Three injectables received FDA approval in February 2010 for lidocaine versions in the U.S.:

• Juvederm XC
• Restylane-L
• Perlane-L

The products performed similarly to their lidocaine-free predecessors in terms of efficacy and safety, according to Dr. Michael H. Gold, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and School of Nursing.

In the clinical trials, he says, “the incorporation of lidocaine has surely provided a higher comfort level for patients.”

Dr. Gold says that, based on his clinical experience, when a patient undergoes an injection that includes even a small percentage of lidocaine, “Most patients say they barely feel the second stick. To me that is the home run of lidocaine in these fillers.”

Patients were blindfolded in the 72-patient trial of Juvederm XC, and their nasolabial folds were treated with either Juvéderm or Juvederm XC. Patients assessed pain levels during treatment and then 30 minutes and 24 hours post-treatment. Ninety-three percent reported less pain when treated with the lidocaine version versus the non-lidocaine version of Juvéderm.

A method for doctors mixing lidocaine with Radiesse was also cleared by the FDA in July 2009. “Originally, I was against doctors mixing a lot of fillers because I was afraid of potential changes in the products themselves,” says Dr. Gold. But once the FDA clears these products, especially those premixed by manufacturers, “I’m pretty comfortable with it.”

Dr. Leff offers Juvederm XC, Restylane-L, and Perlane-L procedures, as well as the non-lidocaine versions of the fillers, at his Bellevue office.

The full article, “Fillers with lidocaine among latest injectable advancements,” is available at Cosmetic Surgery Times.

Just like the regular Restylane formula that has been available for years, Restylane – L is made with clear stabilized hyaluronic acid gel, a natural substance that already exists in the body.

To reduce the discomfort of injection, the anesthetic lidocaine has been added.  In clinical studies of Restylane–L, 71 percent of the 60 participants reported less pain after injection into the nasolabial fold than with Restylane alone.

Restylane L and Perlane L are now available in Bellevue.  Contact us for more information.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons just released their 2009 statistics.  In collaboration with Seattle-based company RealSelf.com, the society says that plastic surgery is up 69 percent for the decade and “consumer interest continues to rise.”

Given the economic situation and the fact that elective surgery is typically considered a luxury purchase, these are strongly positive statements by both parties.

Minimally invasive procedures appear to be the driving force behind the 10-year trend.  Procedures like Botox, Injectable Fillers, and Laser Skin Resurfacing have increased 99 percent since the year 2000.  People have many reasons to visit their plastic surgeon these days.  One of the biggest reasons is skin renewal.  “Skin is in,” says ASPS President Michael McGuire.

Read more from the ASPS on PlasticSurgery.org and check out the RealSelf blog for more information on this story.

As you approach your milestone birthdays, how do you plan on maintaining a healthy and beautiful appearance?

If you don’t know the answer to this question, there are professionals in cosmetic medicine who can help. Television personality Dayna Devon is leading the Juvederm “Switch Up” campaign, using social media to educate women on keeping their look fresh to portray their best selves.

Become a fan of Juvederm on Facebook and you’ll see Dayna’s advice on beauty, fitness, health and expanding horizons. She says she has experience with wrinkle fillers and with Juvederm specifically:

When Juvederm became available a few years ago, I switched because it has a smooth formulation and is the only dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid that is approved to last up to one year from initial treatment.”

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm has become one of the most requested non-surgical enhancements available, offered by plastic surgeons and dermatologists here in Bellevue and all over the United States. Made with a smooth hyaluronic acid gel, Juvederm gets injected beneath the skin to restore volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles or folds.

Juvederm also comes in different formulas, so your surgeon can effectively treat wrinkles of varying degrees. The latest formula, Juvederm Ultra XC, contains lidocaine to make the treatment quicker and more comfortable than ever before.

Wrinkle fillers can be injected into deep wrinkles, folds, lines, or fill-in areas that have lost volume, like thin lips and sunken cheeks.  Using a filler will often allow one to postpone surgery.

Now the most common question is, “Which one should I choose?”

Below is a list and brief description of 5 popular dermal fillers:

• Restylane – a hyaluronic acid based filler touted as “the world’s best-selling dermal filler.” We use it as indicated, for correcting moderate facial wrinkles and folds.
• Perlane – very similar to Restylane, it is designed primarily for treating deeper and more severe wrinkles and folds.
• Radiesse –this thick compound is made with (natural, biocompatible) calcium based microspheres in water based gel.
• Prevelle Silk – this hyaluronic acid gel filler is commonly used for lip augmentation treatments.
• Juvederm – Like Perlane, this popular filler is designed for treating deeper wrinkles and restoring volume to the face. Juvederm provides a smooth, natural look.
• Sculptra – a poly-L-lactic acid filler that was FDA approved to treat facial     lipoatrophy – the loss of facial tissue. Sculptra is often used to fill in hollowness in the cheeks and other imperfections like nasolabial folds.

If you’re considering treatment with any of these wrinkle fillers, consult with a qualified surgeon that you trust.  For help choosing the right product, or for more information on the risks and benefits, contact the Bellevue office of Dr. Michael Leff.

Restylane/Perlane by one syringe get the second at half price. Buy two, get a third free. Receive an additional one hundred dollars off from the manufacturer until Jan, 5 2009.

Receive $75.00 of Botox and Juvederm now through December 24th. 2008

Payment plans available through Capital One and CareCredit. Visa, Mastercard & American Express accepted.

The satisfaction with the outcome of treatments was measured using a standard global assessment tool and safety was assessed by adverse event tracking. A very large percentage of the test subjects expressed a high degree of satisfaction with their outcomes due to treatment with this new drug.

Source: Mentor Corporation

These issues amplify the need for finding a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding upon cosmetic surgery. If you live in Bellevue, Washington and are interested in learning more about Botox Cosmetic treatments, contact Bellevue Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Leff. Dr. Leff is board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Botox Cosmetic has been approved by the FDA for the temporary treatment of wrinkling skin, including frown lines on people.

Juvederm is a temporary facial filler made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in humans.

Overlake Plastic Surgeons in Bellevue, Washington is offering a 10% discount on all surgeries scheduled for the months of January and February in 2008. Contact Overlake Plastic Surgeons in Bellevue, Washington for additional information.