Lidocaine with Dermal Fillers Improves Recovery

Millions of men and women seek wrinkle reduction with the use of dermal fillers or injectables, a set of injections that can make the skin appear smoother and more youthful immediately after treatment.

Fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Botox can decrease lines and wrinkles while smoothing out and sculpting the face. Now, researchers are finding that when the injections are mixed with a certain amount of lidocaine, the patient experiences less swelling and pain from the procedure, and also spends less time in the office waiting for the anesthesia to take effect.

Plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern medical Center have outlined this innovative technique in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, indicating that lidocaine in the fillers will instantly minimize pain and make it easier on the patient. The addition of lidocaine also means a shorter recovery time.

According to Dr. Rod Rohric, chairman of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern, the technique involves mixing 2 percent lidocaine with hyaluronic acid and other fillers to create a numbing effect while the injectable is administered into the skin. Dr. Rohric also points out that the addition of lidocaine is becoming more standard with the emergence of fillers such as Hydrelle and Prevelle which already have lidocaine in their list of ingredients.

Demand for minimally invasive procedures such as Restylane, Botox and Hydrelle continue to rise as more men and women seek alternatives to surgery in order to preserve their youthful appearance. Adding a certain concentration of lidocaine to the injectable may help the surgeon minimize the pain and swelling commonly associated with the procedure, and this may make the entire treatment more attractive to people who have refrained from undergoing the pain and discomfort associated with treatment.

More information about injectable fillers as an anti-aging treatment can be found here.

Study Says Females Show Signs of Aging Around the eyes Before Men

The signs of aging tend to creep up on men and women at different rates, and many of the effects of aging are largely dependent on skin type, genetics and the person’s lifestyle.

A recent study now suggests that females tend to show the signs of aging around their eyes before men. According to UK facelift surgeon Norman Waterhouse, men and women age in different ways and a woman’s face tends to shift from oval to square as she gets older. Researchers at the Loma Linda University Medical Center in California agree that there are several distinct aging patterns associated with females when compared to men.

Researchers at the Loma Linda University Medical Center in California report that by the age of 30, women’s faces tend to look much like their mothers, and that daughters do tend to undergo the same aging process as their mothers. Many women show signs of aging around the eyes – everything from crinkles at the corners of the eyes (crows feet) to bags developing directly under the eyes. These signs are often more prevalent than the signs of aging in men of the same age.

Some of today’s leading corrective procedures for these effects of aging include the application of dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Hydrelle and Restylane, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage around the face, and Threadlifts that can help to tighten the loose and sagging skin around the eyes. Other popular anti-aging procedures include facelift surgery, laser skin resurfacing and blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation surgery).

Women who begin to lose weight as they age are also more prone to developing loose and sagging skin around their eyes, jawline and neck area. However, a series of skin tightening treatments and facelift surgery can help to correct these effects.

(Source: PrivateHealh.co.uk)

ASAPS Partners with SAGE to Publish Aesthetic Journal in 2010

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has announced a partnership with SAGE to publish the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ) starting in 2010. The journal tracks and showcases the latest scientific developments and clinical trials in the aesthetic surgery industry, and is an official publication of the ASAPS.

It is also the official English-language journal of eleven major international societies of plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, and serves as the official journal of The Rhinoplasty Society, the Dutch Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Turkish Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the Colombian Society of Plastic, Aesthetic, Maxillofacial and Hand Surgery, amongst others.

The journal features a wide range of topics related to anti aging, aesthetic surgery, clinical techniques an anatomical studies.  Jayne Marks, vice president and editorial director of journals for SAGE says that “SAGE is very pleased to have been chosen as the ASAPS’ publishing partner for their prestigious and widely-read journal…the Aesthetic Surgery Journal is an important addition not to just our growing list of science, technology and medicine journals, but also to the depth of our society publishing program.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

The Aesthetic Surgery Journal is a peer-reviewed international journal that covers the latest research and techniques in reconstructive surgical procedures, reviews articles and commentary from related disciplines, outlines technical details of established and developing aesthetic surgical and non-surgical treatments, and tracks scientific evaluation and commentary related o the psychological ramifications of surgical and non-surgical procedures. The journal also includes Continuing Medical Education (CME) articles and exams.

The most current issue and past issues of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal are available online at www.aestheticsurgeryjournal.com. The first SAGE-published issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal will begin in January 2010.

Total FX UltraPulse Laser Expands Into New England Market

Laser skin resurfacing treatments are among the most effective ways to get rid of fine lines, acne scars and blemishes. Some of the most innovative laser skin resurfacing techniques include the Lumenis UltraPulse C02 fractional laser, a powerful laser that can correct many imperfections, boost collagen production and tighten the skin after just a single treatment. The UltraPulse laser is available in only a few markets in the United States, but has recently been unveiled at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England.

