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.

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.

New Dermal Filler ‘Belotoro Balance’ Under FDA Review

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing a new dermal filler product called Belotero Balance. If approved, this injectable will join the likes of Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane and Prevelle Silk as an anti-aging treatment for moderate to severe wrinkles.

Belotero Balance is manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals, and is a “hyaluronic acid based monophasic gel” that works in a similar way as Restylane and Juvederm Belotoro Balance is designed to treat moderate to severe wrinkles in the face and neck area, and was first launched in Germany in 2005.

The filler has already been approved for aesthetic use as a wrinkle filler in the United Kingdom, Austria, Russia, Italy and Switzerland. The injectable can be used on almost any area of the face, and is designed to smooth out deeper wrinkles and grooves, create more attractive facial contours, and create a more youthful look.

According to Jack Britts, president and CEO of Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC, “The FDA’s acceptance for review of the Belotero Balance PMA begins the application review process and signifies the beginning of Merz Pharmaceutical’s firm footprint in the American aesthetics market.” (Source: Drugs.com)

Belotero Balance is another non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid filler that may be administered on an outpatient basis. Still, there are many things we don’t know about Belotero Balance. There are currently no published reports on whether Belotero Balance lasts longer than  filler such as Restylane and Juvederm,  or whether it is valuable for using as part of a ‘liquid facelift’ treatment.

Since the majority of hyaluronic acid fillers boast little to no complications, Belotero Balance may similarly have a low risk of severe complications, and may also be offered at a more competitive price point – only time will tell, and the United States may need to wait several months until the FDA completes the initial review process.

American Institute for Plastic Surgery Uses Artefill for Wrinkle Reduction

Artefill is among the leading injectable fillers used in the United States because it delivers instant, natural-looking results and can be used on almost all skin types.

The American Institute for Plastic Surgery, a well-known plastic surgery center in the Dallas metro area, is using Artefill for many of its patients that want to fight wrinkles. A recent article in Medical News Today reports that Artefill is only available at a select number of physicians’ offices, and that the American Institute of Plastic Surgery is using it this filler to help treat smile lines, deep wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Dr. Raphael of the American Institute for Plastic Surgery made this statement about using Artefill at his practice: “As surgeons, we are drawn to products that offer long-term solutions and Artefill fills this need for our patients that want a lasting solution for wrinkle correction. We find Artefill offers enormous value as it lasts longer than any other filler on the market today.”

Artefill is the first and only FDA-approved collagen filler made with microspheres, and works by not only augmenting the treated area, but also stimulating collagen production in the skin tissue so that wrinkles and fine lines become less noticeable over time. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers on the market, Artefill lasts for more than a few months and takes only about fifteen minutes per injection. The microspheres are not absorbed by the body, so the skin remains supported for several weeks and months after the treatment.

Anyone interested in getting Artefill injections will need to undergo a skin allergy test to make sure they are not allergic to the collagen compounds in Artefill. Once approved, they can undergo as many treatments deemed necessary to achieve their youthful appearance. More information about Artefill can be found here.

Demand for Dermal Fillers Remains Strong Despite State of the Economy

While many prospective patients are waiting for a better economic climate before forking over a few hundred dollars for plastic surgery, those in need of a quick fix are still heading to the cosmetic surgeon’s office for a more affordable treatment. Demand for dermal fillers remains strong in these turbulent times, and the Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery in San Diego reports a 30% increase in requests for dermal fillers this year.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) had previously issued a report about demand for injectables this Spring, concluding that many people would still be seeking out alternatives to pricey surgery. The statistics from the Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery confirms that this has been the case for the latter half of 2009.

Some of the most sought-after injectables include Botox, Artefill,  and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid fillers are most commonly used for treating fine lines and wrinkles around the face, while Botox is most commonly used to fill out deep grooves on the forehead. Artefill is among the longer-lasting fillers that is commonly used to treat smile lines and fill the lips. Various collagen and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have been approved by the FDA for the correction of lines and wrinkles, and some doctors also use them in conjunction with other skin rejuvenation treatments to enhance results.

Most dermal fillers take between 15 to 30 minutes to administer, and typically deliver immediate results with no downtime. This makes them a convenient option for many men and women on the go, and the lower price points – anything from $300 to $600+ per treatment – also make this an affordable choice for many during these tough economic times.

Dr. Alavi, the medical director at the Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, points out that injectables like Artefill also last approximately six months, so patients can make an investment now and enjoy several immediate, short-term benefits.

Dermal Fillers Prove to Be Valuable Alternative to Eyelid Lift Surgery

If you’ve noticed the skin above and around your eyes is beginning to sag, you may be a good candidate for eyelid lift surgery. This surgery works by removing excess fatty tissues from around the delicate eye area, and lifting up the skin to create a more wide-eyed, youthful appearance. However, some doctors believe that going under the knife to achieve this youthful look isn’t your only option.

Dermal fillers are proving to be a valuable alternative to eyelid lift surgery and can take years off your appearance after just a single treatment. Injectable fillers can help to raise the upper eyelid and brow area, making the eyes appear more prominent. The injectable also adds more volume to the face, which can help those who have sagging, loose skin around the eye area.

