High-tech procedures treat common complaints

High-tech procedures treat common complaints
Here are some of the non-invasive cosmetic procedures you'll see at medical spas, according to Vic Narurkar, Stanford University Medical School graduate, founder of the Bay Area Laser Institute and president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists and Aesthetic Surgeons:

Hottest breakthrough treatment — Fraxel
This high-speed laser, created by Reliant Technologies in Mountain View, isolates targeted areas of the skin to eliminate old epidermal cells and leaves surrounding tissues intact. Known to be safe for ethnic skin and recently received FDA clearance for treatment of acne scarring.

Up-and-coming treatment — PPX
An FDA-approved painless hair removal device created by Asthera, a Silicon Valley company founded by an engineer instrumental in inventing laser tattoo removal. It suctions the skin while applying a light treatment, and is more comfortable to use on the back, chest and legs than most other lasers.

Tried and true — Botox and Restylane
Botox is the No. 1 non-invasive cosmetic procedure used by Americans. Made by Allergan, based in Irvine, it relaxes lines between the eyebrows and forehead. Restylane, a dermal filler created by Q-Med in Sweden and marketed by Medicis Pharmaceutical in Arizona, plumps up deep folds and wrinkles.

Still in question — Titan and Thermage
These tissue-tightening technologies claim to use radio frequency and light devices to deep-heat the tissue and stimulate collagen. Titan is not approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. Thermage is FDA-approved, but shows variable results.

-- Nerissa Pacio