Elevess is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler used to treat facial folds and wrinkles. It was the first dermal filler that had lidocaine, a local anesthetic, in its formulation. It has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid among all HA-based aesthetic fillers and comes with a proprietary HA cross-link for added durability. Here are some myths and facts regarding Elevess.
Myth: Elevess Is Irreversible.
Fact: Elevess is a cosmetic procedure that can be undone. Injection of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers is a temporary cosmetic procedure. The effects of Elevess can be reversed with the injection of a protein enzyme called hyaluronidase. This protein enzyme spreads and diffuses the hyaluronic acid through a process called hydrolysis. This condition alters the permeability of the connective tissues. Keep in mind that not all dermal fillers can be degraded in the same manner. Hyaluronidase will not work on other types of dermal fillers, such as Radiesse and Botox.
Myth: Elevess Is Painful.
Fact: Elevess is a relatively painless cosmetic procedure. It comes in gel form and can be injected into the skin with ease using a 30-g needle. It contains lidocaine, an amide local anesthetic, for added comfort of patients during and after the procedure.
Myth: Elevess Has Serious Safety Issues.
Fact: Elevess is a safe dermal filler injection formula. The FDA has approved Elevess as a dermal filler indicated for facial folds and wrinkles. The product is also available in the Canada, EU, Peru and Chile. Patients may experience mild to moderate side effects such as minor swelling and redness at the site of injection. Patients can immediately return to their normal daily routine after the dermal filler injection.
Myth: Elevess Has No Advantage over Other Dermal Fillers.
Fact: Elevess provides benefits not found in other dermal filler injections. Just like with other dermal filler injections, Elevess is directly presented into the patient's skin. However, Elevess is the first FDA-approved HA-based dermal filler that contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, for added comfort of patients during and after injection. Elevess also contains proprietary HA cross-linker and the highest HA concentration among all dermal fillers, resulting in a more natural effect.
Myth: Elevess Requires a Skin Test.
Fact: Skin test is not needed with Elevess. The FDA has cleared Elevess for commercial sale in the US. It is also a CE-certified aesthetic filler for commercial sale in the EU. Since it is made from a high concentration of HA instead of the usual animal proteins, allergic reaction to this dermal filler is very rare.
Myth: No Advantage over Early Generation Fillers.
Fact: Elevess is the better option when targeting folds and wrinkles in sensitive skin areas. Elevess and other hyaluronic acid-based injection preparations are the preferred dermal fillers for treating wrinkles and folds around the chin area and the nose. The addition of lidocaine makes it a less painful cosmetic procedure, even in highly sensitive skin areas such as the lips.
Myth: Elevess Can't Be Used with Other Cosmetic Procedures.
Fact: Elevess is a stand-alone aesthetic filler but can also be used in tandem with another aesthetic filler in a sequential dermal procedure. Anika Therapeutics, maker of Elevess, has entered into an agreement with Artes Medical, maker of ArteFill, to provide patients with a wider range of cosmetic treatment options. Under the recommended sequential dermal procedure, you can use Elevess for initial correction of skin folds and wrinkles. The procedure is followed by the use of ArteFill for long-lasting effect.
