While plastic surgeons in the past had largely used Restylane for its previous FDA approved treatment of lines and wrinkles, this new approval opens up the doors for Restylane lip augmentation. Previously, though it was not FDA approved, plastic surgeons could use the injectable for Restylane lip augmentation, as an off-label treatment.

This announcement comes after the release of findings from a recent study of Restylane lip augmentation treatments. In the study conducted by 12 doctors, it was found that Restylane was “well tolerated and highly effective for lip augmentation for up to six months.”

When measured on several points, researchers found Restylane lip augmentation to be effective and long lasting. The effects of the treatment are said to least up to six months for many patients. Those patients who participated in the study were so pleased with the results of their Restylane lip augmentation, in fact, that 80% of them chose to undergo another treatment after six months.

Restylane is an injectable gel comprised of hyaluronic acid, a key hydrating component of your skin. When injected beneath the surface of your skin at the site of a wrinkle, Restylane provides immediate correction. During a treatment for thin lips, your plastic surgeon will inject a specific amount of the product into your upper and sometimes lower lip. This form of Restylane lip augmentation will provide immediate volume to your lips, creating a larger kissable area.

If you struggle with thin lips, we encourage you to learn more about Restylane lip augmentation in Bellevue. Please join the mailing list of plastic surgeon Dr. Leff to find out about specials on Restylane and other non-surgical treatments.

When looking at a group of 50 women, aged 30 to 50 who were being treated for glabellar lines, the study found a decrease in treatments did not yield a decrease in results. The study discovered that after a patient has undergone regular Botox treatments every four months for two years, the frequency can be lowered. The frequency of how often to get Botox may not dramatically effect its effectiveness.

In fact, the study found that patients who had completed the initial two-year treatment and then received Botox injections only every six months achieved similar results. This is when compared to those who continued receiving Botox treatments every three months.

Though Allergan, the maker of Botox, may still recommend continued treatment every three months, those looking for a cost-effective alternative could reduce the number of yearly treatments.

As an added benefit, the study found that the patients in the age group also experienced a reduction in the formation of wrinkles when Botox use was continued past two years.

Dysport for Crow’s Feet: How Does It Fare?

The study, which was conducted at the University of California and published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, used 90 adults, mostly women, to compare their preference for Dysport or similar injectable Botox. Each patient was injected with 10 units of Botox on one side of their face at their crow’s feet, while the other side was injected with 30 units of Dysport for crow’s feet. None of the participants had ever undergone facial surgery, nor had they used a botulinum-based injectable in the previous six months.

One month after they had been treated, the patients were asked to compare their appearance with their facial muscles contracted to photos taken before being treated. According to the study, two-thirds of the patients said they preferred the wrinkle protection provided by Dysport for crow’s feet. With their faces relaxed, the patients generally noted no difference between the treatments.

How Does Dysport for Crow’s Feet Compare to Botox?

While for treating crow’s feet, Dysport may have garnered more patient preference, the authors of the study are quick to note that other injection sites on the face were not tested. For example, botulinum injectables are often used to treat forehead wrinkles, lines around the mouth and sometimes those signs of aging on the neck. Additionally, Dysport and Botox are not interchangeable and contain different formulations of botulinum, which should be considered when contemplating treatment.

When you visit your plastic surgeon for non-surgical wrinkle treatments, be sure to share your aesthetic goals so your plastic surgeon can suggest the best treatment for your needs.

The first phase of the trials will have about 28 patients between the ages of 18 and 64: men with moderate male-pattern baldness and women with moderate female-pattern hair loss.

Hair-restoration expert Dr. Alan Bauman, who reports modest hair growth for his patients that have used it, believes that “Allergan will likely test a stronger concentration for the use on the scalp than the 0.03% bimatoprost found in Latisse.”

Clinical studies for Latisse demonstrated that 78 percent of patients reported significant eyelash enhancement. On average, participants had lashes that were 25 percent longer, 18 percent darker and over 100 percent fuller. Results from using Latisse generally begin to appear after about four weeks; continual treatments are required to maintain the effect.

Latisse is available at Overlake Plastic Surgeons in Bellevue, Washington. Sign up for Allergan’s Latisse Lash Perks program to receive a $20 rebate and tips, news and special offers on Latisse.

For more information on the clinical trial, visit the government’s website.

The topical prostaglandins lumigan caused a condition called “hypertrichosis,” characterized by darkening, thickening, and lengthening of the eyelashes.  The effect was caused by a chemical component called bimatoprost.

Two important precursors to the development of Latisse occurred after that point, when the FDA gave clearance for Lumigan:

$2 million worth of Jan Marini skin research product was seized by the FDA.  The product in question – Age Intervention Eyelash – evidently contained bimatoprost, which was unapproved for cosmetic use at the time. Allergan later filed a patent infringement suit against Jan Marini and several other companies that had tried to market bimatoprost in their eyelash enhancing drugs.

Doctors began prescribing Lumigan ‘off-label’ to enhance the eyelashes of their patients.  But Lumigan wasn’t formulated for cosmetic use and many believed more research was needed to confirm the safety of topical prostaglandins for cosmetic use.

Research and clinical trials are exactly what Alllergan did.  278 healthy adults with minimal to moderate eyelash prominence applied bimatoprost or a placebo to their lash line.  The results were favorable; researchers observed “statistically significant differences in eyelash growth and resulting patient satisfaction” while only 3.6 percent experienced itchy eyes and redness, and only 2.9 percent experienced skin hyperpigmentation.

Latisse received FDA approval late last year for the treatment of ‘inadequate’ eyelashes.  For information on Latisse in Bellevue, Washington, contact Overlake Plastic Surgeons.