Dr. Val Lambros, author of an article that appeared in the most recent issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, a publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, explains how hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can provide reliable, consistent and exceptional results for improving the eye area, and may be a valuable alternative to surgery fro many people.

This procedure works by adding volume to the brow line and upper lid, and the soft filler helps create a contoured, natural appearance. By increasing volume in the brow, the eyes are naturally lifted and can create a more youthful look.

This ‘nonsurgical brow lift’ can be performed with local anesthesia, and typically takes under an hour. Most patients experience only a light soreness or redness at the treatment site, and this will disappear within a few hours. The filler can remain in the body for up to 8 to 12 months, but touch up treatments may be required every six months in some people.

UK Researchers Report on Complications of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers continue to be some of the most sought-after procedures for men and women who want to get rid of wrinkles without surgery, and are becoming an in-demand procedure for many who want to side-step the effects of the recession and achieve results with an affordable makeover. However, a recent report for the UK suggests that many people experience a variety of complications with permanent cosmetic fillers than with any other types of cosmetic injections on the market.

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (BAAPS), 38.5% of surgeons who saw 1 to 3 patients over the past year experienced significant complications with permanent facial fillers, and 23% of surgeons who saw 1 to 3 patients in the past year had complications so severe that surgery was needed to make the corrections.  (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

Doctors in the United States encourage patients to make sure that the person who will be administering the injections has years of experience and is licensed to perform the procedure. Cosmetic injections such as Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and other fillers are now readily available at medical spas, and even some day spas, around the country. However, inexperience often leads to many of the complications that first-time patients experience.

Dr. Julies Few, a plastic surgeon in Chicago, also points out that the challenge of getting a permanent filler is that the outcome can begin to change as the rest of the body and face ages over time. The only permanent filler with a proven safety record is fat injections, especially if the fat is from the patient’s own body.

Still, non-permanent fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, Cosmoderm, Evolence and Juvederm had very few complications, and many believe this is because the results do diminish over time. Consumers need to be aware of the potential dangers of synthetic dermal fillers, and make sure that they are not getting their injections from an unqualified practitioner.

Experts Say Liquid Facelift Alone Won’t Create Youthful Look

The Liquid Facelift has become a popular procedure in the midst of the economic downturn because it is usually priced much lower than conventional facelift surgery, and offers instant results.

Many people who want to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles and achieve a more youthful look can enjoy significant result with a series of dermal fillers injected into various compartments of the face. Many surgeons today use a combination of Restylane, Juvederm, Botox and Hylaform to create a sculpted, toned and rejuvenated appearance.

However, some doctors believe that fillers alone cannot restore volume as effectively as surgery, and that patients will receive the best results with a combination of light surgery and filler treatments. According to Dr. James Zins, department chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, “In a ‘liquid facelift’, there is no lifting of the tissue – this term is inaccurate and we have to be careful about misconstruing and giving the patient false, misleading information.”

Even though some injectable fillers have the power to increase collagen production and improve the skin’s appearance naturally, others only fill up the cheeks and tissues temporarily, so more sagging may occur when the filler disappears. Since fat atrophy and poor skin texture are to blame for wrinkles and fine lines, some surgeons believe that injectables alone aren’t enough. Skin tightening treatments such as Thermage, and procedures like the Threadlift that involve inserting sutures into the face to tighten the skin naturally may be a better solution for many.

Does this mean the liquid facelift is ineffective? That depends. Age, genetic makeup and the overall condition of the skin all play a role in what the outcome will be, and results vary significantly for each person. A patient must have a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon or anti aging specialist to determine if their skin will be able to tolerate various types of fillers, and whether facelift surgery may be the only viable treatment option for them.

(Source and Photo Credit: ModernMedicine.com)

Study Shows Patients Not Afraid to Admit to Dermal Filler Treatments

Going to the plastic surgeon’s office or medical spa was once considered a taboo subject, and only some people would readily disclose the facts and details about their visits to friends and family. However, times have changed, especially when it comes to minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers.

A survey conducted by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation shows that of 687 patients who received Botox Cosmetic or hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Perlane, Evolence, Restylane, Prevelle Silk, Captique or Hylaform, 87% say they had confided in close friends or family members about the procedure.

More than 70% of those who said they shared the details about their dermal filler treatment found that friends and family members had been supportive about their decision, while the remaining 12% received a more critical response.

Botox continues to be the most sought-after minimally invasive procedure in the United States, and millions of injections are administered by licensed doctors and medical aestheticians every year.

Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Evolence are now used in ‘liquid’ facelift procedures where the surgeon can target certain areas of the face to create a lifted appearance. Some fillers are also used for lip augmentation, and to reduce deep wrinkles in the forehead. These fillers do have some mild side effects in some people, but all must be administered by a licensed professional in order to avoid migration of the compounds, and to ensure that the injection site does not become infected.

Dermal fillers are a convenient, and even affordable option for many people looking for a quick and effective anti-aging fix. Most people who want to maintain results must receive touch-up treatments at least every four to six months. Results are immediate, so in most cases, friends and family members are bound to notice that something has been done.