Skin conditions 

The programme featured compelling presentations on a wide range of skin conditions, including melasma and hyperpigmentation, actinic keratosis, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, stretch marks, cellulite, port wine stains, keloids, and scars. In short, just about anything that can be treated with a laser or light based device, topical agent or injectable substance was represented in the 4-day 5CC programme.

Among the notable free communications included the topic of nail fungus as a new trend in the use of lasers from big players including Cynosure® and Cutera®. Cutera® also hosted an evening seminar to promote the Excel V™ system for treating vascular and pigmented lesions featuring Drs Goldberg, Lupo and Sadick.

‘I was particularly interested in the varied approaches to melasma with laser devices. These international dermatologists are really trying more aggressive approaches. My discussions were using fillers and toxins ‘outside the lines’, meaning avoiding the traditional hyaluronic acid in the nasolabial folds and also using fillers for crow’s feet and toxins to plump the lips,’ said Dr Lupo.

Cynosure-Palomar hosted an evening session on Fractional Laser Technology for The Treatment of Scars and Striae featuring Dr Adatto. San Diego, CA Dermatologist E. Victor Ross presented an informative session covering the expanding skin tightening category of technologies, including fractional RF systems Sublative®, Evolastin® and Fractora®.

‘The 5CC meeting was a great success again as it brought together wonderful scientific contributions from expert doctors from the 5 continents. We all learn so much when we are exposed to the rich content that such an international symposium affords,’ said New York Dermatologist Bruce Katz.

Future trends 

‘New technology sessions included the TRASER device,’ said Chris Zachary, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine. ‘Although still in development, early laboratory and clinical experience indicated a wide range of wavelengths, tunable from 500–800nm, variable pulse widths from less than 1ms to over 100 ms, more power than any commercially-available device sufficient to provide high fluence with large spot sizes. This system has the potential to be two or three times more electo-optically efficient than a laser. This single device with many wavelengths should be able to replace the KTP, the PDL, and the long pulse Ruby lasers, all in one box.’

He also pointed out that, ‘new trends in hyper-efficient diode arrays proved interesting and included interactive discussions between the audience and faculty.’

‘I was given the opportunity to present on a concept that I have been developing over the past couple of years on combining radiofrequency, high frequency ultrasound, laser resurfacing, and fillers in one setting to provide near surgical results in patients. This is very exciting because several of my respected colleagues are beginning to do this and are interested in applying more technology in line with my presentation on combination approaches,’ said Julius Few, MD, Chicago, IL Plastic Surgeon.

‘The 5CC is a major event, which will continue to flourish in the French Riviera for years ahead. We encourage everyone to follow 5CC events and to come to Cannes in 2015 for one of the premier aesthetic meetings in one of the truly aesthetic cities in the world,’ said Gold.

For the 2015 5CC in Cannes, there will be an increase in hands on and video sessions, more free communications and presentations from residents.