Restylane
Restylane is a brand name injectable filler made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar compound found in connective tissues of the body. In anti-aging medicine, hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane are used to restore volume to the face, plump lips, and reduce the appearance of facial folds and wrinkles.
Are you a candidate for Restylane?
Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm are some of the most versatile injectable fillers. Restylane may be used for a variety of temporary facial rejuvenation purposes, including:
- Wrinkle reduction
- Lip enhancement
- Cheek augmentation
- Nose contouring
- Jawline contouring
Restylane is also commonly used to restore volume to the backs of the hands and fill tear trough hollows under the eyes. It may be used in combination with Botox or Dysport and other injectable fillers to perform a procedure that provides overall facial rejuvenation called a liquid facelift Occasionally, Restylane may also be used to fill skin depressions, such as scars and acne scars.
During consultation, Dr. Ljung will discuss your cosmetic goals with you and evaluate your medical history and overall health before determining whether you are a good candidate for Restylane injections.
How Restylane injections work
When Restylane injections are administered, the hyaluronic acid molecules bind to water molecules under the skin, applying an immediate plumping effect that restores volume and diminishes creases and folds. As the hyaluronic acid molecules slowly break down over time, the effects of Restylane injections fade.
Restylane Lidocaine, a new formulation of Restylane that includes lidocaine anesthetic, is also now available. This product offers all the same benefits of Restylane combined with the pain-reducing effects of lidocaine.
Restylane results typically last about six to nine months in most patients and fade more quickly in areas that experience more movement, such as the lips.
Restylane side effects
Like all injectable fillers, temporary bruising, swelling and redness may be present for a few days after Restylane injections. Cold compresses will help minimize these undesirable Restylane side effects, and they will eventually fade. Bruising can also be minimized by avoiding certain medications and supplements for a week prior to Restylane injections.
After your Restylane injections, you may resume normal activities right away, however you should refrain from using makeup to cover any bruising and redness you experience for 24 hours.
Other rare side effects of Restylane injections include infection, usually due to improper hygiene before the injections are administered, and blood vessel blockage. These complications are extremely unlikely if you see an experienced injector for your Restylane injections.
Restylane vs. Radiesse
Restylane and Radiesse have many of the same indications, including wrinkle reduction, cheek augmentation and nasal contouring, and the basis of both formulations is a substance that occurs naturally in the body.
However, Restylane is much softer than Radiesse, so it is more easily shaped and manipulated via massage. This can be an advantage if post-injection lumps and bumps occur, as massaging will help diminish this undesirable effect. In addition, the results of Restylane—both volume restoration and potential side effects like post-injection lumps and bumps—do not last as long as the results of Radiesse.
