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A machine that will lift and tighten muscles without surgery operates on the concept of tightening the SMAS, a gauzy layer of muscle fibers that sags with age. This is the area that many plastic surgeons surgically tighten when performing face-lifts.

The difference: The machine targets this area and shrinks the facial tissue. Have a pain free face-lift, get in your car and drive home.
Availability: a select few physicians will have it by end 2006.


Fat Removal without Surgery

Two similar products compete, UltraShape and LipoSonix. Both eliminate small amounts of body fat at a time, allowing patients to lose up to an inch in one treatment and go right back to work.

The difference: Safe, effective & surgery free Body Contouring Treatment. Areas like waist, abdomen, hips, buttocks and outer thighs can be freed from fat without the pain and discomfort of surgery.
Availability: UltraShape is awaiting FDA approval, (CE mark approved in Europe) and South America. LipoSonix will begin American trials during this year.


Get Rid of Cellulite Now

Once you've undergone body contouring and got rid of the fat in unwanted areas, its time to firm up the skin of the treated area. To get rid of cellulite the Accent radiofrequency lasers contract the skin and you can see a visible improvement in skin tightening. This breakthrough procedure treats both deeper cellulite and more superficial cellulite.

The difference: Accent radiofrequency is the most thrilling non invasive technique because it treats the skin and fat.
Availability: at selected, leading aesthetic clinics.


New Wrinkle Reduction Treatments

Line-Smoothing Gel
When rubbed onto the skin, this gel gently smooths out frown lines and crow's feet. It contains botulinum toxin, just like Botox does.

The difference: no injections, no pain, no bruising, lasts 3 - 5 months
Availability: awaiting approval by FDA


Fabulous Wrinkle Reduction

In 5% of Botox patients there occurs 'drifting' which causes the eyelids to droop in the short term. Although Botox is effective, it does take several days to take effect. The new experimental product PurTox, a highly diluted botulinum toxin aims to counteract these conditions.

The difference: can be injected into the face or neck to reduce wrinkles, and as it is diluted will hopefully cut down healing time.
Availability: still going through clinical trials.


Wrinkle Buster

This laser can eliminate wrinkles in 70 seconds. The light stimulates skin cells to produce healthy, new skin-plumping collagen and slow the breakdown of existing collagen.

The difference: no burning or reddening of the skin. It can reduce pore size and speed wound healing. Rest period between treatments are imperative for effectiveness.
Availability: This medical-spa was released in March.


UltraSonic Skin Rejuvenation

A wave of ultrasound stimulates a cream containing tiny molecules of bovine collagen, pushing them into the dermis. This cream stimulates the growth of new collagen and decreases the kind of aged collagen that causes sagging and discolouration.

The difference: it effectively fills wrinkles and adds moisture without the needle.
Availability: it has been on the market briefly through selected physicians, but still has yet to reach the mainstream.

by Bronwen E. Roberts