CHICAGO (July 27, 2003) – Every eight seconds, a member of the “baby boomer” generation turns 50. In fact, in the United States alone, 80 million people fall into this category. But for this action generation, turning 50 doesn’t mean slowing down. On the contrary, more and more Americans over age 50 are redefining the concept of leading active, healthy lives. Keeping up their appearance is tantamount to their lifestyle. That is why more and more baby boomers are turning to non-invasive cosmetic procedures to erase the telltale signs of aging and preserve their appearance without the time it takes for lengthy recoveries from traditional invasive surgical procedures.

Speaking today at ACADEMY ’03, the American Academy of Dermatology’s summer scientific meeting in Chicago, dermatologist David J. Goldberg, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, discussed the benefits of the new non-invasive radiofrequency treatment for aging skin.

The radiofrequency non-surgical facelift is a non-invasive treatment that causes skin contraction and tightening, leading to lifting of the face, brow, and cheeks without surgery and without downtime. “What makes this treatment so appealing to baby boomers is that it typically requires less than an hour and is a safe, gentle procedure,” said Dr. Goldberg. “Patients are able to return to their normal routine immediately without any visible signs that they’ve had any cosmetic work done.”

The radiofrequency non-surgical facelift works by delivering pulses of energy simultaneously with a cool sensation from a cryogen spray to the affected area. The cryogen spray, which is used before, during and after the application of heat from the radiofrequency source, helps lessen the discomfort felt by the patient and prevents damage to the skin. In addition, an anesthetic cream applied one hour before the procedure numbs the surface of the skin to help lessen any discomfort.

Dr. Goldberg’s research team, which subsequently helped lead to the FDA approval of this device, found that tightening skin in certain areas can be advantageous to other non-treated areas.

“If we treat the skin of the forehead using non-invasive radiofrequency, we can actually lift the eyebrows and enhance the appearance of the eyes – making the eyes look more open, less tired and more alert,” explained Dr. Goldberg. “In the past, skin tightening could only be obtained with major surgery. But with this treatment, other areas of the face such as the skin of the cheeks and neck can also be treated non-surgically to reduce loose or sagging skin.”

Although in some non-surgical facelift patients the results are seen immediately, in most patients they will appear gradually over four to six months. “Since the effects are so gradual, the patient may not be aware of the extent of the changes – especially any residual effects that might occur from tightening the original area,” said Dr. Goldberg. “But when these improvements do take shape over time, patients are pleased with the enhanced results. Our recent research confirms that increased improvement can be seen with more than one treatment.”

In addition, Dr. Goldberg reported that other applications of the non-invasive radiofrequency technology such as stomach tightening and breast lifting are currently being tested.

While the radiofrequency non-surgical facelift is a good alternative for those looking to improve their skin with no down time, other “lunchtime” procedures are still valuable in treating specific cosmetic conditions.

“The non-surgical facelift will not replace treatments like botulinum toxin, which treats wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, or filler agents, which are still the treatment of choice for smile lines, but it gives patients another safe and efficient option for treating aging skin. With so many new treatments being introduced every year, it’s vital that patients consult with their dermatologist to choose the treatment that will work best for them,” advised Dr. Goldberg.

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org