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 Dr. Monheit |
Use of fillers has expanded beyond the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles into facial volumizing and sculpting, and the current array of products also offers a spectrum in terms of longevity of the correction achieved.
With more new compounds under investigation or pending review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and many others available outside of the U.S., the question becomes, "Is there a need for more fillers?"
Speaking at the 2010 joint annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery, Gary Monheit, M.D., says the answer is both "yes" and "no.""There is still a place for new, unique products that will address unmet needs, but we probably don't need any more 'me, too's,'" says Dr. Monheit, associate clinical professor, departments of dermatology and ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Ala.
However, he qualifies his latter statement by noting that even "me, too" products may find a role as useful additions to the filler armamentarium, considering that the best uses may be identified only after the product becomes commercially available.
"A 'me, too' product may be thought of as one that is looking for a need, but that is not always negative, because sometimes new indications are found thanks to the effort of innovative surgeons who investigate off-label uses," Dr. Monheit says. "For example, Juvéderm Ultra (Allergan) was initially considered a 'me, too' for the treatment of deep wrinkles and defects. However, because of its softness and malleability, it has become a wonderful option for lip augmentation and other superficial injections."
