Woman Files Lawsuit After Getting Evolence Injections

Mara Micevic of Oakville received Evolence injections in January 2007 from a local laser and spa clinic after the center promised she could improve her looks and achieve a more youthful appearance. Ms. Micevic states that “she didn’t think twice” about getting the injections because she had known many women who had gone to these types of clinics and had been able to improve their appearance.

However, Micevic reports that immediately after Evolence was injected into her lips, she could feel a set of “small balls” under her skin and was assured that they would disappear. Eight months later, she developed a bump under her top lip that began to ooze pus and blood. Soon after, her whole face was swollen and she got infections over her entire face.

Ms. Micevic contacted the manufacturer in 2008, she found out that Evolence was not indicated for use in the lips at all.  However, the filler had been marketed as an all-natural filler for lip augmentation in the United States and in Canada, and was made available at several medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers around the country.

Evolence is among the newest dermal fillers on the market, an injectable that promises to fill out fine lines and wrinkles instantly and produces natural-looking results. It costs approximately $500 per injection, and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Americans are spending approximately $800 million per year on injectables.

Some injectables, such as collagen fillers, do have a high risk of allergies and doctors may need to do a test before administering the entire injectable.

For Micevic, the side effects were enough to prompt a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and related companies who are failing to warn the public about the risk of injury, scarring, infection and disfigurement from using Evolence.  Two other women in Richmond, B.C. have also launched a notice to sue over Evolence in December 2008.

On November 3, 2009, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would discontinue the manufacture and marketing of Evolence products.

Dermaxin Wrinkle Cream Promises Results Similar to Injectables

Millions of men and women opt for dermal fillers and injectables such as Zyderm, Zyplast, Botox, Restylane and Juvederm to fill out lines and wrinkles, smooth out sagging skin and enhance their appearance.

The popularity of the ‘liquid facelift’ has encouraged many surgeons and aesthetic surgery professionals to sell more products that offer a quick fix for lines and wrinkles, and demand for brans including CosmoDerm, Dermalogen and Dysport has increased significantly over the past ten years.

Now, a wrinkle cream that has been deemed the world’s best topical collagen delivery system claims to offer results similar to injectables.

Dermaxin is the world’s leading anti-wrinkle cream, an all-natural collagen cream that penetrates deep into the skin within the first ten minutes after application. According to studies conducted by Dermaxin researchers, most people saw an overall reduction of wrinkles within the first 4 to 12 weeks of daily use (up to a 44% difference).

Since most injections cost between $500 to $1000 per series, Dermaxin offers a more affordable solution for getting rid of wrinkles, and does not require touchup treatments and appointments at a doctor’s office. Some people who are allergic to the toxic compounds in many injectables or those who experience burning and irritation at the injection site may be good candidates for a topical wrinkle treatment instead.

According to Dermaix spokesperson Teresa Richards, “Dermaxin uses is the most powerful delivery system in the world – Hyaluronic Acid – to penetrate the folds of the ski and supply collagen to the deep dermal layers…the same instantaneous wrinkle-busting and smoothing effect found with injections is also achieved –within the first ten minutes of using the product – thanks to the power of Acetyl Hexapeptide08, a proven facial-relaxing compound and wrinkle remover that provides results similar to those of Botox, but without any of the associated risks.” (Source: Dermaxin Press Release)

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.

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.

Initial Aquamid Wrinkle Filler Trials Proving to Be a Success

Injectable fillers continue to be an affordable and safe anti-aging treatment for many people looking for a quick-fix for treating wrinkles, enhancing the lips or balancing out the nose. While dermal fillers such as Botox, Restylane and Juvederm are among the most sought-after injectables in today’s non-surgical market, researchers are testing many other compounds so that patients have even more options in the near future.

Aquamid wrinkle fillers have been undergoing trials and testing for several years, and are finally appearing in select cosmetic surgery centers and medical spas around the world. Dr. Rhonda Narins, a dermatologist in New York recently reported on the results of her participation in a study of Aquamid. The 30 patients in her trial project did not experience any problems with the injectable, and did enjoy immediate results. (Source: RealSelf.com)

Aquamid is a transparent injectable that can be used for lip augmentation, smoothing out nasolabial folds, getting rid of deep wrinkles, and even as part of a rhinoplasty procedure. The injectable is physically and chemically stable, and very soft and malleable. Individuals who are allergic to some of other compounds present in today’s leading dermal fillers may be good candidates for this injectable that promises easy administration and no allergic reactions.

In addition to filling out lines and wrinkles, Aquamid can be used to contour the face; surgeons have used it to sculpt high cheekbones, enhance the lips and create more contours around the face for a more sculpted, youthful appearance. Results are immediate, and the filler does not degrade over time; according to the company website, Aquamid provides aesthetic satisfaction for years after the first treatment; It restores facial volume for the long-term, providing natural, lasting results.

According to Contura International, the company that makes Aquamid, the injectable has been used in over 40 countries. It is not yet available in the United States, and may still need to undergo thorough FDA review and trials before reaching the U.S. cosmetic surgery market.

Belotero for Wrinkle Reduction Reaches Phase III Clinical Trials in U.S.

While millions of Americans continue to enjoy their Botox fix to get rid of wrinkles and freshen up their looks, a number of Botox alternatives may soon become available and offer more options.

Clinical trials of treatments such as PurTox, Reloxin and Belotero are underway which means there may be more affordable and even more effective treatments available for the mainstream market.

Belotero has already received approval for use in Europe and has reached Phase III of clinical trials in the United States.  This injectable also helps to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, smooths out the skin and promises few side effects. Results are expected to last between 4 to 9 months, which means patients can enjoy fewer touch up  treatments over the course of the year.

