Restylane was the first injectable filler made of hyaluronic acid to be approved by the FDA for restoring volume to moderate and severe facial wrinkles, folds and creases. It is now widely used for this and many other off-label purposes.
Restylane Indications
You may be a candidate for Restylane injections if you are at least 18 and wish to plump and restore volume to any of the following areas:
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines or parentheses)
- Marionette lines (mouth lines or oral commissures)
- Deep glabellar lines (frown lines or 11's)
- Thin lips
- Acne scars
- Veiny hands
- Under eye hollows
- Eye bags
Restylane and other injectable fillers may be combined with Botox or Dysport in a procedure called a non-surgical or liquid facelift. Restylane may also be used to correct nasal contours in a procedure called a non-surgical nose job, as well as for hand rejuvenation, should the backs of the hands grow to appear aged and withered.
Restylane Treatment
Prior to receiving Restylane injections, you will be advised to avoid NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen over-the-counter pain relievers, in order to reduce the risk of bruising.
Although Restylane treatments do not take long, administering a nerve block or numbing cream to reduce discomfort may extend the treatment time. Therefore, you may wish to skip these steps considering how comfortable a Restylane injection can be. Restylane-L, the latest formula, contains lidocaine for enhanced comfort during your injection. During the procedure, your dermatologist (or plastic surgeon) injects the product beneath the skin using a special technique. Once Restylane enters the tissue, it binds with natural hyaluronic acid to restore tissue volume for several months.
It is important to seek treatment with an experienced Restylane injector to ensure that you achieve optimal results and avoid technique-dependent side effects, such as lumpiness, overly fast product dissolution, development of a bluish skin tint (known as the Tyndall Effect) and puffiness due to over-injection.
Restylane Recovery
Swelling after Restylane injections is normal, however it should resolve completely by the time your final results should be visible, which is about two weeks. Icing the treated area will also help reduce swelling more quickly.
The effects of Restylane injections are temporary and typically last up to six months. As you notice your Restylane results beginning to fade, you'll need to have additional touch up injections if you wish to maintain your results.
If you decide you like the results of your Restylane treatment, you may try a longer lasting filler, such as Radiesse or Artefill.
Would you like to learn more about Restylane? Call 212-772-7242 to schedule a consultation at Sadick Dermatology.
