What is Restylane?

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.

Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.

After your treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than seven days, and often only a few hours. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you shouldn't use Restylane.

Is Restylane Safe?

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.

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 breastfeeding 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 completely after such a procedure.

How Long Does Restylane Last?

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.)

What Can I Expect?

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 ultrafine 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.

What Does Restylane Cost?

Restylane® is injected in a customized procedure based on your specific needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost of Restylane treatment is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. However, Restylane's lasting properties often prove to be very economical over the long term. Please consult your physician to determine the best recommendation for your particular needs.

What are the advantages of Restylane?

Restylane® is different from Botox®.

Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

To visit the official web site for Restylane®, click here.