Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products, treatments, and skincare protocols. Our FAQ section is designed to provide clear guidance and helpful information to support your journey with dermaV.

PRP Frequently Asked Questions

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) administration is a revolutionary method, based on using ingredients of your own blood, which can help regenerate and rejuvenate your skin. PRP is the cell free plasma fraction of whole blood containing a higher than normal concentration of human blood platelets per volume. Treatment with PRP has become an increasingly popular clinical tool utilised in soft tissue augmentation as well as bone regeneration.
Soft tissue augmentation includes:

  • facial rejuvenation therapy for wrinkles and sun damaged skin
  • surgery-free repair of sports injuries
  • cutaneous wound remodelling

Collagen is essential for the skin’s elasticity for a smooth and youthful appearance. The growth factors and cytokines that are necessary to stimulate new collagen production are contained in the fraction of your blood that is called “Platelet Rich Plasma” (PRP). PRP is rich in platelets, stem cells and growth factors and accelerates the healing process by taking advantage of the body’s natural healing pathways. The autologous (meaning from one’s own body) PRP will be obtained by your physician using the commercially available “easy-to-use centrifugal system” celluVance™ PRP kit.

After injection of the autologous PRP, the healing factors will mimic and accelerate the normal healing process via new cell production and collagen formation at the targeted area. PRP has been widely used for many years in plastic surgery, orthopaedics, dentistry, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants. Sports physicians are using autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to accelerate healing of various sports related injuries and aesthetic practitioners are using it for skin rejuvenation in patients with severe photo-aging and scarring.

  • Diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers
  • Sports injuries & osteoarthritis
    • Bone regeneration
      • Cortical bone formation in non-attaching bone fractures
    • Knee applications
      • Patellar Tendonitis/Tendinosis
      • Ligament Sprains or Tears
      • Symptom reduction and accelerated healing of various injuries
      • Symptom management in most patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis
    • Shoulder and Arm applications
      • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, Tendonopathy or Partial Tears
      • Bicipital Tendonitis
      • Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis (Golfers & Tennis Elbow)
      • Ulnar Collateral Ligament Sprain or Tear
    • Lower Leg and Foot applications
      • Plantar Fasciitis
      • Peroneal Tendonitis
      • Ankle Sprains
      • Achilles Tendonitis or Partial Tears
  • Surgery (adhesion of skin flaps and homeostasis)
  • Facial rejuvenation
    • Improvement of skin texture & reduction of pigmentation
    • Fine lines and wrinkles:
      • Peri-orbital area
      • Nasolabial area
      • Décolleté
    • Scars from:
      • Acne
      • Burns (chemical, laser etc.)
      • C-section and other surgical procedures
    • Arrest and reversal of early hair loss and thinning
  • Hair restoration
  • Sexual health

Yes. The celluVance™ products uses the patient’s own blood (autologous) to extract the PRP rich in growth factors, therefore it cannot elicit an allergic response or cause any kind of cross infection. The celluVance ™ products concentrates platelets via a 1-step centrifugation step in special tubes followed by a safe and effective, thrombin-free activation method, thereby eliminating the risk of immunological reactions.

Side effects may include:

  • Possibility of symptoms worsening
    • Body’s natural response to inflammatory mediators
  • Patient’s age and extent of the disease
  • Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • As with any injection:
    • Possibility of infection
    • No relief of symptoms
    • Neurovascular injury
    • Scar tissue formations at the injection site
    • Slight bruising at injection site
  • Presence of tumour
  • Metastasic disease
  • Active infection at target site
  • Low platelet count
  • Anti-platelet / anticoagulation medication
  • Habitual smokers will not obtain optimal results
Optimal results will be visible after 4-6weeks after a once-off treatment but for optimal results 2-3 treatments are advised spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Mild to moderate cases will respond the best and follow-up treatments will most likely be necessary every 6-12 months. More severe cases will need more frequent follow-up treatments and/or combination therapy.
A treatment will cost in the region of R2000 – R6000. Costs will vary according to physician’s fee regulations.
One treatment per kit per patient. However, there is usually enough PRP to treat different treatment sites on one patient. Example: one patient can be treated for skin and neck rejuvenation.

Microneedling Frequently Asked Questions

Microneedling is a collagen induction treatment that creates controlled micro-channels in the skin to stimulate natural repair and regeneration.
A microneedling-roller contains hundreds of tiny needles. When in use, these needles create micro- injuries on the skin, which in turn sends collagen and elastin production into overdrive to compensate as it heals—leaving your complexion tighter and plumper than it was beforehand. In actual fact the skin makes a “scar” which makes it an ideal method for filling in fine lines and wrinkles, lifting and filling pitted scars and thickening and plumping the skin under the eyes (thus diminishing the appearance of dark circles and bags). Micro-needling is also a very effective treatment for acne scars and discolouration since it penetrates the skin so deeply.

Prepare your skin by cleansing and then exfoliating it. You may use a numbing agent (topical anaesthetic cream or lotion) to decrease the stinging effects of the needles as microneedling may be painful. Before any skin needling treatment, rinse the roller head under hot, running water. Using gentle pressure, roll from left to right, top to bottom and diagonally 10 times per area, over your cheeks, forehead, chin, lips, and neck. No need to press too hard or put yourself in pain—apply as much pressure as you can comfortably tolerate. Take special care on your lips and underneath your eyes, as this skin is especially delicate. (And never apply serum or roll on your eyelids.)

After finishing, the area may be left as is or gently washed with tepid water. Only apply a serum or lotion approved for use on broken skin. Avoid any product with anti-inflammatory properties as controlled inflammation in the area aids to the healing process. Before leaving your house, apply a suitable sunscreen.

Remember to clean the roller head under hot running water.

