We had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Luciano Lanfranchi, Global Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for NEAUVIA®. Originating from Switzerland, NEAUVIA® is an innovative line of hyaluronic acid fillers that has been gaining remarkable attention in Japan in recent years.
During Dr. Lanfranchi’s recent visit to Japan, we conducted a special interview to explore what drew this internationally active physician to NEAUVIA®, and to hear his message to medical professionals and patients in Japan.
INDEX
- Doctor’s Profile
- What is NEAUVIA®? – An Innovative PEG-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Filler
- KOL on the Appeal of NEAUVIA® – Proven, Evidence-Based Functionality
- Global Trends and Challenges in Aesthetic Medicine – Striving for Natural Beauty
- Message to Japanese Patients and Doctors – Experience Something New with NEAUVIA®
Doctor’s Profile
A board-certified plastic surgeon based in Milan, Italy.
Dr. Lanfranchi earned his medical degree with honors from the University of Milan, where he specialized in plastic surgery. After completing his postgraduate training in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, he gained extensive clinical experience in Italy, France, Luxembourg, Brazil, and Dubai.
He has also served as an instructor for numerous advanced anatomical hands-on workshops worldwide and, in 2024, worked as a global Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and applied anatomy educator for NEAUVIA®.
| 【Career Highlights】 1998 – Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA) 2000 – Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Milan (UNIMI) 2001 – Completed a Master’s degree in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, University of Milan 2001 – Residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Italy, France, Luxembourg) 2006 – Completed specialist training in Plastic Surgery at the European Institute of Oncology, Maxillofacial Surgery at San Paulo Hospital, and Plastic Surgery at the School of Specialization of the Milan University 【Qualifications】 Licensed Plastic Surgeon, United Arab Emirates Lecturer, Master’s Program in Aesthetic Surgery (“Luigi Donati” Hands-on Course, University of Milan) Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, Dubai 【Professional Memberships】 Italian Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SICPRE) International Member of the Argentinian Society of Cosmetic Surgery. Member, SAREF (Sociedad Argentina de Rinoplastia Estética y Funcional) |
▷Official NEAUVIA® Channel: [NEAUVIA CHANNEL]
Note: “KOL” stands for Key Opinion Leader, referring to a medical expert who helps share and advance the latest knowledge and innovations within the field.
What is NEAUVIA®? – An Innovative PEG-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Filler
NEAUVIA® is a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler developed by the Swiss company Matex Lab.
Unlike traditional HA fillers that typically use BDDE (1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether) as a crosslinking agent, NEAUVIA® uses PEG (polyethylene glycol).
PEG has long been utilized in the medical and cosmetic fields and is highly heat-resistant, allowing treatments such as RF (radiofrequency) or HIFU to be performed on the same day as the injection. Its high elasticity and viscosity make it possible to achieve natural-looking results with minimal volume.
NEAUVIA® offers seven types of fillers across three categories, all of which contain amino acids (glycine and L-proline) to support tissue health. Each type is selected according to patient concerns and treatment areas.
PEG-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid : 5 Types
- INTENSE (HA 28 mg/mL)
- LV (HA 26 mg/mL)
- RHEOLOGY (HA 22 mg/mL)
- FLUX (HA 26 mg/mL)
- LIPS (HA 24 mg/mL)
Purpose: Volume enhancement
PEG-Crosslinked HA + CaHA (Calcium Hydroxylapatite) : 1 Type
- STIMULATE (HA 26 mg/mL, CaHA 1%)
Purpose: Volume enhancement and collagen stimulation
Non-Crosslinked HA + CaHA (Calcium Hydroxylapatite) : 1 Type
- HYDRO DELUXE (Non-crosslinked HA 18 mg/mL, CaHA 0.01%)
Purpose: Epidermal regeneration and hydration
KOL on the Appeal of NEAUVIA® – Proven, Evidence-Based Functionality
Q: First, could you share your thoughts on “natural beauty”?
Natural beauty is an essential concept in aesthetic medicine because “beauty” is highly subjective.
One of the most important goals in cosmetic treatments is to respect each patient’s unique features and individuality. Subtle enhancements can convey youthfulness and a more relaxed appearance.
In today’s busy and often stressful world, aesthetic medicine plays a meaningful role in helping patients achieve a naturally refreshed look even through small changes .
