For decades, physicians have treated skin ailments with topical treatments like creams and lotions. Plastic surgeons use procedures to lift the skin and inject fat underneath the skin. Experts say that never before has there been a device that could deliver a dose of medication, or a product directly into the skin; until now. Consumers are about to be introduced to a small, but powerful device hitting the market in the United States.
Dr. Dan Del Vecchio of Boston, Massachusetts discusses the new device that he thinks may change the face of plastic surgery. Dr. Del Vecchio is involved in ground-breaking research surrounding the device that uses the “needling” method of delivery.
By: Daniel Del Vecchio, MD
and Dawn Tongish
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com
The concept of “needling“ is relatively new to the United States, but has been well-received overseas for a couple of years. In Europe, people stick the skin with small needles to stimulate growth. AquaVit Pharmaceuticals unveiled new technology that uses a small container attached to tiny needles, allowing for a product or material to be put directly into the skin. Makers say the device, called Aqua Gold, is the first of its kind. “You can put in Rogaine if you are dealing with hair loss, or Proactiv if you have acne,” says Dr. Del Vecchio. “If they suffer from hyper-pigmentation, bleaching cream could be used in the container, or even Juvederm or Restylane as a thickener to reduce wrinkles.”
For the first time, Del Vecchio says drugs and products are being delivered into the skin, not on it nor underneath it. “This is remarkable and the device is key,” says Dr. Del Vecchio. Del Vecchio says this method of treatment may be a viable alternative to laser treatment that can mean longer recovery times.
How Does It Work?
The device works with 30 tiny, precisely spaced needles delivering product into the skin. The needles are hollow to hold the product, according to Dr. Del Vecchio. “The needles sit on a platform and are smaller than a human hair.” The needles are inserted into the skin and then pulled back out, leaving the product behind. It is that simple.” Del Vecchio says tests were done to prove the effectiveness of the delivery system and were very positive and promising.
Breakthrough: The Future
The device just launched at the 2014 American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in Denver, CO. The needling device is registered with the Food and Drug Administration and consumers can expect to see it soon in their doctor’s office. Dr. Del Vecchio believes it will change the way patients are treated for skin ailments in the future. “I think we will learn to regenerate and improve skin texture, where historically we burned or traumatized skin. We might not have to do that anymore. We might just be able to put something into the skin dermis and make treatment easier, cheaper and more effective for treating scars and much more.” Call it a kinder, gentler way to treat the skin. That’s a nice thought, even if you don’t like needles!