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New Injectables Emerge in Plastic Surgery - Click to View PDF
In the field of plastic surgery, you can be sure of one thing – there is always a new technique we are performing or a new product we are using to combat aging and appearance-related issues.
In late 2009, a competitor of the well-known Botox® was introduced. Dysport™ (pronounced dis-port) is the first new botulinum toxin type A treatment option to reach the U.S. market place in eight years. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it is now actively being used for the same indications as Botox® - to reduce or eliminate moderate to severe frown lines and other expression lines of the face, which secondarily provides a smooth and relaxed appearance.
Dysport’s onset of action may be a bit more rapid than its competitor, so we see improvement within several days. It appears to be just as effective as long as it is used properly. Once the freeze-dried product has been opened for use and has saline added to it (we call this reconstitution), it should be used within one day according to the package insert.
The best news about Dysport is its cost. Medical consumers will likely pay less at their plastic surgeon’s office – a matter of economics that is sure to wipe away the frown lines in men and women alike.
Another recent development is the introduction of a new facial filler, Juvederm XC. Akin to the widely used and effective Juvederm, the new XC product has local anesthetic added, increasing our patient’s comfort level and improving their treatment experience.
As with Juvederm, the XC formulation is still comprised of hyaluronic acid and lasts six months to one year, depending on individual patient factors. The smooth consistency gel restores your skin’s volume around the nose and mouth, adds volume to the lips and can fill in other facial defects too.
If you decide to try one of the new injectables, choose a qualified aesthetic provider such as a plastic surgeon, dermatologist or other “core” provider of facial cosmetic care. These providers understand facial anatomy, safety and injection technique, making it more likely that you will enjoy a long-lasting, satisfactory outcome for your investment.
by James A. Matas, M.D.
