Tag Archives: filler

Wrinkle implants may cause arthritis

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Permanent cosmetic implants could cause allergic reactions such as arthritis, according to a report published in the Archives of Dermatology journal.

Doctors have reported that some patients developed problems over a year after the fillers or implants were placed.

The report said that the safety of polyalkylimide implant gels is questionable.

Dr Jaume Alljotas-Reig of the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Autonomous University of Barcelona said that both doctors and patients needed to be aware of delayed reactions.

The team examined 25 patients who had adverse reactions a year or more after having filler implants.

Sculptra – restoring facial volume with the new deep tissue filler

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One of the main indicators of facial ageing is the loss of youthful volume. This is why people carrying a little extra weight often have a younger looking face.

Until recently there was nothing to be done to restore youthful volume. Now cosmetic surgeons are able to volumise using a person’s own fat – extracted from the stomach or thighs. But this is a quick fix as the fat breaks down fast and is reabsorbed into the body.

A new treatment originally developed to restore facial volume in HIV patients is now available for cosmetic treatments: Sculptra is a non-invasive injectable treatment which smoothes deeper wrinkles and lines, restores facial volume and contours the face. It works gradually over time by stimulating the build up of the body’s own collagen to get rid of lines and wrinkles and restore a youthful appearance with natural looking results. The patient pictured right after Sculptra treatment.

Sculptra’s main ingredient is a natural substance called poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable polymer, which is injected deep into the skin and works from within the skin’s layers, stimulating the body’s own production of collagen to sculpt a smoother more youthful look. After injection the area needs to be massaged regularly to ensure even distribution under the skin. A series of injections is usually needed to achieve a gradual change.

Once collagen production has been stimulated, Sculptra’s natural looking results should become noticeable after approximately six weeks and can last as long as two years. This subtle enhancement allows you to gradually restore youthful skin as there is no dramatic, instant change, but rather a gradual enhancement as the skin’s appearance is volumised gradually from within, continuing a fresher and younger look.

Poly-L-lactic acid has been used in medical devices for over twenty years and is suitable for most skin types. It has been shown to have a good safety profile and be effective without the possible reactions associated with animal derived products. Depending on the area to be treated, Sculptra takes around 30 minute treatment time and two or three treatments are usually required. There is minimal discomfort with the procedure and Sculptra carries no risk of muscle paralysis which can lead to an unnatural looking facial expression or even drooping features.

As with all filler treatments u you can expect some minor bleeding and bruising and swelling. If you take a natural remedy such as arnica beforehand this can help minimize any bruising.

Questions and Answers on Sculptra

Who performs treatment with Sculptra?

A cosmetic doctor who has been trained to use the correct procedure for Sculptra performs the treatment in his practice.

Does the treatment hurt?

As with all injections you will feel some discomfort. It may be that you notice a brief burning sensation at the injection site. An ice pack applied after the treatment will help to calm your skin. If necessary, your healthcare professional can also give you a local anaesthetic.

What must I keep in mind after the treatment?

Your cosmetic doctor will give you special aftercare instructions. These include massaging the treated areas of your face in the first few days after the treatment. All you need is a few minutes twice a day. Inform your practitioner if any side effects occur, such as inflammation or small bumps in the treated area.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effects with the use of Sculptra include injection-related side effects at the site of injection such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These effects generally resolve in 2-6 days. It should not be injected if there is a skin infection or inflammation. It is also not suitable for pregnant or breast feeding women.

Are the results from Sculptra immediate?

No. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra worked immediately because of the swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra takes time to work; results should be noticeable after approximately 6 weeks. Your practitioner will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more Sculptra injections.
Sculptra cost is based on the number of phials needed. Cost per phial is

For more information and practitioners visit www.sculptra.com and www.sculptra.co.uk or T(within UK): 0800 0852 046. Angelica Kavouni MD, FRCS of T: + 44 (0)20 7486 9040 129 Harley Street, London W1. www.cosmetic-solutions.co.uk

Listen to the ELIXIR interview with Harley Street London cosmetic surgeon Angelica Kavouni on Sculptra or download onto your iPod to listen Angelica Kavouni

Laresse – the new generation of dermal fillers

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London: Laresse – new dermal filler from the US and which says it is the most technologically advanced has launched in Europe.

