With the variety of medical-spa instruments and products on the market, it can be difficult to identify the ones that provide the best results for your patients. Here is a sampling of topical skin treatments and energy-based devices that can help turn back the “aging clock.”

Catrix Skincare
 Catrix® 10 Ointment by Catrix Skincare is a clinically tested postprocedural application that helps relieve discomfort and restores skin to its naturally healthy condition following laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Catrix 10 promotes the development of epithelial cells and expedites the healing process. It reduces redness, soothes itchiness, reduces erythema, controls oozing and crusting, and limits tautness. The nonirritating, nonsteroidal formula is also an effective therapy for wounds, surgical incisions, and skin problems caused by incontinence, abrasions, burns, and psoriasis.

For more information, contact Lescarden Inc, 420 Lexington Ave, Suite 212, New York, NY 10170; (212) 687-1050; www.catrix.com

Physicians Complex
Physicians Complex 6% Skin Bleaching Cream lightens skin discoloration and pigmentation. The formula combines three bleaching agents: hydroquinone, kojic acid, and bearberry extract. It can also be used in conjunction with laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and aesthetic skin-peeling procedures. The cream inhibits melanin formation by tyrosinase in the skin. The formula remains stable from oxidation for 2 years.

For more information, contact COSMED Inc, 3883 Rogers Bridge Rd, Suite 302-B, Duluth, GA 30097; (800) 826-4480; www.physicianscomplex.com

Novalis Medical
Clareon by Novalis Medical is the only system with patented, FDA-approved krypton pulsed-light technology. The unit may be used to provide skin-rejuvenation and sun-damage treatments, permanent hair reduction, leg- and facial-vein reduction, and acne and rosacea treatments. Clareon is designed to accommodate future technologies: for example, a soon-to-be-available IR skin-tightening handpiece.

For more information, contact Novalis Medical LLC, 6202 Benjamin Rd, Suite 112, Tampa, FL 33634; (866) 627-4475; www.novalismedical.com

Candela Corp
Candela’s GentleYAG® Nd:YAG laser may be used for treating wrinkles and leg and facial veins, and for permanent hair reduction. It delivers small and large spot sizes, and it features a patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD™) that protects the skin with every laser pulse and provides quick results and patient comfort. The GentleYAG “tightens” the skin by heating the underlying layers and forming new collagen, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin.

For more information, contact Candela Corp, 530 Boston Post Rd, Wayland, MA 01778; (800) 733-8550; www.candelalaser.com

Genesis Biosystems
The Chromolite™ intense pulsed-light (IPL) system with Smartlite™ treatment technology by Genesis Biosystems may be used for many treatments, including permanent hair reduction, active acne, vascular lesions, and photorejuvenation of skin types I–V. The Chromolite is easy to use, reduces treatment time, and provides quick results. Unlike most IPL systems on the market, no cooling gel is needed during treatments. Due to the nature of the treatment, red- and yellow-wavelength light energy can be applied to the subsurface skin layers with minimal side effects and patient discomfort.

For more information, contact Genesis Biosystems Inc, 405 State Hwy 121 Bypass, Suite D-120, Lewisville, TX 75067; (888) 577-PEEL; www.genesisbiosystems.com

Sound Surgical Technologies 
The VASER® System by Sound Surgical Technologies is a liposuction system that efficiently emulsifies fatty tissue with a minimal amount of energy, thereby achieving the desired result with reduced trauma to the tissue matrix. The VASER uses 36-kHz ultrasonic energy to target fat, and it provides the physician with control and ease of use.  One-, two-, and three-groove patterns on the patented VASER probes increase fragmentation efficiency for fibrous, medium, and soft-tissue types, allowing treatment of a full range of fatty tissue. Precision fluid management, controlled tissue selective emulsification, and proprietary cannulae work together to produce the desired results.  

For more information, contact Sound Surgical Technologies LLC, 357 S McCaslin Blvd, Suite 100, Louisville, CO 80027; (888) 471-4777; www.vaser.com