The Total FX UltraPulse treatment has been featured on The Today Show, 20/20 and other television programs as an innovative skin rejuvenation solution.  It is among the most advanced lasers on the market, and can be used to treat facial scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and loose or sagging skin. In addition to treating the face, the UltraPulse laser can be administered to the neck and chest area for enhanced results.

The Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England is among the few aesthetic centers to acquire the UltraPulse Laser, and is adding the cosmetic treatment alongside its lineup of anti aging treatments such as injectable fillers, stretch mark reduction treatments, skin tightening procedures and Latisse eyelash enhancement.

According to Dr. Maria Atkins, owner and board certified physician at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center, “The UltraPulse TotalFX® treatment provides our clients with one of the latest advancements in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. The procedure and recovery time with this device has been so streamlined, that we like to tell our clients, if you give us five days, we’ll give you back five years.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

The UltraPulse laser is manufactured by Lumenis, the world’s largest medical laser company. This particular laser has received FDA clearance for more than 34 indications including the treatment of fine lines, acne scars and skin burns.

Ulthera Receives FDA Clearance for Eyebrow Lift

Men and women interested in getting an eyebrow lift no longer have to rely solely on plastic surgery to achieve results. An innovative device has recently been approved by the FDA for use by doctors, and clinical studies show that this eyebrow lift device has no adverse side effects and hardly any downtime. The Ulthera System is designed to deliver ultrasound energy deep into the dermis, treating the skin at a deep level. The energy waves help to firm, tighten and lift the skin tissue, and can produce noticeable results after just a single treatment.

According to the research studies backing the device, the DeepSEE technology used in this system allows the physicians to see and treat deep below the skin without a single incision. Ultrasound imaging is used to target different areas of the skin, and the device is safe enough to use around the delicate eye area. The highly focused and targeted ultrasound energy triggers the body’s natural healing response, triggering collagen growth and tightening and lifting the skin over time.

There is no anesthesia required, and the upper layers of the skin are left untouched. The patient will not feel any discomfort throughout the procedure, since the energy waves from the applicator deliver very small, controlled amounts of energy into the soft tissues of the skin. The medical professional delivering the treatment simply moves the applicator over each area of the face to deliver the energy waves deep into the skin’s surface.

The entire procedure takes only about 30 minutes, and some people will need to undergo a series of treatments in order to see desired results. The Ulthera device may be an attractive alternative for people who do not want to undergo facelift surgery or get a Threadlift to correct sagging skin around the eye area.

ATX-104 Light Activated Dermal Filler Under Review

Today’s most popular dermal fillers include Restylane, Juvederm and Botox, and hyaluronic acid fillers ar frequently used to correct wrinkles and fine lines, reshape and contour the face, and to create a more youthful appearance. Researchers are now reviewing an innovative dermal filler called ATX-104.

Unlike regular injectables that are simply injected into the skin to produce immediate results, the ATX-104 works only after it comes into contact with an external light source. After it is injected, the filler is shaped and polymerized transdermally with the help of external light.

The ATX-104 filler is based on KYTHERA’s proprietary photochemistry platform and has been developed at Johns Hopkins University. Scientists are studying the effects of the light reaction, and working on ways to optimize the filler so that it can create dramatic results and be used to reshape the face.

Different types of injectable fillers can produce different results based on the strength of the filler, and the person’s existing skin conditions. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used to reshape the face, fill out wrinkles and lines around the mouth and nose, and to correct sagging skin. Botox is most commonly used to correct deep wrinkles on the forehead, but also has other uses including treating headaches and migraines, or stopping sweating.

So far, the ATX-104 system has been able to produce better results than many of the fillers that are readily available. It is still undergoing testing, and Kythera Biopharmaceuticals has announced that the first in-human trial of the light-activated filler was successful.

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based out of California, and was started by former employees of Amgen. It has about $40 million in funding, and is working on the ATX-104 system, along with three other products designed specifically for the aesthetic market.

American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Investigates Aquamid Fillers

The results of a recent study investigating the injectable Aquamid were revealed at The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) 2009 meeting.

Aquamid is an injectable filler designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, and is made with 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel and, according to the results of the study, is as well tolerated as hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm.

Rhoda Narins, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology of the New York University School of Medicine in New York City and Director of the Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center of New York reports that, “our results demonstrate that polyacrylamide hydrogel shows strong potential as a permanent soft tissue filler.” The ingredients in Aquamid are non-biodegradable, which means this particular filler cannot migrate. The compound is also expected to last longer than traditional hyaluronic fillers, which may be a cost benefit to consumers.

Aquamid is marketed as a soft volume filler to enhance facial contours, fill out nasolabial folds, smooth out wrinkles and folds in the cheeks and lips, and can also be used to reshape the nose. The filler boasts natural-looking results and lasting satisfaction. In long-term clinical trials, physicians judged the aesthetic results at one, two and four year intervals, and found that results were still good or very good for more than 90% of patients at each interval.

