Restylane
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What is Restylane®?
Restylane ® is a clear, non-animal-based, biodegradable gel that is composed of hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body. Originally developed in Sweden, Restylane® filler injections are now marketed in the United States by Medicis, a leading pharmaceutical company that offers a wide range of other skin treatments. Restylane® is created from tissue cultivated in a laboratory, and is an excellent alternative to other fillers such as collagen and Hylaform®, which are both derived from animal products.
Restylane® for adding volume to Lips
Restylane® and Thermage for treating smile lines
Am I a Restylane® Treatment Candidate?
Restylane® requires only a few injections and no incisions or removal of tissue, so the risk of complications is quite low. That in turn means that almost anyone who would like to reduce the prominence of their facial lines and wrinkles can be a candidate for Restylane® treatments. Those allergic to avian-based hyaluronic acid treatments can safely use Restylane®, since it is derived from bacterial origins. Those with a history of allergy to bacterial protein, though, should not use the product.
The Restylane® Treatment Process
Restylane ® treatment is attractive in part because it is so fast and easy. The patient receives the injections in the doctor’s office and generally does not require any anesthesia (one exception: Restylane® lip filler treatment is usually accompanied by a local anesthetic). The injections are applied over the course of 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how large the area to be treated is. Once the gel has been administered, the session is over and the patient is free to return to normal activities.
Risks and Benefits of Restylane® Injections
The benefits of Restylane® are easy to see: the treatment is fast, minimally painful, and easy to recover from. Furthermore, the results last for months, and the biocompatible nature of the hyaluronic acid in the formula eliminates the need for allergy tests. There is a very small risk of side effects from Restylane® such as contracting an animal-based disease or having an allergic reaction to the bacterial proteins in the gel.