Q: What are the main reasons you choose NEAUVIA® as a hyaluronic acid filler?
Safety is the first. Whether performing surgical or non-surgical procedures, safety always comes first. When I choose a hyaluronic acid filler, I prioritize safety as carefully as I would when selecting breast implants for reconstructive surgery. By safety, I mean not just an impression, but something grounded in scientific evidence and product reliability.
The second is performance. NEAUVIA® delivers excellent results even with small amounts. For clinicians, it is crucial to inject the right filler in the right area at the right volume. NEAUVIA® allows us to achieve this precision.
The third is predictability. NEAUVIA® offers consistent results. Issues such as excessive water retention or shape changes after treatment are less common, and many patients experience stable, consistent outcomes.
Q: Which type of NEAUVIA® would you recommend for first-time patients?
I recommend the skin booster HYDRO DELUXE. This product helps provide the skin with natural firmness, making it a suitable first step in hyaluronic acid treatments.
It also helps build trust with patients, which can lead to future steps such as fine adjustments or more sculpting-oriented treatments.
For younger patients who may not require lifting or sculpting procedures, starting with HYDRO DELUXE is an excellent way to establish a solid foundation for the skin
Q: Among NEAUVIA® products, which do you use most often for improving skin quality?
If the goal is purely a filler effect, I often use INTENSE.
I perform both surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty, and I find that INTENSE can recreate nasal structure with a reliability comparable to that of cartilage grafts.
STIMULATE is a very unique hybrid filler that contains not only hyaluronic acid but also CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite), which can stimulate collagen production.
When the main goal is improving skin quality, I use HYDRO DELUXE most often. It improves overall skin condition and tends to offer longer-lasting results.
Q: What makes NEAUVIA® stand out among hyaluronic acid fillers?
NEAUVIA® offers not only long-lasting effects but also excellent results with very small amounts of product.
This contributes to cost-effective and efficient treatments, which I find very satisfying.
Q: NEAUVIA® is relatively new in Japan. How is it regarded and adopted overseas?
NEAUVIA® has been used internationally for several years, and the number of clinics adopting it continues to grow.
I believe this is because it has unique characteristics, from manufacturing processes to performance and scientific validation .
I am truly pleased that NEAUVIA® has been introduced in Japan. I have had opportunities to share treatment experiences with Japanese doctors and treat patients directly, and I was once again impressed by the performance of NEAUVIA®.
Global Trends and Challenges in Aesthetic Medicine – Striving for Natural Beauty
Q: Could you share your perspective on aesthetics? What does “balance in beauty” mean to you?
For me, the most important thing is the ability to say “no.” This means having the discernment to distinguish between the “right” and “wrong” concepts of beauty.
Nowadays, incorrect images of beauty are widely spread through social media and other media channels, which I find very concerning.
That is why personalized, tailor-made treatments for each patient are essential. It is important to respect each individual’s unique features, making them look slightly more youthful or less tired. I believe this kind of balance is fundamental
Q: What are the current global trends in aesthetic medicine, particularly in Italy?
In Italy, there is a strong preference for natural results.Even during hyaluronic acid treatments, many patients prefer to use only small amounts of filler because they are concerned about looking “overdone,” which I believe is influenced by the exaggerated beauty images often seen in the media.
Recently, there has been a trend to start aesthetic treatments by improving skin quality first. Volume restoration or lifting procedures usually come as the next step.
Globally, the focus is shifting toward enhancing skin plumpness and brightness, and addressing issues like pores and fine lines.
Aesthetic medicine is often a long-term journey for the patient. It is important for the physician to act as a guide, building trust and making well-considered decisions throughout that journey.
Q: What do you think are the current challenges in global aesthetic medicine?
Regulations and oversight in aesthetic medicine industry are becoming increasingly strict worldwide , which I think is very positive.
Products with only unclear certifications or questionable safety will likely disappear from the market.
This will make the market cleaner and elevate the overall standards of the industry. I believe this is a necessary part of the evolution of aesthetic medicine and can be seen as part of its ongoing progress.
Q: How can we distinguish between mere hype and truly innovative information in aesthetic medicine?
A key way to identify truly innovative products is to see whether the filler is newly developed. For example, within NEAUVIA®, STIMULATE is a representative case.
This product received the Best Dermal Filler Award at AMWC2024 held in Monaco.
