New wrinkle treatment called Selphyl uses patient’s own blood cells to reverse aging

New technology is coming to the cosmetic world to get rid of wrinkles.

It’s a process to naturally promote cell re-generation.
Next best thing to a face lift? 

Its promoters say yes.

It’s a new type of dermal filler using the patient’s own blood.

“It can be used in any area, it’s natural, there are no side effects,“ Dr. Weston of Azura Medical Spa said.

And that, doctors say, is the beauty of it.

“It is plasma, platelets and fibrin which is created from a simple blood draw and made in the office in less than six minutes,“ Dr. Kim Crosby of Azura Medical Spa said. 
Dr. Kim Crosby of Azura Medical Spa in Charlotte, North Carolina is one of a select few board certified doctors in the U.S. who have been using the procedure called Selphyl for the past few months.

After the patient’s blood is drawn,  a patented process developed by Aesthetic Factors separates the platelets and fibrin. 

The resulting product is injected into the treatment area. 

“Over the course of 8 weeks they develop new collagen, new blood vessels and really use their own cells and their own tissues to reverse the signs of aging,“ Dr. Crosby said.

In addition to lasting longer doctors say there’s no bruising, swelling, or lumping that’s associated with some traditional fillers. 

Plastic surgeons say with the economic downturn, less expensive non invasive treatments like this one are part of a trend.

“Because there is less downtime, less time off of jobs or away from work,“ Dr. Roberta Gartside of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons said.

The product will be launched in the U.S. in September 2009. 

Its cost is expected to be around $1100 for four CCs, or cubic centimeters, compared to synthetic fillers that run $600 to $800 for one cubic centimeter.

Promoters say the best candidates are those no older than around 65 because they can’t build collagen as fast and easily as younger patients.

The technology itself is not new. 

It’s been around for at least seven years for other purposes such as helping heal sports injuries.