popsicle panniculitis causes swelling and redness in the cheeks near the corners of the mouth. It's a rare condition that usually only affects infants and young children, possibly because infants have a higher concentration of fatty acids in their subcutaneous tissue than adults do. The only treatment required for popsicle panniculitis is to remove the source of cold or limit the child's exposure to cold.

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine - Ready for Prime Time?

The future looks promising for stem cell therapies in aesthetic medicine.

The arguments for and against the use of stem cells for research and medical therapeutic applications have existed for decades and will no doubt increase in volume and intensity for some time to come. Vast amounts of public and private money are currently pouring into the research for these polarizing fields and a Google search on these topics will populate dozens of new articles not only domestically but also globally on a daily basis. The hopes of uncountable patients and their family and friends are intricately entwined on unlocking possible therapeutic applications to cure a myriad of maladies from spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and heart failure to rare genetic disorders that claim the lives of children daily. In short, stem cell research and regenerative medicine are in the early explosion phase of discovery, application, and no doubt ongoing controversy.

Initial shockwaves of fear and objection arose partly from the need for using embryonic stem cells for this research.  Fortunately, it is looking more promising that we can use easily obtainable cells from existing and abundant adult tissues and engineer highly selected cells from these tissues to become culturable and guidable stem cells. Ideally, this would negate the use of embryonic stem cells and eliminate at least this one-of-many passionately debated aspects of controversy (there are many!). To date, cells from bone marrow, skin, and adipose amongst others are being used to isolate adult stem cells, and from these it is hoped that we can “reverse engineer” them into pluripotent cells that can be used to generate selected tissue types for clinical use. How many of us don’t have an extra area or two of excess fat that could potentially be used to save our life at some point in the future?  While we don’t have proven reliable human applications as yet, the future does look promising. I am seeing more and more presentations at our plastic surgery meetings on stem cell research and regenerative medicine and the buzz and excitement are palpable. It is important to note that all involved seem to share a sense of cautious optimism and emphasize the need for careful control over the research and applications.  The FDA is very involved with all aspects of clinical use of stem cells as the field evolves and becomes more complex.

The future is exciting for stem cells and regenerative medicine. I fully agree with careful oversight and deliberate planning and control as research progresses. I follow the fields closely and am hopeful that in the near future we can offer hope to those patients with difficult illnesses and medical conditions that are currently not largely treatable. And all the better if we can obtain easily available and harvestable tissues to affect the research and clinical applications. Now I invite a lively and constructive discussion from the readers!

Press Request - Effectiveness & Safety Of Home Light LED Skin Care

Request from Carleen Coulter (Editor Beauty and Fashion Tech)

Please read the rules before responding.

I am looking for quotes from dermatologists and estheticians for a series of 5 articles for Beauty and Fashion Tech that will be cross promoted on Glam Media, which has a large audience. If you (or your client if you are a publicist) can give a short quotable reply to any of the following questions, please do! No need to answer all if you do not fee qualified or lack the time. Any number of responses, or even a single answer helps. Also please provide the name and credentials to be used with the quote. Many thanks!

1. Are at home light therapy devices effective? Why or why not?
2. Are at home light therapy devices safe? why or why not?
3. Is laser tattoo removal effective? Why or why not?
4. Who is best suited for laser tattoo removal?
5. Is laser tattoo removal painful?
6. Which is more effective, chemical peels or laser peels?
7. Who might be a better candidate for a laser peel as opposed to a chemical peel and vice versa?
8. Which is more commonly used, chemical or laser peels?
9. What current popular beauty treatments could be advanced further in the future? How will they/might they be advanced?
10. What do you think will be next big state-of-the-art development in beauty treatment?

Carleen Coulter (Editor Beauty and Fashion Tech)

Please include the number of the question you're responding to in your answer in the comments. Read the rules about responding to press requests first.

Allergan Starts Trials for Hair-Growth Treatment

Botox maker Allergan is about to launch clinical trials of a hair-growth treatment similar to its drug Latisse, which stimulates the growth of eyelashes.

The Phase 1 trial, scheduled to start this month, will focus on the safety of two formulations of bimatoprost, which is the active ingredient in Latisse.

This phase of the trials will include a total of about 28 patients — men with moderate male-pattern baldness and women with moderate female-pattern hair loss.

The FDA approved Latisse as a treatment for eyelashes, with a warning that it can cause hair growth on other parts of the body that come in contact with the drug.  Some doctors have already tried using Latisse as an “off-label” treatment for hair loss.

Hair-restoration expert Dr. Alan Bauman of Boca Raton, Fla., reported “modest hair growth” among patients who have been applying Latisse daily to their scalp.

Irvine-based Allergan might want more impressive results than that in order to make its hoped-for baldness remedy more commercially successful.

Bauman predicted that “Allergan will likely test a stronger concentration for the use on the scalp than the 0.03% bimatoprost found in Latisse.”

If Phase One (safety) trials are successful and Phase Two and Three trials (efficacy) are eventually completed, bimatoprost could become the third FDA-approved drug for the treatment of baldness in men and only the second FDA-approved drug for women with hereditary hair thinning or female pattern baldness,” Bauman said. Those conditions affect an estimated 60 million-100 million Americans, he said.

The clinical trial will be run out of Tempe, Ariz.  It is scheduled to be completed in February.

Twilight Craze Brings The 'Vampire Facelift'; Selphyl

A new cosmetic procedure may just "eclipse" its competition. They're calling it the "Vampire Facelift", and it's increasingly available at medical spas.

It's not really a facelift, though, it's an injectable filler called Selphyl (get it? Sounds like cell-fill). It's generating lots of buzz.

It works by temporarily plumping up lines, much like its older cousins Juvederm and Restylane. But unlike the competition, Selphyl uses the patient's own blood to do the plumping.

Twilight enough for ya?

First, an amount of the patient's blood is extracted. Then, according to the maker, the platelets are separated from the red blood cells. The platelets are blended with a proprietary synthetic mixture and injected into your frown line.

This happens to coincide with all this fascination people have right now with blood - the whole vampire craze," says Dr. Tabasum Mir, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic laser surgery in Manhattan. Her patients are not requesting it, she ads, but inquiring out of curiosity. "I don't think my patients are interested in a two-step procedure when there are a lot of other fillers around that have been tried and tested."

Besides, one can't help but thinking that a real vampire wouldn't need Sephyl or any other wrinkle filler, because the undead stay out of the sun and never age. Anyway, is it safe for humans?

We certainly looked into it, but I think there probably isn't much of a problem when it comes to safety," says Dr. David Bank, President of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. "And by now, if any of our members were coming in with problems or complaints they would be reported to the society and those reports would be then shuttled to me. I haven't heard anything bad. But that's not a guarantee. The jury is still out."