Seattle Area Practice Offers Exclusive New Skin Tightening Technology

FEDERAL WAY, WA, February 05, 2011 (Press-News.org) A new technology platform - ePRIME - has recently been FDA approved for use in skin tightening and wrinkle reduction in the face. This new and unique technology is now becoming available to the broader aesthetic marketplace, initially in the premier practices that helped develop the product. Puget Sound Plastic Surgery (www.psplasticsurgery.com), specializing in cosmetic surgery in the Seattle area, is one of the unique practices where this technology is being introduced.

Recently, Dr. Stridde and the staff at Puget Sound Plastic Surgery partnered with a start-up technology company to develop a new and novel skin rejuvenation device for minimally invasive facial enhancement. This device, called ePRIME, was developed in conjunction with a number of other very highly regarded plastic surgeons and dermatologists across the country. After over three years of careful testing and refinement, the ePRIME device is being brought to market by Syneron, a global leader in aesthetic medical products.

"We are very proud to be a part of the development of this technology," says Dr. Stridde. "At Puget Sound Plastic Surgery, we understand that new devices seem to arrive on the aesthetic marketing scene each month, many promising the moon and the stars. We believe one of our core missions is to sort through the confusing range of treatment options, and choose those that provide the greatest benefit, with the least risk, and the best value. ePRIME is at the top of that list."

The ePRIME device utilizes radio frequency (RF) energy, long used in other medical applications, to create distinct areas of deep dermal heating. These areas of thermally activated dermis stimulate new collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of the skin. With the production of collagen and elastin comes the effect of skin tightening and wrinkle reduction, resulting in healthier and younger appearing skin.

What makes this device different from the other technologies that use radio frequency to achieve skin tightening? The ePRIME technology delivers the radio frequency energy directly into the deep dermis through an array of microneedles. This unique delivery approach produces direct heating in the skin layer where collagen and elastin are produced. The amount of heating is carefully controlled by a precise feedback mechanism which makes the device extremely safe and consistent in the dermal heating process.

While other radio frequency devices, and fractional or ablative Laser technologies do result in new collagen deposition in the dermis, the ePRIME device is unique in its ability to stimulate new elastin production, as well as hyalauronic acid, both of which are normal components of healthy, youthful skin. It is this dramatic increase in elastin content which sets the ePRIME device apart from other collagen stimulating devices such as lasers.

Data show that laser treatments only result in increases in collagen in the dermis, which equates with tightening. However the absence of new elastin production can result in a stiffer or tighter skin surface which can account for the somewhat unnatural appearance of the skin produced by various laser resurfacing procedures. The ePRIME device's unique ability to stimulate elastin production, results in skin that is more "elastic," defined in this case as more flexible or pliable. These are qualities that are typical of more youthful skin. Consequently, ePRIME treatments are unique in their ability to produce a naturally rejuvenated appearance that is more like normal, youthful skin. In the studies on elasticity, 90% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall improvement in their skin at three months.

Dr. Stridde is excited to have another effective option to recommend to his patients. "One of the biggest challenges that consumers face when considering some type of facial rejuvenation procedure is the large and confusing array of various procedures to choose from. As a plastic surgeon, my job is to help my Seattle facelift patients, as well as those who are considering nonsurgical procedures. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer a truly innovative and effective treatment that lives up to its promises."

At Puget Sound Plastic Surgery (www.psplasticsurgery.com), Braden Stridde, M.D., performs a wide range of today's most advanced cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. Dr. Stridde is founder and Medical Director of the practice, which has been helping Seattle area women and men look their best since 1993. He received his Medical Doctorate from Northwestern University in Chicago, and continued his surgical training at multiple prestigious institutions from San Francisco to Scotland and from Dartmouth Medical School to the University of Washington. Dr. Stridde is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.