What is Selphyl?
Selphyl is a procedure for developing an injectable facial filler from a small amount of the patients own blood. It's used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.
Selphyl Facts
- Used as a facial filler to decrease the appearance of wrinkles.
- The patient's own blood is used to make a Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix.
How does Selphyl work?
A patient's blood is extracted through a special method and the platelets are removed from the red blood cells. The platelets are then combined with a fibrin mixture to create a platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) and are injected into the wrinkles to plump them out. The physician overfills the area by about 20% because some of the originally injected volume will be lost. The excess is typically gone in about a day and several weeks later, the PRFM builds up for the final result. Platelets are known to contain factors which your body uses to trigger cell migration and proliferation to rejuvenate and increase skin volume.
Results typically last around 15 months and patients report that they look more natural. Selphyl is best used on small lines and isn't the right choice for full face volume because there isn't enough material.
What are the risks of Selphyl?
Many patients like that there is no risk of an allergic reaction as with many other fillers. Some physicians are more cautious, as there is concern that we don't yet know the long term effects of Selphyl. Some also say that people tend to itch in areas where blood is injected and that it can cause burning or discoloration because blood is being injected in areas where it usually isn't present.
How much does Selphyl cost?
Selphyl costs somewhere in the range of $1,100 to $1,500 per injection, depending on the amount injected and local market.