Restylane - The Injectable Filler For You?

Reviewed by Yael Halaas, MD

Restylane has a lot to offer the aging face. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in December 2003 for mild to moderate creases around the mouth. Restylane is also approved for lip enhancement. It is used off-label for plumping the eyebrows, smoothing under-eye hollows, defining the cupid’s bow (the curve above your lip), enhancing the volume and contour of cheeks, chin and jawline, and softening the appearance of acne scars and other depressed marks. (Off-label use is the common practice of using approved medications for non-approved uses.)

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based soft tissue filler much like Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane. Hyaluronic acid is found in all living beings, but its supply dwindles with advancing age. Replenishing hyaluronic acid with fillers such as Restylane can help restore volume and fullness to the deep folds that run from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth (nasolabial folds.) The hyaluronic acid itself increases volume, but it also draws water into the treated area.

Restylane's results last up to six months; after that, Restylane gradually degrades and is absorbed by your body. No allergy test is required with Restylane.

The Restylane Procedure

Is Restylane right for you? Discuss your concerns, objectives and options with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon. These are the "go-to" specialists when it comes to injectables and your face. There is no one-size-fits-all filler. Your choice in filler is based on your aesthetic goals and facial anatomy.

To get started, visit our directory of qualified facial plastic surgeons. While selecting a surgeon can be stressful, we take the worry out of the process by limiting our directory to only surgeons who have undergone years of training and experience and are highly regarded for their compassionate treatment style and superb results. Click here or on the right side of this page to find a facial plastic surgeon near you.

If you and your doctor decide to move forward with Restylane, the procedure can take anywhere from five to 30 minutes. Restylane, a clear liquid gel, is administered in the doctor's office, usually in conjunction with local anesthesia. However, Restylane with lidocaine is also now available. This means the filler and the pain relief are administered in one shot, so there's no need for a lidocaine injection before treatment.

There is no downtime with Restylane, and your results are fully evident within one week. There may be some swelling for two or three days, but you can usually go back to your regular activities right away. Your doctor will likely advise you to stay out of the sun because exposure can worsen swelling or redness after Restylane treatment.

Restylane Risks

Restylane is considered safe, but side effects may occur. They include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Redness, pain and itching at the injection site(s)
• Small bumps beneath the skin (rare)
• Temporary muscle weakness

You should discuss your risk of complications with your doctor during your initial consultation. Following his or her instructions will help minimize this risk.

You will likely receive a list of preoperative instructions including what you can and can't do before or after Restylane treatment. This may include smoking and alcohol use as well as the use of certain over-the-counter painkillers and homeopathic remedies which can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.

Choosing a skilled injector is key to avoiding unwanted effects with Restylane and other injectables. For example, Restylane may be visible or palpable if it is injected too close to the skin. This is more likely if the soft tissue filler is placed in unskilled hands.

Restylane Cost

On average, Restylane costs about $600 per syringe. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. If the cost of Restylane is prohibitive, ask your surgeon about financing options or payment plans.

To view a comparison chart explaining the pros and cons of all available injectables, please click here.

 

The goal of All About Facial Rejuvenation is to provide consumers with a comprehensive resource. In addition to non-invasive treatments, articles on topics such as facelift surgery, eye lid lift and rhinoplasty are provided to further educate potential patients.

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(Updated on 01/31/2012)
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