Cristal - Dermal Fillers

Cristal is a newer product that was launched in the UK in early 2009. It is a hyaluronic acid based, double cross-linked dermal filler which is made in Germany and has a UK distributorship by Wigmore Medical Limited. A non-animal hyaluronic acid (NaHA) gel, Cristal is designed from biofermentation hyaluronic acid, thus making it biodegradable and compatible with the body.

According to the manufacturer, it is produced through Granular Consistency Technology (NGCT) which produces a smooth gel solution to flow very easily into the body. It has the highest quality of hyaluronic acid-based filler in the current market, making it less likely to cause side-effects compared to other fillers.

Pre-treatment allergy testing is not necessary, so patients can have the treatment with confidence. Other factors which ensure safety are that it gradually breaks down in the body, it is non-permanent, and it lasts for a limited amount of time. In its range of products there are four main formulations: No.1 for superficial wrinkles, No.2 for deep wrinkles, Cristal Lips for lip augmentation and Cristal Soft for facial rejuvenation. It can also be used to treat acne scars and for general rejuvenation of the face.

The manufacturers indicate that the effects are sustained for between 6 to 12 months. Patients with conditions like hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid, autoimmune disorders or under immunotherapy, multiple severe allergies, coagulation defects, hypertrophic scarring, active inflammatory condition or chronic skin diseases should not use Cristal. For best results and to avoid serious consequences, it is advisable to ensure the product is not mixed with other injectables. Treatment only takes about 15 minutes and is very easy to administer. The volume of the skin being treated will plump up and wrinkles will be lifted.

The most common reported side-effects are swelling, tenderness at the implanted area, itching and minor pain. Under normal circumstances recovery will take place almost immediately, but sometimes it can take 1 to 2 days for injections into the skin and up to 7 days for injections into the lip area. The cost implications will depend on the area being treated, the quantity used and the level of the practitioner performing the treatment.