Restylane

Restylane is a filler material used to fill in, on a temporary basis, various folds and wrinkles on the face.  Restylane is a material called hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance found in people, animals and even bacteria.  Because it is naturally occurring, it does not cause allergic reactions except in very rare cases.

Restylane can work quite well to smooth out and flatten the nasolabial folds (the fold formed from the outer edge of the nostril down to the corner of the mouth).  Restylane is injected directly into the wrinkle or fold with a very small needle.  It works not only because it fills the wrinkle but also because it draws water into the area like a small sponge.  Slowly, over time the Restylane and the water is absorbed and the filler effect is thus diminished.  Restylane is usually still effective 6 months later but some of the effect will have been lessened.

The negative side effects of Restylane are few.  Pain on injection can occur and Dr. Topol has a specially formulated numbing cream that can be applied to the skin 5 to 10 minutes before your treatment to lessen any pain you may feel.  After injection, there can be redness, pain, bruising or itching which will resolve in 1 to 4 days.  In about 1 in 5,000 people, a delayed hypersensitivity reaction can occur around 3 weeks after injection.  This can present in the form of redness, swelling, or a tender nodule in the skin.   If this occurs, steroid injection into the nodule or steroid medication would be prescribed.

Depending on the area to be treated, treatment can be accomplished in one session or occasionally 2 or 3 sessions scheduled 2 weeks apart.  Multiple treatments are more likely needed for the nasolabial folds.  Dr. Topol will give you his best estimate as to the number of injection sessions you will likely need.  To obtain the best effect, it is important to plan on the full number of sessions so as to avoid disappointment. 

All makeup must be removed prior to injection.  If multiple injections are necessary it is better to come with someone to take you home at least for the first treatment.  After treatment, mild pain medication and/or ice may be of benefit.  Because bruising and swelling can occur from the treatment, it is wise to avoid important social engagements within the first 5 days or so after treatment as it may be difficult to conceal this with makeup if it occurs. 

The advantage of Restylane as a filler is that the treatment is a relatively small office procedure with a good safety record nationally.  Repeat treatments over time are needed to maintain the correction.  How many and how much material depends on your face and your response to Restylane.  Restylane is not the same as full face Thermage, Laser, Chemical Peel or surgery.

Cost of Restylane is $500 per syringe and usually no more than one syringe is injected per treatment.  Most people only require at most one syringe for correction.  Restylane is often used in conjunction with Botox.   If you are interested in Restylane or have additional questions feel free to give our office a call or send us an email.