Are non-surgical skin tightening treatments too good to be true? A panel of experts will discuss the current evidence on skin tightening devices and procedures that promise a quick, non-surgical fix at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) being held in Boston, MA, May 7-11, 2011. The panel, entitled "Hype in Skin Tightening - Does the Data Support the Claims?," will be moderated by Felmont F. Eaves, MD, President of the Society, and feature Jeffrey M. Kenkel, MD, Michael I. Kulick, MD, and Brooke R. Seckel, MD. The panel will update the plastic surgery community on scientific data surrounding skin tightening methods such as radiofrequency, focused ultrasound and laser energy.

"There is so much hype about non-surgical methods for skin tightening, but there has often been a lack of reproducibility or consistency with many of the methods," said Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel. "This panel will take a scientific look at the progress we have made with skin tightening devices and discuss whether or not there is scientific validation for the claims patients and physicians keep hearing."

The emergence of non-surgical skin tightening techniques is largely due to patient demand for less invasive procedures. However, patients who want the result of tighter skin without an invasive procedure may be disappointed, since the results do not approach surgical results.

"Patients can experience skin tightening without traditional surgery, but it may not be enough to meet their expectations," said Dr. Michael Kulick. "In addition, misleading terminology or photographic images on marketing materials can potentially compound patient dissatisfaction."

Because the results of non-surgical skin tightening may be subtle, if evident at all, compared to surgical results, many plastic surgeons have remained skeptical of non-surgical approaches. However, non-surgical skin tightening may work in properly selected patients, such as in younger patients who are just starting to see skin laxity, but who are not seeking dramatic results.

"The technology does work in properly selected patients when the appropriate techniques are used, and achieves about 20 to 30 percent of what could be achieved surgically," said Dr. Brooke Seckel. "As the technology continues to improve, plastic surgeons will need to understand it and keep an open mind so that they don't fall behind."

Hype in Skin Tightening - Does the Data Support the Claims?
Tuesday, May 10th, 11:30am
Moderator: Felmont F. Eaves, MD
Presenters: Michael I. Kulick, MD
Jeffrey Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Source:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)