WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Physicians attending the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery in Chicago were invited to a Hot Topics session on the latest advances in plasma skin regeneration. Co-moderated by Richard Fitzpatrick, MD, and Christopher Zachary, MD, the session focused on new studies, expanded protocols, treatment of acne scars, skin tightening -- especially around the eyes -- and delivering CO2-like results with less recovery time. Presentations were made by a world-renowned faculty that included Drs. Kenneth Arndt, Brian Biesman, Jeffrey Dover, David Goldberg and Nathan Uebelhoer.

According to David Goldberg, MD of Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York & New Jersey, "The reason why this technology all of a sudden is becoming very exciting is that the whole pendulum with what we are trying to accomplish is swinging back with patients wanting to see some results. We went from laser resurfacing, which worked but had all its problems, to non-ablative lunchtime procedures which were easy to do but didn't do much. Portrait offers different treatment options that you can match with both yours and your patient's expectations. It can induce collagen remodeling in a very different manner than what we are used to while at the same time promoting skin tightening. You can reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, improve tone, texture and pigmentation -- take your pick, it does it all".

One of the most requested aesthetic improvements is wrinkle reduction and tightening around the eyes and the excess tissue of the upper eyelid. In a study conducted by Brian Biesman, MD of Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery, looking at the use of high-energy plasma skin regeneration compared to blepharoplasty, patients rated their overall improvement as 64% (37-90%). This clinical study laid the foundation for a further study using plasma at low energy in multiple passes based on a technique developed by William Petri, MD, PhD, from the Center for Dermatology and Maxillofacial Surgery in Chambersburg, PA, producing skin tightening and wrinkle reduction with a shorter recovery time. Dr. Biesman said of his reaction to the initial results, "I am very, very enthusiastic about the changes we are seeing ... plasma treatment of the eyelid is a very viable and I think a very exciting technique that can play a nice role in the aesthetic practice."

Richard Fitzpatrick, MD, of La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in CA and a pioneer in cosmetic laser procedures, reported that skin tightening and improvement in rhytides were noted in all of his patients treated with plasma and approached results seen with CO2. He added, " ... the really nice thing about the (Portrait(R)) procedure is that it heals like a TCA peel, but you get results like a CO2 laser." Dr. Fitzpatrick also presented the results of a study in which he and Kenneth Rothaus, MD, of Ageless Plastic Surgery & Laser in New York City and White Plains, NY looked at adverse effects for plasma skin regeneration compared to CO2 treatments. For all adverse events -- hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, erythema, and scarring and infection -- plasma had an extremely low complication rate, a high safety profile, and a short recovery period relative to CO2.

Nathan Uebelhoer, DO of Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, discussed a study evaluating the treatment of acne scars* with Portrait(R) plasma skin regeneration. Using high-energy settings, patients expressed seeing a 35% overall improvement in their acne scars 3 months post treatment. Dr. Ubelhoer reported a 41% improvement rating which was determined by a blinded physician assessment at his site. Dr. Uebelhoer's conclusion about treating acne scars with plasma energy is that "it improved acne scars safely, effectively ... " and " ... the patients all noted their improvement and 71% of the patients would recommend (this treatment) to a friend." The Hot Topic session continued with Jeffrey Dover, MD presenting a new very low energy, no downtime* protocol for patients looking for a simple procedure offering improvement. An initial pilot study on this technique using Portrait(R) Plasma was completed by Eric Bernstein, MD, Director of the Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Centers, Inc. and presented at the American Academy of Dermatology in February 2007. The results of his study with 3 treatments 3 weeks apart showed improvements in skin tone, texture, fine lines, and pigmentary alterations. An additional multi-center study -- with Dr. Bernstein, Drs. Dover and Kenneth Arndt, of SkinCare Physicians of Chestnut Hill, MA and Dr. Roy Geronemus of the Laser Skin & Surgery Center of New York -- is nearing completion that evaluates this very low energy plasma treatment with 6 treatments 3 weeks apart. At 30 days following the last treatment, patients assessed their personal results as showing good improvement for overall skin quality and very little or no downtime following the procedure. Dr. Arndt commented that "this isn't a lunchtime procedure, it's a coffee break procedure ... it's quick, easy and brings about modest results. You can do it on several occasions, patients like it and it shows the versatility of this very unique energy delivery system."

In addition to the cosmetic applications for Portrait(R) plasma, the device is also cleared by the FDA to treat precancerous skin lesions. Chris Zachary, MD, from UC Irvine spoke during the Hot Topics sessions to the physician audience about other medical applications such as the use of Portrait(R) Plasma on Hailey-Hailey patients. He closed the session remarking that "this device is so simple to use, so effective, and with so minimal patient downtime ... patients will choose this. You will be using this (plasma) on a regular basis."

About Rhytec - The Makers of Portrait Plasma

Rhytec is a developer of innovative plasma technologies based on sound scientific and clinical research for the dermatological, plastic, and cosmetic surgery markets. Plasma energy stimulates a true, natural skin regenerative process whose efficacy is supported by over 30 completed and ongoing clinical trials. Founded in 2004, Rhytec works with leading dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and cosmetic physicians to develop new technologies that enhance the skin's appearance and function, improving the quality of life for patients seeking treatment. Rhytec, Inc. is a privately held company based in Waltham, MA (US), and is a subsidiary of Rhytec, Ltd. in Berkshire (UK). * Pending FDA Clearance