Five plastic surgery startups selected for MTI/ASPS Plastic Surgery Accelerator competition finals
The plastic surgery track startups selected to advance in this joint effort between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and MedTech Innovator (MTI) include MedCu Technologies, BRIJ Medical, InSoma Bio, Magsorbeo Biomedical and Regenyx Medical. The five finalists join a field of 60 additional startups from around the world that will compete for a share of $800,000 in funding awards during the four-month program.
'We're committed at ASPS to fostering innovation that improves the lives of our patients and advances the future of plastic surgery,' said Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS, president of The Plastic Surgery Foundation. 'We're helping bring forward technologies that have the potential to transform both reconstructive and aesthetic care by partnering with early-stage companies through the MTI/ASPS Accelerator. Supporting these innovators ensures our specialty continues to lead in delivering safe, effective, and cutting-edge solutions for patients.'
There were 96 companies that applied for the plastic surgery track in the MTI competition this year, and 12 advanced to the live-pitch judging phase, where the top five were selected to represent ASPS and the plastic surgery track. Each of the five cohort participants from the MTI/ASPS Plastic Surgery Accelerator will be featured at Plastic Surgery The Meeting in New Orleans from October 9-12, and receive mentoring from ASPS surgeons and associated entrepreneurs. They will also participate in MedTech Innovator's corporate mentorship program, where they will be matched with senior industry leaders to receive ongoing, in-depth, customized mentorship and support.
This year's event marks the fourth year of the ASPS/MTI partnership, but since the launch of MedTech Innovator in 2013, more than 500 companies have completed the program, resulting in more than 200 FDA approvals and clearances and $6.8 billion in funding.
About the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
The
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
(ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians who have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
How A New Generation Of Doctors Are Using Patients' Own Bodies To Fight Wrinkles And Hair Loss
Mention the words "Botox"or "filler," and the image conjured in the mind's eye of many is still one of overfilled duck lips, a frozen, expressionless face, or puffed-up pillow cheeks—the artificial appearance of youth. It's why some people still cringe at the idea of surrendering their face to a cosmetic dermatologist. No one wants to look overdone. Wouldn't it be great, these people may be wondering, if there were alternative treatments that tapped the body's own regenerative processes for softer-looking results? Well, good news: The future is now. Functional medicine doctors are bringing their integrative approach to noninvasive aesthetics, harnessing new technology that uses a patient's own biological material (mostly their blood) and other cutting-edge naturally-derived molecules. Most importantly, these practitioners pride themselves on offering a customized experience that delves deeply into their patients' medical history—not merely an assessment of their visual appearance. 'Comprehensive lab work, an analysis of symptoms, and other diagnostic tools allow us to create a plan that meets you where you are to help you live as vibrantly as possible,' says Raheleh Sarbaziha, MD, an integrative aesthetic physician based in Beverly Hills. It's more like visiting your GP than a dermatologist. Meet the experts: Raheleh Sarbaziha, MD, is an integrative aesthetic physician based in Beverly Hills. Alexander GolBerg, MD, DO, is a double board-certified functional and aesthetic physician in New York City. Nadia Musavvir, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor based in Miami. Steven Williams, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Oakland, CA and the immediate past president of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Yes, many of them are still using muscle relaxing injections like botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers—after all, they're effective in the right hands—but the focus is on addressing the root cause of the visible signs of aging rather than just masking them with surface-level fixes. Some of these treatments—stuff like PRP, PRF, NAD+, exosomes, and peptides—may be familiar to you. Some may feel completely foreign. Either way, we've got a bird's eye view into all of these advancements from the physicians leading the charge. Meet the new era of undetectable aesthetics. The guiding philosophy For the uninitiated, functional medicine, which has been around for decades, is characterized by a merging of traditional Western practices with personalized lifestyle recommendations that may encompass a supplement regimen, an anti-inflammatory diet, and IV therapy to treat everything from vague concerns like low energy and brain fog to conditions as varied as anxiety, depression, autoimmune disorders like lupus, and seasonal allergies. The goal is to address what's happening below the surface, rather than focusing solely on symptoms, by tapping the body's natural healing processes. 