Tina Alster, M.D., Director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington and clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center explains that having more options for wrinkle removal and several alternatives to Botox helps both the patient and the surgeon.

She states that;  “competition allows us to raise the bar and also enables practitioners to fine-tune the treatment plan for different individals…the more products you have available, the better, because you’re treating a wide variety of body sites, skin types and skin conditions.  It’s not just that we’re plumping wrinkles.” (Source: Cosmetic Surgery Times)

Belotero works in a similar way as Botox, relaxing and paralyzing the facial muscles so that wrinkles become less noticeable, and as long as the patient keeps up with treatments, prevents the formation of future wrinkles.

If the injectable proves satisfactory in the Phase III trials, it may be marketed with the status of FDA approval and will be monitored extensively as consumers begin to use it.  If any adverse effects are reported during this period, the drug would be pulled from the market. So far, adverse effects of Belotero have been infections of the injection site. However, this may be prevented with the right equipment and protocol.

Biodegradable Wrinkle Fillers on the Horizon

Today’s popular wrinkle fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Botox offer a number of benefits for men and women who want to rejuvenate their looks and enjoy a wrinkle-free appearance.

Wrinkle fillers made with collagen are also popular, because they readily adapt to the skin tissues and help create natural results.  However, collagen has been linked to adverse allergic reactions and may even ‘migrate’ to areas of the face shortly after treatment.

A number of injectable filler companies are now introducing a lineup of biodegradable fillers that are made with a combination of hyularonic acid and collagen, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.  These fillers may be a safer, more natural option for many.  Biodegradable fillers are absorbed by the body at a slower rate than purely-collagen fillers, and may even offer better results.  The fillers can be used to restore the volume of hollowed cheekbones, augment the cheeks and lips, or tighten up sagging skin around the eyes and jawline.

Dermatology Times reports explains the key benefits of using biodegradable wrinkle fillers for facial rejuvenation and as a complement to some procedures:

“Injectable fillers that are biodegradable can be used to replace that fat, or fat can be harvested from other parts of the body to replace lost fat. One of the reasons that biodegradable fillers are preferred is safety. If complications occur, they will disappear spontaneously. Secondly, if individuals opt for surgical correction around the nose, for instance, the biodegradable nature of the fillers makes surgery still possible. With fillers that are not biodegradable, surgery may no longer be an option if fibrosis develops.”

These fillers do not require allergy testing, and can be used for several anti-aging and wrinkle reduction treatments.  According to Medical News Today, the release of these fillers in the American market could significantly reduce demand and usage of purely collagen fillers, and make it easier to enjoy the benefits of wrinkle removal without surgery.

(Picture Credit: Bellasugar.com)

ArteFill Heads for Bankruptcy During Economic Downturn

Artes Medical, the maker of the permanent wrinkle filler ArteFill has formally announced that it is filing for bankruptcy.  The company is liquidating all of its assets and stopping distribution of ArteFill dermal fillers which means more doctors will need to turn to alternative injectables for various cosmetic procedures.

ArteFill was the first FDA-approved permanent filler to reach the consumer market in the last decade, and the silicone-based filler has been used to reduce wrinkles and help cosmetic surgeons achieve lasting results for facial rejuvenation treatments. The dermal filler became a popular addition to the ‘Liquid Facelift’ treatment that allows cosmetic surgeons to treat certain facial compartments with a variety of dermal fillers to achieve the best results.  ArteFill has been used to augment the cheeks, reduce wrinkles around the eyes and even enhance the results of a rhinoplasty.

Artes Medical filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy this month because of the drastic drop in consumer spending during the economic downturn, and, according to this proxy organizer’s response to Artes Medical, a poorly managed organization that did not yield expected results for its shareholders.

Shares closed at 7 cents on Monday, December 1 on Nasdaq, and the liquidation of assets will be used to pay off creditors; Chapter 7 bankruptcy mandates that stockholders will not be eligible to receive any monies from the distribution of its assets.

Before filing for bankruptcy, Artes Medical was also working with Anika Therapeutics to bring, Elevess, another dermal filler, to the U.S. market.  Elevess received FDA approval in July 2007, an injectable soft tissue filler designed to treat facial wrinkles and reduce the appearance of scars.  it is based on Anika’s chemically modified hyaluronic acid technology with lidocaine which helps improve patient comfort.  The formal market launch took place in summer 2008, but the contract with Artes Medical has now been terminated as a result of the bankruptcy.

BOTOX in Court – Lawsuit Underway

BOTOX cosmetic treatments accounted for nearly 3 million procedures in 2007, and continue to be the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic enhancement for both men and women. The injectable can help get rid of frown lines, reduce crow’s feet and smooth out the skin. Botox continues to be the most sought-after alternative to face lift surgery.

However, recent complaints about the side effects and even deaths associated with BOTOX have led to the filing of several lawsuits against Allergan, Inc., the makers of BOTOX. The L.A. Times reports on a number of deaths related to Botox, including the death of a 7-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who was receiving Botox injections as part of her treatment prgoram, and the death of a 69-year old woman who was receiving Botox injections to reduce neck and shoulder pain.

Allergan is fighting back with proof of the safety of Botox, claiming that Botox has both ‘approved’ and ‘unapproved’ uses. Several doctors and physicians use Botox to treat migraines, manage depression, reduce underarm sweating or improve the conditions of a chronic disease. Unfortunately, these ‘unapproved’ uses may prove to be fatal.

16 deaths were reported in January 2008, and consumer groups begged for better warnings on every box of Botox. One of the biggest dangers associated with Botox is migration; if the compound spreads to the throat, it can cause partial paralysis of the neck and even cut off breathing.

The FDA issued a warning about Botox in February 2008, and encourages all doctors to warn patients about the potential side effects of botulinum toxin treatments – even if it’s used only for wrinkle removal.