Restylane

Restylane is a dermal filler used to treat facial wrinkles and volume loss which naturally occurs with age. It is a biodegradable clear gel that is non-animal based and is comprised of hyaluronic acid which naturally occurs in the body. Restylane can rejuvenate the skin by adding moisture, filling-in gaunt features and smoothing deep grooves to give the patient a more youthful appearance.

Benefits

Restylane provides a wide array of benefits including the fact that it is a non-surgical method of skin rejuvenation. Restylane is safe for just about anyone who wants to improve the look and feel of their skin. Since this dermal filler is not derived from animal tissue, it has a lower risk of complications for patients with animal allergies. Additionally, patients who are allergic to avian-based hyaluronic acid fillers can safely use this product since it is derived from bacterial origins.

Restylane is most effective when used to fill minor to moderate lines or wrinkles around the eyes, nose and mouth. Patients who want to treat sagging under the eyes, projection of their cheekbones or a recessive chin may benefit from Restylane. It can also be used to enhance the size or shape of the lips by giving the patient a fuller and more pronounced pout.

Treatment Info

Restylane is an in-office procedure that only takes up to 30 minutes depending on the amount of areas being treated. Restylane products come in pre-measured, pre-sterilized glass syringes and no preliminary skin tests are required. Prior to the injection, the doctor will cleanse the treatment area and may use a local anesthetic to numb the site. A thin needle is used to inject the filler under the skin and the depth of the injection depends on the area being treated.

Hyaluronic acid molecules in Restylane begin to naturally draw water to the treated area which causes the tissue beneath the skin to swell. The swelling immediately fills out the wrinkles which makes the surface of the skin smoother. The doctor will massage the treated area to ensure the filler is evenly placed. Patients should also avoid flexing their facial muscles for the first 24 hours since extending the muscles can divert the placement of the filler. Other than that, patients can resume all activities immediately after treatment.

Risks and Side Effects

Some common side effects and risks include:

  • Slight bruising
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Itchiness
  • Tenderness at the injection site

Patients can expect these side effects to diminish within a few days after the procedure. When Restylane is injected into the lips, it is common for patients to have a little more swelling. To lessen the risk of bruising, patients should discuss all current medications with their doctor prior to any injections.

Certain medications such as aspirin and Vitamin E can cause the body to bruise more easily. Patients should avoid excessive heat and sunlight after any injections since there is a potential risk of inflammation at the injection site. For the same reason, patients should avoid laser treatments and chemical peels until the skin has properly healed.

Results

The results from Restylane are immediate but, due to swelling, it may take a few days for the results to stabilize. Restylane results last approximately 8 to 12 months because the hyaluronic acid in the filler attracts water and helps to maintain the results. Depending on where the injections are placed, some patients may need a touch-up after 6 months as areas with high movement such as the lips tend to wear off sooner than other areas.

Cost

Restylane is sold by the syringe so the cost varies due to the amount of areas being treated and syringes needed. Restylane injections can cost anywhere from $275 to $700. The final cost depends on the amount charged by the individual doctor as well as the area of the country where the treatment is performed.

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