From physicians’ perspectives: The Ellipse platform

When Syneron-Candela acquired Danish medical device firm Ellipse in September of last year, we sought to strengthen our footprint in the multiapplication space and provide our customers a comprehensive energy-based portfolio that includes:

• Ellipse Nordlys- a multi-technology platform that offers; IPL, a fractionated 1550 nm handpiece and a 1064 nm laser for skin resurfacing
• An Nd:YAG platform for vascular and pigmented lesions, as well as hair removal
• An IPL-only system used for skin treatments, facial veins and permanent hair reduction
• A fractional non-ablative laser system used for skin resurfacing
• Selective Wavelength Technology (SWT^®) uniquely utilizes dual filtering on all IPL handpieces to focus on effective wavelengths and selectively deliver precise energy to the targeted area

The acquisition of Ellipse is part of our commitment to deliver on our brand promise of science, results and trust to physicians and their patients worldwide.

We recently spoke to two “power users” to learn more about the benefits they experience with the Nordlys system.

E. Vic Ross, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatologic surgery and laser treatments. He practices at Scripps Clinic Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology Center in San Diego, CA.

Matthew Mahlberg, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon who specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer, laser surgery and aesthetic dermatology. He now heads the Colorado Center for Dermatology and Skin Surgery.

These power users commented on the Nordlys system’s versatility. Dr. Ross frequently uses the Ellipse Nordlys system for a wide variety of medical and aesthetic conditions. “The Ellipse systems are well-designed, well-engineered and pretty sophisticated devices with a wide range of handpieces. Once you become familiar with their use, they can provide an extraordinary range of uses across a wide variety of medical and aesthetic conditions. In particular, the Nordlys system offers application-driven menus with an easy-to-use touch screen.”

Dr. Mahlberg opened his own practice two years ago. In his experience, the Ellipse platform is an essential device for someone who is just starting a practice. “There are toys, and there are tools. The Nordlys system is a tool that has many, many uses. The IPL combined with a non-ablative fractional device can treat a tremendous breadth of medical and cosmetic patient needs.”

Both physicians also appreciate the variety of treatment options with the handpieces. Dr. Ross commented that “the handpieces are unique and really well-designed. Some are small, easy to work with and ergonomic, which allows you to get into concave or convex areas easily. You can direct it right on a vessel or small pigmented spot without exposing the full skin.”

Dr. Mahlberg frequently uses the applicators to treat skin conditions, skin texture, inflammatory acne and rosacea. “With its wide range of pulse durations and larger rectangular and smaller hexagonal tips, you can target large areas of sun damage, large vessels, and also small treatment areas around the nose, for example.”

Finally, both physicians agree that the Selective Wavelength Technology (SWT) that utilizes filtering on IPL handpieces allows the physician to limit the bands of light that a patient’s skin might absorb during treatment. Dr. Mahlberg notes, “The filter in the handpiece limits the top wavelengths and bands of light the energy is delivered over. Most devices have a tremendous amount of water absorption, which can cause heat distribution and discomfort.” Dr. Ross adds, “The energy is delivered more selectively so I am not depositing heat into surrounding skin. It really does contribute to patient comfort.”