To maintain their appearance, many people turned to non-surgical cosmetic treatments over the last year. The market seemed to magically respond in 2009 with new product choices and expanded FDA clearance for existing products.
The following is a guide to the most popular injectables, ordered based on their relevance.
Click on links below for related blog posts about each topic and FDA approval summaries.
Botox Cosmetic maintained its position in 2009 as the top cosmetic treatment. Botox is so popular it’s basically become a fixture in the American vocabulary. Senators even tried to enact a Botax! Composed of a bacteria called botulinum type a, Botox creates a temporary paralysis of facial muscles to reduce wrinkles.
What it treats: glabellar lines, frown lines, forehead furrows, crow’s feet, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, strabismus, hyperhidrosis, headaches, etc.
Read:
- New Botox Uses Still on the Horizon
- Allergan Disputes Botox Marketing Restrictions
- Free Botox for the Unemployed?
Dysport received FDA clearance last year, becoming the second cosmetic treatment with botulinum type A. Expect to hear more about this product as people choose between Dysport and Botox in the coming year.
What it treats: glabellar lines, forehead furrows, crow’s feet.
Read:
The advanced porcine collagen dermal filler Evolence was discontinued in 2009. If you were happy with Evolence treatment in the past, you could wait and see if another company resurrects the drug, or you could ask us about other options.
What it treat[ed]: Smile lines, moderate to deep facial wrinkles and folds
Read:
Juvederm, the hyaluronic acid wrinkle filler has only increased in popularity since receiving FDA approval in June 2006. Last year, Allergan Inc. ramped up marketing of Juvederm with TV advertising and special rebate offers.
What it treats: nasolabial folds, marionette lines, facial lipoatrophy
Alternatives: Restylane
Read:
Bioform Medical announced worldwide shipment of over one million Radiesse syringes since 2002. Composed of a calcium hydroxylapatite gel, Radiesse has been ideal for deeper injections.
What it treats: tear trough deformities, moderate to severe facial wrinkles/folds
Read:
Until last year, Sculptra had only been approved for treating persons with HIV-related facial lipoatrophy (loss of fat). The FDA granted clearance for cosmetic applications and Sculptra was then rebranded as “Sculptra Aesthetic.” Many physicians jumped on the Sculptra bandwagon and started offering the drug.
What it treats: deep smile lines, contour deficiencies, folds, wrinkles
Read:
