Prevelle

Prevelle Silk - Is It For You?

Reviewed by Yael Halaas, MD

Prevelle Silk is one of the latest entries in the soft tissue filler category. This hyaluronic acid gel-based filler got a nod from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2008 for the correction of moderate to severe wrinkles such as nasolabial folds.

Hyaluronic acid is a chief component of our connective tissues. Our natural supply of hyaluronic acid tends to dwindle as we age, but hyaluronic acid-based fillers, including Prevelle Silk, can plump up facial lines and folds.

As is the trend now, Prevelle Silk contains the local anesthetic lidocaine, making the injections less painful right off the bat. Other hyaluronic acid products such as Restylane, Juvederm XC, Perlane and Hydrelle are also in on this new approach to injectable fillers. The lidocaine numbs the treatment area almost instantaneously, making the Prevelle Silk injection much less painful without compromising the results.

Is Prevelle Silk Right for You?

There are many injectable fillers on the market. Determining which best suits your needs starts with a consultation with an experienced physician. This discussion will take into account your facial anatomy, medical history and aesthetic goals. These factors will be compared to the type of improvements that Prevelle Silk offers, as well as its downsides.

If you decide on Prevelle Silk, your physician will likely tell you what you can and can't do before and after your treatment. This may include avoiding certain over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin that can increase bleeding risk. Make sure to tell your doctor about everything you take on a regular basis, even herbal or dietary supplements. These natural products may also increase bleeding risk. Prevelle Silk does not contain animal products, so there is no allergy test required.

Treatment with Prevelle Silk typically takes 30 minutes. Exactly how many injections are needed depends on the depth of the facial fold and the number of areas being treated. Some physicians use Prevelle Silk with other injectable fillers, such as Botox, as part of a "liquid facelift." This may add to your time in the doctor's office.

The results of Prevelle Silk are immediate and last for three to four months. Other soft tissue fillers last longer than Prevelle Silk, which is why some physicians suggest that first-time filler users give Prevelle Silk a try to see if they like the volumizing effects. If they do, they may want to commit to a longer lasting wrinkle filler in the future, or continue with Prevelle Silk.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions about when you can wear makeup after Prevelle Silk injections.

Prevelle Silk Risks

Side effects of Prevelle Silk may include temporary injection site reactions such as swelling, pain/tenderness, redness and lumps/bumps. These tend to be mild to moderate in their severity, and will typically begin to wane within a week. There is always a risk that you will not like the results of this or any facial rejuvenation procedure.

The best way to maximize your results and minimize your risks is to choose a qualified injector. Complications are more likely in unskilled hands. Board-certified plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons have the most extensive training in the use of injectables.

Choosing a Prevelle Silk Provider

All About Facial Rejuvenation can help take the stress out of choosing a surgeon. Our directory only lists surgeons with impeccable credentials who are highly regarded by their colleagues in the medical profession. Viewing before and after photos and reading patient testimonials by their patients can help you evaluate whether these surgeons are right for you.

Prevelle Silk Cost

Prevelle Silk costs about $400 for a .075 milliliter (mL) syringe. Exactly how many syringes are needed depends on the size and scope of the area(s) to be treated. The cost will be higher if other injectables are being used at the same time as part of a liquid face lift. Insurance rarely — if ever — covers the cost of cosmetic procedures. If the Prevelle Silk cost is prohibitive, ask your doctor about financing or payment plans.