We have the finest, most experienced faculty of any aesthetic training program in North America. Our faculty includes two board certified dermatologists who are experts in cosmetic injectable’s and aesthetic medicine treatments.

The 2-day Symposium will combine the latest medical aesthetic training with proven strategies to successfully integrate them into your practice or a new medical spa. All while having the opportunity to earn 25.5 Aesthetic Medicine CME credits.

• Receive Certification as an Accredited Member in Aesthetic Medicine
• Includes 16 DVD Cosmetic Practice Training Program (value $2,995)
• Access to 70 AMA CAT 1 Aesthetic Medicine CME’s
• Join the IAPAM today and Save $1,100 on the cost of the 2 day Symposium
• Receive One Year of Practice Support
• Online Clinical Aesthetic Medicine Training for a year for you and your staff
• No Exhibitors, Only Education

In order to open a successful and profitable aesthetic medicine practice or medical spa, you’ll need to know these key fundamentals:

• The latest trends in aesthetic medicine and how to use them to your advantage.
• Steps on how to integrated aesthetic medicine procedures into your practice or build a patient base.
• How to perform aesthetic patient consultations.
• How to add the most profitable cosmetic injectable procedures, including: Botox ®, and dermal fillers (i.e. Juvederm ®, Restylane ®, and Perlane ®), chemical peels, and physician directed skin care.
• Hands-on Botulinum Toxin (Botox ®) training
• Hands-on IPL/laser training
• Maximizing profits by offering Chemical Peels and Physician-grade Cosmeceutical Skin Care lines.
• Includes a CD with the following: Patient Medical History Consultation Forms; Hair removal, Injectable, Laser, and Chemical peel Consent Forms you can customize for your practice; typical startup costs spreadsheets, and aesthetic medicine marketing resources.

Leverage our faculty’s decades of experience, and learn the keys to building a successful aesthetic medicine practice. This is the most comprehensive medical aesthetics training available.

Earn Aesthetic Medicine CME Credits

You will have the opportunity to have earn 25.5 Category 1 AMA PRA CME credits in aesthetic medicine via our on-line system. Some of the topics include: BOTOX ® Injections to Improve Facial Aesthetics, Dermal Fillers, Facial Analysis for Skin Resurfacing, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions, Laser Treatment of Leg Veins, Non-ablative Skin Tightening, Skin Resurfacing, Chemical Peels, Cosmeceuticals, and many more. more info on CME’s

Medical Aesthetics Training 16 DVD Series Included:

In order to help you develop a successful aesthetic practice or medical spa, we also include the complete Building a Successful Cosmetic Medical Business training program (16 training DVD’s, including: Mastering the Consultation Process, Guide to Selling Photofacials, Marketing your Cosmetic Practice, Sell Injectable’s and Explode your business, and many more..) valued at $2,995 (more info and a clip on the DVD’s here). This series will allow you to review the key content of the symposium, as well as act as a training program for your business and clinical staff. Included is a leader guide and 5 student workbooks.

Optional 3rd Day with Business and Clinical Tracks:

Business Track: Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop

If you are going to open a medical spa or incorporate medical aesthetics into your existing practice, you can’t afford to miss this workshop. For only $595, this Monday session is open to physicians, business/practice managers and non-medical staff. After completing this workshop, you will leave with a personalized business plan for your aesthetic practice. We will cover: creating a menu of services, location considerations, developing a pricing strategy, specific marketing strategies, important legal and regulations, and how to read basic financial reports. Also included on the included CD: Aesthetic medicine procedural protocols, aesthetic job descriptions, completed business plan. More information

Clinical Track: Skin Biology and Chemical Peels

Learn how to use medical-grade chemical peels to not only freshen the face, but treat common skin care ailments, including: Acne, Hyperpigmentation, Rosacea, and the Aging Face. For only $475, each practice will receive enough chemical peel product to generate over $10,000 in revenues. (this session is open to all clinical staff and will be taught by PCA Skin).

“I’ve been on 3 other aesthetic training courses, this is by far the best!” ~ Dr. S.P. Arkansas

The Only Complete Physician Aesthetic Medicine Training Program

Consider this an aesthetic medicine practice in a box, leverage our faculty’s clinical experience and proven marketing strategies by spending two days learning about best practices for adding aesthetic medicine procedures to your practice or starting a medical spa. Includes: Botox training, laser training, medical aesthetic training, and the business of aesthetic medicine.

