The last two years have seen a decrease in the use of collagen-based dermal fillers—and it shows in the announcements by two leading makers, Allergan and Johnson & Johnson, that they will no longer produce their respective collagen products (the human-derived CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast, the bovine Zyderm and Zyplast for Allergan; the porcine Evolence for Johnson & Johnson). For more than two decades, collagen has been the preferred filler for many cosmetic surgeons. Considering the origins of donor tissue, it is understandable that questions could arise. Plus, collagen-based fillers require skin allergy testing and are relatively short-lived compared to the next generation of fillers.

As in many markets, money drives the evolution of new products, and dermal fillers are no exception. The popularity of non-animal hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers (known as replacement fillers because they replace lost volume) and PLLA and PMMA fillers (known as stimulatory fillers because they stimulate collagen and fibroblast production) has been strong in the recent past. Radiesse, Juvéderm, Perlane, Restylane, and Sculptra currently dominate the US market. Dermatologists report HA, PMMA, and PLLA fillers as being more versatile, longer-lasting, bulkier, and better for deep-volume filling than collagen.

But what about fine and thin line use, such as for foreheads or smokers lines around the mouth? Collagen was usually considered better for those applications. But Restylane Fine Lines is one HA product that makers hope to take over what used to be collagen territory.

What will the world of dermal fillers look like in the future?  Change is certainly underway. Although fillers that indirectly stimulate fibroblast production are holding sway, direct injection of fibroblasts with Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs) may be a trend. UK dermatologists are currently testing Valveta, a filler derived from the foreskins of male babies that is reputed to repopulate skin with healthy young cells and be long-lasting, if not permanent.

Researchers funded by Allergan Inc analyzed the results of 50 patients undergoing Botox injections for temporary correction of their glabellar lines.  Doctors concluded that after using Botox every four months for two years, the injection frequency could be extended to 6 months while still remaining effective.

In addition, the study claims that Botox may have work as a preventive measure against wrinkles, which could be important for younger people considering the treatment.  You can read more details in the official online press release from ohsu.edu

Dayna Devon is leading the Juvederm “Switch Up” Campaign for Allergan Inc.  Become a fan of Juvederm on Facebook to see her regular postings on health, beauty and cosmetics.

Juvederm has become one of the most requested injectable treatments, administered by cosmetic surgeons here in Tulsa and worldwide. Made with smooth hyaluronic acid gel, Juvederm is placed beneath the skin to restore volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles or folds.

It comes in different formulas, so a cosmetic surgeon can effectively treat a variety of wrinkles, whether they are fine, moderate or severe. The latest formula, Juvederm Ultra XC, contains anesthetic to make your treatment more comfortable than ever before.

More about Juvederm in Tulsa

Quick facts about XC from Juvederm.com

• Composed of colorless hyaluronic acid – a hydrator and cushioning agent
• Results last about 9 -12 months
• Those allergic to lidocaine or Gram-positive bacterial proteins should not use Juvederm XC
• Traditional pain control methods can still be used to further minimize discomfort

Is the addition of lidocaine a big change?

Prevelle Silk, the first wrinkle filler of this kind approved in the U.S., received a slightly lukewarm response from surgeons when it entered the market in ‘08. “The issue with a hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine is that it doesn’t work until you actually start injecting patients, and these injections are so quick, by the time the lidocaine takes effect, you’re almost finished” said Dr. Joe Niamtu to Cosmetic Surgery Times.

The numbing effects of Juvederm XC are said to act quickly, but don’t expect the existing methods of pain control — which are quite effective — to be abandoned by cosmetic surgeons using the new formula.

Perhaps it’s important to (briefly) note that a surgical facelift tightens tissues of the lower face, while soft tissue augmentation restores volume, and Botox relaxes wrinkles.

Despite those apparent inconsistencies, the topic is getting lots of media attention: Harper’s Bazaar is the latest to pick it up and interview some of the physicians that say they’re doing liquid face lifts.  The Best Beauty section of their September issue includes before and after pictures and a discussion of professional techniques for administering injectables.  The magazine’s website also has a decent article with some facts and figures about some of the best wrinkle fillers.

Apparently, a liquid facelift isn’t exactly a “touch up” here and there, but a series of several injections.  According to the authors at Harper’s, you can expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $4000.  A Florida dermatologist by the name of Dr. Fredric Brandt explains, “I resuspend the face with Botox, lifting up the brows, neck, jawline, and tip of the nose and then fill in and replace volume around the eyes and cheeks.”

The liquid facelift has also been featured on The Doctors (NBC), Rachel Ray Show, New Beauty Magazine, Dr. 90210, FOX News, Cosmetic Surgery Times, and more exposure is said to be in the works.

To get a little extra edge, many job seekers have turned to their hair stylist for a new look or their local Tulsa cosmetic surgeon for Botox or Dysport wrinkle injections.  When you have to compete with young adults just out of college, who often accept a much lower wage, you need to present yourself in the best possible light.

Men and women are using some of their extra time to get a little touchup, with injectables like Botox, a wrinkle filler, or even eyelid surgery.  Botox is the number one minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the U.S; according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 5 million treatments were done last year. The cost of a single treatment will vary, and it pays to keep an eye out for monthly specials and events.

If you are going for treatments prior to a job interview, give yourself at least 7 days after Botox and other injectables. Remember, doing well on an interview is not only about how you look, but whether you exude confidence about yourself and your ability to do the job.

Ask about our special Botox and Juvederm rebate programs today!

These days we have a much wider range of safe, effective dermal fillers to choose from. They can be injected into the tiny lines around the eyes, the lines that have formed below the mouth, and the folds around the nose. They even can even fill-in areas that have lost volume, such as thinning lips and those deep furrows that develop between the eyebrows. Having any of these areas injected can take years off the face. It may even allow you to postpone cosmetic surgery for a while.

All these new fillers can be used quickly, in an outpatient setting, and you’ll look great almost immediately. Of course the downside is, fillers are temporary (lasting anywhere from a few months to a year), and some patients experience minor bruising and swelling.

The question many people want answered is: “Which one should I choose?”
The majority of the new fillers (not all) are made from Hyaluronic Acid, a natural substance found in the body. Below is a list and brief description of the dermal fillers that are available only from qualified practitioners:

1. Restylane – a hyaluronic acid based filler touted as “the world’s best-selling dermal filler.” It is used for correcting moderate facial wrinkles and folds.
2. Perlane – very similar to Restylane, it is designed primarily for treating deeper and more severe wrinkles and folds.
3. Radiesse – this thick compound is made with (natural, biocompatible) calcium based microspheres in water based gel.
4. Prevelle Silk – this hyaluronic acid gel filler is commonly used for lip augmentation treatments.
5. Juvederm – Like Perlane, this popular filler is designed for treating deeper wrinkles and restoring volume to the face. It’s been called the “liquid facelift” treatment.
6. Evolence – one of the newer injectables on the market, Evolence is made with purified porcine collagen. It helps create plumper cheeks and lips, and has a reputation for quick results and minimal bruising.

As with any cosmetic procedure, you should choose a doctor you trust and one who operates a practice that makes you feel comfortable. Remember, the use of injectables is an art, not just a science. At Tulsa Surgical Arts, we can help you make the best choice from the array of dermal fillers available.

The following statistics illustrate the opinions of the ‘typical’ patient. Who is the ‘typical’ patient?  “A married, working mother between 41-55 years of age with a household income of under $100,000.”

Roughly 70 percent of the respondents claimed that Botox and dermal fillers play an important role in their cosmetic routine.

When asked what their motivation was for pursuing Botox treatment, 34 percent said their appearance looked “stressed” or “angry”. Others said that a friend, family member, or their physician had recommended it, or they were preparing for a social event. 66 percent said they received Botox treatment 2-3 times per year. 72 percent of the respondents chose Botox to treat glabellar lines – the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows.  

When asked about their motivation to use hyaluronic acid fillers, the majority (63 percent) of patients reported a desire to remove facial wrinkles and folds – mostly the nasolabial folds that travel from the nose to each side of the mouth.

Nearly 70 percent of the respondents who had been treated with Botox also opted for dermal filler treatment.

A full summary of the results is available (in MS Word) here.