FURTHER INFORMATION

What are stem cells and fibroblasts?

Stem cells are the body's repair mechanism. They do this through their ability to divide into new cells and hence replenish old cells. This helps to maintain the normal turnover of cells in the blood, skin, organs and tissues.

Fibroblasts are also a type of cell, which provide the structural framework for tissues and are not only responsible for the production of the collagen and elastin found in the extracellular matrix but are also important in wound healing.



What is mesotherapy?


Mesotherapy is a blanket term used to cover different modes of delivery of a substance or solution into the mesodermal layer of the skin. This includes microinjections and injections using a mesogun. The injections penetrate the top-most layers of the skin only.



Is the treatment painful?

There is some discomfort when undergoing the treatment, but little or no pain during or after the treatment. Patients can choose to have a topical anaesthetic cream applied to their face before undergoing the microinjection or mesogun modes of delivery.



Who administers the treatment?

ActiStem® dermal should be administered by experienced, qualified cosmetic and aesthetic practitioners only.

Can anyone get this treatment?

Anyone who seeks improvement in the skin texture of their face, neck and back of hands is eligible for the treatment provided:

- They do not have a known hypersensitivity to ovine products

- They do not have existing skin allergies, dermatologic lesions, eczema, psoriasis and/or skin eruptions

- There is no infection at the proposed injection sites

- They do not have skin cancer.

How long does a treatment take?

Treatment by mesogun takes about 15-30 minutes, while microinjections take 30-60 minutes and treatment using a dermal roller takes 30-45 minutes.



Are there any side effects?

Some bruising, redness, bumpiness on the skin, itching and a little pain may occur at the injection sites that may last for a few days. Other possible adverse effects that have not yet been reported in clinical trials to date include skin rashes and allergic reactions.



How long before any results are seen on the skin?

Unlike "blockers" and "fillers", ActiStem® dermal is an "activator". After it is introduced into the mesoderm layer of the skin, the stem cells are activated to revitalize the skin cells. Results begin to show in about 48 hours, and continue to improve, peaking at about 3 weeks and lasting up to six months.



How often should one get ActiStem® dermal treatments?

Treatments with ActiStem® dermal are recommended 3-6 months apart. However, as the results can vary with age and sex, patients should consult first with their cosmetic or aesthetic practitioner before repeating treatment.

BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

Two weeks before the surgery, you should not take any medications containing aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid), since these products affect the bloods clotting mechanism and therefore may lead to excessive bleeding during and after surgery, hence resulting increased bruising. Taking high doses of vitamin E preparations, eating large amounts of garlic and consuming alcohol can also produce the same result and should be avoided. If pain medication is necessary, we recommend you take ibuprofen/paracetamol.

It is in your own best interests to quit smoking, at least two weeks before and until 2 weeks after surgery. It is well known that smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to a decreased blood supply to the skin, thus slowing and interfering with the healing process.

Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications you take, as well as possible allergies including (drug, latex, plasters and so on).

Your surgeon will decide whether preliminary examinations are necessary, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, or x-rays of the lungs. If this is the case, these tests should be performed several weeks before the surgery.

It is best not to wear any makeup when you come in for your operation. Wear loose clothing that doesn't need to be pulled over your head; you may also want to bring a scarf to cover the bandages on the way home.

Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your operation.

Make certain you have someone to collect you and stay with you overnight after the surgery. You are not allowed to drive a car for 48 hours after the surgery, due to the effects of the anaesthetic.

On the day of the operation, the surgeon will explain each step of the procedure, and the nurse will assist you throughout the operation. A local anaesthetic will be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) with a very fine needle. You will feel a slight sting and a light burning sensation, but that will disappear almost immediately. The anaesthetic will last about 2-3 hours and will guarantee you have a painless procedure.

At the end of the operation, your face will be cleaned with a sterile solution; a dressing will then be applied as well as a facial band that will sit under chin and around the head.