The growth of professional treatments for visible aging is showing no signs of slowing down, and new products and techniques continue to expand the concerns that can be improved and the results that can be achieved. Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kian Karimi of Rejuva Medical Aesthetics in Los Angeles is on the cutting edge of aesthetic procedures, and he shares two of the latest innovations on the cosmetic-enhancement scene.
Revanesse® Versa™
One of the newest hyaluronic acid fillers on the market, Versa is yet another professional option for instantly improving fine lines and wrinkles in a variety of facial areas. Produced through a proprietary process that yields uniform particle shape and size (which may yield longer-lasting results as compared to other hyaluronic acid fillers), Versa has a smooth consistency that makes it easy to shape after it’s injected. Versa may have another advantage as compared to other hyaluronic fillers: Less post-injection swelling. Clinical testing has shown that this filler produces up to 24% less swelling after treatment, which means patients can get back to their usual routine immediately without any tell-tale signs that they’ve had anything done. Even more, Versa’s hyaluronic acid also gives the skin a youthful glow by attracting moisture and helping the skin hold on to this hydration for the six to eight months it takes for the filler to break down naturally.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
You’ve likely heard about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its benefits for skin rejuvenation, hair loss and more—but get ready to hear more about its closely-related also-professional counterpart, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). These procedures are similar in that they begin with taking a vial of the patient’s blood and processing it to isolate the key beneficial components, including white blood cells, platelets and fibrin. The difference between PRP and PRF is that PRF contains a higher concentration of white blood cells and fibrin plus a small amount of stem cells. PRF also takes on a gel-like consistency 15-20 minutes after it is isolated, which makes it useful for adding instant volume to the skin (and targeted lines and wrinkles). PRF is often used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid fillers to enhance results and improve skin quality in treated areas, which include under the eyes, the temples, corners of the mouth and beyond. A series of PRF treatments is recommended for optimal results, and although the initial volume seen immediately after injection subsides within a few weeks, PRF provides visible improvement for skin firmness and elasticity in about six weeks after the first treatment and results that last for up to a year.