Prevelle Silk
Prevelle Silk is an injectable dermal filler used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles and facial folds. One of the newest injectable soft tissue fillers, Prevelle Silk was approved by the FDA in March 2008. It consists of a clear gel containing hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body to hydrate and cushion the skin. Once injected, the gel plumps the skin, smoothing away creases. One of the major differences between Prevelle Silk and other hyaluronic acid-based formulas is that the injection contains Lidocaine, which numbs the skin, leading to a more comfortable treatment process.
Are you a good candidate?
Most candidates for treatment with Prevelle Silk are 35 to 60 years old and are beginning to see the signs of aging in their face. This treatment is often used for the nasolabial folds, the lines running from the corners of the mouth to the sides of the nose. It is recommended for those who have never used dermal filler injections before, since the results only last three to six months. This allows patients to ‘try on’ the results of treatment without committing to a long-term change in their appearance.
Most adults who are in good overall health are medically able to undergo Prevelle Silk injections. Prevelle Silk should not be used in patients with a history of allergic reactions to lidocaine or certain other allergies or medical conditions. Tell your doctor about your medical history and any medications you are on so that he or she can determine whether Prevelle Silk is right for you.
Procedure
The treatment session usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour, and takes place in the doctor’s office. Prevelle Silk contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to reduce discomfort at the time of injection. Because the anesthetic is contained within the injection itself, no local or topical anesthesia is required prior to treatment. The number of injections needed depends on the area being treated and the depth of the wrinkle. Using a tiny needle, the doctor injects the Prevelle Silk into the targeted facial fold.
Complications & Risks
The potential side effects of Prevelle Silk include temporary swelling, tenderness, and redness. These are typically mild, and fade within two to three days. The injected Prevelle Silk may also gather into a lump or bump under the surface of the skin. This risk may be minimized by selecting an experienced cosmetic doctor who is fully trained in the injection process. Because hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, there is no risk of an allergic reaction, unlike with other injectable cosmetic fillers.
Recovery Time
Prevelle Silk requires no recovery time; many patients return to work immediately following their time in the doctor’s office. There are no bandages required, and side effects are mild. Some patients undergo a ‘touch-up’ visit for further correction one to two weeks after the initial injection, although other patients find this unnecessary. Over time, the injected Prevelle will be broken down by the body, and the wrinkles will reappear. In general, treatment is required every 3 to 6 months to maintain the results.
Prevelle Silk Cost
Prevelle Silk costs about $400 for a syringe containing 0.075ml of the hyaluronic acid-based gel. Some patients need just one syringe to achieve the desired results, while others will require two or three, particularly to treat a larger area or deeper fold. The exact cost will depend on your geographic region, the doctor you select, and other factors. If you wish to pay for the cost of Prevelle Silk over time rather than upfront, ask your doctor about payment plans and other financing options.