Posts Tagged ‘Radiesse’

Injectables with Lidocaine Offer Pain Relief

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Restylane logoOne of the latest advancements in the U.S. injectable fillers market is lidocaine-containing versions of popular hyaluronic acid fillers, reports the July 2010 issue of Cosmetic Surgery Times. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is injected directly into the body area and decreases pain by temporarily numbing that area, according to WebMD.

Three injectables won FDA approval in February 2010 for lidocaine versions in the U.S.:

The products performed similarly to their lidocaine-free predecessors in terms of safety and efficacy, according to Dr. Michael H. Gold, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Furthermore, “The incorporation of lidocaine has surely provided a higher comfort level for patients [in the clinical trials],” he says.

Dr. Gold adds that in his clinical experience when patients undergo an injection that includes even a small percentage of lidocaine, “Most patients say they barely feel the second stick. To me that is the home run of lidocaine in these fillers.”

In clinical studies by Medicis to support FDA approval, the addition of lidocaine to Restylane and Perlane substantially reduced pain experienced by patients, while demonstrating adverse event safety profiles similar to those of Restylane and Perlane, according to the Medicis release.

A method for doctors mixing lidocaine with Radiesse was cleared in July 2009. “Originally, I was against doctors mixing a lot of fillers because I was afraid of potential changes in the products themselves,” says Dr. Gold. But once the FDA clears these products, especially those premixed by manufacturers, “I’m pretty comfortable with it.”

“Fillers with lidocaine among latest injectable advancements” is available online at Modern Medicine. Learn more about Restylane, Perlane, and Radiesse in Seattle.

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Posted in In The News, wrinkle fillers | No Comments »

Which Dermal Filler is Right For Me?

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

istock_000008969660xsmallRemember when the FDA first approved Collagen in 1982?  There was hope of looking more youthful, fear of potential allergic reactions, painful injections, and lots of swelling. Sometimes it took as long as a week before you finally looked normal.

Today 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, like a face-lift, for years.

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 our Seattle surgery office, we can help you make the right choice among the best dermal fillers available today.

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Posted in wrinkle fillers | No Comments »

Why Do People Get Botox or Wrinkle Filler Treatments?

Monday, June 1st, 2009

A survey conducted by researchers from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has given us some insight about patients who choose wrinkle treatments. Researchers sent questionnaires last March to 687 patients who had received Botox and/or dermal filler treatment. 

The following statistics illustrate the opinions of the ‘typical’ patient. Who is the ‘typical’ patient?  Apparently, “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.

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Posted in Botox | No Comments »