Unlike other programs, we do not allow exhibitors to attend the Symposium, giving you more time for education.

For More information, visit the official:

Aesthetic Medicine Symposium website

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If you some experience injecting botulinum toxin’s (i.e. Botox® Cosmetic), and want more advanced Botox® and Filler training, the following Botox®/Filler Training Bootcamp is for you.

Program Summary

Presented by the IAPAM, the Botox® / Dermal Filler Training Bootcamp will give you two days of the most intensive hands-on cosmetic injectable training available in North America.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Unlike hands-on Botox® training in the US, US physicians can do this injection training under the guidance of our licensed medical director without State licensing conflicts.

Program Highlights:

• The most live patients: 10-14 live patients
• The lowest class ratios: No more than 2-3 physicians per instructor
• You will inject all 11 areas of the upper and lower face
• Over 6 hours of Hands-on Botox® and Filler training each day
• Includes all cosmetic injectable product
• Botox® and Filler training materials with DVD’s
• Certificate Awarded
• Botox® and Filler CME’s available for IAPAM members

Botox ® Training day:

A thorough review of the muscles of facial expression will be presented. The indications, risks and benefits of Botox Cosmetic® will be discussed for both upper & lower face. Ideal dosing & advanced Botox® injection techniques will be emphasized.

You will perform the following Botulinum Toxin (Botox Cosmetic®) procedures:

• Treatment of glabellar frown lines
• forehead lines
• periorbital rhytid
• nasalis”bunny” lines
• melomental “marionette” lines
• platysmal bands, horizontal necklace lines
• pebbly “peau d’orange” chin
• hypertrophic inferior orbiculartis ”jelly roll”

Attendees will evaluate & treat cosmetic Botox® patients for both upper & lower face. Training can be arranged on an individual basis according to your time availability. Ideal consultation skills & patient interview techniques will be focused on.

Dermal Filler (Juvederm ®, Restylane ®, Perlane ®) Training day:

A didactic presentation on the use of Restylane/Perlane® and Juvederm® for nasolabial folds, melomental folds (“marionette lines”), and lip augmentation.

Attendees will perform the following hands-on procedures with Juvederm®, Restylane® and/or Perlane®:

• Marionette Lines
• Lip augmentation
• Nasolabial Folds

Program Agenda

Prior to attending, you should complete the self-study program (4-6 hours).

Saturday (Botox® Training):

• 8:00-9:00 Didactic lecture: Cosmetic Botox® for the Upper & Lower Face. A though review of the muscles of facial expression will be presented. The indications, risks and benefits of Cosmetic Botox will be discussed for both upper & lower face. Ideal dosing & advanced injection techniques will be emphasized.
• 9:00-11:00 Demonstration of Botox for the Upper & Lower Face. Treatment of glabellar frown lines, forehead lines, periorbital rhytids, nasalis”bunny” lines, melomental “marionette” lines, platysmal bands, horizontal necklace lines, pebbly “peau d’orange” chin, and hypertrophic inferior orbiculartis ”jelly roll” will be demonstrated. Ideal consultation skills & patient interview techniques will be focused on.
• 11:15-5:00 Cosmetic Botox® Injection Hands-On Experience. Attendees will evaluate & treat cosmetic Botox patients for both upper & lower face. There will be maximum of 3 attendees per instructor & a minimum of 12 patients per group. All instructors are Allergan Certified & will rotate such that the attendees will have the opportunity to work with all of the instructors.
• 5:00-6:00 Q & A Session. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions, review difficult cases and discuss any other issues they wish including marketing with the expert panel.

