What is Azficel-T: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Azficel-T is a personalized cell therapy treatment that uses your own skin cells to improve the appearance of moderate to severe nasolabial fold wrinkles. These are the lines that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth, often called smile lines or laugh lines.

This unique treatment works by taking a small sample of your skin, growing your cells in a laboratory, and then injecting them back into your face. The process takes several months but offers a natural approach to facial rejuvenation using your body's own healing abilities.

What is Azficel-T Used For?

Azficel-T is specifically designed to treat moderate to severe nasolabial fold wrinkles in adults. Your doctor will assess whether your wrinkles fall into this category during your consultation.

The treatment focuses on these particular facial lines because they tend to deepen with age as your skin loses collagen and elasticity. Unlike temporary fillers, Azficel-T aims to stimulate your skin's natural repair processes for longer-lasting results.

You might be a good candidate if you have noticeable smile lines that bother you and you're looking for a treatment that uses your own cells rather than synthetic materials.

How Does Azficel-T Work?

Azficel-T works by harnessing your body's natural cell regeneration process. The treatment begins with a small skin biopsy, usually taken from behind your ear where scarring won't be noticeable.

Your skin cells are then sent to a specialized laboratory where they're grown and multiplied over several weeks. This process creates millions of healthy, active fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for producing collagen and maintaining skin structure.

Once ready, these cells are injected back into your nasolabial folds during a series of treatments. The cells then begin producing new collagen naturally, gradually improving the appearance of your wrinkles over time.

How Should I Take Azficel-T?

Azficel-T is administered through a series of injections performed by your healthcare provider in a clinical setting. You won't take this treatment at home like a pill or cream.

The process typically involves three injection sessions spaced about 3 to 6 weeks apart. Each session takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you can usually return to normal activities immediately afterward.

Before your treatment, your doctor will clean the injection area and may apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. You don't need to avoid food or drink before the procedure, but you should follow any specific pre-treatment instructions your provider gives you.

How Long Should I Take Azficel-T For?

The complete Azficel-T treatment course consists of three injection sessions over several months. This isn't a daily medication but rather a series of treatments designed to provide long-lasting results.

Most people complete their treatment series within 4 to 6 months, including the time needed for cell cultivation. After completing the initial series, you typically won't need regular ongoing treatments.

Results can last for a year or longer, though individual experiences vary. Your doctor will discuss realistic expectations and whether you might benefit from future treatment sessions based on your specific situation.

What Are the Side Effects of Azficel-T?

Most people experience mild side effects that resolve on their own within a few days. Since Azficel-T uses your own cells, serious allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Common side effects you might experience include temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites. These reactions are normal and usually fade within 24 to 48 hours.

Here are the most frequently reported side effects:

• Mild pain or discomfort at injection sites
• Temporary redness or bruising
• Slight swelling that typically resolves quickly
• Occasional itching or tingling sensations

More serious but rare complications can include infection at the injection site, unusual scarring, or persistent swelling. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, signs of infection, or any concerning symptoms that don't improve.

Who Should Not Take Azficel-T?

Azficel-T isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully evaluate whether you're a good candidate during your consultation.

You should not receive Azficel-T if you have certain skin conditions, active infections in the treatment area, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Your immune system status and overall health also play important roles in determining eligibility.

People who should avoid this treatment include those with:

• Active skin infections or inflammation in the treatment area
• Autoimmune disorders that affect skin healing
• Blood clotting disorders or those taking blood thinners
• History of abnormal scarring or keloid formation
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status

Your doctor will also consider your medical history, current medications, and skin type to ensure Azficel-T is safe and appropriate for you.

Azficel-T Brand Name

Azficel-T is marketed under the brand name Laviv. This is the only FDA-approved version of this personalized cell therapy treatment available in the United States.

Laviv was the first autologous cellular therapy approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. The treatment is only available through certified healthcare providers who have received specialized training in the procedure.

You won't find generic versions of this treatment since it requires your individual cells and specialized laboratory processing. Each treatment is literally personalized to you.

Azficel-T Alternatives

Several other treatments can address nasolabial fold wrinkles, though they work differently than Azficel-T. Traditional dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid provide immediate results but require regular maintenance.

Botulinum toxin injections can help with dynamic wrinkles but aren't typically used for nasolabial folds. Other options include laser treatments, chemical peels, and surgical procedures like facelifts for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Your doctor can help you compare these alternatives based on your specific needs, budget, and desired outcomes. Each approach has different benefits, risks, and timeframes for results.

Is Azficel-T Better Than Dermal Fillers?

Azficel-T and traditional dermal fillers each have unique advantages, making one potentially better than the other depending on your specific goals and preferences.

Azficel-T uses your own cells and may provide more natural, longer-lasting results since it stimulates your body's natural collagen production. However, results develop gradually over several months rather than appearing immediately.

Dermal fillers offer instant results and are less expensive upfront, but they require regular maintenance treatments every 6 to 18 months. They also carry a small risk of allergic reactions since they use synthetic or animal-derived materials.

The choice between these treatments depends on whether you prefer immediate results with regular maintenance or gradual, potentially longer-lasting improvement using your own cells.