By Helen Grange
Johannesburg - There’s a new non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment on the block and it’s called redermalisation.
It works in a similar way to if you’ve had your face micro-needled – had collagen induction therapy (called mesotherapy).
Redermalisation involves a series of needle pricks in problem areas, primarily wrinkle lines, then injecting skin-rejuvenating chemicals to restore and revitalise the skin on the tissue, cellular, and intracellular level. Not to be confused with Botox or fillers, it is described as “vitamin injections for the skin”.
The ingredients are hyaluronic acid, a laboratory-produced version of the polysaccharide (carbohydrate) made in the human body to fill in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness to the skin.
The Swiss company Hyalual has taken this injectable a step further, adding succinic acid, a naturally occurring acid in the body with a restorative and antioxidant effect, impeding the impact of free radicals and enhancing cellular and tissue respiration, ion transport, protein synthesis, and stimulating energy production.
Janice Eliasov, who volunteered for the treatment at a recent media launch and doctor-training event in Sandton, has had two of three recommended treatments of redermalisation using the Hyalual cocktail, and reports that her skin feels more hydrated, and the tone and texture have definitely improved.
“I’ve also noticed a reduction in my fine lines and wrinkles. I’m looking forward to receiving my third and final treatment in two weeks’ time,” she says.
Salma Casoo also had the treatment, not for signs of ageing but for acne scars, and has also reported a “visible improvement”.
Dr Reza Mia, a specialist in aesthetic medicine working from his practice in Killarney, says the main application for this treatment is fine lines, thin skin, dehydrated skin, uneven skin tone, saggy skin, stretch marks and loose skin – on the face and body.
“It takes one to three months for the full benefits to show, but you’ll see most of the result within the first few weeks,” he says. “The skin will show improved hydration, turgor, tone, elasticity and smoothness, as well as some lifting and tightening of loose, saggy skin.”
Although three treatments of redermalisation are generally recommended for best results – at intervals of two to three weeks – even a single treatment session produces long-lasting effects on collagen and elastin, as well as antioxidant benefits, Mia says.
And, importantly for career women, there’s no real down time, although you look blotchy for a couple of days, so it’s best to avoid important meetings.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes. A topical anaesthetic is applied to the targeted areas to numb the needle pricks, which follow wrinkle lines at intervals of up to 1cm or focus on pigment spots or problem areas with higher concentrations of Hyalual.
After the procedure, the therapist applies Hyalual Daily Deluxe anti-age care spray, also containing hyaluronic acid and succinic acid, which forms a thin layer over the treated skin to retain its moisture.
Then, finally, to soothe and calm the skin, which looks red and bumpy, you have a Hyalual aqua-gel mask treatment before you go home or back to the office.
There may be a little bleeding during the procedure and some bruising and swelling that may last a couple of days, but these are the only risks involved, says Mia.
The better you maintain the results, the longer they’ll last. According to Mia, the results of three sessions of redermalisation last about a year.
“However, if you do it in combination with other treatments, like platelet-rich plasma injections (using your own platelet-rich blood which promotes healing) and chemical peels, as part of a holistic and tailored programme of regular maintenance, a patient will never return to their baseline problem skin,” he says.
Mia charges R3 000 for each Hyalual redermalisation treatment. Most people don’t have the time or money to keep up the maintenance regime he outlines, opting instead for regular home care.
A packet of Hyalual acqua-gel masks, which contain collagen, costs R1 200, and you are advised to apply one weekly after the treatment.
A sunscreen containing daily cream is also vital to keep up the good effects of redermalisation.
l For more info, visit hyalual.com or contact Dr Reza Mia at 011 646 4044 or www.DrRezaMia.com
Helen Grange, The Star