Sunday (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Training):

• 9:00-10:00 Restylane/Perlane® and Juvederm®: A didactic presentation on the use of Restylane/Perlane® and Juvederm for nasolabial folds, melomental folds(“marionette lines”), and lip augmentation.
• 10:00-11:00 Restylane/Perlane® Demonstration. A demonstration of the most advanced techniques for the correction of nasolabial & melomental folds; and lip augmentation & enhancement.
• 11:00-6:00 Restylane/Perlane/Juvederm® Hands-On Injection Experience. Attendees will perform Restylane/Perlane® injections for nasolabial folds. melomental folds; & lip augmentation & enhancement under the guidance of MEDICIS CERTIFIED instructors.
• 6:00-7:00 Q & A Session, Course Evaluations Certificates presented

Note: There will be a short working Lunch each day

What others have said:

“It has been the best “hands-on” training that I have received so far. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I went away from there with all I needed to feel confident about doing dermal fillers and Botox.”~ Dr. B W. S. Carolina (IAPAM member)

“Excellent.” “The course was well organized with step by step didactic and hands on teaching” ~ Dr. L. Sztulman, Providence, Rhode Island

“Excellent Organization, Great instructions with perfect instructor-to-student ratio.””Patient volume accurate to acquire sufficient skills.” ~ Dr. A. Chmiel M.D.

“Just back from the weekend in Toronto and I have to tell you it was exceptional.  I can’t say enough about the overall package.  Our instructors were all very professional, highly skilled, personable and fun!” ~ Dr. A. Biro MD

“I wouldn’t launch a cosmetic practice without the level of training provided.” “The expertise gained at this course will allow me to treat with skill and confidence” ~ Dr. J. Wang, Cambridge

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for physicians (MD, DO), dentists (DDS, DMD), and their medical assistants (i.e. RN, PA, NP).

When: July 11-12, July 25-26, August 29-30 (1:1 training is also available, please call or e-mail for more info)
Where:Toronto, Canada
Price: $ 4,250 members (non-members: $5,250) - Members Save $1,000!

Includes:

• Self-study materials (clinical’s, documentation, reference materials and training DVD’s)
• All injectable materials provided
• Patients provided
• Certificate
• short working lunch each day

You can
register via our secure On-Line Registration Form

or

download the Registration Form here and fax it to 1-866-284-9318

or Call 1-800-219-5108 x705 for more information

If you do not have any, or very limited cosmetic dermal filler injection experience, you should first attend the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium.

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Program Summary

Presented by the IAPAM, the Advanced Dermal Filler Training Bootcamp will give you a day of advanced dermal filler procedure training.

All attendees will perform Restylane/Perlane ® injections for cheek augmentation, tear trough treatments, jaw contouring and volumetric lift.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Unlike hands-on Botox injection training in the US, US physicians can do this injection training under the guidance of our medical director without State licensing conflicts.

Program Highlights:

• The most live patients: 4-6 live patients
• The lowest class ratios: No more than 2 physicians per instructor
• Covers: Brow Lift, Jaw contouring, Volumlift, Tear Trough, Cheek Augmentation, Fern Technique, Advanced lip techniques
• Over 6 hours of Hands on Filler training
• Includes all cosmetic injectable product
• Extensive Filler training materials with CD’s
• Certificate Awarded
• Filler CME’s available for IAPAM members

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Program Agenda

Prior to attending, you should complete the self-study program (4-6 hours).

Friday

• 9:00-10:00 Didactic lecture: Advanced Dermal Filler Procedures. A didactic presentation on the use of Restylane/Perlane® for cheek augmentation, tear trough treatments, jaw contouring and volumetric lift.
• 10:00-11:00 Restylane/Perlane® Volume lift Demonstration. A demonstration of the most advanced techniques for the correction of cheek augmentation, tear trough and fat pad treatments, jaw contouring, brow lift and volumetric lift.
• 11:00-5:00 Restylane/Perlane® Injection Advanced Techniques hands on Experience. Attendees will perform Restylane/Perlane® injections for for cheek augmentation, tear trough treatments, jaw contouring, brow lift, fern technique, advanced lip techniques and volumetric lift under the guidance of MEDICIS CERTIFIED instructors.
• 6:00-7:00 Q & A Session, Course Evaluations Certificates presented. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions, review difficult cases and discuss any other issues they wish with the expert panel.

Note: There will be a short working Lunch

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What others have said:

“Excellent.” “The course was well organized with step by step didactic and hands on teaching” ~ Dr. L. Sztulman, Providence, Rhode Island

“It has been the best “hands-on” training that I have received so far. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Dr. Mark Bailey is a great educator and the event was very well organized. I went away from there with all I needed to feel confident about doing dermal fillers and Botox.” ~ Dr. B W. S. Carolina (IAPAM member)

“Excellent Organization, Great instructions with perfect instructor-to-student ratio.””Patient volume accurate to acquire sufficient skills.” ~ Dr. A. Chmiel M.D.

