Multi-Disciplinary Forum to Investigate New Opportunities for R&D and Investment in $10 Billion Plastic Surgery Market

Surgical, Manufacturing and Financial Leaders Address Challenges in Developing New Technologies at 'Technology Innovation in Plastic Surgery' (TIPS) Forum, San Francisco May 22 - 23


PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwire - May 18, 2010) -  Investment, technology and venture capital firms will join surgeons and medical experts at the inaugural Technology Innovation in Plastic Surgery (TIPS) Forum in San Francisco from May 22 to 23, 2010. By fostering collaboration between multi-disciplinary groups, the conference aims to accelerate innovation within the medical device and pharmaceutical industries.

In January this year, a Frost & Sullivan global survey of hospitals and surgery centers entitled 'Growth Opportunities in the Global Plastic Surgery Market,' revealed that plastic and cosmetic surgery continues to post some of the strongest procedural growth year-over-year of any surgical specialty. The survey reported that plastic surgery is a critical investment segment for any company targeting the surgical market.

"TIPS is unique in providing a forum for investors, business planners and strategic decision makers to hear directly from clinicians and researchers about realities in our industry," said Dr Geoffrey Gurtner, Course Director of the TIPS forum and Professor of Surgery at Stanford within the division of plastic surgery. "Conference attendees will discuss breakthrough treatments and techniques that focus on under-served areas. We expect to uncover many opportunities to make a difference in the plastic surgery industry."

New solutions in areas such as wound care, wound recovery, scarring and tissue regeneration offer high potential for innovation, with some new treatments potentially less than 12 months away from general availability. By fostering dialog and collaboration amongst clinicians, surgeons, medical technology companies, entrepreneurs, and investors in related fields in the plastic surgery industry, TIPS hopes to speed the time to market of new solutions, stimulate successful clinical innovation and deliver improved patient results.

"Innovation drives success in industry and medicine," added Dr Gurtner. "It also requires a detailed exploration of the technical and medical limitations of existing treatments or devices, and an economic or investment environment that will stimulate continued research and product introduction. For this reason, TIPS leaders are enthusiastic about opening the door to broader-based discussions between clinicians, business leaders and investors."

The TIPS Forum will focus on how to bridge treatment gaps, identify common issues, and stimulate medically provable breakthroughs. Forum Topics include: Resurfacing Technology; Noninvasive Body Contouring; Breast Implants; Adipose-derived Stem Cells; Negative Pressure Wound Therapy; Acellular Dermis and Meshes; Injectables: Neurotoxins and Fillers; and How to Develop New Technology in Plastic Surgery.

To attend the conference, register here.

About TIPS
Technology Innovation in Plastic Surgery (TIPS) brings together major stakeholders in the development of this specialization: plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons, dermatologists, podiatrists, wound care professionals, industry analysts and thought leaders, and investors. TIPS has been endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, the Association of Academic Chairs of Plastic Surgeons, and the Plastic Surgery Research Council. More information is at http://www.psurgtips.com.

Contact Information:

Further information:
Kathy Gurtner
TIPS
+ 1 650 575 3237/565 8715