Light Age, Inc., a laser company that not only specializes in the cosmetic, but also scientific research applications of laser technology, exhibited their EpiCare Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal System, which manager Albert Poet called the fastest, most powerful hair-removal system on the market. Laser Light also produces laser systems for rapid tattoo removal and vein ablation. CEO Donald F. Heller also had some things to say about demand in the cosmetic laser industry.

"The issue for us has never been about a drop-off in demand," said Heller. "It's been about our customers' lack of ability to gain funding. The banks simply are not lending. Our business through the end of last year was excellent. There was a slow down in the first or second quarter, but now we are back to traditional growth rates -- about 20 percent per year."

Part of the turn around is due to an increase in international export. "We've sold hundreds of units in the Middle East and in the world we have in excess of 1,000," said Heller.

Syneron offered the Velashape II, which product manager Jeffrey Wells declared the first FDA-approved device for cellulite and circumferential reduction. The system uses infrared and radio frequency, vacuum and massage technology to heat up and "knead away" fat tissues. The company debuted the eMatrix "sublative rejuvenation" system, which uses fractionated, bipolar RF technology to direct heat energy directly into the dermis for non-invasive body contouring. According to Syneron this is a growing market, with the number of fractional skin rejuvenation procedures expected to increase more than 500 percent from 2007 to 2010.

Canfield Imaging Systems had the Visio complexion analysis system on display, and although similar technologies have been on the market for several years, recent innovations like 3-D skin surface simulation have made the device all the more appealing for medical spas across the country.

"Now we can talk about fillers, botox -- whatever treatment is required to even out the skin's surface," says Kimberley Trilivas, a Canfield associate. Other features include a UV-filter that images bacteria on the skin, as well as build up of melanin in spots, which indicate the skin's cumulative sun damage.

Canfield also offers the Vectra, which can simulate volumetric 3-D cosmetic surgery outcomes -- "after" images -- for procedures like rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and breast augmentation. The Vectra 360 Body System runs about $60,000 and the Head System goes for $70,000.

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