Finding the Best Soft Tissue Fillers for You Isn't Hard

Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735 [email protected]

Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]

Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]

FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 24, 2002

FINDING THE BEST SOFT TISSUE FILLERS FOR YOU ISN'T HARD: YOUR DERMATOLOGIST HAS THE ANSWERS

NEW ORLEANS (February 24, 2002) - Do the fine lines and wrinkles that have been slowly creeping up on you give away your age? Or, even worse, do they make you look even older than you are? If your answer is yes to either question, you're not alone. But now, thanks to recent advances in the field of dermatology, new soft tissue fillers can erase those telltale signs of aging and help restore a more youthful appearance.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2002 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, dermatologist Jeffrey Dover, MD, Professor of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, N.H., discussed the latest in soft tissue augmentation and new fillers on the horizon.

Hyaluronic AcidOne new soft tissue filler that is not yet FDA approved but is being studied in the United States is hyaluronic acid. Approved for use in Europe and Canada, hyaluronic acid has been found to produce considerable improvement of facial lines and creases associated with aging.

Hyaluronic acid is a gel that is actually a natural occurring and basic component of human skin. The gel serves to "float" the skin cells rather than fill in vacant wrinkles, which makes hyaluronic acid suitable for larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. Results tend to last up to six to nine months.

"Once approved, hyaluronic acid will be one of the best soft tissue fillers available because the risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low, results are immediate and last longer than most soft tissue fillers currently available," explained Dr. Dover.Collagen

Collagen is a protein that acts as the support structure of the skin. In young skin, the collagen framework is intact and the skin remains moisturized and elastic. Over time, however, the support structure weakens and the skin loses elasticity.

Injectable bovine collagen has been available as a soft tissue filler for over 25 years. Used primarily as a tissue filler to soften lines around the mouth, it has also been used successfully to augment lips, correct the early degrees of muscle loss around the mouth associated with aging, and erase acne scars.

"While collagen has proven to be successful over time, the results - although quite favorable - typically only last three to four months," said Dr. Dover. "In addition, up to 3 percent of the population is allergic to bovine collagen and two skin tests are required before starting this treatment."

FatAutologous fat transfer is a wrinkle filler procedure in which fat is removed from one part of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks or stomach, via tumescent liposuction and used to fill in deeper wrinkles and contour the "hills and valleys" associated with aging. Since a patient's own fat is used in the procedure, there are no allergic reactions associated with this type of filler.

"Fat makes an excellent soft tissue filler because it produces nice, natural looking results without any allergic reactions that can be problematic with other fillers," said Dr. Dover. "On the other hand, injecting this filler is more involved than with other fillers and the results are not permanent."

Dr. Dover urges anyone considering soft tissue augmentation to consult their dermatologist for the best treatments available and to discuss their expectations. "It is important for patients to realize that with most of the soft tissue fillers currently available, results are not permanent and they will have to continue treatments to achieve the desired results," advised Dr. Dover. "But, I'm optimistic that the new soft tissue fillers that are in development will produce longer-lasting results."

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.

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