Restylane®
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Restylane® injectable gel is a cosmetic "filler" that contains hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance that is found in the body. HA gives volume and elasticity to the skin, but as the body ages, HA levels decrease, resulting in loose skin and wrinkling. When injected, Restylane gel is designed to plump the skin beneath lines and wrinkles, smoothing them out and making them less noticeable.
The most common areas for Restylane treatment are the cheeks, lips, marionette lines, peri-oral lines aka "smoker's lines" and the nasolabial folds (which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth), and chin. Restylane injectable gel is also FDA-approved, for those 21 and older, for enhancing the lips. Depending on the locations injected and which Restylane product is used, results last between 6-18 months.
Investment: $650/syringe. $100 off second syringe, $200 off third syringe. Half syringe available for lips ONLY: $450
Benefits of Restylane Injectable Gel
When injected, Restylane gel replaces lost volume in the cheek area and plumps up marionette and peri-oral lines and nasolabial folds, making skin appear younger and look smoother. When used for lip enhancement, it makes the lips fuller and gives them more definition.
Advantages of Restylane Injectable Gel
One significant advantage that Restylane injectable gel has over other facial fillers made with hyaluronic acid is that it contains nothing of animal origin. As a result, it does not require a potential user to undergo allergy testing, which can sometimes take weeks. Another advantage is that Restylane injections are performed in-office, usually by a dermatologist, in less than half an hour, and require little-to-no downtime for the patient.
Side Effects of Restylane Injectable Gel
The most common side effects of Restylane injectable gel are swelling, redness, pain, bruising and tenderness in and around the injection sites. They typically go away within a week. Although considered safe for most patients, Restylane injections carry a risk of infection, bleeding or allergic reaction.