'Functional medicine is about regaining function and supporting the body so it can operate at optimal levels during all stages of life,' says Dr. Sarbaziha. And that approach extends to the health and vitality of your skin and hair: It's about treating the body as a single, integrated system and rejuvenating the entire system at the cellular level. Hair loss, for example, isn't viewed as just a scalp issue. The goal of the functional medicine doctor is to identify what's happening inside the body that's causing the shedding. A significant piece of this puzzle is the idea that when your mitochondria—the energy centers of each cell—are firing on all cylinders, your body functions more efficiently, says Alexander GolBerg, MD, DO, a double board-certified functional and aesthetic physician in New York City. 'When the body can produce sufficient energy and heal properly, it also improves skin health,' he says. Just as important as optimally functioning mitochondria is a healthy gut. 'This is so key because when the gut is healthy, it's reflected in the skin,' says Dr. Sarbaziha. 'When inflammation is low, hair starts to regrow. When hormones are balanced, your mood, energy, and glow return. Everything in the body is connected, part of the same ecosystem.' The fact that you'll leave these offices looking better is almost a by-product rather than an end goal. 'As we improve and optimize cellular function, we also improve appearance,' says Nadia Musavvir, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor based in Miami. 'Reducing systemic inflammation, for example, tends to lead to decreased redness and puffiness and a slower rate of collagen breakdown.' A new approach to aging. For the most part, traditional cosmetic treatments performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon are focused on improving visible changes that have already occurred. They've got it backward, according to functional medicine doctors. 'With traditional anti-aging procedures, the internal reasons for changes in the skin are not addressed,' Dr. Musavvir says. 'I have patients who've done aesthetic procedures, and although they may look younger than their chronological age, their cellular age is older.' It's a nuance that's not addressed during a routine Botox appointment, but will likely be the focus of a consult with a functional aesthetics doctor. You'll discuss your skin and hair concerns and goals and, after a physical assessment, be bombarded with questions about your medical history, lifestyle, and current skincare routine. From there, baseline blood work, a hormone panel, and nutrient testing will be ordered to devise a unique-to-you treatment plan. 'We're not trying to simply freeze or fill away the signs of aging; we're working with the body to address them internally too,' explains Dr. Sarbaziha. That's not to say fillers and neurotoxin injections aren't on the menu—they're just typically combined with regenerative treatments like peptides, polynucleotides, exosomes, and platelet-rich plasma and fibrin (PRP and PRF). 'We want to stimulate collagen, improve blood flow, support skin structure, and reduce inflammation, leading to more harmonious, sustainable results that are rooted in good health—not just cosmetic change,' says Dr. Sarbaziha. It's an approach that's generating buzz, but not everyone is sold—mostly because the science on some of these newer treatments isn't all that solid. 'It's easy for patients and providers to get swept up in claims about miracles,' says Steven Williams, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Oakland, CA and the immediate past president of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 'While some of these therapies are backed by rigorous science, others are just wishful thinking. It's important to be honest about the limitations." The functional aesthetics toolkit. Though every protocol is different, there are a few things that typically pop up in the repertoire of a functional aesthetics provider. These are a few of the most common, all focused on enhancing the health and appearance of the skin and hair. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Two of the most popular treatments for enhancing the look of skin and improving hair loss are PRP and PRF. The former is so well-substantiated, it's become commonplace in the offices of traditional cosmetic dermatologists across the country—even Dr. Williams is a fan. Both PRP and PRF involve a simple blood draw, which is then spun down to extract the platelets that are injected into the scalp or face to do their job. While they can be done on their own, PRP and PRF are often used along with microneedling and laser tightening to help speed up the healing process. PRF is considered a second-generation platelet concentrate technology, and research shows it can produce higher levels of tissue-regenerating growth factors that are released in a more prolonged way. While four PRP or PRF treatments are typically recommended to combat hair loss, 'results for thinning can be seen after the second treatment, with hair quality changes normally setting in around the three- to six-month mark,' says Dr. GolBerg. When it comes to skin, both are known to stimulate collagen and elastin and can be used under the eyes to help brighten and in the cheeks, temples, and nasolabial folds for more fullness. 