1. Aesthetic
Buyers Guide The Le a ding C o s metic P ractice Resou rce ™
®
September / October 2005
PPx Therapy Revolutionizes
Cosmetic Surgery Practice
Photopneumatic therapy (PPx) from Aesthera days post treatment, while improvement after photofa-
Corporation (Livermore, Calif.) combines the unique cial treatments is visible after about five days.
properties of broadband light with pneumatic energy Stephanie Stiles is a surgical technician at Dr.
for hair removal and photofacials (the treatment of Drago’s practice. “Our patients are very impressed
vascular and pigmented lesions). with PPx therapy. Even though our non-invasive aes-
“Treatments with PPx are safe, effective and pain- thetic practice has been open only since July, I’m
less, which is a revolutionary combination in this already scheduling three to four patients a day for PPx.
industry,” said Paul Drago, M.D., a facial plastic and Patients often come on their lunch break, then return
cosmetic surgeon in private practice in Charlotte, N.C. to their normal routine.” Discussing the popularity of
“The combination of light and vacuum allows energy to PPx procedures, Ms. Stiles reported that hair removal
be used highly efficiently. A vacuum pulls skin closer has been the most demanded procedure. Speaking to
to the surface of the skin and stretches it, dramatical- the speed of treatments, she said that they routinely
ly increasing the amount of energy transmitted to the “complete hair removal on a gentleman’s back in under
target intended for destruction. This highly efficient 30 minutes, compared to other technologies that might
use of energy explains why PPx therapy is the only require up to two hours.” Photofacials are popular as
treatment alternative that is painless and safe, yet well she noted, adding that photofacials with PPx,
highly effective.” “remove brown spots, sun damaged skin and spider
Dr. Drago said he considered “every single laser on veins. If patients sign up for five treatments, as an
the market for purchase. But PPx was a slam dunk. added incentive, the sixth one is free.”
“This highly efficient use of energy
Economically, PPx made a lot of sense for us. PPx was rel-
explains why PPx therapy is the only
atively inexpensive to incorporate into a practice. When
we are very busy we purchase a lot of treatment tips. On
treatment alternative that is painless and
the other hand, if we are not, the lease itself is extreme-
safe, yet highly effective.”
ly affordable. This makes the device very easy to own and
allowed us to be profitable very quickly. The Aesthera
device has been extremely rewarding for us financially.”
According to Dr. Drago, results are absolutely Patients also appreciate having their own personal-
superb for all three indications of hair removal, veins ized hygienic treatment tip. “You’re not using the same
and photofacials. “Hair removal outcomes have been tip first on one patient’s bikini line and then on anoth-
most impressive. We have achieved excellent results er patient’s upper lip,” Ms. Stiles said. “We keep the tip
with very positive patient feedback.” Comparing in a little bag with the patient’s name on it. PPx has
results with previously offered treatments, Dr. Drago added an excellent additional non-invasive dimension
noted that results for vein treatments are visible three to our surgical practice.” I
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