The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Pushes for Education on Use of New Wrinkle Fillers

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. -- A spate of new face- smoothing injectables will transform the wrinkle filler market in the United States, according to dermatologic surgeon Dr. Alastair Carruthers who just returned from meetings with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "This new generation of soft tissue fillers is destined to expand the repertoire of anti-aging treatments by doubling the plumping agents now available to the cosmetic skin specialist," says the spokesperson for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the world's leading authority on the health and beauty of aging skin. Carruthers is a renowned Botox expert who has used the dermal fillers in his Vancouver practice for four years without any significant adverse effects.

The latest crop of filler hotshots to hit the market or expected to get the nod from the FDA over the next few months are derived from such substances as hyaluronic acid gel (Hylaform and Restylane); micronized plastic spheres combined with cow collagen, water and a painkiller (Artecoll); bioengineered human collagen (Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast); and a synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiance).

ASDS President Dr. Roy Geronemus plans to create a task force to develop guidelines for use of the facial fillers prior to widespread availability. "While these wrinkle erasers hold great potential for better, longer lasting results, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery strongly recommends physician training and consumer education to ensure patient safety and positive results."

Based on the clinical experiences of dermatologic surgeons who led the initial clinical studies and first introduced the new filler agents in Europe and Canada, there is a learning curve to the injection technique and how these new substances interact with skin tissue. For that reason, Geronemus cautions physicians and consumers that results are skill dependent. "At this early stage, there's a temptation for all surgeons to jump on the latest craze, but we believe that dermatologic surgery specialists possess the knowledge, proficiency and years of experience to provide the technical know- how and artistic finesse to ensure consistent, outstanding results for our patients," he adds.

To help consumers make smart choices, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery offers the following Safety Tips on Soft Tissue Filler Treatment:

-- Is there any chance of allergy to the wrinkle filler being

recommended? Request two skin tests for bovine collagen before

treatment is administered.

-- Is this filler permanent or temporary? How long are results expected

to last?

-- Make sure the physician, preferably a dermatologic surgeon, is

performing the treatment.

-- How long has the physician been using a particular filler substance?

-- What, if any, complications have occurred?

-- For lip treatment, check if the filler is appropriate for this

indication.

-- Ask if the filler is cleared by the FDA or being used off-label for

cosmetic purposes.

-- Don't take aspirin or other arthritis medications and herbal remedies

prior to treatment due to increased risk of bleeding from injection.

-- Expect minor bruising from a needle at the injection site.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in the field of medically-necessary and cosmetic dermatologic surgery and to foster the highest standards of patient care.

Source: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery