Evolence Injections – Benefits, Cost & Side Effects

Reviewed by Mitchel Goldman, MD

A new collagen-based filler, Evolence got a nod from the FDA in June 2008 for the correction of moderate to deep facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds (those lines that extend from your nose to the corners of your mouth). While new to the United States, Evolence has been available in Canada, Europe and Israel for several years.

What is Evolence?

Derived from pig (porcine) collagen, Evolence is a filler that adds volume and structure to depleted facial areas. Evolence is a yellowish, opaque gel that is injected into the inner layers of facial skin (mid-to deep-dermis) to correct moderate to deep facial wrinkles and nasolabial folds.

How Does Evolence Work?

The porcine collagen is crosslinked using Glymatrix technology. Crosslinking is the chemical process of combining two different elements to create a new matrix or structure. In this case, porcine collagen is crosslinked with sugar to provide strength and long-lasting characteristics of the Evolence filler.The new matrix binds with the body's own natural collagen supply.

Collagen composes up to 80 percent of the skin. Its role is to maintain the skin's integrity, but collagen breaks down with advancing age. The breakdown of collagen during the aging process can lead to wrinkles, lines and folds.

Results with Evolence are immediate and last for approximately six months. Additional data for 12-month duration approval is being filed with the FDA.

Evolence Side Effects

Side effects with Evolence may include injection-site reactions such as mild swelling, redness, and pain. Typically these go away from within hours to a few days. Other rare side effects with Evolence include the development of small areas of firmness under the skin at the treated sites. These lumps or bumps may be noticed when the areas are pressed upon.

No skin test is required with Evolence, because porcine collagen is  genetically similar to human collagen. You should not choose Evolence if you are hypersensitive to any collagen products or porcine products, or if you have a history of severe allergies.Do not apply makeup immediately after treatment, and keep the treated area clean. Your doctor should give you instructions on when it is OK to wear makeup.

Cost of Evolence

Evolence costs about $500 or more per syringe. Depending on the extent of your wrinkle, sometimes more than one syringe is needed.

If the cost is more than you can pay all at once, ask your doctor about payment plan options. For financing options and tips, please read the article about patient financing. For pricing information related to other treatments, read an overview of plastic surgery costs.

About the Reviewer of This Article

Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. His practice focuses on injectable fillers and Botox, phlebology (the study of veins), laser surgery and liposuction. Dr. Goldman received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and dermatology specialty training at the University of California, Los Angeles. He maintains hospital staff privileges at Scripps Hospital and the VA Medical Center, both in La Jolla, California, where he practices, and is a volunteer clinical professor of dermatology/medicine at the University of California, San Diego. He is an associate editor of Dermatologic Surgery and The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and has authored more than 300 medical articles and 21 medical textbooks on cosmetic surgery.

[page updated October 2008]