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Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for physicians (MD, DO), dentists (DDS, DMD), and their medical assistants (i.e. RN, PA, NP) with at least 6 months of dermal filler injection experienced.

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Program Details

When: July 10, July 27, August 28, 2009 (1:1 training is also available, please call or e-mail for more info)
Where: Toronto, Canada
Price: $ 2,362.50 members ($2,625 non-members)

Includes:

• Self-study materials (training materials and training CD ’s)
• All injectable materials provided
• Certificate
• Lunch
• Patients provided

Sign-up Today!

You can
register via our secure On-Line Registration Form

or

download the Registration Form here and fax it to 1-866-284-9318

or Call 1-800-219-5108 x705 for more information

Presented by the IAPAM, the Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop will prepare you for all the steps needed to add aesthetic medicine to your practice. By utilizing our facilitator’s experience, you will avoid some of the common pitfalls of the aesthetic industry.

After completing this one day session, you will also leave with a business plan for your aesthetic medicine practice. This program will cover all aspects of creating a business plan for an aesthetic medicine practice or medical spa. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Financing Options.
2. Target Demographics for your Procedures.
3. Developing a menu of Treatments and Pricing Strategy.
4. Establishing Aesthetic Practice Protocols for your staff(examples included on CD).
5. Creating an effective Marketing Plan, including incorporating low-cost internet marketing strategies (search engine optimized web sites and press releases).
6. Finding the Right Location.
7. Staffing (job descriptions included on CD).
8. Federal and State legal and regulatory issues.
9. How to Read Financials.

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for physicians, business managers, and key staff involved with an aesthetic medicine practice or MedSpa.

Program Agenda

We’ve created the following program to guide you through the often confusing process of creating a plan for your aesthetic practice or medical spa:

1. Financing Options

• Should I buy or lease equipment
• SBA and regular loan options

2. Target Demographics for your Procedures:

• Based on your current (or proposed) patient base we’ll create a target demographic profile
• You will learn your target patient’s: age, sex, socioeconomic status, ethnicity

3. Developing a Menu of Treatments and Pricing Strategy:

• After we create a personalized demographic profile, we’ll create the menu of services those patients desire.
• We’ll show you how to find out what to charge for each procedure.

4. Establishing Aesthetic Practice Protocols and HR:

• Many insurance companies are now requiring written procedural protocols, included on the CD is are customizable aesthetic procedural protocols for you to use in your practice or medical spa.
• Aesthetic practice nurse and medical aesthetician job descriptions.

5. Creating an Effective Marketing Plan:

• We’ll give you guidance on the most effective internal and external marketing techniques.
• A CD with examples of effective (and ineffective) print advertising, examples of press releases and other marketing collateral.
• How to utilize the media for publicity (including how to create an effective press release).
• How to create an effective direct mail postcard.
• How to use the internet for a low-cost, but highly effective marketing campaign.
• How to leverage open houses and educational seminars.
• Utilizing Google local ads and AdWords to get patients to your practice.

6. Finding the Right Location:

• We’ll guide you on the best practices for choosing a location for a stand alone aesthetic practice or medical spa.
• Should you integrate it within or practice or open a stand alone medspa?

7. Staffing:

• We’ll review the key positions in a practice/medspa and also include customizable job descriptions.

8. Federal and State Legal and Regulatory issues:

• We’ll review common Federal and State regulations that you need to be aware.
• What you need to know about the Stark Law.

9. Startup Costs and Reading Financials:

• Typical startup costs for adding aesthetics to a practice.You don’t need to be an expert at understanding every type of financial reports, but you do need to understand the health of your business. In order to maintain profitability, there are some key indicators you’re going to need to watch on a regular basis. We’ll help you focus on the most important indicators.

Program Details

Las Vegas, Nevada (AestheticMedicineNews.com) April 28, 2009 - The  World Health Organization (WHO) identified that “global obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with approximately 1.6 billion adults and at least 20 million children under the age of 5 being overweight,” and “400 million of those adults being obese.” The WHO further projected that “by 2015, approximately 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and more than 700 million will be obese.”

