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Vavelta
Valvelta® is an innovative new treatment for improving the appearance of scarred and damaged skin.
It involves the injection of living human dermal fibroblast cells (the skin’s natural repair cells) into the affected area of the skin. Once injected the cells begin to break down old and damaged collagen in the scars and replace it with new and healthy collagen. This process takes several weeks to months and over that time re-modelling of the scars occurs so that raised scars become flatter and hollow scars fill out and become smoother.
The most common types of scar to benefit from Vavelta® treatment are acne scars and burns scars.
There is some evidence that Vavelta® can also improve sun-damaged and crepey skin leading to a smoother feel and texture.
Vavelta® is based on many years of scientific research and the most up-to-date knowledge of ageing and damaged skin.
The fibroblast cells used in Valvelta are young, high quality, healthy cells from a donor source. They are grown and extensively tested in a purpose buildt laboratory licensed by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and authorized by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK to manufacturer investigational medicinal products for human use. The manufacturer is Intercytex, a British company which specializes in skin repair and hair regeneration.
More than one treatment may be necessary to achieve optimum results. Valvelta is only available fro a small number of designated specialist centre and highly trained physicians in the UK. Court House Clinics offers Vavelta at our Derby, Stockport and Wimpole Street clinics.
Prices from £650
Frequently asked questions
How does the treatment work?
Vavelta® introduces human dermal fibroblasts (collagen secreting skin cells) which are injected by a specialist doctor directly into the dermis of the skin; they take their time to become established the intention of which is to improve the tone and elasticity of the skin to provide a more youthful appearance. The results are expected to be gradual, subtle and targeted at repairing your skin.
How long does the treatment take and how many sessions will I require?
One session of Vavelta® takes approximately 1 - 2 hours to perform and usually only one session is required, although if you wish to retreat an area or treat a new area then a further procedure may be undertaken.
Is the treatment painful?
An anaesthetic cream is normally applied to the area to be treated 1 – 2 hours prior to treatment so as to prevent significant discomfort in most patients. A stinging sensation will be felt as the cells are injected.
Are there any possible side effects?
There may be some side effects with Vavelta® although not everyone experiences them. Very common side effects include immediate pain and discomfort at the site of injection; this may be associated with transient redness, swelling, itching and / or tenderness, bruising or skin discolouration lasting for several days.
Vavelta® may also cause a delayed reaction at the injection site commencing approximately one week following injection. This is a relatively frequent event and may incude redness, swelling and itching. These symptons may persist for several days before resolving spontaneously.
There is the very rare risk of generalised allergic reaction to any of the compenents of Vavelta®
Will I be able to return to work straight after the procedure?
Patients may need to take a day or so off work immediately after the proceeure and should consider whether the possibiity of experiencing redness, swelling and itching one week after the procedure will affect their ability to work. Make-up can be used as necessary within 24 – 48 hours after the procedure.
How long will any results become apparent?
The results may take a number of weeks or even months to become apparent and will vary from patient to patient because it takes time for the injected cells to start producing collagen and stimulate changes in the extracellular matrix (network of fibrous and non-fibrous materials that contribute to structure and appearance of the skin). However, the beauty of this approach is that the skin should improve gradually as the new cells become integrated and established and have their effect on your own skin structure.
How long will the results last?
Long term clinical information is not yet available so it is not possible to say how long any effects will last.
What are the differences between Vavelta® and fillers?
Fillers such as hyaluronic acid are designed to treat specific lines and wrinkles and replace lost volume and their effects last 3 – 6 months. For facial use, Vavelta® introduces human dermal fibroblast into the skin with the aim of laying down new collagen into the dermis thereby improving the structure of the skin.
Vavelta cannot be used at the site of existing dermal filler; it is usally recommended that patients wait 12-months before proceeding with such treatment.
Before and after
Testimonial
I had suffered from acne scarring since the age of 17 and had tried many treatments over the years and even resorted to surgery having had an S lift in an attempt to improve the appearance of the scars. Nothing had improved them enough to make a real difference. I discovered Vavelta by chance having visited Dr Stones about another issue. Dr Stones recognized that my main concern was my scarring and offered to contact me when Vavelta was available as he felt it would definitely help improve the condition. I was happy to take Dr Stone’s advice as he had always been extremely professional and I trusted his judgement with regard to the best treatment for me.
Six months on I am absolutely delighted with the results! The appearance of the scars has improved dramatically and the results took only two months to be obvious. I am so pleased that I had this treatment as I now feel that when people look at me they see the real me and not just my acne scars.
Karen Mollison
September 2008
