What is Restylane?
Restylane is a natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, wrinkles around the mouth, and between the eyes. It is also used to augment the lips.

What is Restylane made of?
Restylane is made from non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA,™ or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane requires no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence.

Is Restylane safe?
Yes. Restylane has been used safely since 1996 worldwide. Because Restylane is non-animal-based and fully biocompatible, allergy testing is not required. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Can Restylane be used anywhere on the face?
Restylane has been used in more than one million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and enhance the appearance and fullness of lips. However, it is currently approved in the U.S. only for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

How often should I have Restylane treatments done?
Restylane usually lasts 4 to 6 months, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year. Evidence shows that having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect.

How is Restylane different from Botox?
Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

How is Restylane different from bovine collagen?
Restylane is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, with virtually no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. In addition, bovine collagen is derived from animals (cow) and requires an allergy test. Because Restylane is non-animal-based, it can be administered without pretesting, so no waiting is required.

Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient, and results are practically instantaneous. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area.

Restylane is a customized procedure based on your specific needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost is comparable to similar procedures.