'PRP floods the tissue with growth factors that signal repair, boost collagen production, and improve skin texture,' says Dr. Williams. 'It's not magic; it's cellular logistics. If you want skin that glows, this is where to start.' Exosomes Think of these extracellular vesicles, which can be derived from human stem cells or biomimetic plant material, as tiny shuttles that travel deep into skin where they help cells communicate with one another to stimulate growth and healing. Rich in growth factors, exosomes can be used on the scalp to encourage thicker, healthier hair, or to improve skin quality. For the most part, they're injected (or used topically) alongside microneedling, PRP, or PRF. But note: Exosomes are not FDA-approved, so they remain a somewhat ambiguous area in the world of aesthetics. NAD+ An abbreviation for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ is often referred to the ultimate anti-aging IV cocktail remedy. It's a coenzyme that's present in all the cells in our body, and research shows it assists with energy production, DNA repair, and overall cellular health. It also naturally declines with age, which is why functional medicine doctors try to get more into the body in the form of IV drips, topical products, and supplements. The theory goes that 'by optimizing NAD+ levels, cellular health and function are restored, which is reflected by less collagen breakdown, fewer gray hairs, and reduced hair loss,' says Dr. Mussavir. While many of these therapies are used on their own, another key tenet of the functional aesthetic philosophy is to stack or combine regenerative treatments to produce more dramatic results. Dr. GolBerg's Signature Lift, for example, relies upon a combination of Botox, collagen-stimulating PDO threads, and PRF to sculpt, lift, tighten, and rejuvenate. He insists the results are comparable to a surgical facelift—without the downtime. The future is bright (and firm). If any—or all—of this sounds appealing, it's important to find a vetted expert. 'A practitioner who doesn't know what to look for will just recommend the buzziest supplement or treatment and get limited results,' says Dr. Musavvir. That's why it's crucial to find someone qualified, experienced, and educated in functional and aesthetic medicine. Many functional aesthetic therapies are still in their infancy and not FDA approved, so it's important to grill your provider about the science to find someone who uses these treatments responsibly. And while the crossroads of aesthetic and functional medicine are still being paved, the promise of natural-looking results by less invasive means is appealing—and is changing the way many people look at cosmetic tweaks. 'At the very least, it's clear to me that people want more than just filling, cutting, and freezing,' says Dr. Williams. But, he cautions, buyer beware: 'In a world that thrives on innovation, it's tempting to chase the new thing. But when it comes to your face, stick with what's been proven—people deserve results rooted in evidence, not alchemy." You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Smart City Success in Malaysia: A Reproducible Model Powered by thethings.iO - MTi's IoT Platform
OAK BROOK, IL / / July 29, 2025 / Affluence Corporation, (OTCID:AFFU), is proud to highlight the successful completion of the Medini Smart City Management Platform (MSCMP) in Iskandar, Malaysia - a landmark project delivered by our partner BCN Smart Technologies (BCN) with Mingothings International (MTi), one of Affluence's leading technology subsidiaries, serving as the official technology provider. Designed as the central dashboard for Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), the MSCMP integrates advanced IoT solutions to support environmental monitoring and long-term ESG goals for Medini, with the ambition of becoming Malaysia's first net carbon zero city. MTi's IoT platform, developed and customized specifically for this project by BCN, played a central role in enabling the flexible, data-driven infrastructure now operating at the heart of the city. "This platform reflects our shared ambition to transform Medini into a future-ready, sustainable city. With MTi's technology powering the system, we have created a robust foundation that other cities in the region can learn from and replicate", said Mohamad Amir Shariff, Lead Project Manager at BCN Smarttech. The first phase of the platform, now fully operational, integrates real-time data from air quality sensors and will soon expand to other verticals of city management. The system is already showcased in IIB's new Smart City Experience Centre in Medini, positioning it as a reference project for future developments. For Affluence, this milestone reflects a broader commitment to promoting scalable, sustainable, and interoperable solutions globally - with the MSCMP