How does Structura® treatment work?
Ultra-pure hyaluronic acid is precisely injected into the area being treated. Unlike wrinkle reducing and dermal filler treatments, Structura® stimulates collagen and elastin, attracting water in the deeper layers of the skin as well as boosting restoration of fatty tissue leading to deep firmness. .
As a stabilised product, the activity on dermal cells will last longer than that of a non-stabilised gel. During this time the stimulation of four different types of collagen and elastin takes place by slow release of hyaluronic acid.
The stimulation results in significant tissue improvement. Structura® is more than a skin booster as it also has a significant firming effect on the tissue.
What can Structura® be used to treat?
Structra® is primarily used to restore lost volume in the lower 2/3 of the face, improving the appearance of jowls and sinking beneath the cheek bones.
What happens during a Structura® appointment?
To begin with, photos will be taken for your clinical records. Next, the skin will be numbed for around 15 minutes using a cream. It is then disinfected before treatment is started. The Structura® is injected using a cannula which is a blunt, sterile tube. There is usually just one entry point per side of the face making this treatment low risk for bruising in most patients. Once the Structura® has been placed, the area may be massaged using a healing gel. You may have some bumps under the skin after treatment. Structura® requires 2 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.
How soon before I see the results from Structura®?
Results are gradual from a few weeks after treatment, improving for another 3+ months.
How long do Structura® treatment results last?
Results will last 3-6 months so to maintain your Structura® glow, we generally recommend a single maintenance session every 3 months, or to repeat the course of 2 (4 weeks apart) every 6 months.
Who can have Structura® treatment?
Structura® injections are a safe and suitable treatment for most people. It is not suitable for those who are pregnant or nursing. Please book a consultation to discuss suitability further. At a consultation appointment we will discuss your medical history and confirm it is safe for you to proceed.
What should I do before Structura® treatment?
- It is recommended that you do not wear makeup to your appointment
- If possible, do not wear makeup on the day of treatment
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment to help reduce the risk of bruising
- Avoid skin, beauty and other aesthetic treatments for 2 weeks prior to Structura® treatment
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin A and vitamin E (unless prescribed to you) for 7 days prior to treatment unless prescribed, as these can increase your risk of bruising
- You must not have had any vaccinations (including Covid-19) in the last 3 weeks
- Do not undertake any invasive treatment for two weeks ahead of your appointment, including dental treatment, surgery or permanent makeup
- If you have a special event coming up, please ensure that you schedule your appointment well in advance. Keep in mind you may need more than one treatment so the earlier we see you to plan your appointments, the better
- Do not attend for Structura® treatment if you have had a cold, flu, infection or vaccination in the last 2 weeks. You must be feeling well to have this treatment
- If you are planning to travel abroad, please contact us prior to your appointment to ensure you will be safe to do so post-treatment
- If you have a history of herpes/cold sores, please contact us in advance as you may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment
Please contact the clinic if you have any questions or concerns
What should I do after Structura® treatment?
- Avoid exposure to UV and getting too hot for 48 hours after treatment, for example strenuous exercise, drinking alcohol, hot weather, sun beds, sauna, steam room. This is because heat causes increased blood flow which might cause increased swelling, discomfort and bruising. It may also increase your risk of infection
- You can keep the area cool with a cold compress, but do not press hard or apply ice as this can cause an injury
- Don’t have facial massages, facial electric stimulation, dermaroller, semi-permanent makeup, laser treatments, or microdermabrasion for 2 weeks after your treatment
- Don’t apply makeup or have a spray tan until 24 hours after treatment. This is to reduce the risk of infection
- Do not touch your face in the areas injected until the day after treatment to reduce the risk of reaction and infection
- For 48 hours, don’t apply pressure when cleansing your face. Use gentle strokes away from the eyes
- Do not use retinol, acids or other vitamin A products on the skin for 48 hours
Are Structura® injections safe?
Although there are risks associated with all treatments, overall this is considered a safe treatment with few reported adverse reactions. It is very important to book a consultation to discuss all possible risks with the clinician prior to treatment.
More common risks: mild swelling, bruising, redness, bleeding, bumps, tenderness at injection site
There are other risks to consider depending on where is being treated.
What should I expect after Structura® treatment?
Due to anaesthetic, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure, and have some moderate swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over the areas treated. Some people experience a dull ache, and tenderness over the treated areas which usually subsides between 48-72 hours. You can expect to see a bump at each injection site after treatment. A very small minority of bruises can last for 4-6 weeks. Some patients will not bruise at all.
