LED Light Prolongs Life Of New Dermal Fillers

In a study published in the July 27 issue of the Science Translational Medicine journal, researchers at Joh Hopkins say that they have developed a procedure with longer lifespan than hyaluronic gel injectables.

Juvederm and Restylane are among the most popular dermal fillers that are used by plastic surgeons these days. These add volume to targeted facial areas but these injectables usually last for only a year and the skin is back to its sagged state. But this new ttechnique uses a liquid that can be molded and locked into place with green LED light.

The discovery of the improved technology using LED light has significant effects on reconstructive and cosmetic surgery according to Jennifer H. Elisseeff, a biomedical engineer and co-author of the aforementioned study.

“We have a project with the military for facial reconstruction for soldiers in the Army. This also can be used for surgical trauma, to remove tumors and cosmetic applications used in the same places as Juvederm and Restylane for wrinkles, chin implants or cheek implants,” she stated.

Elisseeff also adds that it seems like normal tissue but the surgeon can control the implantation and the process of locking it in place.

“This gives the surgeon more flexibility in order to achieve better results,” says Dr Nicholas Vendemia of Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery. Dermal fillers are a combination of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body and a synthetic substance approved by the FDA, polyethylene glycol.

In the study, the researchers first used the implants on rats and reassessed the state of the implants after a year. They found out that the implants did not change shape or height even after 12 months. Then, they tested the procedure on three human subjects who were about to undergo tummy tuck. They found out that after 12 weeks, the soft tissue implants with laser treatment retained its shape and height whereas the effects of Juverderm and Resytlane have already worn out.

The researchers are hopeful that they will find organizations that will provide funding for larger clinical trials in order to have solid proof to its efficacy. If proven effective and safe, the soft tissue implants can be made available for the public within 12 to 18 months.

The team of researchers lead by Elisseeff, who is also a professor at the John Hopkins University, is also working on another technology for patients of breast reconstruction and cleft palate. It would be very beneficial for patients if this innovative procedure be made available to them.