New Wrinkle Fighters

Posting Date: 10/23/2003

?While this new human-based collagen is an improvement over bovine collagen because it does not pose an allergy risk, the results still only last about two to five months and it is not as effective when used deeper in the skin as some of the other fillers currently being tested,? explained Dr. Carruthers.

Similar to traditional collagen, bio-engineered human injectable collagen is formulated with an anesthetic to prevent any discomfort by the patient.

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Hyaluronic Acid Gel

Another new soft tissue filler that is being studied in the United States but has not yet been FDA approved is a non-animal form of hyaluronic acid gel. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component of the skin that is the framework or medium that cells live in. In gel form, hyaluronic acid binds to water and provides volume to easily fill in larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. This highly purified, non-animal form of hyaluronic acid has already been approved for use as a filling agent in Canada, Europe and Australia.

?The results I have observed in my patients who I have treated with hyaluronic acid in Canada have been quite remarkable,? said Dr. Carruthers. ?Compared to bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid gel is a superior filler that works better for improving nasolabial folds, or the deep lines visible from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth, that can be hard to treat. In addition, the results of hyaluronic acid last longer and it requires less volume to fill wrinkles and skin folds compared to collagen.?

An added benefit of the non-animal form of hyaluronic acid is that it does not pose an allergy risk for patients and there is no risk of transmitting animal diseases by injection. Despite its numerous benefits, Dr. Carruthers cautioned that there is usually temporary inflammation that produces swelling and redness following injection with hyaluronic acid ? especially with the lips ? and injections can be painful.