Restylane: Restoring Fullness to Your Face Naturally

Restylane is a natural cosmetic dermal filler approved by the FDA in 2003 that restores volume, making the face, or wherever it is injected, look more full. Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar compounds that exists in the human body, and comes in the form of a clear, liquid gel. The product lasts relatively longer than other filler types, potentially six months or longer. Restylane products are marketed towards females aged 35 to 60, and is advertised as the most effective method to eliminating deep wrinkles, in comparison to other procedures, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Restylane can reduce wrinkles by 80%, but is a temporary solution and follow-up treatments or regular appointments may be required.

Injection Procedure

Restylane injections are administered in a doctor’s office, and are often performed with local anesthesia. Patients may still experience pain or discomfort, since Restylane does not contain lidocaine, and the procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to thirty minutes.

1. The doctor will select one or more injection points for each location that will be injected with Restylane. He or she will also apply antiseptic.
2. The doctor will identify how much Restylane he or she will use to achieve the effect desired by the patient.
3. Restylane filler is injected beneath the skin, and the hyaluronic acid in the filler adheres to the bottom of the skin. Water in the acid helps the filler to maintain volume, which is preserved by the chemical interaction between the acid and the water.

Recovery and Effects

The full effects will be seen within one week after the injection. However, immediately after the procedure, there may be pronounced swelling lasting two to three days, and patients are advised to limit time under direct sunlight. Despite swelling, normal activities may be resumed, and if the patient’s functions are severely limited, he or she should seek consult.  In addition, unmanageable pain, as well as abnormal and progressive symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Complications or Risks

Most common side effects of Restylane include: nausea, headaches, flu-like symptoms, or pain and redness at the injection points. Less frequent side effects may also include muscle weakness, but it should go away within a few days, or in the worst case, a few months. Otherwise, Restylane involves very little risks and complications.

Works Consulted

Miller, Scott R., M.D. “Restylane Injections – Benefits, Cost & Side Effects.” Consumer Guide to

Plastic Surgery. Ceatus Media Group, LLC, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2017.

“Restylane.” American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. ASOPR, n.d.

Web. 20 Mar. 2017.