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Procedure Spotlight

LaViv Therapy Uses Skin Cells for Wrinkles and Acne Scars 

The buzz and media coverage about LaViv began in June 2011 when it became the first and only FDA-approved therapy that uses a person's own collagen-producing skin cells to smooth wrinkles and fade acne scars. Now available at Southlake Dermatology, Dr. Bowers-Plott is one of the first dermatologists to be trained and certified to offer LaViv in Dallas Fort Worth.

Developed by Fibrocell Science, LaViv therapy in Dallas Fort Worth involves taking a sample of skin cells called fibroblasts, which make collagen, from behind the person’s ear. The sample is sent to the company’s laboratory, where the fibroblasts are multiplied in cell culture, a process that takes approximately three months. The cells are then sent back to the doctor for a series of three injections, three to six weeks apart.

“I decided to make the investment in this revolutionary anti-aging treatment because it is clinically proven safe and effective, and personalized for each individual,” explains Dr. Bowers-Plott, noting LaViv can also be used to treat indented scars, lines around the eyes and forehead, as well as the top skin layer of the hands. "LaViv differs from dermal fillers such as Restalyn and Juvederm because it uses a person's own skin cells to fight wrinkles instead of a botulinum toxin product, making it a more natural anti-aging option." 

LaViv is available exclusively through Fibrocell-trained, board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists in Dallas Fort Worth. LaViv Physician Certification is awarded to physicians after the completion of the Autologous Fibroblast Cell Therapy Training Program.

To schedule a consultation to see if LaViv is right for you, contact our office at 817-251-6500.

Frequently Asked Questions about LaViv:

How does LAVIV™ work?

LAVIV™ is made up of tens of millions of collagen-producing fibroblast cells that are cultivated from your own skin samples. Then your own living cells are injected superficially into the dermis (or middle layer) of the skin to improve the appearance of smile lines.

What makes LAVIV™ unique?

LAVIV™ is the first and only personalized cell therapy approved by the FDA to improve the look of smile lines. Your LAVIV™ treatment is unique because it is made from your own skin cells.

Is LAVIV™ right for me?

LAVIV™ may be right for you if you are an adult who desires an improved appearance in smile lines, a personalized cell therapy, and a treatment regimen that is clinically proven safe and effective. Be sure to talk to your health care provider to determine whether LAVIV™ is right for you.

Who should not use LAVIV™?

LAVIV™ may not be right for you if you:

• Are allergic to the antibiotics gentamicin or amphotericin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or things made from cattle (bovine). These ingredients are used during processing. Trace amounts may be present in LAVIV™.
• Have a skin infection on the face
• Seek immediate results

For complete safety information about LAVIV™, review the Full Prescribing Information.

How long will it take before I see results?

LAVIV™ is administered in 3 separate treatment sessions, spaced at intervals of 3 to 6 weeks. Individual results vary.

What is the most important information I should know about LAVIV™?

LAVIV™ is made especially for you from your own skin cells. Prior to injection, confirm with your physician that your information on the LAVIV™ vial is correct. Your health care provider will check to see that the cells that come back from the manufacturer are yours. Using someone else’s cells can cause a serious reaction. Do not let anyone else use your LAVIV™. The process for making LAVIV™ uses antibiotics (amphotericin and gentamicin), bovine serum (from cattle), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). If you are allergic to any of these, tell your health care provider. Do not use LAVIV™ if you have a skin infection on your face because LAVIV™ treatment can make the infection worse. Talk to your health care provider if you have any other infection.

How long do results last?

In clinical trials, results with LAVIV™ were confirmed a full 6 months after the final LAVIV™ treatment was administered. Effectiveness beyond 6 months has not been studied. Of course, individual results vary. Results beyond 6 months will be a topic of further study.

What are the most common side effects associated with LAVIV™?

The most common side effects with LAVIV™ occur at the injection site. These side effects include redness, bruising, swelling, pain, bleeding, lumps, irritation, and itchiness. More than 80% of all side effects occurred at the injection site and required no treatment. Eighty-six percent of all injection-site side effects went away within one week.

How is my LAVIV™ Administered?

LAVIV™ is injected directly into your smile lines using a small needle. This injection will take place in the office of a trained LAVIV™ physician.

What are the ingredients in LAVIV™?

LAVIV™ is made from your own collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) and is composed of at least 98% pure fibroblasts placed in a mixture of water, sugars, vitamins, amino acids, and salts. Antibiotics (amphotericin and gentamicin), bovine serum (from cattle), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are used during processing. Trace amounts of these ingredients may be present in LAVIV™.