Evolence

Evolence - A New Collagen Dermal Filler

Collagen is what keeps us looking young and keeps our skin firm. As nature's most fundamental and abundant building block, collagen makes up 70% to 80% of the skin's support system, providing structure, strength, and smoothness. Collagen depletes over time with age, leading to a wrinkles, folds, loss of volume and a slack appearance to the skin.

By replacing lost collagen with an advanced collagen compound, EVOLENCE® dermal filler can help enhance and maintain the structure, volume, and naturally younger-looking appearance of your skin

The Difference between Collagen Filler and Hyaluronic Acid Gel Filler

Hyaluronic acid fillers absorb and retain water to create their effect. EVOLENCE® is a structural agent that utilizes a three-dimensional collagen matrix. Collagen tends to create less reactive swelling and has a lower tendency to cause bruising. This collagen structure benefits patients as it is directly linked to the minimal bruising and swelling that might result. EVOLENCE® also does not use chemicals for cross-linking but instead uses natural sugar to improve durability.

Collagens have never had a reputation for durability despite the fact they achieved their purpose in "wrinkle filling". Cosmoderm and the original bovine collagens worked great, but only for a few months, which disappointed most users.

Patients demanded more longevity for their injection dollar and the response was the hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm. The tradeoff was increased swelling and along with that, an increase in potential bruising. Collagen became less popular as more and more patients chose the longer lasting products.

A Collagen with Durability

With the development and FDA approval of Evolence, collagen has once again re-entered the filler market. Derived from porcine sources, it may not be a choice for all, but for the broad market, Evolence is a great addition to the available choices. Used as an added support to the existing collagen structures still present in your skin, the effects and feel are indiscernible from your own natural collagen.

Evolence has been used in Canada, Europe and other countries since 2004 and has a proven safety and duration record with effects lasting 6 to 12 months. There is no need for pre-testing so patients may receive injections of Evolence whenever they wish. Evolence uses the same biological source material that has been used in heart, dental, and eye surgery for decades

Dr. Fitzgerald Official Training Physician for Evolence

As a training physician for Evolence, Dr. Fitzgerald acquires far more exposure to how the filler performs than most other physicians. Her comment? "It IS nice to see that we've been given access to a structurally sound collagen replacement. Women who loved Zyplast for all those years finally have a replacement that lasts a respectable amount of time. And anyone who is prone to bruising and/or swelling will certainly appreciate a product that offers less of those side effects.

I'm finding that the product lives up to its promise and many patients are giving it a try instead of an HA filler."

It's important to choose a STAR trained physician if you decide to try Evolence. The providers of Evolence, Johnson & Johnson, offer training access so that patients will receive all the possible benefits from their use of the product.

Where is Evolence used?

Deep folds on the sides of the mouth - nasolabial folds
Marionette lines
Potential use in the lips - under evaluation

Photo Source Evolence - Johnson & Johnson/OrthoNeutrogena
Photos Show Patient 12 hours after injection to demonstrate lack of swelling or bruising

View the Evolence Website

Not available yet but coming in 2009 - Evolence Breeze: A filler for those detested "smoker lines"

Evolence Breeze™ is a dermal filler made from the same advanced collagen as Evolence. Due to its more finely textured consistency, Evolence Breeze™ is ideal for the treatment of fine-to-moderate wrinkles and folds. In fact, the fine consistency of EVOLENCE® Breeze also makes it well suited for areas such as corners of the mouth and the fine lines around the mouth commonly referred to as "smoker lines".

Evolence Breeze is not available immediately but we expect it sometime next year.
Please join our Evolence Breeze Notification List and we'll let you know as soon as it's here.

Pre-Treatment Tips

Avoid blood thinners, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, herbal medications, vitamin E and aspirin, and red wine 5 days prior to treatment. Please check with your primary physician before stopping any recommended medications.
Have water or food prior to your appointment as you will be advised to let the treated area rest for about 4 hours after.

After The Treatment

Note: no alcohol for 24 hours after treatment
No increased blood pressure (i.e. sauna, hot tub, exercise, cardio) for 4 hours post treatment (Helps prevent bruising)
It is recommended that make up not be applied until 1 hour after treatment to allow the skin to breathe
Avoid excessive facial expressions and strenuous exercise for 4 hours after your treatment. (This helps the product to "settle" without disturbing the location where it was injected.)
Do not rub or massage the area for 24 hours.
Redness and swelling may last for 1-2 days
There is a risk of bruising which is only temporary and can be covered up with make-up.
Evolence® provides effect for an average of 6-9 months. This effect varies depending on the type of skin, areas, and amounts injected. A follow up procedure 2-4 weeks after the initial treatment helps to lengthen the duration and optimize the results.

Evolence in the News

Can I use Evolence with other fillers or Botox®?
Botox® is proving to be an ideal partner treatment with fillers. By using Botox along with your wrinkle fillers, they'll both last longer. It appears that by minimizing muscle contraction with Botox, the effects from your filler injections last longer. Dr. Fitzgerald finds that many patients can stretch out the time between treatments. Mixing and matching fillers often works well in creating a "wardrobe" of appearance helpers. Radiesse can offer contouring, Juvederm can be used in the lip border and lip itself and Sculptra can restore volume loss. The end effects of the different components, is in fact, very similar to putting together a complete outfit. Each piece plays a part in the total finished effect.

Want to see more pictures? Visit Dr. Fitzgerald's Before & After Photo Gallery.

Call our conveniently located Larchmont Avenue office in Los Angeles to book your complimentary comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Fitzgerald. (323) 464-8046

Patient Comment - "I wouldn't trust my face to anyone else. Dr. Fitzgerald has the talent that makes everyone look completely natural. I've referred 10 of my friends (and my mom!) and I'll be referring more." Gwenivere Snyder, Los Angeles - Actress

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