Reviderm ® Intra - Dermal Fillers

Many attempts have been made to try to fill wrinkles or scars with biological or artificial implants. However, most biological materials are normally reabsorbed in a period of one year, whereas synthetic materials display side-effects such as granuloma formation and allergic reactions. Reviderm Intra, the injectable implant, contains flexible dextran microbeads - dextran is a carbohydrate complex. It is 40-60 microns in size and microbeads are normally suspended evenly in a non-animal hyaluronic acid.

This product is not commonly used in the UK market since most practitioners continue to prefer non-permanent fillers. It mainly contains non-animal hyaluronic acid and dextran pearls and does not require a skin test. The dextran microspheres get dissolved over time, and the product must only be used by qualified members of the medical fraternity.

Its main applications are in glabellar frowns, perioral lines, nasolabial folds, acne scars, radial lip folds and depressed corners of the mouth. The product cannot be used for patients with hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or dextran beads, those who have a history of autoimmune disease, or breastfeeding and pregnant women. Results last for about two to four months and it is injected subdermally, with the volume to be implanted being based on the depth and size of the skin condition being treated.

The hyaluronic acid gets broken down by the body within 3 to 6 months, the dextran beads getting completely encapsulated by a fine fibrous capsule. This connective tissue holds the beads indefinitely. The treatment can be long-lasting but not permanent.

Side-effects can include transient erythema, pain, swelling, discolouration, itching and tenderness at the implant site. Normally 1 to 2 per cent of patients suffer from allergic reactions while granuloma can also occur as red lumps under the skin (though this is not common). Costs depend on the amount, type and area of treatment, as well as the actual practitioner, with the price range normally being £300 to £400 per syringe.