Think stem cell therapy is a thing of the future? Not true! The first personalized approach to fillers is already available. LaViv is the first FDA-approved product that creates volume for the face by using your own cells. Read on to learn more…
LaViv is a personalized approach to facial rejuvenation. The process is simple and occurs in two steps. The first step is tissue harvesting. During a simple 5-10 minute procedure, Dr. Melanie Palm painlessly obtains three small samples of skin from behind the ear. The procedure is similar to a skin biopsy, and is performed by completely numbing the area prior to obtaining the skin samples. The patient receives a couple of stitches that are removed approximately 1 week later. Watch Dr. Palm perform this first step on an actual patient in the video below:
The skin samples are carefully labeled and transported to the LaViv Fibrocell Sciences laboratory. At this facility, the skin samples are used to produce millions and millions of cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are an extremely important cell. They reside in the second layer of our skin called the dermis. Fibroblasts are collagen producers, and as collagen creates the support and structure of our skin, fibroblasts are vitally important in maintaining the health, structure, glow, texture, and appearance of our skin.
It takes approximately 3 months for the LaViv laboratory to produce a sufficient amount of fibroblasts to inject into the skin for facial rejuvenation. After the incubation period, the LaViv patient comes back to clinic for a series of 3 monthly visits. At each visit, your cells are injected into areas of volume loss such as the nasolabial folds. LaViv seems to work quite well in softening fine etched in lines. LaViv also helps build volume by promoting your own collagen growth. Thus, many doctors including Dr. Melanie Palm inject LaViv strategically all over the face.
The results from LaViv injection take several months to occur. Gradual volume replacement occurs over this time period. LaViv may complement other procedures. For example, LaViv could be complementary to other skin rejuvenating procedures such as laser resurfacing.
The cost of LaViv is one flat fee that covers the skin sampling, lab processing, and the three subsequent visits to place the injectable product. If you would like to learn more about LaViv, call Art of Skin MD at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule a consultation or contact us conveniently through our Art of Skin MD website.
