Happy New Year.  2009 is finally over. What a year, both professionally, personally and globally .

Looking back to 2009, my mom passed away, the economy went down the drain, there was a lot of stress and despair everywhere. The cosmetic and plastic surgery industry was feeling the strain, retail businesses closed all over town, spas closed,  jobs were scarce.   Luxury beauty products suffered.  However, despite this entrepreneurs showed up with passion and hope; new products were emerging into the marketplace; and small businesses evolved.   Certain companies remained focused weathering the storm and coming out strong.  Anti-aging skin care sales were still strong compared to overall skincare sales according to recent research, confirming that baby boomers are  still chasing youthful solutions to aging skin.

The Bo-tax proposed bill for a 5% tax on cosmetic procedures was withdrawn. 🙂

I meet some interesting, passionate  and creative people last year through my networking efforts in social media.  I joined Twitter, LinkedIn, and started my blog. Social media became a new way to communicate professionally and build brand awareness.

I  stayed strong, believing in myself , fueling my passions by seeking future possibilities.

One of my favorite success stories of 2009 that I was personally involved with was jeune d age organics, a skin care company founded  by two guys who love to sail and knew nothing about skin care. 🙂  I watched their products gain momentum through social networking, and word of mouth.  I assisted them with their launch at Cosmoprof and admire their tenacity and perseverance. Hats off to Michael Lamb and Dan Delave. http://jeunedage.com/  Check out their skincare line.

Some other interesting news:

The first Anti-aging Aftershave launched in May by New York-based Dermaplus.

The first  anti-aging serum to combat oxidation and gycation was launched.  According to dermatologists oxidation and glycation are major contributors to aging.  DERM AOX , La Roche-Posay, combines  three active ingredients to combat glycation and oxidation.

Many new skincare products emerged ranging from OTC organic to clinical lines.  The choices are many. Know your ingredients and don’t be fooled by lots of hype!!

The biggest development for anti-aging formulations was in the area of stem cell technology.  I am sure we will be hearing more about this in 2010.

Dysport a player in the botulinum toxin type A ,became FDA approved. Now patients could choose between Botox and Dysport.  ( see my earlier blogs on Dyport)

Radiesse a dermal filler, BioForm Medical Inc., received FDA approval to mix lidocaine in with the product. Pain-free injection! 🙂

Evolence a dermal filler, had much potential but  could not gain enough momentum within the marketplace, was pulled by Johnson and Johnson. 😦

Sculptra Aesthetic,  an injectable to treat lipoatrophy ( decreased volume in the face) was FDA approved for nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles.

Allergan, the makers of Botox, announced  the FDA  approval of  LATISSE (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% as a treatment to increase eyelashes in length, thickness, and darkness. ( see my posts on Latisse) Now we can grow long think lashes, even after menopause!! 🙂

Some of the news on  the cosmetic surgery front:

A new study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, in Seattle, found injecting fat into the breasts offers breast lift patients a new option for creating volume,  provides superior fullness, and reduces some rates of complication seen with implants.

The FDA approved Accusculpt/AccuLift Lipolysis, targeting patients 20 -70 years of age.  A  minimally invasive technology that liquefies fat for easy removal. Laser assisted Lipo became  a popular method for fat removal and tightening.

Physicians improved in their filler  techniques by using combinations of  different fillers.  ( see  early post on Liquid Facelifts)

FDA approved an ultrasound-based medical device,  Ulthera System , for noninvasive eyebrow lifting.  The results are improved collagen support, and gradual firming and tightening.

On the horizon:

Juvederm with lidocaine is being consdered by the FDA. No more painful injections or dental blocks! YAY 🙂

A new dermal filler from Europe called Aquamid is being reviewed by the FDA.

Another new filler for severe wrinkles and folds, Belotero Balance, was recently accepted for FDA review.

Dermaperal from South Africa is yet anther filler to possibly enter the market, which has properties which may increase the longivity of the filler.

These are just a few of last year’s  anti-aging advances. It is an exciting time for the industry and for baby boomers world wide, who want to continue to look as youthful as they feel.    Happy New Year and wishing all of us a  prosperous, healthy 2010.