The 13th Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress, held March 25-28, 2015, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, was under the high patronage of H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco. More than 9000 participants from over 120 countries took part. More than 300 international exhibitors presented their latest products and technologies in the four-story Exhibition Area. As every year, one country was given special consideration. The “Year of Russian Culture” was celebrated at AMWC 2015.
The main theme of the congress was “Concept of Charisma & Future Challenges in Aesthetics”. It started with three different pre-courses on March 25, 2015 – a difficult choice. Offered that day were:
- A Pre-Congress Course on “Practical Anti-Aging.”
- A Pre-Congress Course on “Advanced Genital Rejuvenation & Cosmetic Gynecology.”
- A Practical Training in “Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Medicine”, under the name of S.A.F.E. Monaco 2015 (Scientific Aesthetics for Experts).
In the third course, Anand Chytra, MD, Bangalore, spoke about the numerous possibilities of “noninvasive nasal rejuvenation”, which can be a very good alternative to surgical reconstruction of the nose in many cases. Other advantages of this treatment method are the simplicity of the treatment as well as the lack of “down time” and lower therapy costs. Numerous live demonstrations were also provided, during which attendees were able to learn detailed techniques on patients.
Update on treatment with botulinum toxin
At the symposium “Botulinum Toxin: Updates & Optimization Treatment,” held Thursday, Stefan Lipp, MD, Düsseldorf, emphasized the importance of anatomy knowledge, and cadaver injections were demonstrated. In addition, he again drew the audience’s attention to the fact that injections in the area of the crow’s feet must necessarily be performed superficially so as not to weaken the zygomaticus muscle. Basically, the treatment of crow’s feet is more caudal according to the anatomy than at the beginning of the botulinum toxin era. Also, the depressor anguli oris muscle should be injected caudally and superficially rather than cranially and deeply as previously advocated.
Michael A.C. Kane, MD, New York, presented a Moers-Carpi study published in March 2015 comparing incobotulinumtoxin A with onabotulinumtoxin A. Conclusion of the study: “similar efficacy and no difference in safety profiles”.
In addition, a new botulinum toxin RT002 was introduced, which has been judged safe and effective in studies. This product has a longer duration of action, averaging 7.3 months. Further studies are planned.
Relevance of the consultation
On Friday, the annual Allergan Symposium was held in the largest hall of the congress – the Salle des Princes. As always, the hall was practically filled to capacity early in the morning. The theme was “Achieving real expressions in challenging patients.” The symposium was chaired by Koenraad De Boulle, MD, Aalst.
Because of the importance of a consultation prior to an aesthetic procedure, Allergan has developed a number of interactive tools and resources to assist the treating physician during the consultation. Mauricio de Maio, MD, São Paulo, emphasized in his presentation that the patient needs to be trained by the treating physician in his expectations. He presented a step-by-step guide to optimizing patient counseling and treatment outcomes. This excellent brochure including a “Facial Interest” questionnaire can be obtained free of charge from Allergan. In addition, two new apps were introduced:
- FACE to FACE: Using this app, the doctor can explain to the patient how the face is aging and can create a personalized treatment plan that the patient can keep.
- Facial ANATOMY explorer: With the help of this app, the doctor can explore the anatomy of the face.
Dr. med. Wolfgang G. Philipp-Dormston from the Skin Center Cologne once again presented the Vycross range of the company Allergan. New in the portfolio is the product Volift retouch with two syringes of 0.55 ml each, which is intended for touch-up treatments.
The credo of the whole symposium was that above all naturalness should be preserved: “perfect look vs. natural expression”. According to a study conducted by Allergan, the biggest concern among patients undergoing aesthetic treatments before the procedure is that they may look unnatural and artificial after the treatment.
News from the industrial exhibition
Cellularmatrix™: The company regenlab presented the new product Cellularmatrix™ (PRP & HA all in one) in addition to the already known A-PRP kits (“autologous platelet rich plasma”). This product contains A-PRP and a two percent non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Cellularmatrix™ combines the hydrating effect of hyaluronic acid with the stimulating properties of growth factors. While hyaluronic acid acts as a temporary dermal replenishing factor, PRP stimulates the surrounding cells.
Ultherapy: The new Ulthera device from Merz was presented. This is the only FDA-approved procedure for non-invasive lifting of the face (including “brow lift”), neck and décolleté. By March 2015, more than 2500 treatments had been performed with this device in Switzerland.
Ultherapy is an ultrasound treatment that stimulates the regeneration of collagen and elastin to the deep layers of the skin. It is a lifting and tightening of the skin without surgery and without “down time”. Possible side effects are redness or slight swelling, also tingling or sensitivity to touch in the treated area is possible for a few weeks.
Unlike lasers or radiofrequency devices, which must bring heat from the outside in, Ultherapy works from the inside out to tighten and lift the skin. The micro-focused ultrasound can pass through the skin without damage to allow the ultrasound energy to take effect at a depth of 4.5 mm. This is the layer of tissue that is typically tightened during a facelift. The skin responds to this stimulus by producing new collagen and elastin. The results become visible after a period of two to three months. These results can still improve by the sixth month.
Next meeting
The next AMWC organized by Euromedicom will again be held in Monaco. Registrations are being accepted as of now at www.eromedicom.com/amwc-2016/index.html. It’s worth it!
Source: 13th Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress, March 25-28, 2015, Monaco.
DERMATOLOGIE PRAXIS 2015; 25(3): 24-26