Bringing this epidemic even closer to home, The Trust for America’s Health, in its 2008 report, “F is for Fat,” identified that “more than 20 percent of adults are obese in every state except Colorado”, and “in the last year, obesity rates rose in 37 states.”

The fact is people are tired of going on fad diet after fad diet, and they look to their family physician to offer them a medically supervised weight loss program. “The patients of our physician-members are asking for an effective weight loss program, and now they can offer one,” heralds IAPAM executive-director, Jeff Russell. “I actually lost 30lbs within a month on a physician supervised weight loss program, and I’ve kept it off for over 6 months, so I know these programs are effective” continues Russell. In addition to helping reduce their patients health risks that generally are associated with obesity, physicians who offer medical weight loss management are finding it to be a very profitable part of a their practice.

In response to these demands, the IAPAM has developed a ground-breaking new Medical Weight Management component for its Aesthetic Medicine Symposium series. This new section will include the facts about obesity, steps needed to incorporate a medical weight loss program into a current medical practice or medical spa, an overview of the current physician supervised weight loss programs including options for appetite suppressants, hormone, hCG, very low calorie diets and low calorie diets (VLCD and LCD) and meal replacement programs.

The IAPAM’s Symposiums focus on providing both expert training to physicians in the aesthetic medical arena, as well as education to ensure physicians are comprehensively informed in the most profitable aesthetic procedures.  Consistent with its educational goals, the IAPAM’s new Medical Weight Management program will include all the steps and insight needed to incorporate a profitable medical weight loss program into a medical practice or medical spa.

For more information on the IAPAM’s Medical Weight Management Program at the upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, please contact Jeff Russell, Executive Director, IAPAM, at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 705, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com

All media inquiries should be directed to:

Jeff Russell
Executive-director
ph: 1-800-219-5108 x705
or e-mail

Please Visit our Press Release section for a listing of the IAPAM’s press releases.

However, the confidence of the public is a driving factor in the intervention of some state medical regulators to demand “tougher rules for the exploding medical spa business.”  In January 2009, the Massachusetts State Board of Registration’s Medical Spa Task Force published its recommendations that, “draft legislation be developed that included authorization and direction to the Department of Public Health to license medical spas for renewable terms of two years, similar to clinic and nursing home licensure already performed by the Department. The legislation also sets forth requirements and restrictions for medical spa ownership, staffing and inspection.” Further, regarding hands-on, didactic training, the Board of Registration recommended, “that the various Boards of Registration establish education and training standards for their licensees desiring to perform medical spa procedures outside their existing scope of experience.”

The medical malpractice insurance industry has become an ally in ensuring trained physicians can properly perform these procedures. Many medical malpractice insurance companies are now requiring physicians not formally trained in aesthetic procedures to attain accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in aesthetic medicine, before being eligible for favorable insurance coverage.

Jeff Russell applauds these initiatives, which medical insurers and medical regulatory boards are taking. As in Massachusetts, “the IAPAM concurs that all states should enact educational requirements to ensure that all aesthetic practitioners are properly trained in the aesthetic procedures they perform.” This training should include a combination of: didactic instruction, hands-on training, and CME testing. “As well the IAPAM believes that medical spas should be treated as medical facilities and be licensed as such,” says Russell.

Concurrently, there has recently been great discussion regarding the “board certification” of aesthetic medicine. Presentely, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) does not offer a board certification in aesthetic medicine. The ABMS’s position is that “antiaging is not a medical specialty,” and therefore no association or organization can officially be offering “board certification” in aesthetic medicine at this time. “The timing may be right for the ABMS to consider developing a board certification for aesthetic medicine,” says Russell.

In the meantime, leading nonsurgical aesthetic medicine groups like the IAPAM are offering physician members comprehensive didactic and hands-on training with CME educational credits in aesthetic medicine procedures. As an industry leader, the IAPAM’s educational programs are quarterbacked by a fully accredited faculty, including two board certified dermatologists, who are experts in cosmetic injectables and nonsurgical aesthetic medicine treatments.

