Restylane® is a dermal filler made from a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA). Hyaluronic acid is found in all living creatures and it gives the skin volume and fullness. The hyaluronic acid used in Restylane® is produced by bacteria from the Streptococcus genus. It can be used in lip augmentation procedures or to treat wrinkles.
Restylane® works by binding water molecules to the dermis or middle layer of the skin and thereby helping it retain moisture. That added moisture results in fewer wrinkles and younger-looking skin. Restylane® was approved for use by the FDA in 2003. As Restylane® is a natural substance it causes few side effects.
The treatment is quick and non-invasive. The doctor injects the Restylane® into the desired area with an ultrafine needle. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and is performed right in our office. Before treatment, the patient should avoid using medications that can increase bruising and bleeding. These drugs include aspirin, St. John’s wort, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen), and high doses of Vitamin E.
Results of Restylane® will develop a few days after treatment and can last up to four to six months. Some patients may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. This can be discussed during your initial consultation.
Common side effects are swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, and bruising. The effects are generally mild and last seven days in the nasolabial folds and 14 to 18 days in the lips. Bruising is more common is patents under 35 years old, while swelling is more common in patents over 36 years old.
In order to expedite the healing process, the patient should use cold compresses to reduce swelling, avoid taking anything that might increase bleeding or bruising, avoid exposure to temperature extremes, and avoid touching the treated area for at least six hours.
Restylane® should not be used on sites that have sores, pimples, cysts, rashes or any other kind of infection of the skin. The treatment should be postponed until after the skin has healed.
Restylane® should not be used by pregnant women, or by people with bleeding disorders or known allergies to lidocaine. It should not be used by people with a history of severe allergic reactions, particularly to gram-positive bacteria. People whose allergies are severe enough to necessitate a hospital stay should not use Restylane®. Restylane® should not be used anywhere except in the lips, in the skin, or just under the skin.
If you’re interested in experiencing the age-defying effects of Restylane®, contact Pender MediSpa to schedule your consultation. Our team will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
