Restylane is an excellent product used to correct mild to severe lines, wrinkles and folds, and to add volume. Restylane injections are an effective non-surgical procedure, often part of a facial rejuvenative regimen. Patients can experience dramatic results with minimal risk when compared to other injectable fillers. In December 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Restylane for use in the naso-labial folds (folds between the nose and mouth). In October 2011, Restylane was approved for lip augmentation in patients over 21 years. It is readily available in the U.S.A. and has been used abroad for many years.

What Type of Skin Conditions Can Be Treated Using Restylane?

Patients describe excellent results when Restylane is used to correct lines, wrinkles and folds around the mouth, to augment lips and to contour or sculpt the face. Dark circles, bagginess, and sunken areas below the eyes respond remarkably well to Restylane.

How Restylane Works

Facial rejuvenation using fillers such as Restylane should involve injection at many different levels. Specifically, Restylane can be injected into the dermis, the subcutis, or into the area just above the periosteum (or bone). Restylane is safe to inject at several levels during the same treatment, making it a versatile product. Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid which is a substance that occurs naturally in the dermis. As people age, they lose some of this substance. Since the skin cannot retain moisture as easily as it once did, wrinkles begin to form and the skin begins to droop. Many of these signs of aging can be corrected with Restylane injections.

Is treatment with Restylane painful?

Restylane is a non-surgical procedure. The physician begins by photographing, cleansing and icing the appropriate injection sites. Due to the relatively recent addition of lidocaine to Restylane, the procedure is only minimally uncomfortable. If necessary, we offer topical or injectable anesthetic. Depending on the amount of correction necessary, the actual treatment takes only 15-30 minutes. Restylane is injected using an extremely fine needle, so you can expect minimal discomfort during the treatment.

What are the expected results from Restylane?

You may notice redness and slight swelling at the points of treatment. This will subside within days to a week. Ice applied during and just after the procedure will help to ameliorate this. Results depend on the goals set by the doctor and the patient. Broadly, lines are smoothed, folds obliterated, sagging and drooping lifted. Results are visible immediately.

How long does Restylane last?

Restylane treatments can last six months to twelve months. If you’re looking to maintain a younger appearance and firmer skin, a touch up is recommended at least twice annually.

Are there any possible side effects of Restylane?

Restylane treatments are exceedingly safe. The most common side effects of Restylane are slight discomfort during treatment, possible bruising at the injection site and minimal swelling. When used in the lips, swelling is very often seen and may look asymmetrical. These all vanish within days.

Is there any downtime or recovery time needed after Restylane treatment?

In most cases there is not. Swelling and bruising can usually be covered with make-up and the patient can often go back to work after treatment. It is advisable to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and aspirin for one week prior to the procedure. This will minimize bruising.

What is Restylane Touch?

Restylane Touch is a treatment for very fine lines. Often, these occur on the upper lip, in the crow’s feet and on the forehead. Treatments usually last for about six months and should be done twice annually.