Data after five years shows that patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with results during the follow-up session, and the filler produced similar aesthetic results. The filler is designed to completely integrate with the body’s tissues, which means there is no risk of an allergic reaction to the micro-particles present in the compound. Aquamid is also not linked to tissue hardening or fibrosis.

Efficacy of Aquamid was maintained through the 12-month post follow up treatment for the filler, and showed a significant improvement in results in treatment groups.

Azfibrocel-T Reviewed by FDA for Wrinkle Reduction

Today’s innovative treatments for wrinkle reduction include laser skin resurfacing treatments, facelift surgery and dermal fillers such as Restylane and Botox. However, cell therapy may be another option for men and women in the United States in the near future.

Fibrocell Sicence, Incorporated, a biotechnology company focused on developing regenerative fibroblast cells for aesthetic, medical and scientific application has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee is reviewing azfibrocel-T, an autulogous cell therapy for the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles in adults.

The FDA is currently evaluating the treatment under the brand name, Laviv ™. The treatment works by using the patient’s own natural fibroblasts. The fibroblasts are extracted, multiplied and then re-injected into the skin as a personalized treatment, allowing for the formation of new cells and stronger connective tissue fibers. Over time, this results in a significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, and creates a healthier, more rejuvenated appearance. Fibrocell Science, Incorporated is planning to continue studes for additional aesthetic and therapeutic sues.

Fibrocell Sicence, Incorporated is the result of the reorganization of Isalogen, Incorporated, a company emerging from bankruptcy. Azfibrocel-T was the sole topic of discussion at the Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting on October 9, 2009 in Maryland. In may 2009, the FDA accepted azfibrocel-T for the treatment of moderate to severe nasolabial fold wrinkles for full review. The target date for an FDA response under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act is January 4, 2010.

If Laviv ™ becomes available in 2010, the treatment will be joining the ranks of fat transfer procedures, laser skin resurfacing and other skin rejuvenation treatments. Laviv ™ would be made available at many plastic surgery centers and aesthetic centers around the United States.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Can Improve Quality of Life

Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a popular procedure for men and women who have droopy eyelids and sagging skin around the eyes and upper facial area. This procedure involves the removal of excess fatty tissues around the eyes and a lifting of the upper lids to create a more youthful appearance.

A recent paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO in San Diego reported that in a survey conducted on adult patients who underwent cosmetic eyelid surgery, most participants said that they felt better about their appearance, and also noticed an improvement in self-esteem.

Blepharoplasty is performed by removing excess skin, muscle and fat around the tissues, and also lifts sagging skin in a similar ways as facelift surgery. The procedure can help to improve the overall appearance of the eyelids and eyebrows, and also restore lost elasticity from the aging process.

The results of the questionnaire showed that blepharoplasty had a positive impact on the quality of life for patients in the study, and that the patients received the same quality of life benefits they hoped to achieve with plastic surgery. The survey did not include patients who were undergoing surgery for non-cosmetic indications, or those who were having more than the cosmetic eyelid surgery procedure performed.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. In addition to correcting fine lines and wrinkles developing around the eye area, the procedure can help to improve the person’s vision and restore peripheral vision that may have been lost because of the sagging skin over the eyelids. If the procedure is performed to restore vision, the surgery may be partially or fully covered by an insurance company.

More information about eyelid surgery can be found here.

Researchers Report Acetaminophen May Be an Anti-Aging Drug

Researchers at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia have been studying the effects of acetaminophen, a common pain reliever in the United States, and its link to helping prevent muscle loss due to aging.

Study leader Dr. Eric Blough reports that, “Using a model that closely mimics many of the age-associated physiological changes observed in humans, we were able to demonstrate that chronic acetaminophen treatment in a recommended dosage is not only safe but might be beneficial for the treatment of the muscle dysfunction many people experience as they get older.” (Source: UPI.com)

Anti-aging specialists involved with the study examined how acetaminophen plays a role in the regulation of protein kinase B, an enzyme that is responsible for maintaining healthy cell functioning and also plays a role in cellular metabolism. Researchers found that acetaminophen administered to aging animals could help to restore Akt activity that would help improve muscle cell size and reduce the risk of muscle cell death – one of the key signs of aging.

Another study published in the Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews journal in March 2009 reveals that acetaminophen may also be effective at keeping high blood sugar levels under control. As a result, acetaminophen may be an effective anti-aging drug with multiple benefits, and can be used to treat many different types of conditions.

Another anti-aging drug that has been in the news lately is resveratrol, a drug that may have longevity-enhancing benefits. Scientists have been studying the role of reserveratrol and its effects on slowing down the progression of heart disease, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and several other age-related diseases. Research funded in part by the National Institute on Aging has been published in the Nature and Cell journals, and Reserveratrol is now sold in the mainstream market.

The effects and benefits of acetaminophen have yet to be tested in humans, as the initial study was conducted only on mice.