PaloVia skin renewing laser makes retail debut

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Palomar Medical Technologies, a researcher and developer of light-based systems for cosmetic treatments, has announced the launch of the first FDA-cleared, at-home laser designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

The new PaloVia skin renewing laser works below the skin surface where wrinkles form. It generates pulses of micro-fine laser light that reach deeply into the skin's sub-layers, treating the skin's aging support structure, according to the company. Then the body's natural healing process sweeps away the older, damaged tissue and rebuilds it with new collagen and elastin.

In a clinical study, a panel of doctors specializing in dermatology and plastic surgery saw a "noticeable" reduction in wrinkles in 92% of participants after one month of daily treatments, the company stated.

The PaloVia laser is available for advanced sale through QVC online and will debut on QVC on Dec. 27. The laser will start shipping to consumers in the middle of January, and distribution will be expanded to include Nordstrom, with physicians' offices and additional retailers coming on board in the first few months of 2011. The product has a suggested retail price of $499.