GOURI — what to check before treatment

Polycaprolactone is not hyaluronic acid, so hyaluronidase does not dissolve it. That is not a drawback in itself — the same property is why it lasts. It does mean the treatment has to be designed differently.

• We start conservatively. Rather than placing generously at the outset, we decide at four weeks whether to add. Too little can be topped up; the other direction is harder.
• We check what is already there. We ask whether PCL, PLLA or CaHA has gone into the same area. Bringing records makes the judgement much more accurate.
• We settle the plane first. Because it spreads, we aim for the deep dermis and divide across the full face.

These are closer to “not this week” than to “no”.

The reason for spacing vaccination and dental work is simple — if they overlap, any reaction cannot be attributed. It is not that they are dangerous; the gap is there to keep the judgement clean.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding — we do not recommend it during this period. We suggest revisiting afterwards, and point toward moisture and barrier care in the meantime.
• Autoimmune conditions or immunosuppressive treatment — we talk it through first. Depending on the condition and the stage of treatment, we often suggest a different approach.
• Lost volume as the main issue — GOURI is not a filling formulation. A filling material suits it better.
• Laxity as the main issue — a different layer. We point toward RF, ultrasound or threads.

The breakdown by skin state is in GOURI in Daegu — which skin it suits.

• Blood-thinning medication (aspirin, anticoagulants and similar) — bruising can be greater, so we adjust how we place. Please do not stop anything on your own; just tell us.
• Previous treatments in the same area — what, when, and where.
• Allergies or any past reaction to a treatment.
• Whether you form keloids.

With those four settled, the injection design gets considerably more accurate.

Most of the time this is mild swelling and needle marks for a day or two. These, though, are reasons to call without counting days.

• Pain that does not settle with time, or pain worsening on one side only
• An area turning white or dusky
• Any change in vision
• Swelling with redness, heat and tenderness together
• An area that becomes newly firm after two weeks

These are not common, but seeing them early is what matters. We give every patient a direct route to reach us. On anything palpable, see why lumpiness happens, and how it is prevented.

• First two days — avoid sauna, steam rooms, hard exercise and alcohol.
• Do not rub the treated area. Wash as usual, gently.
• Makeup from the next day is fine.
• Sun protection as you would normally.

The product itself is set out here. GOURI: liquid polycaprolactone as a collagen stimulator

Written and reviewed by Lee Chi-Hak, MD, director of Miso Clinic, Daegu. The treatment standards and injection design set out here are the ones we use in practice.