It is synethetically made from absorbable medical polymers, “bio-polymer” which uses such small particles that it can be used for tiny wrinkles and is injected with the smallest of needles, reducing bruising.

Before and after photo right

Laresse is the creation of Californian company Fzio Med which manufacturers medical polymers. The company has been given regulator approval in Europe, including the UK, has yet to receive permission from the FDA for use on patients in the US.

The company claims that is a superior “new generation” filler because it has none of the drawbacks of previous fillers. For example, collagen which was sourced for animal sources such as bovine or porcine, required an allergy test. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a newer filler, which is a precursor to collagen in the human body is made from bacteria and has to go through a process known as “cross-linking” which slows down body’s natural absorption of the material.

It also is nonimmunogentic and non-clumping, says FzioMed.

Made by the Californian company FzioMed it was rolled out to cosmetic surgeons and medical surgeons in the UK earlier this year.

Dr Richard Berg, PhD, FzioMed Vice President of Research and Chief Science Officer said: “Laresse is not made from HA so it has no bacterial or animal components, no cross-linking chemicals, and no gel particles. It’s a pure, ultra-smooth, gel that can be used to shape facial contours and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.”

Laresse is a non-permanent filler which has been formulated from the company’s experience in spinal surgery. The effects are said to last for six months and costs from $488 (£250 €370).

For a practioner in the UK contact 07876 346 764 or visit www.laresse.com
The first positively flawless dermal filler
Non-animal, non-bacterial, non-permanent, non-crosslinked

Laresse – New Technology in dermal fillers – the facts

• 2006 Laresse: New technology with 3 new features: no animal contaminants, no crosslinkers, no particles, to provide less worry, less pain, thinner needles

• 1990’s Hyaluronic Acid : 2 new features over collagen:
• 6 months vs. 3 months) and no pretreatment skin test.
• Technology static for 10 years; NO NEW TECHNOLOGIES since HA (Many HA fillers, all the same)
• HA’s drawbacks not addressed: animal or bacterial source, crosslinkers and particles

• 1980’s Bovine Collagen, First temporary filler, 3 months

What is Laresse?

• Composed of 2 polymers mixed together in a dilute aqueous solution
• Carboxymethylecellulose (CMC) & Polyethylene Oxide (PEO
• Both CMC and PEO polymers have a high affinity for water producing a hydrogel, or water-containing gel.

Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

• Because natural HA degrades rapidly, it must be chemically modified to be useful as a dermal filler
• Chemicals such as BDDE (1,4-butane-diol diglycidyl ether, a known carcinogen) are used to “cross-link” HA molecules together to slow down degradation
• All HA fillers require chemical cross-linking to achieve longer residence time in the dermis
• Residues of cross-linking agents are toxic and may cause inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions
• Cross-linking creates a gel made up of HA particles
• Particle size limits delivery through a 30g needle (many fillers require 27g needle)
• Particles can cause a less desirable cosmetic result

Laresse vs. HA Fillers

Laresse & HA are structurally similar, however they have 3 key differences…..

• Animal or Bacteria Source
– All HA fillers are derived from animal sources (rooster combs) or by bacterial whereas Laresse is derived from pure, absorbable, medical polymers

• Cross-Linking
– Natural HA degrades rapidly, so all HA must be chemically cross-linked to be useful as a dermal filler
– Laresse needs no cross-linking to be an effective dermal filler

• Particles
– All HA fillers are made up of gel particles (due to cross-linking)
– Laresse is completely smooth, free of gel particles

Laresse key points

1. Ultra-Smooth, Clear Gel, 30g Needle
2. Non-Permanent, Non-HA
3. Non-Particulate, Non-Clumping
4. Easier to Inject
5. Non-Bacterial
6. Non-Animal
7. Non-Immunogenic
8. No Cross-Linking Chemicals
9. Biocompatible, Safe

Safety fears put women off non-surgical fillers, says Radiesse

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San Mateo: Questions over safety of aesthetic facial fillers stop many women from undertaking this form of beauty treatment, according to a new survey from US company Radiesse.