For more information on the IAPAM’s educational programs or for information on the upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums in 2009, please contact Jeff Russell, Executive Director, IAPAM, at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 705, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com

* Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s (ASAPS) recently released report, 2008 Statistics on Cosmetic Surgery, outlines that 8,491,861 non-surgical procedures were done in 2008. However, this is a reduction of 11.7% over last year, and interestingly the only three growth non-surgical procedures were Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiance) injections which was up 3%, chemical peels which were up 2.9% and laser skin resurfacing which had increased by 12%.

Las Vegas, Nevada (www.AestheticMedicineNews.com) March 18, 2009  — Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) comments that, “it is expected to see a downward trend in non-surgical procedures because many of these procedures are not being done in a plastic surgeon’s offices. These statistics are compiled from a survey of members of the ASAPS, however, many of these offerings are being preformed by professionals outside the membership of the ASAPS.” Russell further reminds us that , “not all these procedures are being performed by physicians. Since the public can get many of these procedures in both medical spas and physicians’ offices, and some of these treatments like mircodermabrasion and chemical peels may be delivered by non-medical professionals in a non-ASAPS member medical spa.” Indeed, the ASAPS supports this analysis. Among the 894 Board Certified physicians surveyed, the ASAPS found that “over fifty-three percent of cosmetic procedures in 2008 were performed in office-based facilities; 26 percent in freestanding surgicenters; and 19 percent in hospitals,” states the 2008 ASAPS report.

However, it is clear that the economy is having an impact on the aesthetic medicine industry: its the “Lipstick Effect” in Aesthetic Medicine, a phrase coined by Leonard Lauder, Chairman of Estee Lauder, who saw a huge jump in lipstick sales after September 11th. During times of economic uncertainty, consumers load up on affordable luxuries as a substitute for more expensive items. For physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, the lipstick effect manifests itself in patients choosing laser lipolysis over surgical liposuction or dermal fillers over face lifts.

So the news is encouraging for the non-invasive procedures industry. For example, while fourth quarter results for the sale of Allergen’s Botox Cosmetic® were down, full year 2008 Cosmetic® sales accounted for approximately 50 percent of total Botox® sales and grew at a rate of approximately 8 percent as compared to 2007.

Moreover, the ASAPS’s findings on the growth of chemical peels and laser resurfacing is very consistent with the direction of the industry as a whole. “Superficial chemical peels offer an excellent price point for the technician and immediate results, providing patients with greater value for their money. There is no need for additional equipment or large stocks of inventory; making chemical peels one of the most economical treatment options for aesthetic and medical practices,” reflects Danae Markland; Senior R&D Specialist, Advanced Educator, Licensed Aesthetician and CMLT. Equally, laser procedures (facial resurfacing, hair removal) can be profitably added to a practice with the lease of a basic IPL/Laser System, and then as the patient-base grows, the equipment and service offering can be enhanced through the addition of handpieces. This results in a procedural offering at a price point comparable to chemical peels and Botox applications.

Aesthetic non-invasive medical offerings represent the perfect storm between the current economy, medicine and profitability. Dr. Jason Pozner’s comments support this assertion. “Patients aged 35-50 continue to dominate [the cosmetic surgery market], having 45% of the cosmetic procedures, and most commonly getting liposuction and Botox. After the age of 51, the top procedures were blepharoplasty and Botox (32% of the total patient population). For the 19-34 set, the top procedures were breast augmentation and laser hair removal, and for everyone below 18, it was rhinoplasty and laser hair removal.” Even within cosmetic surgery practices, non-invasive procedures are more than competitive in all segments with cosmetic surgery offerings.

So, regardless of the economic outlook, the top five non-surgical procedures, as reported by the ASAPS for 2008: Botox, laser hair removal, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing, will continue to offer physicians in aesthetic medicine the best options for profitability in 2009. However, Jeff Russell reminds physicians and patients alike, “to ensure that all physicians and their assisting aesthetic practitioners be properly trained in the aesthetic procedures they perform. This training should include a combination of: didactic instruction, hands-on training, and CME testing.”

For a copy of the ASAPS 2008 Report, go to http://www.surgery.org/press/statistics-2008.php and for more information on the IAPAM’s educational programs or for information on the upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums in 2009, please contact Jeff Russell, Executive Director, IAPAM, at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 705, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com .

