What is Restylane?
Restylane is the first hyaluronic acid derivative approved in the United States. As such, it has a long standing history of use here. It works similarly to other HA derivatives in creating a voluminous effect.
Where can Restylane be used?
Restylane can be used almost anywhere in the face including nasolabial folds, under the eyes, lips, cheeks and even the nose.
What is the procedure like?
Restylane is injected into the areas that need treatment. A numbing cream is placed on the area of treatment to help minimize the pain.
Restylane is excellent for any patient looking to return volume to where they see hollowness and give a youthful appearance by reducing wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and brow. This is also an excellent filler for anyone regardless of skin type or ethnic background.
Most effects are limited to local irritation. You may see bruising and swelling as well as some numbness for a few days. The benefit of Restylane is it is reversible after a treatment using Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that can break up this filler, allowing the body to absorb it. Allergic reactions are rare.
There is very minimal recovery time for patients who receive this treatment. The only real issue would be for those who tend to be prone to bruising easily.
Depending on the patient, on average, patients can return to work the next day. Bruising and swelling, with the help of icing the area, should subside within a week.
The effects of using Restylane are immediate. While many factors do play into account, the average length of time that Restylane lasts is typically at least six months before the patient has to come in for a follow-up treatment.
Except for minor irritations and bruising in the injected areas, there is no real risk in using Restlyane due to hyaluronic acid being found naturally in the body. It can be reversed and broken down using an enzyme, which degrades the Restlyane for the body to absorb faster.
Restylane is the first filler and as such many patients will ask specifically for it by name. It does tend to be comparable to Juvederm Ultra with Juvederm being slightly more silky in texture. Overall, it is a good product but consider the use of either Perlane (Restylane’s big brother) or Juvederm Ultra Plus for longer duration.
Is Restylane more or less expensive than Juvederm?
Restylane and Juvederm in Dr. Shah’s office cost the same so it is a matter of preference by both Dr. Shah and patient.
Can Restylane filler go in the lips?
Restylane has a long track record of safety in the lips. There is a newer product called Restylane Silk which is also available for very conservative augmentation of lips and of fine lines. There are other fillers which can go in the lips as well.
How do I know which filler to use in my face?
Dr. Shah discusses with the patient the various treatment options and types of fillers available. After an informed discussion patients can decide on which filler is best for them.
Do I have to travel to Chicago to see Dr Shah?
Dr. Shah’s office is located in Chicago in the Water tower Building.
Can’t anyone inject filler?
There are important considerations for having filler injected into your face. First of all, the consideration of what type of filler is best for your specific concern is important. The actual technique is also very important consideration as injection around the mouth, eyes, nose can all have potential complications. An experienced injector will have less side effects than a novice injector.
What is the difference between Restylane and Restylane-L?
Restylane L has lidocaine pre-mixed into the product.
What is the amount of hyaluronic acid found in Restylane?
Restylane has an HA concentration of 20mg/ml and is made up of NASHA version of HA.
When was Restylane FDA approved?
Restylane was FDA approved in 2003 with a further indication for the lips in 2011. Restylane-L was FDA approved in 2010 while Restylane Silk was FDA approved in 2014.
What is Restylane cross-linked with?
Restylane is cross-linked with BDDE which is 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether.
Where is Dr. Shah’s office located?
Dr. Shah’s office is located in the Water tower Chicago Illinois 60611 Michigan Avenue.