Restylane®
Q. What is Restylane? A. 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.   Q. What is Restylane made of? A. Restylane is the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance 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 biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.   Q. How is Restylane different than other hyaluronic acid-based products? A. Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acid-based products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This quality limits any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Restylane contains trace amounts of gram-positive bacterial proteins and should not be used by patients with a history of allergies to such material. Additionally, Restylane has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid available in a dermal filler.   Q. Is Restylane safe? A. Yes, Restylane has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Restylane is fully biocompatible 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 treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than seven days. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you shouldn’t use Restylane.   Q. Can Restylane be used anywhere on the face? A. Restylane has been used in more than 3 million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles. In the U.S. the FDA has approved Restylane for wrinkles and folds like the ones from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Your doctor will consult with you prior to your injection regarding common treatment areas.   Q. How long does Restylane last? A. Restylane is proven to deliver long-lasting results. Studies have shown that Restylane effects generally last for about six months. Restylane’s stabilization technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.
Q. How often should I have Restylane treatments done? A. Treatments are typically scheduled twice a year. Having a touch-up treatment before the produce has fully dissipated may enhance the lasting effect.   Q. What should patients do prior to treatment? A. Restylane requires no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, discuss this with your physician. He/She may consider prescribing a medication to minimize occurrence.   Q. How is Restylane different from Botox®  Cosmetic? A. 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.   Q. How is Restylane different from bovine collagen? A. Bovine collagen is derived from animals (cows) and requires an allergy test. Restylane can be administered immediately – no waiting is required.   Q. Do the injections hurt? A. Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient, and results are practically instantaneous. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area.   Q. How much do Restylane treatments cost? A. Restylane is a customized procedure based on your specific needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost of Restylane is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. Because Restylane is long lasting, it proves to be very economical over the long term. Please consult your physician to determine the best accommodation for your particular needs.