The Natragel Herbal Mask

from Drs. Bosniak and Marian Cantisano-Zilkha

The Natragel herbal mask has been found to be the answer patients, who are undergoing Botox or Restylane therapies, have been waiting for as they embark on their journey for healthier more vibrant looking skin.

The peppermint-infused mask that is patented, dermatology tested and manufactured under FDA and GMP guidelines is made from all natural substances consisting of a combination of marine and vegetable base products. Now when a patient undergoes a Botox or Restylane treatment the Natragel mask is applied over the numbing cream making the injections virtually painless. The new technique that has been compared to an aromatherapy treatment enhances the anesthetic effect of the numbing cream and relaxes the patient giving them a more positive pleasant experience.

Drs. Bosniak and Marian Cantisano-Zilkha, introduced their findings of the NatraGel herbal mask at a recent American Academy of Dermatology meeting in Washington, D.C. "The product (Natragel) existed before, but it wasn't being used for the purpose of preparing the patients for Botox and Restylane injections," said Bosniak who along with Zilkha were the first to use the mask for that purpose. "Natragel does not contain any synthetic polymers and had not been UV or E-beam cured. The gel mask is self preserving and will not support microbial growth and has resulted in a quantum leap in patient care."

Drs. Bosniak and Zilkha are no strangers to bringing new cutting-edge treatments to the marketplace. Between 1996 to 2001 their breakthrough study on Restylane-an all natural filler made from hyaluronic acid (a compound found in our own bodies) that smooths out facial wrinkles and has been known to last longer than collagen and has been called a "facelift in a syringe"-helped the FDA approve the product before it came to the U.S. market. In their study Bosniak and Zilkha treated more than 2,400 Brazilian patients of all different ethnic groups and skin types documenting that Restylane presented no allergic reactions and that the natural substance can benefit virtually every person around the world who wants to use it. Their results were published in the July 2003 issue of the medical journal Operative Techniques in Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a periodical ready by thousands of ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons worldwide.

Earlier this year Bosniak and Zilkha conducted a study comparing patient responses of those who used the Natragel mask before their Botox or Restylane treatment and those who did not. Of the 36 patients who participated 34 of them described the masks as "soothing," "calming" and "relaxing" therefore, making them less apprehensive about the treatment.

"As the popularity of non-invasive therapies for facial rejuvenation continues to expand, we will always look for ways to lessen any discomfort and make the experience more enjoyable for our patients," said Dr. Cantisano-Zilkha.