Dr. Randolph Waldman, MD, discusses updates in the protocol and procedures put in place in for his plastic surgery practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how those protocols have evolved since shutting down the practice in March. 

Videos

Dr. Waldman offers an update on processes and protocols for the private practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Updated COVID-19 Protocol for the Private Practice

Merz Aesthetics recently announced the launch of its new vision as the world’s largest dedicated aesthetics business. The “confidence to be” branding is a symbol of the company’s new direction, according to a 

Featuring a bold look-and-feel, the new branding is said to reflect Merz’s “innovative, entrepreneurial employees and customers, and the confidence they strive to inspire in patients every day,” the company says. 

“The new brand for Merz Aesthetics is an expression of our purpose — we exist to fuel confidence by helping people look better, feel better and live better,” says Bob Rhatigan, Global CEO, Merz Aesthetics, in the release. “We want everyone to have the confidence to be their best self.”

The “confidence to be” branding follows the 

 reorganization into three independently operating businesses: medical aesthetics, therapeutics and consumer care.

Merz Aesthetics has implemented multiple significant changes in the last six months, including creating a new operating structure, a new global leadership team, a new operating model that aligns with country-level commercial execution and the opening of its Raleigh, N.C. headquarters.

The company is also currently focused on helping customers recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We recognize that medical aesthetics can be an integral part of self-care routines,” says Rhatigan. “The last four months have taught us that during a time of high uncertainty, self-care and personal health are top of mind, so we will continue to provide our customers the tools to empower patients in their personal quests to be their best selves.”

Articles

Merz Aesthetics announces the launch of its “confidence to be” branding as the world’s largest dedicated aesthetics business. This is the latest among several significant announcements over the last six months.

Merz Aesthetics Launches Branding as World’s Largest Dedicated Aesthetics Business

 examines the altering effects of cannabinoid-containing products on some prescription drugs. 

, contains a list of 57 medications that may not function as prescribed when used with medical cannabinoids or CBD oil and medical or recreational marijuana.

In the study, researchers examined the prescribing information for four prescription cannabinoids and a list of enzymes in the body that process the active ingredients in those medications, which may include THC and CBD.

They then compared those findings with the prescribing information from common medications using the FDA and other regulatory agencies as resources to identify drug-drug interactions.

The subsequent list contains a variety of drugs, from antibiotics to antifungals and more.

When prescribing medications to patients, the study suggests asking patients about cannabinoid-containing product use and to help ensure the utmost safety and effectiveness of the medication.

A comprehensive list of 139 medications that may be affected by concurrent cannabinoid use is available for 

A recent study shows the altering effects cannabinoids have on some prescription drugs.

Examining Cannabinoid Effects on Rx Medications

The overgrowth of scar tissue that results in a keloid is not only undesirable in general but an especially negative possible outcome from a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance the appearance.

In an effort to minimize the risk of keloids post cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons conducted a review of related studies to determine which areas of the head and neck may be more prone to keloid development. The article, “Location Propensity for Keloids in the Head and Neck,” appears ahead of print in 

Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine

In the study, researchers conducted medical database searches through January 2020, of PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane, and Embase, and had two independent reviewers use a predetermined protocol from which to collect data. A total of 1445 keloid studies were identified. Their final analysis included a total of nine keloid studies.

In total, study authors evaluated 1598 keloids on the head and neck. Their analysis returned the following data:

Three studies included 1194 ear keloid locations: 53% lobule, 22.9% cartilaginous region, 0.3% both, and 23.7% unspecified

One study included 82 keloids on the neck, the majority of which (72%) were located in the submental/submandibular area

Five studies included 322 head and neck keloids, primarily near the ear (70.2%), with much lower percentages in the peri-/post-auricular, beard, scalp/forehead/chin, lateral face, neck, and central face areas

Based on their findings, study authors conclude that keloids are most likely to occur in the ear, periauricular, beard, and submandibular/submental areas. The central face has the lowest risk of keloids.

With this knowledge, authors advise surgeons to carefully weigh risk factors in patients with keloid tendencies before undergoing elective surgery.

Wang JC, Fort CL, Hom DB. Location Propensity for Keloids in the Head and Neck. 

Study authors determine the highest- and lowest-risk areas for keloids on the head and neck and advise surgeons to weigh risk factors before performing elective surgery.

Minimizing Keloid Risk in Facial Surgery

Dermafirm USA, the North American arm of Dermafirm, Inc., a South Korean cosmeceutical company, recently announced the U.S. launch of BIOTOC as a noninvasive alternative to injectables.

With product sales initially slated for a B2B model, the company quickly moved to D2C due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders.

"BIOTOC offers visible results, as a topical alternative to injectables that can be applied at home,” says Paula Park, CEO and founder of Dermafirm USA, in the release. “Given the business reality of increased consumer demand for safe, natural and effective DIY products, and the unknown of when businesses would re-open, we switched gears. We repositioned our new prestige skincare line's direction from B2B to D2C and haven't looked back."

First launching in June of this year in South Korea, BIOTOC is a professional grade, anti-aging facial ampoule that is more concentrated than a serum, with ingredients including astaxanthin, professional grade cross-linked hyaluronic acid, three peptides, collagen hydrolysates, and ceramide.

“Astaxanthin, known as the most robust antioxidant available, is proven to be 6,000 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, 550 times stronger than Vitamin E, 75 times stronger than alpha lipoic acid and 40 times stronger than beta-carotene,” according to the press release.

The line is said to increase the skin’s energy production, improve the appearance of wrinkles, brighten and restore skin elasticity, according to Dermafirm.

Dermafirm USA announces the U.S. launch of prestige K-beauty skincare line, BIOTOC, and they say it’s the new noninvasive alternative to injectables.

BIOTOC K-Beauty Line Launches in U.S. 

 highlights CBD beauty products and Shay Mitchell’s melasma IPL treatment, and 

 details how Zoom is impacting our self-image.

Here’s Why You Get Sun Spots on Your Face—And How to Treat Them

SPF and Sun Protection Myths to Stop Believing, Stat

Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil in Beauty Products

Shay Mitchell Got IPL Treatment for Her Melasma and Documented It All

How Staring at Our Faces on Zoom Is Impacting Our Self-Image

This week, consumer magazines highlight CBD in skincare, how Zoom is changing self-image and more.