Levulan

San Diego -- Equipped with a combination of optical and radiofrequency (RF) energies, the Polaris WR and Aurora AC (Syneron Medical Ltd.) offer nonablative, full-face skin rejuvenation with minimal heat-related adverse effects.

"Because Syneron's electro-optical synergy (ELOS) technology uses less light than conventional technologies, there are fewer side effects associated with this technology," says Neil Sadick, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.

"There is less heat-related damage to superficial structures because there is less competitive pigment uptake by the ELOS systems. Results are comparable to those of the other pulsed-light technologies, but you can treat darker skin phenotypes, more safely (because you are using less light) and you can target light hair or white hair," he explains.

Dr. Sadick described the ELOS technology at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery annum meeting here.

According to Dr. Sadick, the Aurora is used primarily for global rejuvenation--reducing pigmentation and vascularity, smoothing skin and shrinking pores. It is particularly helpful in the management of rosacea and related idiopathic flushing syndromes.

"The Aurora is also used for treating all hair types, but is particularly effective for targeting blond hair and white hair, in which no other technologies have been shown to be effective," he says. "The Polaris is a light-based system that has been shown to be effective for the treatment of wrinkles, inflammatory acne and leg veins."

Dr. Sadick uses topical anesthesia and cooling when treating patients with the Aurora or Polaris devices.

"Patients see results after a couple of treatments," Dr. Sadick says. "We usually do a series of five treatments spaced one month apart. We use photodynamic therapy with Levulan Kerastick (Dusa Pharmaceuticals) for people with more significant sun damage or actinic keratoses."

According to Dr. Sadick, all patients show marked improvement in pigmentation when treated with the Aurora.

"We have given this treatment to over 500 patients--young and old--with very consistent results," he says. "Younger patients with early photoaging respond the best. Patients with very severely sun-damaged skin but to a lesser extent should be treated with more aggressive ablative modalities."

Dr. Sadick recommends maintenance treatments once or twice per year and he cautions patients to avoid sun exposure for several days after treatment with the ELOS systems.

The Aurora uses 480 nm to 980 nm light, 20 J/[cm.sup.2] to 35 J/[cm.sup.2] light energy fluences, 5 J/[cm.sup.2] to 25 J/[cm.sup.2] RF energy fluences, and a 12 mm x 8 mm spot size. The Polaris, a 900 nm diode laser, delivers RF energy fluences up to 100 J/[cm.sup.2] and uses a 12 mm x 25 mm spot size, Dr. Sadick adds.

Disclosure: Dr Sadick reports he is the head of Syneron's Medical Advisory Board and has conducted research supported by Syneron.

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