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits.  IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). Information about the association can be accessed through IAPAM’s website at http://www.IAPAM.com.  Additional information about the Symposium and other educational programs can be accessed through http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x705
http://www.IAPAM.com

* Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

Las Vegas, Nevada (www.AestheticMedicineNews.com) February 26, 2009 — The benefits from the oral intake of caffeine in the many beverages in which it is found: teas, coffee, sodas etc. has long been the subject of study in the medical and pharmaceutical arenas. Many studies have concluded that: whether working as a powerful antioxidant within the body, as an active ingredient in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease or gallstones, or as a possible inhibitor in the development of certain cancers, moderate consumption of caffeine is generally accepted to do a healthy body more good than harm.

However, consumers are now seeing an increase in caffeine being used topically.  This has lead to the question, eloquently posed by Dr. Bernard Gram founder of SKIN1, “what is the safety and efficacy of topical caffeine on human skin,”  and moreover, as Dr. Linder queries, “what long-term improvement can be expected” through the topical application of caffeine?

Caffeine in “EyeJuvenation”

Appreciating that scientific data is lacking, caffeine is clearly being heralded as “a new exciting product used in many topical creams both as an anti-inflammatory product as well as an anti-oxidant.” Dermatologist Dr. Melissa Babcock explains why caffeine is now finding itself one of the more pre-eminent ingredients in the cosmetic industry. “First off, caffeine is best known for its ability to cause vasoconstriction (the ability to make blood vessels smaller) and therein to decrease redness in skin.” Dr. Babcock shares that, “for patients with rosacea, this can be a wonderful product.” However, she reminds us that “the effects are not long term so the product needs to be applied daily for best results.

Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Linder echos the sentiment that “caffeine seems to be one of those “miracle” ingredients that is getting a lot of hype for the moment.” Especially in support of the trend toward “EyeJuvenation,” one of the top anti-aging trends identified by the International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM).  The vasoconstrictive properties of caffeine are being marketed in eye products designed to reduce puffiness. However, Dr. Linder is equally careful in recognizing that there is “little research supporting these claims,” and while the short term “benefit” of reduced puffiness can be attributed to an increase in circulation, “again no studies have been performed for eye-area usage.”

Caffeine Contributes to Cellulite Improvements

In a recent study, coffee was declassified as a diuretic.  Previously thought to contribute to fluid loss, coffee consumption has now been found to be no more effective as a diuretic than water.  However, Dr. Linder notes that, “in studies, caffeine-containing products increased cutaneous microcirculation and reduced the appearance of cellulite.” Further, Dr. Linder found several studies “on the physiology of cellulite that support microvascular changes in cellulite-effected tissue.” She is wary, though, that while “these studies show caffeine increasing microcirculation, topical products cannot typically penetrate the skin and devices like ultrasound may be needed for proper absorption.”

Amos Lavian, founder of Dermalect Cosmeceuticals, builds upon Dr. Linder comments.  He has seen improvement in clients who use cellulite products which utilize caffeine to reduce the dimpling of cellulite.  Given that cellulite is not a “fat condition”, dimpling that may be caused by vasodilatation may be successfully, albeit temporarily, improved through the topical application of caffeine containing products.  Further, in a Finish study done in 2000, cellulite products that listed caffeine as “an active ingredient” reported “to reduce thigh diameter during treatment,” likely resulting in a reduction in the overall breadth of cellulite dimpling.

Caffeine Combats Photoaging

Caffeine has antioxidant properties as well. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body which damage cells, and research shows specifically that caffeine can decrease the formation of skin cancers after exposure to UVB radiation (a component of sun light that leads to the majority of skin cancers). “Caffeine appears to accomplish this by causing the damaged skin cells to die; therefore, they are unable to divide and form skin cancers,” notes Dr. Babcock.  Moreover, Dr. Gram references similar studies where ultraviolet rays were introduced to skin that was treated with caffeine.  Interestingly, “the caffeine targeted abnormal skin cells to destroy, but kept the healthy, normal skin cells intact.”

Therefore, “while antioxidants prevent wrinkles but do not treat wrinkles,” comments Dr. Leslie Bauman, caffeine applied topically as an ingredient in sunscreens or foundations may enhance these products’ ability to virtually stop photoaging of the skin.

