Spa Canada Magazine

Is Selphyl® the New Fountain Of Youth?

Is Selphyl® the New Fountain Of Youth?

By Mariusz J.A. Sapijaszko MD FRCPC (Dermatology)

The latest in facial and body rejuvenation is here. Selphyl® harnesses the regenerative and restorative powers of our own bodies to re-grow and regenerate skin cells and tissues while nurturing new supportive skin structures. It is the first rejuvenating product to use the components of our own blood. It is extremely well tolerated with virtually no possibilities of allergic reactions, while providing predictable and long lasting results. It can be used to correct many problems including stubborn facial lines, wrinkles and acne scars.

What is Selphyl®?
Selphyl® is a new revolutionary anti-aging treatment that utilizes our own body’s natural reparative, restorative and rejuvenating capabilities. As part of the process, physician prepares a Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix to use as a dermal soft tissue filler and volumizer using blood collected from individual patients during an office visit. Subsequent processing using a centrifuge and a unique catalyst allows physician to select the components of the blood to be used for rejuvenating purposes.

Why and how does Selphyl® work?
Selphyl® is natural as it uses our own body’s safe and proven restorative and regenerative machinery.
It is readily accepted by our bodies enhancing natural tissue building elements. When injected into the skin, Selphyl® activates and promotes new cell growth and collagen formation. As such, it takes several weeks for the full effect to show.
It is not like any other injectable rejuvenating product as only collagen stimulators and cell growth promoters are used rather than filler itself. Furthermore, Selphyl® gently blends with surrounding tissues making its effects very natural.

What areas of the body can be successfully treated with Selphyl®?
Selphyl®, being natural and safe, can be used in many areas of the body. It can correct many different imperfections and enhance already present desirable features. In particular, facial lines (frown lines and eye smile lines [usually in combination with Botox], delicate but annoying cheek and neck lines) can be successfully treated. Furthermore, Sephyl® can be used alone or in combination with other methods to treat acne scars. The list of areas that can be treated with Selphyl® is ever expanding and more and more indications are definitely in its future.

Can Selphyl® be combined with other products and procedures?
Successful rejuvenation strategies need to address different patient concerns. As such, it is very common to use different technologies and treatments to address the unique requirements and needs of each patient. Selphyl® can be used alone or in combination with other treatments including chemical peels, laser treatments, Botox, as well as fillers (Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse® and others) and soft tissue volumizers such as Sculptra®.  

What are the benefits of Selphyl® over other treatments?
Clearly, the biggest benefit of Sephyl® is that it is created from the patient’s own body – specifically, the patient’s own blood. The body readily accepts this self-derived product with allergic reaction being extremely rare.
Selphyl® is a collagen and cell growth stimulator and does not cause clumping, knots or granulomas. Our own bodies have a tremendous capacity to rejuvenate and regenerate and Selphyl® harnesses that power to our unique needs.
Another major advantage of Selphyl® is the readily accessible and plentiful source. Although only a small amount of blood is needed for each treatment, larger treatment at each visit and frequent treatments are possible. Our body constantly produces blood and regulates its contents making Selphyl® treatments very safe.

Who can be treated with Selphyl®?
With its proven safety, Selphyl® can be used by almost all people. In particular, patients with all skin types regardless of ethnicity can use Selphyl® successfully. However, patients with blood infections, or clotting problems, or those on blood thinners may need to exercise more caution.

What happens during a Selphyl® treatment visit?
Prior to the actual treatments, your physician will need to assess your unique circumstances, concerns and features. Once a Selphyl® treatment has been recommended, the patient is transferred to a treatment room. First, a small amount of blood is taken from the vein, as is the case during a regular laboratory blood examination. Furthermore, blood components are separated in a special centrifuge and the Selphyl® product is activated. The treatment areas may need to be numbed with cream or local anesthetic injections. Following that, your physician will inject Selphyl® into the areas requiring correction or enhancement.

What is the recovery and what are the side effects after Selphyl® treatment?
Selphyl® is very well tolerated and the recovery is relatively easy. It does not contain any animal or synthetic products. The side effects are generally mild and short lasting. It is an injection and some swelling and bruising for a few days is possible. Infections are very rare as the Selphyl® preparation process is very well controlled. Some patients can experience some redness or itchiness but that is usually mild and generally resolves itself in a few days.

What will I see after Selphyl® treatment?
Selphyl®, being a collagen and cell growth stimulator and enhancer, takes time to work. Once the initial swelling diminishes, the production of new cells, collagen and support structures starts. In the next 6 – 8 weeks, the effects of Selphyl® treatment become gradually evident with smoother lines and younger looking skin.
Its effects are long lasting and satisfactory results can be achieved with one treatment, however, repeat treatments may be needed to maintain or enhance results.