Cosmetic Eye Enhancer Leads To Disfigurement When Not Injected Deeply - Early Adoption Of Unproven Methods Led To Lump Formation, Tissue Inflammation

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Also Included In: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 17 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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According to a new study in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, polylactic acid (PLA), used as a cosmetic enhancement to decrease volume loss around the eyes, leads to disfigurement when not injected properly. The authors reviewed four cases where patients were injected superficially; all four exhibited nodule development and inflammation.

"PLA should not be injected superficially, especially around the eyes," says study author and dermatologist Greg Goodman. "This material does not act as a dermal filler, which would be injected superficially to smooth wrinkles, but needs to be placed deeply below the muscles to be a safer and more effective agent." The technique is still so comparatively new and unproven, however, that Goodman cautions against its use around the eyes unless completed by a doctor who is experienced in its use.

According to Goodman, many cosmetic techniques are implemented too quickly and too carelessly. "Practitioners should be wary of new procedures and instruction from representatives who themselves have been recently trained in the procedures," says Goodman.

Goodman also cautions patients against trying the newest products on the market. "New procedures are not necessarily the best procedures; sometimes waiting for a procedure to improve and mature over many years is the best policy for those seeking safe, quality results."

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology is the official journal of the European Society for Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology (ESCAD). Both the Journal and ESCAD wish to foster the highest standards of patient care in cosmetic dermatology. Each aims to facilitate continuing professional development and provide a forum for the exchange of scientific research and innovative techniques. For more information, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/jcd.

Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the merger between Blackwell Publishing Ltd. and John Wiley & Sons, Inc.'s Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,250 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com or http://www.interscience.wiley.com.

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