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Looking Good in laterlife is a regular column
reporting on the latest tips on beauty products and
processes for the more mature face and body.
Anyone who has looked after her (or his) appearance
over the years has the edge in later life compared to
ravers who burned all their candles at both
ends.
 A vast industry is out there
to help with all and every beauty concern. In this
column every month laterlife.com will report
on ideas and products, old and new. All with the
focus on maturity of course.
Click here to view previous editions of Looking Good in laterlife
LOOKING GOOD IN
LATERLIFE
Isologen – the no-surgery treatment
What is Isolagen?
It’s collagen
injections that come from your own cells. With other systems,
collagen injections or creams or capsules are derived from a
variety of sources. Collagen is a kind of protein that
strengthens tendons and supports the skin and internal organs.
How does Isologen work?
Your own
collagen-producing cells, called fibroblasts, are harvested and
grown in a laboratory. These cells are re-injected into the area
to be treated and produce new collagen. This revives the skin's
natural elasticity and helps with the long-term reduction of
facial lines, wrinkles and scars.
Which areas can be treated?
Isolagen is most
commonly used in the treatment of frown lines, lines around the
eyes and nose. It is also used for scars and is suitable for
both men and women.
How is the treatment performed?
A skin biopsy is
taken from behind the ear under local anaesthetic. There may be
some pain when the anaesthetic wears off. The cells are
extracted and are then developed in laboratories. Collagen
producing cells (fibroblasts) provide millions of new cells. You
have to wait eight weeks for this number of cells to develop.
The new cells are then re-injected into the treatment area and
these cells reactivate the body's natural production of collagen
to give the treated skin new firmness and elasticity. Any unused
cells can be frozen for top-up sessions.
How long does the treatment take?
Usually, it requires
four appointments each lasting about 30 minutes. This includes
the initial consultation with a surgeon, and the biopsy, then
three sessions re-introducing cultured cells.
Are there any side effects?
Since the cells are
produced from the client’s own body, risk of allergic reaction
or other side effects are very rare. Most people experience
slight reddening around the treatment area, which usually
disappears within 24–48 hours of treatment. There may also be
slight bruising and some pain from the injections. A local
anaesthetic may be given.
How long do the improvements last?
The procedure is very
new, but so far treatments appear to last for at least two
years.
Is there an age limit on the treatment?
The upper limit is 72
years of age since cells may not renew themselves after this.
But the freezing process means that cells can be stored and used
after this age.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the
surgeon’s assessment, as all patients are different. A guide
price is £3500-£5000.
Where can I get the treatment?
For more information,
see the website
this website.
Since this article was published the company providing
Isolagen has ceased trading in the UK.
If in any doubt about any of
the information covered in health related articles and it's
relevance for you, consult your GP.
View previous editions of Looking Good in laterlife
laterlife interest
The above article is part of the features section of laterlife.com
called
laterlife interest.
laterlife interest
contains a variety of articles of interest for visitors to
laterlife.com written by a number of experienced and new
journalists.
It includes both one off articles and also associated
regular columns of a more specialist nature such as
Healthwise,
Talkback,
Gardener's Diary,
and a beauty section called
Looking good
in later life.
There's also
'It could
be you' by Maggi Stamp laterlife's counsellor on human
relationships.
Also don't forget to take a look at our regular IT
question and answer section called
YoucandoIT
by IT trainer and author Jackie Sherman.
To view the latest articles click on
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