What is Restylane®?

Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane is the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in Restylane that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA™, or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and fully bio compatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Is Restylane® safe?

Yes. Restylane has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. There is a limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Restylane is fully bio compatible and allergy testing is not required. Restylane contains trace amounts of gram-positive bacterial proteins and should not be used by patients with a history of allergies to such material. After your Restylane treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than seven days after the Restylane treatment. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities after your Restylane treatment should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you shouldn't use Restylane.

How is Restylane different from Botox® Cosmetic and bovine collagen?

Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast. Botox Cosmetic is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products. Bovine collagen is derived from animals (cows) and requires an allergy test. Restylane can be administered immediately--no waiting is required

Even though no pre-testing is needed, before receiving Restylane injections patients should avoid using aspirin, Vitamin E supplements and other medications. This can increase bruising or bleeding. Be sure to ask your doctor about what you should do to prepare for Restylane injections.

The actual Restylane treatment itself is very brief. Receiving Restylane injections can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. This all depends on the amount of the area that needs to be treated. During the Restylane treatment, the practitioner injects tiny amounts of Restylane into the skin using a very fine needle.

For wrinkles, when the Restylane is injected, it procedures natural volume under the wrinkle, which lifts it up and smooths it out. For facial contours, the Restylane corrects deep folds and lifts up the skin from cheeks and chin. This provides a fuller shape for the chin or a rounder, more sensual line along the cheeks.

When using Restylane for lip augmentation, the gel is injected into the inside of the upper or lower lip. It is also injected along the lip line. Not only will this help bring about a more youthful look, it can also help prevent lipstick from bleeding into the small lines around the lips.