What is Prevelle Silk?
Prevelle Silk injections are used to correct moderate to severe wrinkles on facial skin. The injections are made of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Lidocaine is used to add comfort to the patient during the procedure.
The procedure is fairly short, and there is little to no downtime. The injections are designed for both men and women who wish to decrease the appearance of wrinkles on their face. Prevelle Silk injections differ from Botox injections because they add volume to the skin and fill in wrinkles, while Botox relaxes muscles surrounding wrinkles.
Who is a candidate for Prevelle Silk?
A good candidate for Prevelle Silk is someone who has moderate to severe facial wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging. The procedure is suitable for both men and women. Prevelle Silk may be appropriate for individuals looking for a short procedure with little to no down time.
Who is not a candidate for Prevelle Silk?
Patients who have certain allergies, or are taking anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners should not use Prevelle Silk. Prevelle Silk has not been studied in people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have a history of excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders. The injections are designed for facial skin only. A doctor can evaluate the patient, and determine whether Prevelle Silk is suitable for them.
What is Prevelle Silk?
Prevelle Silk is also known as hyaluronic acid. This acid is purified, and is a natural substance that is already found in the human body. The body naturally breaks it down over time. It’s a colorless gel that contains local anesthetic lidocaine, and is used as a tissue filler which adds volume and fullness to the skin. The lidocaine makes Prevelle Silk injections more comfortable.
How is the Prevelle Silk procedure performed?
The Prevelle Silk procedure consists of injecting the Prevelle Silk serum into the facial skin. Prevelle Silk contains lidocaine, which reduces the pain of the injection. The injections are given using a very fine needle.
The number of injections the patient will need depends on the depth of the skin fold being treated. During the injections, the health care professional may decide to use additional anesthetic to further minimize pain or discomfort. Different methods may be used during the procedure. Some patients will receive one syringe, and some may receive two.
What are side effects may be associated with Prevelle Silk treatments?
Common side effects of Prevelle Silk are usually moderate. Temporary injection site reactions are common. These reactions include swelling, redness, bumps, pain, and tenderness. These symptoms usually subside within seven days or less.
What are the risks of using Prevelle Silk?
Prevelle Silk is safe for most patients. However, patients who are on certain medications or have certain allergies should not use Prevelle Silk. It should be used with caution if the patient is receiving treatment that lowers the body’s normal immune response. Bleeding or bruising may be increase near the injection site if the patient is taking anti-inflammatory drugs, or blood thinners.
The safety of Prevelle Silk has not been tested in areas other than the face. Its safety has also not been studied in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or in patients who have the potential for excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders (changes in the color of the skin). The health care provider will evaluate the patient, and determine whether they are suited for Prevelle Silk.
What results may be expected from Prevelle Silk?
Prevelle Silk is temporary, and results will vary from person to person. The results usually last three months and the body will naturally break down the injections. Patients can sustain the results by following up with their health care provider.
When may normal activities be resumed?
Normal everyday activities may be resumed shortly after the procedure. However, patients should ask their doctor when they can resume strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Patients should also consult their doctor before undergoing laser treatments and chemical peels.
What alternative treatments are available?
Other treatments that are available for correcting wrinkles include dermal fillers, laser skin treatments, facial creams, and chemical peels. A doctor can determine the treatment that is most appropriate for a patient.
How does Prevelle Silk differ from Botulinum Toxin (Botox)?
Prevelle Silk adds volume to wrinkles and lines, and fills them in. Botox (botulinum toxin) relaxes muscles. Many physicians use a combination of botox and Prevelle Silk.
How much does Prevelle Silk cost?
Prevelle Silk is about $400 per syringe. Each syringe is .075 milliliters. Depending on the fold of the patient’s skin, more than one syringe may be used.
The body naturally breaks down Prevelle Silk over time, so after about three months more treatments may be needed to maintain desired results. A payment plan should be discussed with the practicing physician during consultation. Health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By DermaNetwork.org Staff
Updated: January 29, 2009
