Restylane Injections

Restylane is an FDA-approved dermal filler made of a biodegradable, non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA). Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in all living organisms and provides volume and fullness to the skin.

Restylane is a gel of hyaluronic acid generated by Streptococcus species of bacteria. It is produced biotechnologically by natural fermentation in a sterile laboratory environment. This significantly diminishes the risk of transmitting diseases between species or eliciting allergic reactions in patients sensitive to common foods, such as beef, chicken, and eggs. Restylane does not require any allergy or skin test before injection.

Restylane is indicated for mid-to-deep dermal implantation to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane is also indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation in patients over 21. Restylane is formulated as a clear gel and uses a dual mechanism of action to correct moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. Upon being injected beneath the skin’s surface, Restylane gel integrates into dermal tissue and then attracts and binds to water molecules to help maintain volume. Restylane is gradually degraded by the body’s mechanism and disappears without any residue. Results can be seen immediately following Restylane treatment and for up to six months. You should avoid Restylane if you’re:

Allergy to bacterial protein
Immunocompromised
Taking blood thinners
Pregnant or breast feeding
Under age 21

To minimize bruising from Restylane treatments, about two weeks prior to your appointment, stop taking:

Aspirin
Vitamin E
Fish oil
Ibuprofen (Motrin)
St. John’s wort
Alcohol

The treatment session will last 30 min to 1 hour, depending on the treatment area, with a follow-up appointment at least six months after the treatment. After treatment, you may experience light bleeding, bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness that will last a few days and resolve completely in 2 weeks. Restylane aftercare is simple and does not generally interfere with patients’ daily routines. Patients should avoid overexposure to heat and sunlight. Also, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, laser skin tightening, and other laser enhancements should be avoided. Doctors will advise their patients to avoid flexing & stretching their facial muscles in the area of treatment, esp. in the first 24 hours after treatment.