Photofillers: The Next Wave in Facial Contouring
Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular form of non-invasive surgery to restore volume and improve the contour of the aging face. With most of the currently available fillers, the process is about the same. A physician injects the filler substance into an individual line or region of the face that needs plumping. After a little molding to smooth out any bumps, the patient is on their way.
In an exciting development, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals has recently initiated in-human proof-of-concept trials for a novel type of light-activated facial filler. The filler, preliminarily known as ATX-104, is a light-activated contouring agent that stems from a proprietary technology developed jointly by Kythera and Johns Hopkins University. ATX-104 is injected into the skin, shaped, and then an external light source is directed at the treatment area to induce photo-polymerization via free radical formation. Basically ATX-104 is composed of a conventional polymer material (similar to other hyaluronic acids) in combination with a cross-linkable polymer (polyethylene oxide or a derivative thereof) that is able to alter its mechanical properties after exposure to a visible light source. Thus, the injected filler is able form additional cross links to stabilize its composition into a semisolid gel while still maintaining pliability.
The theory is that the photofiller will last longer and hold its shape better than the current dermal fillers. This would be a particular plus for contouring applications such as cheek enhancement or chin augmentation. According to Kythera, pre-clinical testing has demonstrated improved persistence, maintenance of shape, and contourability in comparison to commercially available filler alone. Human trials are underway to evaluate the safety, tolerability, persistence and histological effects of ATX-104. If all goes well, ATX-104 could dramatically change the way we think about facial aesthetics and the melding of two technologies: non-invasive volume enhancement and laser/light therapy.