Restylane®

Restylane® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds.  Restylane® is made of non-animal-based 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.

Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane® is non-animal-based. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

How does Restylane® work?
Wrinkles are visible because they are depressions that are lower or deeper than surrounding skin.  Light casts shadows into them, making them more noticeable.  If wrinkles can be raised to the same level as surrounding skin, their visibility greatly diminishes because the accompanying shadows will be nearly nonexistent.  This is accomplished by either lowering the surrounding skin or raising the wrinkles.  Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser re-surfacing lower the surrounding skin.  Restylane® raises the depressions or wrinkles.

How long does Restylane® last?
Clinical studies have shown the average Restylane® treatment results can last six months or even longer.   The unique NASHA™ technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.  Restylane® is proven to deliver a longer lasting effect than traditional collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year.  (Individual results may vary.)

How is the procedure preformed?
Using a fine needle, I will inject Restylane® into your skin under each wrinkle.  The Restylane® pushes the depressed wrinkle outward, making it less visible.  This procedure involves temporary discomfort associated with the needle.  Once the injection is complete, there is no more discomfort.  You may apply make-up immediately and return to your usual activities.  The procedure for lip augmentation is similar.  However, with lip augmentation you are first given local anesthetic to numb the lips, in preparation for the injection.  This numbing is similar to that found in a dental office.

What are the risks of Restylane®?
Restylane® is an FDA-approved, pure, biosynthetically produced substance with an excellent safety profile.

Restylane® is safe and:

• Has been used since 1996 in over one million treatments worldwide.
• Is non-animal derived.
• Requires no allergy test.

The most commonly reported adverse events were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.