1. Restylane What is Restylane?
a. Restylane ® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds . Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid , a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA™ or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. Restylane maintains its shape using the body's own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is hydrophilic or "water loving." As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide lasting results.
2. Where can Restylane be used?
a. Restylane ® has been used in more than 3 million treatments in over 70 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and to enhance the appearance of the lip border. It is currently approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds , which are the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
3. How long does Restylane last?
a. Restylane ® is proven to deliver long-lasting results. Studies have shown that Restylane effects generally last for about six months. The unique NASHA ™ technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone. Follow-up treatments are typically scheduled at six-month intervals. (Individual results may vary.)
4. What can I expect?
a. You should take a few precautions before being treated with Restylane® . One week prior to treatment with Restylane , avoid taking St. John's Wort , high doses of Vitamin E supplements, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. These agents may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence.
Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultra-fine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient and results are practically instantaneous. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may decide to numb the treatment area.
5. Is Restylane safe?
a. Since 1996, over 3 million Restylane ® treatments have been safely administered by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in more than 70 countries. This innovative treatment is now approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane has a highly favorable safety profile. It's composed of Non-Animal Stabilized hyaluronic acid . Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use. Based on clinical studies Restylane treatments produce a low occurrence of adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve in less than seven days.
Precautions: The safety of Restylane for use during pregnancy, in breast feeding females or in patients under 18 years has not been established. The safety of Restylane in patients with increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring has not been studied. Restylane should not be used in patients with known susceptibility to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. The patient should be informed that he or she should minimize exposure of the treated area to excessive sun and UV lamp exposure and extreme cold weather until any initial swelling and redness has resolved. If laser treatment, chemical peeling or any other procedure based on active dermal response is considered after treatment with Restylane there is a possible risk of eliciting an inflammatory reaction at the implant site. This also applies if Restylane is administered before the skin has healed.