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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

NEWS: Wrinkles Be Gone: New Laser Treatment Approved for Home Use

http://www.healthnews.com/health-beauty/wrinkles-be-gone-new-laser-treatment-approved-home-use-3262.html

By: Heather Hajek
Published: Tuesday, 9 June 2009

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Laser treatment to remove wrinkles around the eyes could now be at your fingertips. The FDA has approved the marketing of the first home-use laser device for removing wrinkles around the eyes. You may now be able to target those aging areas on your own without leaving the comfort of your home.

The new device was developed by Palomar Medical Technologies Inc. and will be marketed through retail channels by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Cos. Inc. There is no prescription necessary. The new device will be Palomar’s initial entrance into the consumer market. The company currently sells its large light-based equipment used for cosmetic treatments to health professionals. Details of the product are being held under wraps for now, but the company is excited about the opportunity their new product offers. Joseph P. Caruso, a chief executive for Palomar said, the new laser product "opens up a tremendous opportunity to tap into the multibillion dollar consumer skin care market with our patented technology."

At a time where luxury items, including plastic surgery, are not a priority and not affordable by most, this could be a boon to consumers. The lightweight laser, approved by the FDA, is said to smooth out the skin around the eyes, effectively removing wrinkles. What remains to be seen is the actual product itself, which is being kept under wraps. While its anticipated release may not rival the iPhone,  there will be plenty of consumers to line up  once it does become available.

Johnson & Johnson will handle the details around the new laser device’s launch, but according to Paul Weiner, financial officer of Palomar, the company will receive a percentage of the sales of the device and related cosmetic "disposables." Weiner said the product will cost initially in the “hundreds of dollars,” but eventually the cost could be lower. However, Weiner said, "We're looking to have some Palomar branding on the product along with J&J, but they would be the lead brand," he added, "It makes sense for J&J to piggyback off the branding and the technology advances that we already have."

The cosmetic industry continues to grow rapidly with many new technologies and skin care formula’s being developed and placed on the market. Many of us Americans, as we age, want to look younger and take many strives to do so. Now their may be an easier way to gain access to a device that will help regain our youthful look.