And why you should think carefully before getting it - at least, for now.
Welcome to our clinic in South Wales, Cardiff, where your safety and satisfaction are always our top priorities. When it comes to dermal fillers, we believe in offering only the best—because you deserve nothing less! That's why we stick to hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which have a track record we can trust. And it's also why we’ve decided not to offer certain non-hyaluronic fillers like Radiesse, Gouri, and Ellansé. Let’s talk about why.
The Hype Around Non-Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers such as Gouri
You've probably heard some buzz about non-hyaluronic acid fillers like Radiesse, Gouri, and Ellansé. They’ve been getting a lot of attention for their long-lasting results and the unique way they work. For example, Radiesse is a calcium-based filler, Gouri is a newcomer that promises to stimulate your skin's own collagen production, and Ellansé is a collagen booster that claims to add volume and give you that youthful glow.
Sounds great, right? Well, before you jump on the bandwagon, let’s break it down a bit—because these fillers come with some baggage that’s worth unpacking.
Gouri: The New Kid on the Block with Big Promises
Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about Gouri, an injectable that’s being talked up for its “Liquid PCL (Polycaprolactone)” formula. Clinics around the world, including here, are offering it, and some doctors are really hyping it up. Gouri promises to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating collagen. Exciting, right? But, as with any new product, we like to take a closer look before diving in.
The Manufacturer’s Pitch: Too Good to Be True?
According to Gouri’s manufacturer, this product is revolutionary because it’s “fully liquid” and doesn’t have those pesky microparticles that other fillers do. They say this makes it safer and reduces the risk of things like vascular occlusion (fancy talk for blood vessels getting blocked) and granulomas (lumps under your skin). They also claim that Gouri spreads beautifully throughout the face, avoiding any “hypercorrection” (translation: too much filler in one spot).
But here’s the thing—this pitch is a bit like those skincare ads that rave about hyaluronic acid being amazing for your skin. Yes, hyaluronic acid is fantastic, but when it’s in a cream, the particles are often too big to actually penetrate your skin. So, it sounds great, but the reality doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Gouri’s marketing feels similar: technically true, but not the whole picture.
The Real Talk on Gouri: What You Should Know
Sure, Gouri sounds like a dream come true—who wouldn’t want smoother skin and fewer wrinkles? But before you get too excited, here are some things you should consider:
1. Vascular Occlusion:
Even though Gouri is liquid, it doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. If this filler accidentally blocks a blood vessel, it can lead to some serious issues, like tissue damage. And unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Gouri can’t be dissolved if something goes wrong. That’s a big deal.
2. Persistent Nodules and Granulomas:
Those annoying lumps that sometimes show up after filler injections? They’re more likely with PCL fillers like Gouri. And once they’re there, getting rid of them isn’t easy. No magic eraser (a.k.a. enzyme) to fix it quickly, like with hyaluronic acid fillers.
3. Long-Term Complications:
Gouri is designed to last—and last it does, but that also means any problems last too. Studies show that complications from PCL fillers can hang around for years. So, if something doesn’t go quite right, you might be stuck with it for a while.
Clinical Studies and Growing Concerns
Gouri has been tested in some studies, but let’s just say the results aren’t exactly crystal clear:
In Rats: A study showed Gouri increased skin thickness and elasticity in rats without leaving behind any visible filler material. But here’s the catch—if there’s no trace of the filler after a few hours, where does it go? We’re still trying to figure that out.
Crow’s Feet Study: Another study compared Gouri to Rejuran, a polynucleotide treatment (we offer Plenhyage and PLNEST, along with NEWEST - see our polynucleotides here), and found that whilst both reduced wrinkles, but Gouri didn’t exactly blow Rejuran out of the water. Plus, we’re still not sure how Gouri’s collagen-boosting magic actually works. Feels a bit like a “trust us, it works” situation.
Real-World Reports: Medical aesthetic practitioners who’ve used Gouri are noticing some not-so-great side effects, like prolonged bumps, bruising, allergic reactions, and even fainting spells. Yikes!
Why We’re Taking a Pass on Gouri (For Now)
Look, we get excited about new treatments too—who doesn’t love the idea of fresh, glowing skin? But we also believe in being cautious. Until we have more solid information and real-world feedback on Gouri, we’re sticking with what we know works and what we can trust.
What We Do Offer: Safe, Proven Alternatives
If you’re looking for long-lasting, skin-rejuvenating treatments, we’ve got some great options for you—without the risks that come with products like Gouri. Our favorites include:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Safe, reversible, and versatile—great for smoothing wrinkles and adding volume where you need it.
Polynucleotides: These are awesome for boosting your skin’s structure from the inside out, improving texture and elasticity naturally.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Reduce the muscole movement using botox for smoother, more youthful skin.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
At our clinic, we believe that beauty should never come at the expense of your health. That’s why we only use products with proven safety records. Hyaluronic acid fillers and polynucleotides are our go-to treatments because they deliver beautiful, natural results—and if something doesn’t go according to plan, we can fix it quickly.
Ready to Glow? We’re Here for You!
Whether you’re in Rhonda, Monmouthshire, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, or nearby, we’re here to help you achieve your beauty goals safely and effectively. Our treatments are personalized just for you, so you leave our clinic feeling fabulous and confident.
Curious to learn more? Let’s chat! Book a consultation with us today, and let’s get started on your journey to looking and feeling your best.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call or book online. We can’t wait to see you!