What is TriActive LaserDermatology?

In the battle against cellulite, Cynosure, Inc. of Westford, Mass., has introduced a unique laser-based treatment into the non-invasive body-sculpting arena with TriActive LaserDermology, a system that utilizes three separate mechanisms to make skin smoother and more beautiful.

 

Cynosure received FDA approval for TriActive in April, 2005, although the system, developed in Italy, has been used worldwide for several years. The really good news for Cynosure was that TriActive was classified as a Class II over-the-counter device, meaning that it can be used by non-physicians such as aestheticians, spa professionals, and other therapists.

 

An estimated 45 million American women between the ages of 20 and 50 have cellulite, the dimpled skin that occurs primarily on the hips, thighs and buttocks. TriActive attacks the problem by combining a low energy laser to increase circulation, localized cooling to reduce inflammation and suction massage that promotes lymphatic drainage and stimulates collagen growth.

 

Typically, 10 to 15 treatments (total cost is around $1,500) are required to achieve the desired outcome, although results differ in individuals depending on factors such as exercise, diet, number of treatments and the severity of the problem. TriActive can also be used as a followup to surgical procedures such as liposuction, which frequently causes a slackening of the skin in the neck, tummy, upper arms and “love-handles.”

 

“Before we had the TriActive, there was nothing that would reliably address extensive cellulite,” explained Dr. Bruce Katz, Director of the Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital and clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “Initially, we were very skeptical about the device because we had been down that road before. We started using it about a year ago and now it is our preferred method. We use it to treat women who have extensive cellulite, involving the thighs, buttock and hips, and the results have been terrific.”

Since there really is no permanent “cure” for reducing cellulite, monthly maintenance is recommended following the initial series of treatments. Patients don’t mind, since the massage-like treatment is pleasurable.

 

“A recent study conducted at our center showed that the TriActive laser and massage components improved the appearance of cellulite in 83% of subjects as compared to 17% improvement for massage only,” said Dr. Kathryn Frew of the JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York City.

 

In addition to temporarily improving the appearance of cellulite, TriActive treatments have also been shown to temporarily relieve minor pain and muscle spasms and improve circulation.

 

“The TriActive LaserDermology System complements the other products in our cosmetic laser line,” said Cynosure CEO Michael R. Davin, “and helps us better serve our markets, which include the thousands of aesthetic medicine practices and the more than 6,000 day spas in the United States who do not necessarily have an associated physician relationship.”

 

One 31-year-old patient who gained weight in college and despite rigorous exercise has been unable to make her cellulite disappear, saw marked improvement after six TriActive treatments.

 

“I am absolutely more confident after I have done the TriActive treatments,” she said. “When I first saw the first results we had to take pictures because it was just so amazing, I couldn’t believe it!”