Restylane has a lot to offer the aging face. Restylane is used for lip enhancement, plumping the eyebrows, smoothing under-eye hollows, defining the cupid’s bow (the curve above your lip), enhancing the volume and contour of cheeks, chin and jawline, and softening the appearance of acne scars and other depressed marks.
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based soft tissue filler much like Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane. Hyaluronic acid is found in all living beings, but its supply dwindles with age. Replenishing hyaluronic acid with fillers such as Restylane can help restore volume and fullness to the deep folds that run from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth (nasolabial folds.) The hyaluronic acid itself increases volume, but it also draws water into the treated area.
Restylane’s results last up to six months; after that, Restylane gradually degrades and is absorbed by your body.
Is Restylane right for you?
Discuss your concerns, objectives and options with a licensed provider. There is no one-size-fits-all filler. Your choice in filler is based on your aesthetic goals and facial anatomy. If you and your provider decide to move forward with Restylane, the procedure can take start to finish about 30 minutes. There is no downtime with Restylane, and your results are fully evident within one week. There may be some swelling for two or three days, but you can usually go back to your regular activities right away. Your provider will likely advise you to stay out of the sun because exposure can worsen swelling or redness after Restylane treatment.
Restylane Risks
Restylane is considered safe, but side effects may occur. They include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Redness, pain and itching at the injection site(s)
- Small bumps beneath the skin (rare)
- Temporary muscle weakness
You should discuss your risk of complications with your provider during your initial consultation. Following their instructions will help minimize this risk.
This may include smoking and alcohol use as well as the use of certain over-the-counter painkillers and homeopathic remedies which can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
Choosing a skilled injector is key to avoiding unwanted effects with Restylane and other injectables. Technique is key, for example, Restylane may be visible or palpable if it is injected too close to the skin. This is more likely if the soft tissue filler is placed in unskilled hands.
What is the cost of Restylane?
Restylane 0.4cc syringe $260
Restylane 1.0cc syringe $500