Restylane

What is Restylane?
It is hyaluronic acid that is a natural occurring compound found in human tissues. You can kind of think of it as a building block that is cohesive and it holds the cells together. Because it is a natural compound, it does not require skin testing.

Where is Restylane effective?

Vertical lines leading out from the mouth, along with other lines in the face are most amenable to Restylane injections. It can also be used to plump the lips.

How long does the effect last?
It is said to last twice as long as collagen which is the gold standard for injectable fillers. Since collagen only lasts for about 3 months, this is why Restylane is better because it can last anywhere from 6 months to 9-12 months. Of course, each patient is different and there have been clinical instances in which the duration of the effect is less and of course, there are also times when it has lasted for longer than a year.

How long does it take?

he actual Restylane surgical procedure takes about one hour and the day following the procedure, the tape mask is removed and then a powder is applied that mixes with the weeping skin – much as one would see from a CO2 laser resurfacing – that then forms a mask. This stays on the skin for 8th day and then on the 8th day using Vaseline, the mask is removed to reveal a new pink, tender skin.

It is imperative that during this immediate postoperative period that the patient avoids sun and in fact, one should avoid the sun at all costs forever by using sunscreen. To me Restylane is the icing on the cake. It is the one procedure that removes those annoying fine lines and restores the skin to a much more smooth and youthful texture.