Traditional dermal filler products consist of cross-linked Hyaluronic acid (HA) which is injected into specific areas to correct volume loss, reduce the appearance of fine lines or augment volume. 

Sunekos 1200 and Sunekos Perfoma are innovative products which consist of, non-cross-linked Hyaluronic acid (HA), in combination with a unique amino acid formulation. Together these produce anti-ageing effects by increasing the production of collogen and elastin in the skin. Unlike other products which stimulate type I and type III collogen through inflammation, Sunekos works to stimulate type IV and type VII collogen without the inflammatory stress. This is important because inflammation of the skin over time causes ‘Inflamm-ageing’ (ageing of the skin through inflammation) which adds to the chrono-ageing (ageing over time) and photo-ageing (ageing from sunlight exposure) we experience. 

After injection, Sunekos diffuses across the local tissues, stimulating remodelling over a wider area. HA and amino acids within Sunekos are found naturally in our bodies and are broken down and absorbed over time. Sunekos is also broken down naturally by our body’s enzymes over several weeks but the stimulating effect on your skin continues for several months. Sunekos also reduces the action of a naturally occurring enzyme which breaks down hyaluronic acid, called hyaluronidase, by around 40%. This allows restoration of natural levels of hyaluronic acid within the skin which are otherwise lost as we age. The low molecular weight HA in Sunekos Performa also helps to regulate the microcirculation with the skin resulting in restoration of optimal regulation of the extracellular matrix and improves the health of our skin more generally.

TREATMENT

Treatment starts with Sunekos 1200 (High-molecular weight non-cross-linked HA) which acts as an antioxidant boost for the skin. This phase of treatment starts the repair and rebuilding process with superficial injections using both a needle and a cannula in a similar distribution pattern to Profhilo (see diagram below).

During the same session we add Sunekos Performa (Low-molecular weight non-cross-linked HA) to stimulate the receptors on our fibroblasts to produce Type IV and type VII collogen in the deeper dermis. Sunekos Performa has been formulated specifically to give maximal benefit without becoming pro-inflammatory to the skin, as was found to be the case with higher concentrations of HA.

As detailed above Sunekos 1200 is administered in a similar distribution pattern to Profhilo. Sunekos proforma is administered across the mid-face but also can be administered around the mouth (peri-oral), undereye and forehead to improve the skin in these areas also. There is typically enough product in a vial to treat the mid-face and an additional area or two (this will vary from person to person). 

Sunekos Performa can also be used on the neck to improve the skin quality and firmness though this requires an additional vial.

Unlike traditional HA fillers, Sunekos does not provide additional weight or bulk to your face, instead it works in a multifaceted manner to improve the skin from within for a beautifully natural result. 

What happens if I choose to proceed?

To work most effectively Sunekos treatments are designed to be administered initially as a combination therapy with Sunekos 1200 and Sunekos Perfoma given together during the same session

• Additional Sunekos Performa treatments are spaces 7-10 days apart for a total of 4 treatments
• Subsequent treatments are typically administered approximately 6 monthly and consist of both a Sunekos 1200 and Sunekos Performa
• See protocols below

If you chose to have Sunekos treatment, you will have:

Initial treatment:

• A face-to-face consultation with our doctor
• The opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns 
• Photographs of the proposed treatment areas before treatment
• Numbing cream applied (if desired)
• Your chosen Sunekos injections
• A recap of aftercare and the opportunity to ask any questions again

Repeated treatments 7-10 days apart:

• Photographs of the treatment areas 
• Additional course of Sunekos Proforma injections 
• A recap of aftercare and the opportunity to ask any questions again

A typical injection pattern may look like the below image though this will be discussed at your consultation and your treatment will be individualised for your needs and desired outcomes. NB: Not all additional areas can be treated with a single treatment; usually one and perhaps two additional areas can be treated during a treatment (forehead, undereye and around the mouth are the 3 distinct areas).

Do the injections hurt? 

Most patients find the injections only cause mild, temporary discomfort but this is minimised by slowly administering the product when injecting. A local anaesthetic cream to minimize discomfort during the procedure can be applied though this is not always required. 

How will I look after the treatment? 

Immediately after the injection there may be mild swelling which usually subsides within 24-48 hours. Application of a cool pack for a few hours after treatment, arnica cream or an antihistamine can help reduce swelling or bruising. Results will start to be apparent around 3-4 weeks after treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

As detailed above, initially 4 treatments are recommended over around 4-5 weeks. Repeat treatments are usually administered every 6 months though this depends on you as an individual and your lifestyle - our doctor will discuss this with you.