Restylane is an FDA-approved clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid and uses a dual mechanism of action to correct moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. As a versatile product, this dermal filler can be injected into the lips, nasolabial area, cheeks, temples [and] neck lines, and for hand rejuvenation. In fact, Restylane is a quick, nonsurgical treatment that creates instant results with little to no downtime.
What Are The Different Types And Uses Of Restylane?
Several kinds of Restylane can be used for different areas of the face, such as the lips, cheeks, facial folds, and wrinkles. All are hyaluronic acid–based fillers, and each one was designed with a different specific purpose.
- Restylane Silk- is the first FDA- approved filler designed for lip augmentation and wrinkles around the mouth.
- Restylane Lyft- is for cheek augmentation, midface contour deficiencies, and laugh lines. Additionally, it provides more volume and fullness.
- Restylane- is used for facial wrinkles and folds, lip augmentation, and tear troughs (dark circles under the eyes).
- Restylane Refyne- is used for wrinkles that can occur from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
- Restylane Defyne- is also used for wrinkles around the nose and mouth.
What To Do Before The Treatment?
One of the benefits of receiving this filler is that, unlike many other treatment options available, it only needs little to prepare. Instead, there are just a few things to avoid in the week leading up to the appointment to ensure that treatment is as effective and safe as possible.
Nonetheless, it is advised to avoid taking medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. It’s also best to stop taking certain supplements like fish oil and St. John’s wort. Smoking and drinking should also be stopped for a week or so before it’s time for the injection.
What To Expect During The Procedure?
Most importantly, it is necessary to counsel the patient and discuss the appropriate indication, risks, benefits, and expected responses to the Restylane treatment. Before starting the procedure, the patient must be informed of the necessary precautions.
To manage discomfort, appropriate anesthetic treatments might be needed, such as topical anesthetic, local or nerve block. After the patient’s face is washed with soap and water and dried with a clean towel, the provider will cleanse the treatment area with alcohol or another suitable antiseptic solution. At the same time, sterile gloves are recommended while injecting Restylane.
Before injecting, the provider presses the rod carefully until a small droplet is visible at the tip of the needle. Restylane is administered using a thin gauge needle. For the nasolabial folds, Restylane should be injected into the mid-to-deep dermis.
For lip augmentation, Restylane should be injected into the submucosal layer; care should be taken to avoid intramuscular injection. If Restylane is injected too superficially, this may result in visible lumps and/or bluish discoloration. The provider will inject Restylane by applying even pressure on the plunger rod.
The injection must be stopped just prior to the needle being pulled out of the skin to prevent leaking out or ending up too superficially in the skin treatment. Moreover, the typical usage for each treatment session is specific to the site and the severity of the wrinkle.
What To Expect After Restylane?
The effect of Restylane should be immediately noticeable after the treatment. In fact, HA works quickly to plump up the skin, though the full effects may not be apparent for a few days. On average, the treatment can last for 6-12 months.
However, individual results may vary, and the doctor will recommend follow-up treatments to maintain the desired results after this time frame. In fact, patients can already return to most of their normal activities following the treatment, but the doctor may advise against working out for 48 hours. Also, sun exposure must be avoided at all times.
What Are The Possible Side Effects of Restylane?
Restylane may cause serious side effects, including:
- itching
- rash,
- hives,
- wheezing,
- redness, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever,
- swelling in the face, throat, or tongue,
- difficulty breathing,
- unusual hoarseness,
- severe irritation where the medication was injected,
- severe swelling where the medication was injected,
- change of skin color where the medication was injected,
- pain immediately after injection,
- vision changes,
- weakness,
- confusion,
- trouble speaking or with your balance,
- drooping on one side of the face, and,
- loss of eyesight.
Who Should Not Receive The Treatment?
The Restylane family of products is indicated for patients over the age of 21. Nonetheless, the treatment is not recommended for those who are:
- immunocompromised
- allergic to bacterial protein
- taking blood thinners
- pregnant or breastfeeding
What To Expect During The Recovery?
Like any treatment, social downtime is usually minimal after the Restylane treatment, but the recovery will depend on how the skin heals, the number of injections, the injection site, and the injector’s skill.
Days after the treatment, patients must avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, and too much sun or heat to minimize swelling and bruising. In addition, applying ice immediately after the treatment can also help minimize bruising. In fact, some providers also advise patients to take oral arnica, beginning three days before injections and then post-treatment for three days or until bruising fades.
How Long Do Restylane Fillers Last?
Dermal fillers create an instant result but should “give the product two weeks to settle fully and allow swelling to resolve” for the final results to become apparent.
That said, the results of Restylane should last anywhere from 6-12 months before the body metabolizes the filler enough to need another injection (a “top-off,” in injectables lingo). The results will depend on the exact product, treatment area, and how the body responds.
The Bottom Line
Restylane is a highly effective treatment method that is safe, fast, and non-invasive in treating wrinkles, skin sagging and volume loss that is getting down. Auri Aesthetics, LLC offers Restylane, an FDA-approved dermal filler made of a biodegradable, non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Ultimately, this dermal filler provides volume and fullness to the skin, as well as corrects moderate to severe wrinkles and folds.