  • This depends on personal preference and in-office treatments such as chemical peels, neurotoxin, laser etc. We recommend no more than twice a month to allow the skin to heal and build collagen  – any more than this and you will be doing more harm than good. The skin needs time to heal.
  • Use derma roller no more than 20 times before replacing.
After using, rinse under hot running water. You may further clean your roller with rubbing alcohol. Store it in its plastic case. Be sure to replace your roller after about 15-20 uses.
Microneedling is able to treat: fine lines and wrinkles around eyes, mouth, cheeks, neck and décolleté. Other areas of the body can also be treated such as the abdomen, back of the hands and arms. All forms of acne scars, most surgical scars including facelift scars, abdominal scars, breast plastic operation, post liposuction scars, orthopaedic scars, stretch marks and burn contracture scars can safely be treated. In addition, stretch marks on the breasts and body and loose body skin are also safely treated. The most commonly treated area with microneedling is the face, for skin rejuvenation. Avoid microneedling if you are prone to developing keloid scars. Microneedling is not recommended for active infections or inflammatory conditions, chronic skin conditions, blood clotting problems, poor healing or skin malignancies. If you are unsure, consult a physician before use.

Yes, very safe if done correctly and according to instruction.

Thirty minutes before the treatment a local numbing agent may be applied to the area. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The numbing agent makes the procedure with the roller almost painless. Because the epidermis is not removed, and the skin’s barrier has not been removed, the skin is still very capable of performing all its protective functions, including rapid healing, making this treatment much safer than many other more invasive options.

Always use water based serums. Serums help roller “roll” smoothly and the addition of actives boosts results.

Apply a small amount of DIAMOND HYALURONIC ACID SERUM over the area to be rolled. Using gentle pressure, roll from left to right, top to bottom and diagonally 10 times per area, over your cheeks, forehead, chin, lips, and neck. No need to press too hard or put yourself in pain—apply as much pressure as you can comfortably tolerate. Take special care on your lips and underneath your eyes, as this skin is especially delicate. (And roll on your eyelids.)After finishing, the area may be left as is or gently washed with tepid water.

Apply DIAMOND MOISTURE LOCK SILICONE SEAL over the rolled skin. Avoid any product with anti-inflammatory properties as controlled inflammation in the area aids to the healing process. Before leaving your house, apply a suitable sunscreen. Remember to clean the roller head under hot running water.

  • Improves the quality and texture of your skin.
  • Reduces marks and scarring.
  • Reduces black heads.
  • Microneedling helps reduce the signs of aging, improve the appearance of acne scars and rejuvenate aging skin.
  • Is appropriate for all skin types.
  • Can be used on many body parts.
  • Has minimal risk of infections or scarring. Microneedling doesn’t remove or damage the epidermis and doesn’t trigger the inflammatory pathway, meaning infections and scarring are unlikely.

Skincare Regimen Frequently Asked Questions

1. Gently cleanse the face, neck and décolletage.

2. Apply DIAMOND HYALURONIC ACID SERUM to face, neck and décolletage. Extra step: TARGET Treatment – Pigmentation: Apply GLUTATHIONE ILLUMINATING SERUM WITH VITAMIN E or DEFEND + REPAIR COMPLEX SERUM WITH COPPER PEPTIDE-1.

3. Apply DAILY POWER VITAMIN C MOISTURISER to face, neck and décolletage. Pat excess product into the surface of hands and neck until absorbed. If in doubt remember the “thinnest to thickest” rule. Keeping in mind water-based products first followed by oil-based products on top.

4. After applying any products like serums – the active ingredients need to be locked in. Apply MOISTURE LOCK SILICONE SEAL. Leave to dry/set.

5. Apply sunscreen.

6. Apply makeup as desired.

1. Double Cleanse. Weekly step: Cleanse with GLYCOLIC ACID CLEANSER 10%. Apply d.toxx Mask /Exfoliant once to twice a week.

2. Apply DIAMOND HYALURONIC ACID SERUM to face, neck and décolletage. Extra step: TARGET Treatment – Pigmentation: Apply GLUTATHIONE ILLUMINATING SERUM WITH VITAMIN E or DEFEND + REPAIR COMPLEX SERUM WITH COPPER PEPTIDE-1.

3. Apply DAILY POWER VITAMIN C MOISTURISER to face, neck and décolletage. Pat excess product into the surface of hands and neck until absorbed. If in doubt remember the “thinnest to thickest” rule. Keeping in mind water-based products first followed by oil-based products on top.

4. Apply INTENSE HYDRATING SERUM WITH HIGH CONCENTRATION VIT C + JOJOBA OIL. Pat excess product into the surface of hands, neck, and décolletage until absorbed.

5. After applying any products like serums – the active ingredients need to be locked in. Apply MOISTURE LOCK SILICONE SEAL. Leave to dry/set.

Interested in introducing Retinol into your skincare regime?

How to use Retinol

Integrate Retinol Slowly and Gently Condition the skin to the effects of retinol contained within the ADVANCED RETINOL SERUM and EYE ELIXIR.

We recommend starting off with a pea-sized amount of a low percentage retinol, like our range, that only contains 0.5% retinol.

Start by applying it once or twice in the 1st week.
Two to three times in the 2nd week.
Three to four times in the 3rd week.
If no irritation is experienced after the 3rd week, apply the serums daily in the 4th week.

Use retinol only at Night and Wear SPF Every Day
Your skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to protect it.

While certain side effects, such as mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity are normal as your skin adjusts to the active ingredient, intense flaking, redness, and burning are not—and those with especially sensitive skin, or who struggle with conditions like rosacea or eczema, should be wary of retinol or shy away from it altogether.

When applying a retinol-infused elixir, don’t neglect your neck or décolletage, which are areas notorious for showing the signs of aging.