standing as a blueprint for future smart city initiatives in Southeast Asia and beyond. For further information, please contact: press@ About Affluence Corporation Affluence Corporation (OTCID: AFFU) is a diversified technology company focused on smart city and industry software and innovative solutions that capitalize on IoT, AI, 5G and edge technologies. We are investing in mid-market businesses to create a cohesive unit which brings together technology for the next generation of internet. For more information go to About Mingothings SLU Mingothings SLU ("MTi") is a trusted specialist in integrated IoT solutions and data analytics for smart cities and connected industries. With expertise in real-time data processing, sensor integration, and adaptable IoT platforms, MTi provides innovative solutions designed to maximize efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance in diverse IoT applications. Forward Looking Statement This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "expect," "suggests," "plan," "believe," "intend," "estimates," "targets," "projects," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: general economic business conditions, competitive and technological factors, markets, services, products and prices, the failure to retain management and/or key employees of the target company, availability and the cost of capital, success of growth initiatives, limited operating history and other risks discussed in our filings with the OTCMarkets and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Affluence Corporation assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Media and investor contact - press@ SOURCE: Affluence Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Yahoo
Minerals Technologies Inc. Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
--- Achieved 11 out of 12 environmental targets a year ahead of goal --- --- Reduced Scope 1 emissions by 14% and Scope 2 emissions by 10% year over year --- --- Delivered world-class safety performance --- --- 66% of new products have a sustainable profile --- NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minerals Technologies Inc. (NYSE: MTX) ('MTI'), a leading, technology-driven specialty minerals company, today announced the publication of its 17th annual Sustainability Report to highlight its environmental, safety, and community achievements. 'Sustainable operations have never been a nice-to-have for MTI – they are a must-have. This ethos has underpinned how we manage our sites, interact with our people, and develop new products,' said Douglas T. Dietrich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 'I am incredibly proud of our progress, including surpassing nearly all of our environmental targets, our employees' dedication to supporting their communities and ensuring workplace safety, and the large portfolio of innovative solutions we develop to help our customers meet their own sustainability goals. This is a win-win for MTI's continued growth, our customers, and the planet.' Sustainability Report Highlights In 2024, we: Delivered a world-class safety performance, as defined by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), with a total recordable injury rate of 0.77 and lost workday injury rate of 0.15; Achieved 11 out of 12 of the company's environmental goals, which were set in 2018, one year ahead of the 2025 target year; Reduced Scope 1 emissions by 14% year over year, or 32% since 2018, including a ~70% reduction in coal usage; Reduced Scope 2 emissions by 10% year over year, or 36% since 2018; Continued to reduce water usage with a 4% decrease in water withdrawn year over year, or 30% since 2018, and a 13% decrease in water discharge year over year, or 52% since 2018; Extracted over 1.1 million metric tons of waste CO2 from customers' and MTI exhaust stacks and sequestered those emissions in usable consumer products; Deployed AI-enabled technology in our mining operations, enhancing operational safety and sustainability; and Supported customers in achieving their environmental and operational goals, with 66% of MTI's new products having a sustainable profile ranging from natural solutions to emissions and waste reduction, to pollution prevention, to filtration and mitigation products. In addition, MTI's employees worldwide participated in an array of community engagement projects including fundraisers, book donations, beach and neighborhood clean-ups, and water filtration unit installations in underserved communities. The full Sustainability Report is available on MTI's website at About Minerals Technologies Inc. Minerals Technologies Inc. is a leading, technology-driven specialty minerals company that develops, produces, and markets a broad range of mineral and mineral-based products, related systems, and services. MTI globally serves a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including household, food and pharmaceutical, paper, packaging, automotive, construction, and environmental. The company reported global sales of $2.1 billion in 2024. For further information, please visit our website at Investor Relations ContactLydia Media ContactStephanie in to access your portfolio
