Not your mom's collagen

Thinking about getting rid of those smile lines, or perhaps other facial wrinkles or folds? A new product is on the market that's described as a "revolutionary form of collagen." Evolence (Glymatrix Technology) uses collagen, one of nature's fundamental building blocks, to replenish the strength, support and structure of the skin.

Buzz worthy

While Evolence is new, however, it may not treat as many areas as current hyaluronic acid (HA) products like the Restylane and Juvederm family can, according to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist and president emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. This, he says, is because the form approved is only for use on the nasolabial folds area (a.k.a., "smile lines"). A different form, Evolence Breeze, is also under development and will be used for other areas like the lips. Additionally, Evolence is a porcine (pig) tendon-derived material, as opposed to a bio-engineered product like Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm.

Dr. Schlessinger, who has performed research on several fillers and alternative forms of botulinum toxin, says, "This product is going to prove helpful for people who have to do a filler and then be in the public eye shortly thereafter."

Best of both worlds

Not only does Evolence last as long as HA fillers, but it comes with the benefits of collagen: swelling and bruising are minimal and that typically results in a shorter period of downtime.

Studies have also shown that there is a very limited risk of allergic problems associated with Evolence despite its porcine pedigree, according to Dr. Mays. Therefore, just the same as HA fillers, Evolence does not require pre-injection skin testing.

Want to know more?

Do your own comparison of injectable collagen and HA fillers using the at-a-glance chart above and talk with your doctor to decide what's best for you.