The future of facial fillers, the Liquid Facelift, and the latest facial rejuvenation techniques

Demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments continues to increase dramatically as a new generation of facial fillers and liquid facelift techniques promises better results in the battle against aging, while avoiding the risks inherent in facial plastic surgery. While hyaluronic acid fillers have earned an excellent track record for safety and effectiveness in treating fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nose and mouth, there are exciting new volumizers in the pipeline that are able to accomplish large-scale facial sculpturing without surgery.

Juvéderm™ VOLUMA™, a long-lasting hyaluronic acid volumizer that has been widely available in Europe over the last 2 years, is currently undergoing FDA studies in the United States. It is hoped that this product will be available in 2011. VOLUMA™ works to restore fuller, softer, and more youthful contours to the face by replacing lost volume in the cheeks, chin and cheekbones. VOLUMA™ provides smooth, natural-looking results that have been shown, in European studies, to last up to 18 months.

Belotero® is another hyaluronic acid material that is expected to be FDA approved in 2010.

The proliferation of facial filler and volumizer products available today is both a blessing and a challenge for people seeking non-surgical facial rejuvenation. With such a wide range of treatment choices available, it can be difficult for patients to know how to choose the treatment that’s best for them. A qualified, experienced physician can help you navigate the facial filler landscape and choose a treatment best suited to achieve your specific goals.

The 34^th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, sponsored by the Skin Disease Education Foundation (SDEF), brings together the world’s leading dermatologists to discuss current challenges and future directions in the field of dermatology. For further information about the SDEF, visit www.sdefderm.com.

Dr. David J. Goldberg
Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, Boca Raton
Skin Laser Surgery Specialists of NY/NJ

The Hawaii Dermatology Seminar

I am currently co-directing the Hawaii Dermatology Seminar on the Big Island of Hawaii. This meeting has a long 34-year history of providing quality education to dermatologists from throughout the United States. My co-directors, Joe Fowler, MD from Louisville, KY and Christopher Zachary, MD from the University of California at Irvine, are well-recognized leaders and teachers of all aspects of dermatology. The meeting is divided into 5 segments expanding into 5 days.

The first day is dedicated solely to melanoma – a timely topic considering that the meeting takes place in sunny Hawaii. The next 2 days are dedicated to medical dermatology including acne and psoriasis. The 3^rd day covers pediatric dermatology with the final 2 days dedicated to cosmetic laser treatments and other new aspects of cosmetic dermatology. I will give you an update on these last 2 days at the beginning of next week.

David J. Goldberg, MD