What does the Restylane™ treatment involve?

Restylane™ is a hyaluronic acid filler, which is a naturally occuring sponge like substance in human skin. This substance is genetically engineered in the laboratory using sterilized bacteria. The filler compound is packaged in 1.1 and 0.3 ml syringes in order to be administered clinically. Physicians can inject the material into the mid skin layer in order to allow for filling of wrinkles which have developed with sun exposure and aging. Areas that can be safely injected include nasolabial fold (laugh lines), marionette lines (lateral chin depressions), glabella (between the eyebrows), nasojugal crease (under the eyes) as well as the upper and lower lips.

Beneficial attributes of Restylane™ are that it is safe to be injected around the eyes without fear of ophthalmic artery damage and it is soft and malleable. Typical volumes of Restylane™ injected have been compiled for your convenience:

Am I a good Candidate for Restylane™ treatment?

Restylane™ is currently being used to fill facial wrinkles that have developed secondary to sun exposure and aging. A distinction should be made between dynamic wrinkles, which are present only with animation, and static wrinkles, which are present all the time. Whereas Botox® may be used for dynamic wrinkles, a filler material must be used to eliminate static wrinkles. Since Restylane™ is the least viscous of the fillers and as a result the softest to touch, it is the ideal filler for the lips. In addition, since the filler lacks any solid precipitates, it is safe to inject around the eyes, making it the most useful filler for the glabella (between the eyebrows) and in the nasojugal crease (under the eyes).

How do I plan for my Restylane™ treatment?

Since Restylane™ injections can result in slight bruising and swelling it is wise to schedule your treatment 1 week prior to any social events. In addition, it is wise to avoid any blood thinners such as aspirin or herbal products for two weeks prior to treatment.

How do I prepare for Restylane™ treatment?

Since Restylane™ treatment requires only superficial injections (mid dermis), no preparation is required by clients. Although most clients could tolerate the treatment during their lunch hour, it is advised that patients receive their treatment at the end of their day so that they do not have to return to work immediately. Following their Restylane™ treatments patients are advised to ice areas treated for approximately 10 minutes and to avoid any strenuous activity for 1 day.

What results can I expect following Restylane™ treatment?

Clients can expect a softening of folds/wrinkles/depressions caused by sun exposure and aging for up to 5 to 6 months. Most commonly treated areas include the nasolabial folds, nasojugal crease, marionette lines, lips, and acne scar depressions.

Where will my Restylane™ treatment be performed?

Since Restylane™ treatment requires only superficial injections, the treatments may be performed in a clinic examination room.

What type of anesthesia will be used for my Restylane™ treatment?

Patients require regional anesthesia, which is provided by strategic injection of sensory nerves with numbing (local anesthetic) medicine.

Even though injections are performed with a small gauge needle (30 gauge), needle sticks will cause some discomfort without a regional anesthetic.

What should I expect after Restylane™ treatment?

Light bruising and redness may be evident initially but will resolve within 1 to 2 days. Corrective makeup can be used to hide these temporary changes during the first few days following injection.

When will I be able to return to work following Restylane™ treatment?

Clients can usually return to work but due to light bruising and redness that might be evident it is recommended that clients perform their procedure at the end of their workday so that they can have the evening to recuperate.

Are there any side effects associated with Restylane™ treatment?

1. Minimal swelling may be evident for 1 to 2 days but will generally subside with no intervention. Swelling is minimized with topical icing for 10 minutes following injection.
2. Over injection may result in small areas of bulging. Bulging is avoided with pinch molding immediately following injection. In addition, bulges can be easily messaged out when detected within a day of injection.
3. Asymmetry can occur infrequently and is either due to asymmetry that was not detected and not corrected during injection (usually in the nasolabial folds) or due to over injection on one side. Asymmetry can be avoided by having the client sit upright when marking areas with and without animation and by injecting equal volumes to the two sides of the face. When present, asymmetry may be corrected with a touch up injection at any time.

Are there any risks associated with Restylane™ treatment?

No complications have been described with Restylane™ use. In addition, unlike earlier fillers, Restylane™ is hypoallergenic and has not been associated with any hyper-allergenic reactions.