Matridur ® and Matridex ® - Dermal Fillers

A mixture of 25mg/ml stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid and 25mg/ml cross-linked hyaluronic acid, Matridur was introduced in the UK market in 2004. On the other hand, Matridex contains hyaluronic acid and dextranomeres, which is essentially dextran molecules. This combination leads to the formation of microparticles that have a positively charged surface with an approximate diameter of 80-120 microns. These microns have found use in surgical operations where fast healing is needed. They also find application in conditions where soft tissue needs to be recovered. A good example for this kind of treatment is in treating incontinence, which involves regeneration, repairing and bulking of the urethra, a very delicate part of the body that requires quality handling. Skin tests before using the product are not required because most of the components are natural. Therefore, they can be trusted not to have any advanced side effects to the patient. However, compatibility tests can be carried out if a patient wishes ease any fears they may have.

Due to the hyaluronic acid composition, this product is temporary in application and repeat treatments can be undertaken once the expected duration is over with. With time, the acid is broken down completely and leaves no trace of the filler. It is then that another treatment may be required. This product is a licensed and approved medical device that should only be used by qualified professions in the medical field. It comes in a range of two formulations: Matridur and Matridex. Matridux is normally used for smoker lines, per-oral lines above the top lip and laughter lines that are commonly found around the eyes.

Individuals with hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid, autoimmune disease, tendency to develop hypertrophic scars, breastfeeding and pregnant women must not use this product. The duration of Matridur depends on the degree of product required for correction, lifestyle, age and placement of the filler by the qualified practitioner. It normally lasts about 6 to 9 months on the average, as per the manufacturers. Depending on the part of the body that has been taken through treatment, Matridex effects can last longer than Matridur, averaging roughly 12-24 months.

Some of side effects that can be expected include pain, swelling, itching and discolouration and tenderness at the implanted place. Recovery is commonly very quick, taking about 1 to 2 days for skin injections and around one week for lips. Costs will depend on the common factors of area of treatment, practitioner and amount required. The range of cost per syringe is approximately £200 - £300.