Restylane
Restylane: Impressions of beauty change with time - as do our faces as we age. With Restylane, you can have a natural beauty lift with the body's own material. Restylane is a crystal-clear, non-animal, biodegradable gel based on a natural substance, called hyaluronic acid. The gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The result is instantaneous and produces a long-lasting, natural enhancement, gentle and safe to your skin..
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where is Restylane most effective?
A: Restylane has been utilized for a number of years in major Plastic Surgery Centers all over Europe and Canada. It is proven most effective at correcting superficial lines and as a soft tissue fill for lip augmentation and the nasolabial folds. It can also be used under a depressed scar and to camouflage various other imperfections.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Restylane should last between six and twelve months, and because of the way it is absorbed, it should maintain most of its volume out until the time it completely goes away and then the final resorption is over in a relatively short period of time.
Q: What exactly is this material? Can I be allergic to it?
A: Allergic reactions to this type of material should be completely non-existent. Restylane is a laboratory produced hyaluranic acid. It does not come from cattle, other humans, etc., so there is no possibility of transmissions of diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, etc. Because it is hyaluranic acid, which is one of the substances bone and cartilage break down to, there is no chance of a traditional allergic reaction, particularly as seen with Collagen, and that is one less thing to be concerned with.
Q: Does this replace any of the other materials that are used?
A: Restylane has for all practical purposes made traditional Collogen injections completely obsolete. Because it is non-animal sourced and is identical to material already in the body, it will last longer, have no reactions and generally by a major improvement over standard Collagen. Some people may find it more attractive than AlloDerm or Dermaplant for lip augmentation because we can do it a bit more simply, albeit that it is known that it will reabsorb. Some of the other injectable materials that are not permanent will probably be replaced by Restylane as our experience with it grows. We also will use Restylane in lieu of fat injections in many places, as it does not require a donor site and is a much simpler undertaking. It requires a visit with a capable plastic surgeon familiar with the various options to discuss any individual one's case, as all of these techniques have their place and sorting that out is not as simple as it may seem.
Q: Is Restylane appropriate for smoker's lines in the lips?
A: As a physician, my first word about smoker's lines is of course to quit smoking. Knowing that most patients don't really want to hear that however, the practical answer to the question is yes. This is probably the best solution for smoker's lines that has come along as an injectable material. It is not a substitute for sensible healthcare, skin care and it does not have the permanence of laser treatments and some fat injections, but it is a great alternative for someone wanting a quick improvement.
Q: How long will it be before I see a nice result?
A: As with any procedure, there will be a little swelling and it is possible to get some bruising, but most patients can go back to work the same day or certainly the next. After two or three days, you will see a decrease in the swelling and certainly at one week things have a very nice appearance with little, if any, excess swelling.
Q: What about injecting this in the nasolabial folds? I have been told that the only way to correct that is with a facelift.
A: Nasolabial folds are a difficult area and certainly the face lift operation is the gold standard for minimizing excessive nasolabial folds. We have used Restylane in a number of patients already and great improvements can be made, perhaps making a facelift unnecessary until a more convenient time.
Q: Are there any patients who simply should not have Restylane?
A: As with any procedure, a visit to our office, either with Dr. Wallace or one of the nurses should lead to a quick resolution of this question. The nice thing is that this is a simple procedure that can usually be done at the same time as your consultation and not prohibit you from returning to work or your regular activities.
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