Hairloss

Dr. Babcock also comments on the use of caffeine in hairloss remedies.  “Caffeine has increased hair growth in vitro (outside the human body). Studies have shown caffeine increased hair growth and prevented the negative effects of testosterone on hair growth in cultured hairs.”

Equally, Dr. Linder tentatively touts caffeine’s ability to spur hair growth in male pattern baldness. She mentions a Swiss company Alpecin, whose hair loss restoration products claim that caffeine causes increased hair growth. In support of Alpecin’s claim, Dr. Linder cited a study from the Department of Dermatology and Allergology, at the University of Jena, in Germany, that found that caffeine did seem to stimulate hair growth during in vitro testing. However, in an effort to be duly diligent regarding the long term benefits of caffeine for hairloss, Dr. Linder cautions that, while this is “a creative use of a ingredient to try to improve an often frustrating problem, I would need to see more data, clinical results and proof that their delivery vehicle insures the caffeine is absorbed before making a conclusion.”

Can Caffeine Permanently Turn back the Clock?

Ultimately, after reviewing the findings of many pre-eminent dermatologists and cosmeceutical experts, there clearly is not enough clinical data to definitively determine whether a product relied upon to wake us up in the morning can also have a lasting effect on the ravages of time?

Dr. Babcock offers some sage advice to those looking for the fountain of youth in a product containing caffeine. “People should consider where they buy products with caffeine or other antioxidants. It is important to determine what the concentration of the active ingredients is. Cosmetic companies understand what ingredients are popular and try to include them in their products for advertising purposes. Sometimes the levels of active ingredients are so low that they are ineffective. Products sold in physicians offices many times have higher concentrations of active ingredients and are better made.”

So the caffeine controversy continues.  Enjoy a cup of green tea with breakfast, and afterwards, appreciate that cellulite cream with caffeine, even if its benefits last only for the few hours you are on the beach.

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). Information about the association can be accessed through IAPAM’s website at http://www.IAPAM.com. Additional information about the Symposium and other educational programs can be accessed through http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x705
http://www.IAPAM.com

Las Vegas, Nevada (www.AestheticMedicineNews.com) February 25, 2009  – The ABMS is a non-profit organization empowered to regulate the certification of medical specialties.  Before the formation of the ABMS, a physician could advertise that he/she was a specialist in any medical arena.  However, since its establishment, the ABMS “certification” is the gold standard for medical training and examinations, thereby ensuring a pre-eminent level of education, ethics and care across multiple medical specialties.

The ABMS clearly states that its mission is “to communicate to external stakeholders that ‘board certification’ is the major marker of quality for physicians’ performance and that the ABMS is recognized as the organization that establishes these standards and criteria.”  That said, the ABMS also states that “anti-aging is not yet considered a medical speciality”, akin to plastic surgery or dermatology, and therefore, at this time, the ABMS does not offer a “board certification” in aesthetic medicine.

To fill this void, and in anticipation of official board certification, the IAPAM (International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine) offers the discipline’s most comprehensive education and credentialing towards certification in Aesthetic Medicine for physicians entering or practicing in this burgeoning field.  The IAPAM’s educational programs are quarterbacked by a fully accredited faculty, including two board certified dermatologists, who are experts in cosmetic injectables and aesthetic medicine treatments.  However, as the ABMS does not currently offer discrete “board certification” in aesthetic medicine, the IAPAM is respectful that it too cannot offer “board certification” in aesthetic medicine.  Instead, the IAPAM continues to offer the industry’s best clinical, hands-on, aesthetic medicine training in the most advanced skin care procedures.

Ultimately, the IAPAM has developed the responsible guiding principal that it cannot offer “board certification” in aesthetic medicine until such certification is recognized along with the other 24 medical specialities currently acknowledged by the ABMS.

Therefore, until that time when aesthetic medicine is considered a medical specialty by the ABMS, the bottom line for practitioners and patients alike is: whether engaging a “board certified” surgeon, or a peer-trained physician, patients must complete their due diligence by researching both the practitioner and the treatment, asking the doctor and others for referrals, and ensuring that they feel completely comfortable before undergoing any procedure.

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits.  IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). Information about the association can be accessed through IAPAM’s website at http://www.IAPAM.com.  Additional information about the Symposium can be accessed through http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x705

http://www.IAPAM.com