What is Restylane®?
Restylane® is an FDA-approved cosmetic “filler” that adds volume and elasticity to the skin. Restylane® is the trade name for a specific formulation of non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a natural substance that is found in the body. As the body ages, HA levels decrease, resulting in loose skin and wrinkling.
How Does Restylane® Work?
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 include the following:
- Glabellar lines (which run between the eyebrows)
- Nasolabial folds (which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth)
- Lip Augmentation
Restylane® may also be used for filling aging-related facial hollows and “orbital troughs” (under and around the eyes).
Who is a Good Candidate for Restylane Injections?
As an FDA approved dermal filler, Restylane remains consistently popular among our patients. Ideal candidates for Restylane injections include patients who are 21 years of age or older, don’t have any skin infections, and are otherwise healthy. During your initial consultation with our Bay Area Laser Cosmetic Surgery Center office, we will be able to determine whether or not Restylane is right for you.
What is Restylane Silk?
Restylane Silk uses smaller, hyaluronic acid based particles to help add volume and contour to the lips and lasts around six months to a year on average. Additionally, Restylane Silk can also help patients get rid of fine lines and wrinkles on the lips.
Restylane Refyne
Just like other Restylane fillers, Restylane Refyne is a hyaluronic acid based filler. Used to treat moderate to fine marionette lines and nasolabial folds, Restylane Refyne gives patients a more youthful appearance while still supporting your natural expression. On average, Restylane Refyne lasts about six to nine months.
Restylane Defyne
Although Restylane Defyne is similar to Restylane Refyne, the main difference is that this filler is used to treat more moderate to severe marionette lines and nasolabial folds. However, it is similar in the way that it fills in fine lines and wrinkles while still giving patients a more natural look.
What is Restylane® Lyft?
Restylane® Lyft is an FDA-approved injectable cosmetic dermal filler that is designed for more pronounced facial folds and wrinkles, such as those on the sides of the mouth. It is also a popular filler for the following:
- Lip augmentation
- Facial depressions
- Facial scarring
Restylane® Lyft is a “mid-dermal” hyaluronic acid filler, which is a non-animal stabilized gel. As such, it does not pose any risk of allergies. Therefore, no prior skin testing is required before treatment. Hyaluronic acid is a resilient chemical and can easily adjust and mold to facial contours.
What to Expect After Restylane® Lyft
Results of Restylane® Lyft last for about six months. The most common side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, headache, tenderness and itching. These side effects decrease in severity over time, and most are resolved after two weeks.
Restylane® Lyft Vs Restylane®
The primary difference between Restylane® and Restylane® Lyft is that the hyaluronic acid gel particles in Restylane® Lyft are larger than those found in Restylane®. This gives Restylane® Lyft the additional ability to lift and fill the areas of injection that require a denser formulation. Also distinct from other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane® and Restylane® Lyft are minimally cross-linked, making them similar to the natural hyaluronic acid found in the body.
Restylane® Lyft can be used in tandem with other fillers, depending on the level of correction needed. For example, Restylane® Lyft can be used in deeper lines as a “topper” to the firmer properties of RADIESSE®, which is used for the very deep skin layer. The result is a softer upper layer that is extremely natural to the touch. Restylane® Lyft can also be used as the support layer with Restylane® or JUVÉDERM® used as the top product.
Hand Rejuvenation With Restylane® Lyft
Not only is Restylane® Lyft a great solution for lost facial volume, but it is also effective in restoring volume and youth to the hands. Restylane® Lyft is an FDA approved treatment for loss of volume in the back of the hands, reversing signs of hand aging and restoring their natural appearance. The product is a soft tissue filler that reduces the effects of thinned skin and loss of fat on the hands. The results of Restylane® hand rejuvenation can last approximately six months, requiring follow up treatments.
What to Expect After Restylane®
The results of Restylane® are not permanent, but can last for up to six months. It is recommended that patients reapply every six months or so. Recovery time from an injection takes around three days, as swelling and bruising may occur.
The most common side effects of Restylane® injectable gel are the following:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Bruising
- Tenderness in and around the injection sites
These side effects typically go away within a week. Although considered safe for most patients, Restylane® injections carry a risk of infection, bleeding or allergic reaction.
Risks and Side Effects of Restylane
As with all injections, there is a risk of infection with Restylane. The most common side effects include swelling, headache, bruising, itching, pain, and lump formation but they typically subside after one to two weeks. If your symptoms persist or get worse, contact our office immediately.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in Restylane® injections, contact one of our offices to schedule an appointment today!