I consider STIMULATE to be a genuinely innovative hybrid filler, currently unique on the market. Its use of a special cross-linking agent called PEG sets it apart from conventional hyaluronic acid fillers.
From a marketing perspective, communication with patients is very important. It is essential to clearly explain why the product is chosen, where it will be used, and what effects are expected.
Most importantly, scientific evidence behind the product is crucial. Increasingly worldwide, people are demanding scientific backing for aesthetic medicine and hyaluronic acid fillers. Many even check medical literature databases or read studies themselves.
This trend not only enhances the scientific credibility of products but also raises awareness about safety. It shows that patients are becoming more informed about what is being injected into their bodies and are judging the quality and reliability for themselves.
Q: Do you think regenerative approaches, such as biostimulation, will change the way hyaluronic acid fillers are used?*
Yes, I believe this future is already approaching, and biostimulation will certainly play a key role.
STIMULATE is a hybrid hyaluronic acid filler that combines both filler and stimulation functions.
By combining it with aesthetic devices, we can expect enhanced results. It allows treatments for younger patients and helps people age more gracefully.
*Biostimulation refers to approaches that target skin function and the cells themselves, stimulating the body’s natural self-repair mechanisms.
Q: How important do you think practical training, such as anatomical dissection, is for keeping up with global standards?
I think it is extremely important. Anatomical dissection helps us learn applied anatomy and share knowledge that is essential for aesthetic medicine.
For example, when working with hyaluronic acid fillers, it is crucial to understand areas to avoid. I refer to blood vessels as “frenemies” because they can be both an ally and an enemy.
During filler injections, blood vessels are the “enemy” and must be strictly avoided. On the other hand, from a surgical perspective, blood vessels can enable shaping, removal, or reconstruction, making them “friends.”
Through anatomical practice, we learn where to avoid, where to inject, and how to achieve better results.
The current trend requires placing hyaluronic acid fillers precisely in specific areas according to surgical principles. To meet this demand, knowledge of applied anatomy is indispensable.
*Frenemy: a portmanteau of “friend” and “enemy,” meaning something that can be both friend and enemy.
Message to Japanese Patients and Doctors – Experience Something New with NEAUVIA®
Left：Kenichi Adachi, Editor-in-Chief of NERO Right:Dr. Luciano Lanfranchi
Q: How should NEAUVIA® be communicated to Japanese doctors and patients?
As I mentioned earlier, communication is essential. It is essential to provide patients with clear, comprehensive explanations before any procedure.
From what I have seen, Japanese patients, much like patients in Milan, tend to be detail-oriented and appreciate through explanations.
To meet these delicate needs, it is important to communicate that only a small amount of product is required and that the filler is reliable and well-validated.
I hope that many patients in Japan will try this innovative hyaluronic acid filler. Once you understand the rheological properties, you can immediately feel the difference.
Patients will likely be surprised at how little product is required and how quickly they notice the effects. Even a small amount can deliver visible results.
Japanese doctors should not forget to explain to their patients why they choose this product, what scientific evidence supports it, where it has been tested, and what it offers. Clearly conveying this background is essential.
Q: Finally, what message would you like to give to young doctors entering the field of aesthetic medicine?
I would say: “Be prudent.” Being prudent means knowing your limits, continuing to learn, and, above all, prioritizing safety. I believe that is everything.
*Please note that the content of this interview includes the personal views of the doctor.
Related Articles You May Like
Treatment Details: NEAUVIA®
Treatment Duration and Frequency: Typically, 1 session every 6–12 months* (may vary depending on individual condition and product used)
Cost: ¥99,000–¥132,000 per 1 cc* (may vary depending on clinic and product)
Risks and Side Effects: Redness, swelling, edema, pain, etc.
Regarding Treatments Using Unapproved Medical Devices or Pharmaceuticals:
This treatment may involve pharmaceuticals or medical devices not approved in Japan.
The pharmaceuticals and medical devices used are procured through personal import procedures under the judgment of the clinic physician. For information on precautions regarding imported pharmaceuticals, please refer to:
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
Except for products that have obtained marketing approval in Japan, no other domestic approved pharmaceuticals or medical devices with the same ingredients or performance are available.
Information on safety in other countries:
– No serious risks have been reported, but unknown risks may exist.
In the unlikely event of a severe adverse reaction, it is not covered under the national relief system for adverse drug reactions.