In a recent “Face of Beauty” survey, it estimates that over 22 million women aged 35 and older who have not used a cosmetic filler would be more likely to use an injectable filler for facial wrinkles if it were proven safe, more affordable, longer-lasting and stimulated the body’s growth of collagen — the key attributes of next- generation Radiesse(1).

These findings are based on a Harris Interactive® poll of 807 women undertaken late last year and conducted on behalf of BioForm Medical, Inc., the makers of Radiesse(2).

Radiesse is the first cosmetic filler with advanced calcium-based microsphere technology that has a proven one year benefit and safety profile on par with collagen. It was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Because of its unique calcium-based micropsheres, physicians report that longer-lasting, voluminous Radiesse is the better patient value because patients need fewer treatments per year with about half as much product per treatment compared to rival treatments.

Further, the ability of next- generation Radiesse to stimulate collagen and produce results that last about a year or more with utmost safety is setting a new standard for wrinkle correction and restoring the fullness and contours of a youthful, healthy appearance.

The survey also found that the average woman looks at her face in the mirror almost five times a day, or about once every three waking hours. This fact is bolstered by more than 45 million U.S. women (60%) who responded that they were more likely to worry about their face looking old and wrinkled than their body showing the signs of aging.

When asked who men would rather kiss, 60% of women think men would find a beautiful face more “kissable” than a beautiful body.

Survey results also indicated that women between the ages of 35 and 44 are more likely to feel less confident when they notice facial wrinkles (34%) compared to their older counterparts (17% of those aged 45 to 54; and 22% of those aged 55 and older).

“This finding is hardly a surprise,” said Susan H. Weinkle, M.D., a leading cosmetic dermatologist in Bradenton, Florida, and guest speaker at a kick-off luncheon in New York City where the “Face of Beauty” survey results were released. “We are seeing a real shift in women’s attitudes from 10 years ago.

Today’s woman is looking for the next generation, cost-effective solution to help fight the visible signs of aging. She is not content to wait for the appearance of tell-tale folds and wrinkles before investigating cosmetic fillers like Radiesse,” she added. “Women today know what they want and are going for it at an increasingly younger age.”

The Radiesse “Face of Beauty” survey was conducted to determine the practices, attitudes, and aspirations of women aged 35 and over with regard to the use of injectable wrinkle fillers including Radiesse.

About Radiesse

Radiesse is a longer-lasting injectable dermal filler used in many cosmetic, reconstructive and therapeutic applications to augment soft tissue, such as facial wrinkles, folds and contours. Composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel, FDA-approved Radiesse both fills and stimulates the body to produce new collagen for immediate results that last about one year or more. As such, next generation Radiesse is setting a new standard for the correction of nasolabial folds. Manufactured and distributed by BioForm Medical, Inc., Radiesse has been proven safe and effective in hundreds of thousands of procedures worldwide. For more information about Radiesse, please visit < ahref="http://www.radiesse.com">www.radiesse.com

About BioForm Medical, Inc.

BioForm Medical, Inc. is a privately-held medical aesthetics company headquartered in San Mateo, California. BioForm is dedicated to bringing doctors and their patients safe and effective products for use in the dermatology, ENT, and plastic surgery markets. BioForm’s products include Radiesse®, the first one-year filler for use in facial aesthetics and vocal fold insufficiency; Cutanix® for facial redness associated with conditions such as rosacea; a new surgical adhesive product for plastic surgery applications being developed in a partnership with CryoLife, Inc.; and Coaptite® for treating female stress urinary incontinence (“SUI”) which is marketed through a partnership with Boston Scientific Corporation. For more information about BioForm, please visit www.bioformmedical.com

(1) The results to individual survey questions were reported as percentages of the total number of survey respondents. The percentages have been converted to actual numbers based on data from the 2000 U.S. Census, which reported 75.5 million women ages 35 and older residing in the United States.

(2) This survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of BioForm Medical, Inc. between November 27 and November 29, 2006 among 807 U.S. adult women 35 years of age or older and between December 15 and December 19, 2006 among 809 U.S. adult women 35 years of age or older. Figures for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

With a pure probability sample of 807 or 809 one could say with a ninety- five percent probability that the overall results would have a sampling error of +/- 6 percentage points. Sampling error for sub-samples may be higher and may vary. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.