Consumers seeking less expensiveaesthetic procedures with minimal dis-comfort and downtime are increasing-ly turning to light-based technologiesfrom Alma Lasers, Inc. (Buffalo Grove,Ill.). “Due to changes in technology, weare seeing a trend toward non-invasivesolutions, which are less costly,” saidIrv Wiesman, M.D., a plastic surgeonpracticing in Chicago, Ill. “People arestill spending money, but are a littlemore conscious about the price tag.”

In the first quarter of 2009, Dr.Wiesman’s revenues were down 40%as a result of consumers pulling backon discretionary spending. To compen-sate, Dr. Weisman began running mon-thly promotions for non-surgical pro-cedures such as skin tightening, vol-ume reduction on the face and body,hair removal, treatment of acne andskin resurfacing.

Dr. Wiesman uses the AccentXL radio-frequency device for skin tighteningand volume reduction on the faceand body. In addition, he has theSuper Hair Removal (SHR) mode forboth HarmonyXL and SopranoXL. “Hairremoval is one of the most popularprocedures being performed,” Dr.Wiesman conveyed. “SHR has madehair removal significantly less painfulcompared to traditional lasers.”

Fractional laser resurfacing with theerbium Pixel Perfect on the HarmonyXLis also quite popular. “This is phe-nomenal technology,” Dr. Wiesmannoted. “Treatment is not very painfuland the intensity can be adjusted. Youcan treat extremely light if a patientjust desires a nice, refreshed look, oryou can reach deeper for acne scarsand skin tightening. It is also effectiveon all skin types.”

“We’ve also observed an increaseddemand for non-surgical procedures,”said Gregory S. Keller, M.D., who is afacial plastic surgeon in private prac-tice in Santa Barbara, Calif., as wellas an associate clinical professor andco-director of the Facial Plastic SurgeryFellowship at the University of Cali-fornia, Los Angeles. “Price is impor-tant. We’ve been able to remain com-petitive, in large part because Alma’slasers are priced lower than othermanufacturers and we achieve a bet-ter result.” In fact, Dr. Keller’s practiceis doing so well with non-surgical aes-thetic treatments that he recentlyadded a nurse and a receptionist tothe spa side of the business.

Pixel Perfect fractionated devices“have drastically reduced the amountof downtime, morbidity and hypopig-mentation compared to CO2 resurfac-ing,” Dr. Keller explained. “You canachieve a nice result for acne scar-ring, fine wrinkles and sun damage,with minimal downtime.”

For hair removal, Dr. Keller uses theSopranoXL in SHR mode. He also of-fers light-based treatments using theHarmony multiplatform system. “Withany of these Alma technologies, thepain level is approximately 2 on ascale of 1 to 10.”

“Although surgery is still the goldstandard, people are looking for lessmorbidity, quicker healing and a goodresult,” said Dr. Keller. “Technologiessuch as those developed by Alma, ef-fectively address these concerns. Fur-thermore, I believe the secret to oursuccess is our willingness to pass oursavings onto the consumer.”

Physicians Utilize Alma’s Light-BasedSystems to Remain ProfitableBy Bob Kronemyer, Associate Editor

“Price is important.We’ve been able toremain competitive, inlarge part becauseAlma’s lasers arepriced lower than othermanufacturers and weachieve a better result.”

Irv Wiesman, M.D.Plastic SurgeonChicago, IL

Gregory S. Keller, M.D.Plastic SurgeonSanta Barbara, CA

THE Aesthetic Guide September/October 2009 www.miinews.com 15