Bio-Alcamid

Looking the way you feel has become almost a way of life; a healthy regime of eating well, exercise and activities that help to eliminate stress are staples for sustaining a quality lifestyle.
Unfortunately, our outer selves may not always reflect our inner selves. Nowhere on the body is it more evident than on the face.

*Un-retouched photos

Bio-Alcamid™, a synthetic injectable gel to enhance and restore areas on the face, such as cheeks, chin, jaw line, eye area and around the mouth.
By replacing the lost volume that occurs with aging, the 3 D’s; deterioration, deflation and descent are significantly improved. The result is a natural more youthful appearance, without the down-time, cost and recovery of a traditional face-lift.

In Canada for the past 2 years, Bio-Alcamid™ has been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of Facial Lipoatrophy (severe facial fat and volume loss). Since 2001, it has been used in Europe primarily for aesthetic applications (wrinkles, folds, volume contour enhancements); however this is considered ‘off label’ here in Canada.

Bio-Alcamid™ is a safe product, highly biocompatible and recognized by the body as a single molecule) unlike other products that are multi-molecular (silicone/ Radiesse™). Otherwise degradable, the body naturally forms a thin, soft collagen capsule around it, protecting it from absorption, thereby prolonging its effect long past the 6-9 months as with other injectables. Bio-Alcamid™ is being used by aesthetic specialists across the country.

In the face, Bio-Alcamid is used to restore facial contours, for non-surgical chin augmentation and non-surgical cheek augmentation, also to give the illusion of a facelift(Bio-Lift) for men and women who have lost facial volume due to the natural aging process.   Bio-Alcamid is permanent, adjustable, removable and safe.

*Un-retouched photos

What is Bio-Alcamid™?

Bio-Alcamid™ is an injectable gel polymer (synthetic) designed to correct small and large soft tissue deficits. When injected under the skin, it is designed to replace fat tissue loss, restoring the natural fullness and contours of the face. Once implanted, Bio-Alcamid™, unlike other injectable fillers, becomes covered by a very thin collagen capsule (0.02 mm) which completely surrounds the gel, isolating it from the host tissues. It is particularly effective for women and men who have facial volume loss due to natural aging and want to have a more refreshed and youthful appearance without surgery.
It is manufactured by Polymekon, a highly-reputable medical research and manufacturing firm located in Brindisi, Italy.

Why Bio-Alcamid™?

There are very few risks associated with Bio-Alcamid™.
Bio-Alcamid™ is:

• Highly bio-compatible. There is very little reaction with human tissue
  Non toxic. Of particular concern for patients dealing with an already compromised immune system.
• Non-sensitizing. Non-allergenic and no allergy test is required.
• Radio Transparent. Bio-Alcamid™ will not interfere with x-ray or radio imaging.
• Chemically and physically stable. Bio-Alcamid™ is a single molecule surrounded by a collagen membrane. It cannot change in terms of composition or consistency.
• Removable. Because it is a single molecule, Bio-Alcamid™ can be completely removed much like squeezing a pimple.
• Non-migratory. Unlike other dermal fillers, Bio-Alcamid™ will not move from its original location, nor can it fuse with or invade surrounding tissue
• Out-Patient. Only local anesthetic is required for a 30-45 minute procedure. Patients are often able to return to work the next day.
• Cost-effective. Large amounts of Bio-Alcamid™ can be applied in one sitting, and because it is not absorbable, few repeat visits, if any, are necessary.
• History of Safety. Bio-Alcamid™ has been used in over twenty countries including the European Union and the UK since 2000. It has passed every major safety test applicable.

How is it applied?

Dr. Marc DuPéré identifies the facial areas where Bio-Alcamid™ is required.
The face is frozen with a local anesthetic.

Bio-Alcamid™ is injected just below the skin and is massaged smooth by Dr. Marc DuPéré.
An application session typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. Following your treatment, Dr. Marc DuPéré will determine whether a touch-up is required. This can be performed no sooner than 6 weeks following your treatment.

Is Bio-Alcamid™ Safe?

Bio-Alcamid™ is a very safe product. It is highly biocompatible (welcome within the body), non toxic, chemically and physically stable and, if necessary, it can be removed easily. The materials which make up Bio-Alcamid™ have not shown any long-term reactions within the body. Once Bio-Alcamid™ is encapsulated, it remains in the same location. In a manner of speaking, the substance is one large molecule, meaning that parts of it cannot come loose and 'travel' through the body.

What Complications May Arise?

Any type of injection involves the risk of infection and allergy. With Bio-Alcamid™, such risks are very remote (less than 0.6%). After the procedure, swelling and redness can appear. In addition, a bruise can develop in the treated area. In most cases, this will disappear within several days but there is the possibility that these blemishes persist longer. A specific risk with Bio-Alcamid™ is shifting which can be caused by applying pressure during the first 5 days. This can result in undesired irregularities of the skin.

What Can I Do After the Procedure?

After the procedure, you may return to your regular activities: work, exercise, shower, bathe, etc... You should, however, make sure that the treated area is not overexposed to sunlight, a sun-bed, sauna, or water that is too hot, as this could cause undue swelling and redness. Ideally, you should avoid make-up during the first few hours. You need not assume a particular sleeping position, but are advised to avoid too much pressure on the treated area during the first five days.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the procedure is primarily dependent on how much Bio-Alcamid™ is necessary to achieve your optimal result.Joyce Palmer is able to estimate how much it will cost you, during your initial consultation.

Can Bio-Alcamid™ Be Combined With Other Substances?

Bio-Alcamid™ is very suitable for combining with other filling substances. In many cases, Bio-Alcamid™ provides the foundation while other fillers, such as Juvederm and Botox, will provide the finishing touches on more superficial lines and wrinkles.