Posts Tagged ‘Cosmetic Dermatology’

Evolence™ … a new filler with wonderful characteristics

Monday, October 20th, 2008

By David T. Harvey, MD, FAAD, FACP

Fig 1. Evolence

I wanted to blog about a new state of the art filler that I was recently introduced to and one of the first to use in the Jacksonville, Florida  area… Evolence™. This product is the latest filler to be used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons and has quite a few advantages over others (as I pleasantly found out). First of all,  the material is very, very smooth and easy to place. I was pretty amazed when I treated a patient’s cutaneous upper lip on a smoker I was sure needed a CO2 laser procedure (Fig 2).

The material is derived from porcine (pig based) collagen. It is processed in a very unique way, which eliminates the need for pretesting. The process of ribosylation, evidently reduces some of the secondary post-op swelling that is seen with some of the other products that we commonly use (Restylane™ and Juvederm™).

Anecdotal reports have the material lasting from 15 to 24 months but I am not commenting until I see it for myself. To date, I am very impressed with how the material seems to finds the small lines and virtually erases them. Bruising is minimal. Cost is similar to the other products mentioned and varies from $600 to $800 dollars per vial.

Fig 2a. Before upper lip line treatment

Fig 2b. After treatment

     

 

 

 

 

A new filler, Evolence Breeze™, is set to hit the US market next year and this can be used in the lip region.

I will keep you posted of my personal experiences with this material but so far …so good.

Combination Fraxel (re:store)- PDT treatments make a difference

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

By David T. Harvey, MD, FAAD, FACP

Fraxel (re:store) treatment

Fraxel (re:store) treatment

Combination Fraxel (re:store)- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is the latest cosmetic treatment that is available at our practice. For years, we have been performing PDT in our practice to treat Actinic Keratosis, Acne and Sun Damaged Skin. With Fraxel (re:store) combination treatments, we are now able to better penetrate the dermis and offer our patients a better cosmetic result.
The process begins using 2 passes of Fraxel (re:store) laser. This creates tiny zones of heat injury to the skin. We then apply a thin coat of ALA (aminolevulinic acid) which is absorbed into the skin and has preferential absorption for oil glands and acne causing propionobacterium. ALA is left on the skin for approximately 45 minutes.
ALA application

ALA application

We then use a pulse dye laser to activate the ALA. This causes a mild redness  and induces shrinking of oil glands, blood vessels, pores and wrinkles. Down time is only a few days but redness can persist for up to a week.

Our patients have been thrilled with this combination procedure and the results speak for themselves. Cost is about $ 800 per session but we do offer discounts if you mention that you read this blog of 10% off.
One to five treatments are required to see a 50-80% improvement.
If you are looking for a fresh look, this may be just what the doctor ordered. Treatments can be combined with Botox Cosmetic and filler treatments to enhance your results.
before

before

after

after