Restylane is a very popular non-animal and non-human based filler that reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face and enhances the lips. It is particularly good for filling under eye hollows.
This filler is made of hyaluronic acid, a product naturally found in our skin. When injected into lines and folds, it adds volume and reduces their appearance. Restylane is used to fill the smile lines (nasolabial folds), frown lines, crow’s feet, lips, lip lines, corners of the mouth, and under eye hollows.
Using advanced injection techniques, injections can also raise the eyebrows and smooth frown lines, and it can be combined with Botox to provide even better and longer-lasting results.
What is Restylane?
As mentioned earlier, Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid (HA). It differs from other HA fillers in that it is made up of tiny cubes of HA instead of strands held together by chemical bonds. Its composition gives Restylane its lifting power and elasticity.
Its structure also minimizes Restylane’s tendency to hold onto water which is what makes it such a great filler for under eye hollows.
What is Treatment Like?
Restylane comes pre-packaged in a syringe and is administered as a simple injection. The filler contains the anesthetic lidocaine, but discomfort can be further minimized by applying a numbing cream prior to treatment.
Prior to injection, the area is cleaned and sometimes marked. Treatment typically takes 20 – 30 minutes.
Afterward, you may experience mild swelling or bruising. Some areas are more likely to bruise than others, especially lips and under eye hollows. The risk of bruising can be minimized by using a blunt tipped needle called a cannula.
Bruising in most other areas usually only consists of small pinpoint bruises around injection sites that are typically easy to cover if they occur at all.
Swelling is usually minor and unlikely to result in social downtime except in the lips where it may be prominent for a day or two. Swelling typically resolves within three days.
Side Effects
The side effects of Restylane treatment are low and consist primarily of bruising and swelling. A much less likely side effect is infection. The risk is also low, and we thoroughly clean the skin prior to treatment to further reduce the risk. Allergy is extremely rare.
Occlusion of a blood vessel is a much rarer risk and much less likely to occur, but it is a risk of all injectable fillers.
How Long Does Restylane Last?
The length of time Restylane lasts depends on the area where it is injected. The more mobile the area, the faster it breaks down.
In the nasolabial folds, Restylane typically lasts 8-10 months. Under the eyes, however, it often lasts about a year. Lips typically need treatment again in 6 months.
I have found many times that fewer syringes are needed when re-filling an area compared with the first treatment. Many patients find that returning for a touch-up treatment every 6 months provides best results since the product never gets fully absorbed before getting more.
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Cost
The cost of Restylane depends on the number of syringes used. Most patients use 1 – 3 syringes for the first treatment and less for maintenance treatments.
Quick Answers: Restylane
What is Restylane used for?
I often inject Restylane into wrinkles and folds on the face, lips, lip lines, and under eye hollows.
Who are the best candidates for Restylane?
Almost all patients with unwanted wrinkles can be treated.
How is Restylane administered?
Restylane is injected into the area to be filled.
Do injections hurt?
Discomfort is minimal especially when the area to be injected is pre-treated with topical anesthetic.
How long does treatment take?
20 – 30 minutes depending on how much needs to be filled.
What is the recovery time?
Some patients will bruise as a result of treatment; however, most do not. Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and other non-prescription blood thinners will minimize the chance for bruising. Patients should avoid exaggerated facial movements for a day or two after injection.
How long do the results last?
6 – 12 months depending on the person and how much movement there is in the area treated.
