Nonsurgical cosmetic devices that tighten, smooth and slim
Doctors’ offices are full of brochures listing new nonsurgical procedures that promise to tighten skin, eliminate redness or brown spots and get rid of fat. Though the machines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the clearances don’t encompass all of the cosmetic procedures that are popping up in doctors’ offices; physicians can use approved products for off-label procedures. What follows is a sampling of some of those devices and cosmetic procedures that are associated with them.
ZELTIQ
What it is: A device that contains a freezing unit that is used to freeze and kill fat cells without damage to the skin or internal organs. The procedure is known as CoolSculpting.
Who makes it: Zeltiq, in Pleasanton, Calif.
FDA-approved: 2010
Length of treatment: One hour
Downtime: None
Cost: $700 to $1,500 per treatment
EXILIS
What it is: A device that uses radio frequency waves to stimulate and strengthen the skin’s collagen. The goal of the procedure is to tighten skin, shape body contours and smooth wrinkles.
Who makes it: BTL Aesthetics, in Prague, Czech Republic
FDA-approved: 2009
Length of treatment: About 20 minutes
Downtime: None, though redness and swelling may last a few hours after treatment
Cost: $400 to $600 per treatment
EXCEL V LASER
What it is: A laser used to target the red in blood vessels, heating them to the point of collapse and disappearance
Who makes it: Cutera, in Brisbane, Calif.
FDA-approved: 2010
Length of treatment: 15 minutes
Downtime: None
Cost: $1,000 or less
FRAXEL LASER
What it is: A laser used to treat a portion of the skin without affecting surrounding tissues. It’s used to stimulate collagen production, diminish fine lines and age spots, and resurface skin.
Who makes it: Solta Medical, in Hayward, Calif.
FDA-approved: 2004
Length of treatment: 80 minutes (60 minutes to numb the skin, 20 to 30 minutes for laser treatment)
Downtime: Two or three days
Cost: $750 to $1,000 per treatment
PEARL LASER
What it is: A laser used to resurface and tighten skin and reduce wrinkles and sun spots
Who makes it: Cutera, in Brisbane, Calif.
FDA-approved: 2007
Length of treatment: 45 minutes
Downtime: Five days
Cost: $2,500 to $4,000
THERMAGE
What it is: A radio frequency device designed to smooth the skin and soften wrinkles. It heats the deepest layers of skin to help tighten existing collagen and stimulate collagen renewal.
Who makes it: Solta Medical, in Hayward, Calif.
FDA-approved: 2002
Length of treatment: 20 minutes to two hours, depending on location of treatment
Downtime: None
Cost: $1,000 to $5,000
ZERONA
What it is: A low-level laser scanner used to emulsify and remove fat nonsurgically
Who makes it: Erchonia, in McKinney, Texas
FDA-approved: 2010
Length of treatment: 40 minutes
Downtime: None
Cost: $1,700 to $2,500 for six sessions
