VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, September 27, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Laser & Cosmetic Center was the first center in Virginia and one of the first in the nation to offer laViv which uses a patient's own natural fibroblast skin cells to help rejuvenate and regenerate aging, sun damaged or scarred skin. LaViv represents a breakthrough on many levels, not only for the technology and process which produces it, but also because it is the first and only personalized cosmetic cell therapy approved by the FDA for improving the appearance of moderate to severe smile line wrinkles. Allure magazine recognized this breakthrough in their latest October issue 2011 story featuring "The Big breakthroughs". The official product launch of laViv occurred Friday September 16, 2011.
David H. McDaniel, MD the director of the Laser & Cosmetic Center said "Laviv is the product of many years of research and represents the first in what I believe will be a long line of personalized cell therapies not just for cosmetic applications, but for many others ranging from treating burn scars to therapy for vocal cord injuries and many, many other medical uses. I am excited to be able to offer this to our patients and also that we were able to participate in the clinical research studies that helped with the development of laViv."
LaViv is produced from a small skin biopsy taken from behind a patient's ear which is sent to Fibrocell Science in Exton, Pennsylvania where the patient's own collagen-making cells are extracted by a patented process and multiplied, purified and then cryopreserved until the patient is ready to be treated. These fibroblast cells are responsible for making the skin's collagen and elastic fibers as well as many other important proteins that affect the structural integrity, appearance and function of the skin. The cells are reintroduced into the patient's skin by injection with a tiny needle. Unused cells are cryopreserved and held at Fibrocell Science where they may be stored for years until the patient needs them again. Since laViv uses the body's own natural healing processes, results are not instant like current injectable fillers, but occur gradually and naturally over a period of months. Also unlike current injectable fillers the results produced may last much longer and thus may not require the ongoing maintenance injections that most current fillers typically require. In addition to this product a personalized cream created from these same cells will become available in the future.
Dr. McDaniel has been involved in four of the prior clinical research studies for laViv and currently serves as a member of the Medical Advisory Board for laViv and Fibrocell Science. According to Dr. McDaniel "LaViv represents a new approach to treating the aging process which will appeal to patient's who would like a natural approach to treating wrinkles and aging skin. It is also very complementary to many other cosmetic procedures and offers a long lasting option unlike any of the current fillers we can offer our patients. This is just the beginning of a new wave of cell products which will impact medical and cosmetic therapies in our lives for years to come."
The Laser & Cosmetic Center's research affiliate, the Institute of Anti-Aging Research specializes in research on human skin fibroblasts and is actively involved in exploring ways to optimize fibroblast function in aging skin.
To learn more, please visit http://www.virginiabeachcosmeticdermatology.com
LaViv is a registered trademark of Fibrocell Science. The David H. McDaniel MD Laser & Cosmetic Center and the Institute of Anti-Aging Research are located in Virginia Beach, Virginia in Town Center at 125 Market Street.
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