Wrinkle Fillers Linked to Serious Injuries

Injected dermal wrinkle fillers have caused many serious side effects. Since January 2003, there have been 930 reports, from the U.S. and other places, of various side effects, according to the FDA. Though some side effects, like minor swelling, are expected, some of the reported dermal wrinkle filler side effects were serious, including loss of facial muscle control, disfigurement and life threatening allergic reactions. No specific product were named by the FDA in its review. Some popular wrinkle fillers are Juvaderm and Restylane. Juvaderm is made by Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., based in Scottsdale, AZ, and Restylane is made by Allergan Inc., based in Irvine, CA. Dermal wrinkle fillers are injected into the skin and are often used for cosmetic purposes to look younger, by filling wrinkles or scars. These products can be made from animal collagen or chemicals. An FDA advisory panel is scheduled to meet for the purpose of reviewing the safety of dermal wrinkle fillers and determining whether new warnings are needed for these products.