What is Restylane®?

Restylane® is an injectable dermatology treatment used by people who want to have healthy, younger-looking skin. This non-surgical treatment is used for such things as lip augmentation, wrinkle reduction, facial contouring, and modification of the areas under the nose and eyes. Referred to as a cosmetic filler, this treatment is made of hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the human body, a fact that makes this treatment attractive to those who worry about synthetic options and their potential effects. However, the hyaluronic acid used in this treatment doesn't come from a human or animal source. It is described as a non-animal, stabilized form of the substance. Since it is not derived from an animal source, the hyaluronic acid in restylane® may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction or contribute to the spread of animal-born diseases. It is also biodegradable.

Restylane® injections consist of a clear gel that is injected into the skin using a very thin needle. The results are said to be visible right after treatment. Small amounts of the gel are used for each treatment, and the injections are said to be only minimally uncomfortable. However, to decrease patient discomfort, some doctors apply a type of anesthesia to the treatment area before giving the injections.

Restylane® treatment is said to provide more supple, youthful-looking skin for about six months. However, some people may continue to see results for a longer period of time. The effect remains until the injected gel has just about dissipated. Treatment is recommended twice annually, though some assert that touch-up treatments, given before the gel's effects have fully worn off, may help to extend the results. Some dermatologists assert that restylane® treatment provides visible effects for twice as long as collagen treatments.

There is little preparation required before restylane® treatment. However, there are some medications and herbal remedies to avoid before having the injections in order to reduce the potential for bleeding and bruising in the injection area. It is best to avoid taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications like ibuprofen. It is also best to avoid St. John's Wort and vitamin E supplements before treatment.

Restylane® is said to cause few side effects. The most commonly reported side effect of the treatment is temporary redness. Some people also report temporary swelling in the area. Usually, these effects last for just a couple of days. The treatment is approved by the FDA.