Restylane

What is Restylane®?

Restylane Augmentation filler is used for augmentation of the lips, wrinkles on the face, contouring of the mouth and the cheeks, reducing lines which appear by the mouth and reducing lines under the eyes and around the them and the nose. Restylane is the first, and currently the only, dermal filler approved by the FDA that is made of a biodegradable hyaluronic acid.

Restylane is produced as a clear gel substance and is injected directly beneath the surface of the skin. Through the introduction of the augmentation filler to the treatment area, the hyaluronic-based gel adds natural volume and lift resulting in smoother wrinkles and less prominent folds. Over time, Restylane is gradually degraded by the body and dissolves without any residue or trace. Restylane treatment results are immediately visible and typically last about six months.

What to expect during the Restylane® procedure?

One of the most attractive aspects of the Restylane® treatment is that it does not require a preliminary skin test. Because Restylane® is a non-animal-based filler and also colorless, there is very little chance that an allergic reaction will occur. This is good news for those who are interested in firming their face, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and adding volume to lips, but are allergic to the animal components that are found in most other injectibles.

Restylane® injection is one of the safest cosmetic surgery procedures available, but there are still medical considerations to take into account. As mentioned above, some people may have an allergic reaction to the bacterial protein elements present in the gel; Restylane® is not a good option for those susceptible to this problem. There is also very small risk of contracting an animal-born infection from the treatment. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Restylane®. Side effects from Restylane® treatment are usually minimal. Some redness and swelling may appear, but should be gone within a week. During this time, sunbathing and exposure to cold should be avoided, as these conditions put extra stress on the recovering skin.

What to expect during the recovery for Restylane®?

Restylane® aftercare is simple and does not generally interfere with the daily routines of patients. Patients should avoid over exposure to heat and sunlight, as they might increase swelling and bruising at the injection site. Also, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, laser skin tightening, and other laser enhancements should be avoided as there is a chance that they may cause inflammation. Post-treatment pain should be minimal. A common complaint among those who have undergone Restylane® treatment is swelling, though this should subside in the first few days after the injection. Healing time varies from person to person, however, so some may experience redness and swelling slightly longer than others.

Examples of Restylane® Results:

Before and After of Restylane

Before and After of Restylane

Before and After of Restylane