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Posts Tagged ‘Juvederm’

From Collagen to Fibroblasts: the Evolution of Dermal Fillers

Friday, July 9th, 2010

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.

Juvederm Switch Up Campaign Educates Via Facebook

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

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

Liquid Face Lift Still Getting Media Exposure

Friday, September 4th, 2009

harpThe September ‘09 issue of Harper’s Bazaar is supposed to include an article on the so called “liquid facelift.”  If you’re not familiar with the term, it refers to soft tissue augmentation with dermal fillers and Botox cosmetic.  They say the  goal is to achieve results that are similar to surgery. Yet the results are said to be “typically more subtle than surgery.”

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.

Cosmetic Enhancement Can Enhance Job Prospects

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

istock_000008859561xsmallIf you’re one of the many Oklahomans pounding pavement in Tulsa every day seeking a new career, you’re already aware that competition on the job market is fierce these days.  Many people are considering the fact that age may be affecting their prospects to some extent.

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!

Dermal Filler Choices Are Many: What’s Best For You?

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

istock_000008969660xsmallWhen collagen was first FDA approved for cosmetic use in 1982, people were hopeful about looking younger, but mostly scared about allergic reactions, painful injections, and swelling.

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.