Beauty Doc Blog

A new injectable filler has been approved by the FDA, Captique, a non-animal based hyaluronic acid, created by Genzyme and Inamed. Captique differs from Hylaform, also made by Inamed, is that it is plant based while Hylaform is made from rooster combs. For this reason no pre-test is necessary with patients. Hyaluronic acid, one of the main ingredients in the product, occurs naturally in the human body. A clear gel, it can be injected into the lips and into wrinkles, providing an augmentation that gives a refreshed, and younger appearance.

When delivered Captique works with the body’s natural hyaluronic acid and lasts much longer than collagen derived from bovines or than human cadaveric collagen. In direct competition with Q-Med’s hyaluronic acid filler Restylane, Captique may bring the cost down on all of these substances.

Advantages for patients include possible decreased swelling and bruising which is sometimes seen with Restylane and other products. Captique can also be used in combination with other facial fillers to achieve the best results.

Captique comes in a gel form, sterile, colorless and clear. Made from a chemically modified and highly purified natural Hyaluronic acid, it is absorbed by the body’s natural mechanisms. Since it is produced from materials of bacterial origin and it contains a small amount of bacterial protein, patients should be consulted to determine if they have any known allergies to bacterial protein.

Patients go through a three step process to receive Captique, a physician consultation, the series of injections and periodic touch up treatments. It is safe for the vast majority of people, and in fact is much safer for more people than Hylaform due to the avian origin of Hylaform. Captique has undergone extensive scientific study and testing to determine its safety and effectiveness.

Of course Captique should not be injected into areas that have been the sites of infections or skin eruptions such as acne, rashes, hives or cysts. Generally the reactions or only redness, bruising, swelling and mild pain, which may being right after ht injections and be gone within seven days. There is more of a risk of inflammatory reaction at a Captique injection site during chemical peeling or laser treatment which should be considered. Also exposure to excessive sun, or extreme cold weather should be avoided until after any redness or swelling have disappeared. Still all in all, Captique is a welcome addition to the fillers available today.