TATLER May 2006
Treatment junkie Anna Curtis gives her verdict:
Where Dr M R Rakus, 34a Hans Road, SW3
(tel: 020 7460 7324).
Price £850.
Pain factor. 'It's quite anxiety-provoking. I dosed up on Nurofen and was numbed for an hour with anesthetic gel, but the laser still felt uncomfortable - a scratching pain like sandpaper across my skin. But it only lasts 10 minutes.'
Recovery time. Afterwards my skin was hot, incredibly red and tight like sunburn. I lay low for a day until the red had faded to a pinkish glare, and a day later it was almost gone.
Verdict. Fraxel is the whole number - a facelift without the knife. The pigmented marks on my décolleté have almost gone, my skin is beginning to feel softer and more youthful and, along with some help from Restylane on my upper lip, my lines are definitely fading.'
What are Hyaluronic Acid and NASHA™?
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) exists naturally in all living organisms and is a universal component of the spaces between the cells of body tissues. It is a gel made of polysaccharide (many sugars) and is one of nature’s most versatile and fascinating molecules.
HA is one of the very few substances
that is identical no matter where in the human body it is found, or in
which animal.
Some of the functions of hyaluronic acid are to:
- Create volume in the tissue
- Lubricate the tissue
- Transport nutrients to and from cells
- Maintain water balance
- Filter and regulate protein distribution
- Moderate the movement, growth
and division of body cells
The HA molecule is water-loving, acting as a kind of natural sponge. Many of its functions in the body can be attributed to the water binding ability of HA.
Although HA is found at highest concentration in the connective tissues, most HA is found in the skin (56%). It is also present in high concentrations in synovial fluid – the liquid that “oils” joints – and in the fluid in the eye.
In the last two decades, the therapeutic and aesthetic uses of HA have been extended into an increasingly wide number of areas, including tissue augmentation to treat wrinkles and fine lines.
NASHA™ - The science behind Restylane®
NASHA (Stabilized Non-Animal Hyaluronic Acid) is the patented technology which is used in all of Restylane range of products. The hyaluronic acid is stabilised to create a long-acting substance. The stabilisation involves the binding together of the HA molecules in a network.
Without this modification the hyaluronic acid would only stay in the tissue for days. Conversely, too much modification can affect of the HA’s most important properties negatively. This property is its biocompatibility, which means the ability of a substance to be body-friendly so that it does not cause allergic reactions.
The NASHA gel is therefore only stabilized by approximately one per cent which gives a long lasting effect as well as minimal tissue disturbance.
NASHA’s properties also allow it to be integrated naturally into the body so that nutrients, hormones and other important substances in the body can pass through the gel.
Unlike several other HA preparations, Q-Med’s NASHA is based on a non-animal (biosynthetic) raw material. This gives a very high degree of purity which means that the risk of allergic reactions and the transmission of infectious substances are minimal. These are problems which can occur in products of animal origin.
Use of NASHA technology is clinically proven, with nearly 10 million treatments worldwide and an excellent safety profile of 1 in 20,000 patients experiencing an adverse event.
"By looking this good (following my treatment with Restylane) I have gained the confidence to fulfil my ambition of traveling and use my creative skills".
LINDA W. 01/08/2005
My hairdresser (people who always notice!) made me thrilled when she said “What have you done to your makeup. It looks good, you appear refreshed and your jawline is tighter. A new face cream? Tell me about it”
It wasn’t makeup or creams, but Thermage performed by Dr. Rita Rakus. I’ve trusted her for many years now and I know that if she suggests a new treatment I can rely on her judgment. I’m so pleased that I had Thermage.
Lynda W 15.03.06
