Cell Therapy in Glasgow & Edinburgh

VAVELTA® can be used for skin imperfections and scars caused by illness, acne, trauma or surgery and help to subtly soften the signs of ageing skin.

As the cells begin to lay down collagen within the dermis, VAVELTA® may provide a gradual improvement in the quality and texture of the skin. Repeat procedures may need to be undertaken.

 

Collagen is made by fibroblast cells in the body. It is a tough, insoluble protein found throughout the body in the extracellular matrix that holds muscles and organs in place. In the skin, collagen supports the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) making it durable and elastic. Collagen forms a meshwork (scaffolding) of fibres and is a key contributor to the structure and texture of skin.

As collagen in the meshwork breaks down, it is replaced and repaired by new collagen produced by the fibroblasts. With age, the number of fibroblasts decline, as does their ability to make collagen. Also, destruction of collagen occurs particularly in response to sun exposure. Badly sun-damaged skin has a lower collagen content compared to skin that has not been exposed to the sun.

This decline in collagen is made worse by a reduction in the skin's ability to repair itself and as the collagen volume falls, the meshwork (scaffolding) begins to break down irretrievably. This then shows itself in the form of lines, wrinkles and roughened (aged) texture of the skin.

 

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

VAVELTA® is injected directly into the skin using a fine gauge needle, under local anaesthesia. It is a minimally invasive procedure.

Fibroblasts are responsible for the production of collagen. When they are injected into the skin, they are intended to repair and restructure the skins matrix. VAVELTA® can be used for skin imperfections and scars caused by acne, illness, trauma or surgery and to subtly help to soften the signs of facial ageing.

 

VAVELTA® introduces collagen-secreting skin cells or human dermal fibroblasts into the skins extracellular matrix, by injection into the dermis layer of the skin. 

VAVELTA® is injected into the skin directly into the area being treated so a local anaesthetic cream will be applied to the skin beforehand to prevent significant discomfort in most patients.

 

Yes, although careful consideration to the implications of lifestyle on the condition of the patients overall health and skin should be a priority. It is possible that heavy smokers and drinkers will achieve a more modest result.

 

The production of Vavelta starts with extracting a small number of cells from a routine circumcision operation and with full parental consent.

These cells are then cultured and expanded over many generations under highly controlled conditions and tested over several months before being approved for use.

The Intercytex laboratory is authorised by the MHRA in the UK to manufacture fibroblast cells for human use. Constant monitoring and testing ensures that the cells are of the highest quality.

 

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

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. The treatment involves the use of live cells, and like any other type of donor procedure, the results will vary and cannot be guaranteed.

The collagen-producing cells are grown and extensively tested in a purpose-built laboratory by British company Intercytex, which specialises in skin regeneration. The company is authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK to manufacture medicinal products for human use.