What is Restylane?

As we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, a material found in the connective tissue that cushions, lubricates, and plumps up the skin. This result is the development of wrinkles, furrows, and under-eye hollows, which become more pronounced as the amount of hyaluronic acid lessens. Restylane, developed in Sweden by Q-Med and approved by the FDA in 2003, mimics the structure of the molecules of this diminished acid. When injected under the surface of the skin, this colorless dermal filler gel attracts and holds the body’s own moisture, filling out any lines and folds.

	Restylane usage is not limited to the face.

What Are the Benefits of Restylane?

Restylane is primarily used to enhance the lips, fill out nasolabial folds (marionette lines), and shape the cheek and chin. It can also be used to minimize forehead furrows, hollows under the eyes, and to soften the appearance of acne scars and jowls. After injections, patients retain full use of their facial muscles. Restylane usage is not limited to the face—the product also functions as a skin rejuvenator for the backs of the hands, and the décolletage.

While this dermal filler does include some bacteria, allergy tests are not required before use. The absence of animal proteins eliminates the risk of complications from animal disease.

How Is Restylane Used?

The procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes and must be administered by an experienced, qualified physician. Patients can experience pain at the time of the injection, but most doctors try to make the experience more comfortable with injectable anesthetics such as Lidocaine.

Before the procedure, do not take anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, St. John’s wort, or high doses of vitamin E, as they may cause bruises or bleeding. Do not go forward with the treatment if you use blood thinners, have a history of anaphylaxis, have been hospitalized for allergies, or if you have hives, rashes, pimples, or cold sores. All of these conditions may worsen with use of the product.

What Are the Side Effects of Restylane?

Face and body treatments can last from six months to a year, and treatments for the lips last about six months. The duration of the effects is influenced by age, lifestyle, and the injection technique. Immediately after treatment, clients may experience swelling, redness, pain, bruising, and tenderness, which can last up to three days. Appling a cold compress may help alleviate some of these discomforts. In rare cases, small red swollen bumps may appear. These bumps may take up to four weeks to disappear. At this time, there is no data available on long-term effects.

If there is an undercorrection, you may go back for additional injections. But if there was an overcorrection, the product cannot be removed. Time is the best healer. The body will eventually absorb the product and the effects will fade.