Melanotan and Melanotan II are not approved by the U.S. FDA as a injectable tanner, a prevention of skin cancer or for any other reason. In fact, a company marketing this product has received FDA warnings (see http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2007/new01694.html) for fraudulent claims and illegally selling a non-approved drug. Some might argue, as in the case of Lipodissolve, that injected melatonin is a supplement and therefore does not need approval. Wrong.
A drug is defined as "articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(g)(1)]. Injecting a substance into the body to produce a tan affects the function of skin and therefore said substance, is a drug.
The absence of FDA approval or even sanctioned clinical trials or qualified peer-reviewed clinical stuides means that there are no qualified data for efficacy, advserse events or even related to dosing.
Appropriate dose: ZERO.
Modus is a skincare system designed to control irregular pigmentation. There are a number of skincare systems and products in this category that use the terms "brightening" or "lightening". Some call it "skin bleaching".
Modus does not have hydroquinone (HQ), one of the most commonly prescribed agents in controlling or reducing irregular pigmentation. Hydroquinone has been called into question in other countries, carries risks of skin thickening, thinning or darkening in certain populations, but is used commonly and safely in 2% OTC solutions, and by prescription in higher solutions.
In conjunction with HQ or sometimes as an alternative, kojic and aezaliac acids are used to reduce irregular pigmentation. Arbutin is a melanease inhibitor -- it doesn't lighten it interferes with the metabolic activity that results in irregular pigment. Adding anti-oxidents to strengthen and protect the skin and prevent new pigment from forming, such as Vitamin C or ideobenone or even coffeeberrry also is helpful to such a regimen. In many cases, retinoids or glycolics to keep skin exfoliated is also important.
Bottom line, if you feel Modus is too expensive, ask your doctor to recommend an alternative. Weigh the pros and cons and, consider what you invested to get the resurfacing results. If you are prone to pigmentation--it may be an important part of your skincare regimen to include a program that helps inhibit pigment, protect the skin and prevent new pigmentation.
I'm not a chemist or an M.D., but I am a woman who loves her skincare and hates the pigmentation problems I am a victim to. The slightest stress, irritation or sun exposure can cause my fair skin to look like a spotted pony. But with regular, good skincare that keeps things in control and keeps my skin balanced, and with diligent (and I mean DILIGENT) sun protection, I can go confidently on nearly any given day without foundation or even powder.
My best advice -- no matter how expensive the skincare you use, it will be worthless in preventing pigment or preserving your resurfacing results unless you use a daily SPF of 30 or more, and sport shade (a wide-brimmed hat) every time you are in the sun. Sun protection is a must no matter the weather!
Its important to understand that any specific "award", designation or credential by a physician may have little to do with training, outcomes, patient satisfaction or even ability. Designations can be awarded for things as insignificant to the prospective patient as the amount of money a physician has spent as a customer of the technology company.
When a physician lists "awards" or "credentials", don't accept those you haven't heard before at face value. Ask specifically what qualifies someone for the designation, what was involved in earning this and even what was paid to get the designation. Consider the airline magazine "best doctor" listings. Those are paid ads--its simply money that determined the doctor to be "best".
Designations that are meaningful include: board certification by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (http://www.abms.org/About_ABMS/member_boards.aspx), membership in organizations that emphasize and require board certification in ABMS specialties that include training in cosmetic procedures, (ASAPS, ASPS, AAFPRS, ASDS, AADM, AAOPRS), membership in sub-specialty groups, membership in local medical societies, state license.
The companies that make everything from technologies like Thermage, to injectables to breast implants all offer training and certificates of completion for training. Find out what was involved before considering the value of any of these: Was it lecture or hands on training? For how long and by whom? Was the trainee reviewed for competency after the training and by whom? Where individual outcomes assessed in any way?
Before and after pictures are then a great way to see the results your doctor has achieved to feel further confident in his/her abilities, but look at photos critically. Anyone in this day can be a better expert in photoshop than he or she may be in cosmetic procedures. Look for same distance, same angles, same lighting. Ask for references to satisfied patients.
I'm not suggesting anyone be skeptical, but pull together all the info you can on a provider. Don't be naive. Be an educated consumer who makes decisions based on fact, not on fluff.
My first question is: What are you trying to treat with Thermage? What are your goals, or what are you hoping the outcome will be?
Next, I would make certain that you discuss specifically your appearance concerns and treatment goals with a doctor who not only performs Thermage, but also other treatments that he or she can offer to address your appearance concerns. Specifically this would be a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs both non-surgical and surgical treatments of the body, or a dermatologic surgeon who performs limited liposuction and offers more than one technology solution. Evaluate carefully the predictability, the safety, and the investment you will make among your treatment options. Then, choose what has the greatest value to you.
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