What is the 'EZ Gel’ treatment Hailey Bieber has?

When a Hollywood star mentions an under-the-radar aesthetic treatment, you know it’s about to be a big deal. And since model and Rhode Founder Hailey Bieber discussed the ‘EZ gel treatment’ recently on a podcast, it’s all those interested in emerging procedures have been talking about.
 
Appearing on Owen Thiele’s podcast, In Your Dreams, Bieber explained that she is “really diligent” when it comes to certain injectables. “I don’t have any Botox except for in my jaw for TMJ, but I have none in my face,” she said. “I made a commitment to myself that I wasn’t going to do any Botox until I was in my 30s. When I get there, I’ll see if I even want to do it.”

The treatment she does turn to however, is something called ‘EZ Gel,’ which she mentioned as one of her go-to’s. “They take your blood, but it’s called EZ Gel, and basically they heat it and then they cool it, and it kind of makes your blood a gel consistency. And then you inject it. So I’ve done that, which I loved.”

So what exactly is this treatment, what do experts think—and most importantly, is it something you can ask for in the UK?

What is the EZ Gel treatment, and how does it work?

“EZ Gel is a regenerative injectable made entirely from the patient’s own blood. It combines platelet-rich fibrin with albumin to create a gel that can be injected to restore soft volume and improve overall skin quality,” begins Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP, Aesthetics Doctor and owner, The Aesthetics Doctor.

He continues: “A small blood sample is taken and carefully heated and cooled to form the gel. Once injected, it releases growth factors gradually, encouraging collagen and elastin production over time.” El Muntasar explains that because it is autologous (taken from the patient’s own body) and thus doesn’t contain any synthetic fillers, it’s appealing to many.

The treatment is commonly used in areas including the under-eyes, lips and cheeks to subtly enhance volume and improve overall skin quality/texture over time. “Results typically last between six and twelve months, with the skin continuing to improve as collagen develops,” El Muntasar notes.

How is it different to botulinum toxin and fillers?

Bieber suggested other injectables do not yet appeal in the same way that EZ gel does—so what are their key differences?

Types of biofillers such as EZ Gel are, as mentioned, made from a patient’s own blood, rather than a synthetic material like with botulinum toxin and filler. Aesthetics Doctor, Dr Alicia Gonzalez-Fernandez, points out that that doesn’t necessarily equate to enhanced safety and that complications can occur with both HA dermal fillers and biofillers.

"Biofillers depend on individual factors such as blood quality, hydration, nutrition, and overall health, introducing variability in results," says Gonzalez-Fernandez. HA fillers, by contrast, are standardised, so each syringe delivers a consistent product.”

The purpose and mechanism of botulinum toxin and dermal filler inherently differs from this treatment, also. Botulinum toxin is used to temporarily relax muscles, smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Filler is usually made from hyaluronic acid and is used to add volume and hydrate. Neither is regenerative as the EZ Gel treatment is; when injected, this encourages the skin’s own collagen and elastin production.

EZ Gel: the new polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides have overwhelmingly been the go-to regenerative treatment of the last several years, so could this procedure compete? It seems so, but experts remind us it’s crucial to remember they aren’t directly comparable given their differences.

“EZ Gel and polynucleotides sit in a similar regenerative space, but they work in different ways,” says Dr El Muntasar. “Polynucleotides are lab-derived and are primarily focused on skin repair, hydration and elasticity. EZ Gel is fully patient-derived and tends to offer both an immediate soft volumising effect alongside longer-term regeneration.”

That said, it’s easy to see why EZ Gel could become as popular as polynucleotides. El Muntasar comments: “For patients who like the philosophy behind polynucleotides but want something even more personalised and natural, EZ Gel can be a very attractive option. I do see it becoming increasingly popular, either as an alternative or used alongside other regenerative
treatments.”

Is the treatment available in the UK?

EZ Gel is available within the UK, but only at specialist clinics currently. It tends to start at around £400, and requires several appointments; El Muntasar says that “from two to three sessions spaced around one to two months apart” is ideal. You can expect to experience mild swelling or bruising, but downtime is usually minimal with this treatment.

As for who the ‘best’ candidate would be, Dr Gonzalez-Fernandez says those with “mild to moderate tear trough hollowing, where volume loss from the under-eye fat pads creates a sunken appearance,” would benefit, along with “individuals with vascular dark circles, particularly those with thin, translucent under-eye skin where underlying blood vessels create a blue or purple shadow.” She concludes: “Patients with mid-face volume loss, often described as a gaunt or hollowed appearance, may also be good candidates, as restoring subtle support in this area can improve overall facial balance.”