FAQs


What is VAVELTAŽ and what is it used for?

VAVELTAŽ is a suspension of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in cell storage medium, for injection into the skin.

HDFs are responsible for the production of collagen. Injected into the skin, they are intended to repair and restructure the extracellular matrix. VAVELTAŽ has been designed for use in skin damaged by scarring and the ageing process.

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How does VAVELTAŽ work?

VAVELTAŽ introduces collagen-secreting HDFs into the skin’s extracellular matrix, by injection into the dermis. The HDFs may lay down new collagen and other extracellular matrix within the dermis.

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Where can VAVELTAŽ be used?

VAVELTAŽ can be used for skin imperfections and scars caused by illness, trauma or surgery and for facial wrinkles.

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What are the restrictions on using VAVELTAŽ?

It should not be given to anyone

  • under 18 years of age
  • who has previously experienced a severe reaction to VAVELTAŽ or is known to be allergic (hypersensitive) to any of its ingredients
  • who is pregnant or planning pregnancy within the next three months
  • breast feeding
  • taking regular immunosuppressive therapies (e.g. chemotherapy or steroids such as prednisolone)
  • with a history of keloids (thick scars)

It must not be given to anyone who is allergic to bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) products as VAVELTAŽ may contain trace amounts of these products. VAVELTAŽ must not be given to anyone allergic to gentamycin or amphoteracin B. as these antibiotics are used in the production process.

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What is the minimum/maximum age for patients?

The minimum age for receiving VAVELTAŽ is eighteen and the maximum age will depend on the condition of a patient’s skin.

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Can VAVELTAŽ be used in a patient who is a heavy smoker/drinker?

Yes, although careful consideration to the implications of lifestyle on the condition of the patients overall health and skin should be a priority.

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What is the VAVELTAŽ procedure?

The VAVELTAŽ procedure refers to the specialist technique associated with the administration of VAVELTAŽ. VAVELTAŽ must only be administered by experienced physicians, well-trained in selecting appropriate patients and expert in the use of intradermal injection techniques e.g. plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other doctors who specialise in aesthetic medicine. VAVELTAŽ is injected directly into the skin using a fine gauge needle, under local anaesthesia. It is a minimally invasive procedure.

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Is the procedure painful?

VAVELTAŽ is injected into the skin directly into the area being treated so a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine gel will be administered beforehand to prevent significant discomfort in most patients.

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Is VAVELTAŽ available from a general practitioner?

VAVELTAŽ is only available from a small number of highly trained specialists within the UK; members of the VAVELTAŽ Clinical Practice Group. These doctors are all plastic surgeons, dermatologists or specialists in aesthetic medicine.

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Is there a list of doctors that are offering VAVELTAŽ?

There are a limited number of medical practitioners who are offering VAVELTAŽ in the UK and only members of the VAVELTAŽ Clinical Practice Group can use the product. A full list of contact details will be made available on the website shortly.

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What results can you expect?

Results are dependent on the individual. Where HDFs begin to lay down collagen within the dermis, VAVELTAŽ may provide a gradual improvement in the quality and texture of the skin. Repeat procedures may be undertaken as required.

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How long will any results take to be apparent?

It takes time for the injected cells to start producing collagen and stimulate changes in the extracellular matrix and so the time for any results to appear will vary from patient to patient.

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How long does VAVELTAŽ last?

Long term clinical information is not yet available, so it is not possible to say how long any effects will last.

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How many times will a patient need VAVELTAŽ?

If patients wish to re-treat an area or treat a new area then a further procedure may be undertaken. It will vary from patient to patient and a qualified practitioner will be able to advise patients appropriately.

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What are the possible side effects?

There may be some side effects with VAVELTAŽ, although not everyone experiences them. Very common side effects include immediate pain and discomfort at the injection site; this may be associated with transient redness, swelling, itching and/or tenderness, bruising or skin discolouration lasting for several days.

VAVELTAŽ may also cause a delayed reaction at the injection site commencing approximately one week following injection. This is a relatively frequent event and may include redness, swelling and itching. These symptoms may persist for several days before resolving spontaneously.

There is the very rare risk of a generalised allergic reaction to any of the components of VAVELTAŽ. There is also the theoretical risk of permanent swelling, nodule formation and skin discolouration at the injection site. This type of reaction should be reported immediately.

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Will I be able to return to work straight after the procedure?

Patients may need to take a day or so off work immediately after the procedure and should consider whether the possibility of experiencing redness, swelling and itching one week after the procedure will affect their ability to work. Make-up can be used as necessary 24 - 48 hours after the procedure.

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How much will VAVELTAŽ cost?

The cost of VAVELTAŽ will vary from patient to patient depending on the area treated, the results required and the patient’s own response, which may vary from individual to individual. Please consult your medical practitioner for a more detailed breakdown of costs.

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