According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, dermal fillers consist of gel-like substances, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid, that your doctor injects beneath the skin.Dermal filler injections are considered a minimally invasive procedure that require minimal downtime.
What is Restylane
Restylane (hyaluronic acid) Dermal Filler Injectable Gel is used for mid-to-deep dermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (laugh lines). Restylane is also used for lip augmentation in patients over the age of 21. Common side effects of Restylane include swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness, itching, or pain at the injection site.
Dosing of Restylane depends on the area being treated and the severity of the wrinkles or folds. Restylane may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Consult if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before using Restylane.
One good thing about Restylane is that it is non-animal sourced. It is more natural, which means that risk for disease transfer and allergic reaction is significantly lower. The acid gel is injected directly into the facial tissues to add fullness and volume and to reduce wrinkles, sagging and fine lines. It is also used for lip enhancement.
What Restylane Products Are Available?
Patients can choose from a wide range of Restylane dermal fillers, including:
Restylane Silk
Restylane Silk is an FDA-approved injectable treatment for lip augmentation. It is intended to treat wrinkles around the mouth and available to patients age 21 and older.
Restylane Lyft
Restylane Lyft is used to correct visible signs of aging in the face and hands. The injectable dermal filler adds fullness and volume to the cheeks, midface area, and back of the hands.
Restylane Refyne
Restylane Refyne is a top choice for patients who want to soften the appearance of laugh lines. The dermal filler features XpresHAn Technology™ that supports a patient’s ability to naturally frown, smile, and make other facial expressions.
Restylane Defyne
Restylane Defyne is a great option for patients who want to correct nasolabial folds that can form near the corners of the mouth and marionette lines that can develop around the corners of the mouth and chin. It even has a 92% RealSelf “Worth It” rating among patients who have used the dermal filler over the past 24 months.
How Long Does Restylane Last
Restylane treatment usually lasts between six to 12 months after injection. The effect and improvement of the skin’s or facial’s appearance last within the said period. However, like in other injectable fillers or cosmetic enhancers, the duration of the results will vary from patient to patient. Factors that affect the duration include the patient’s lifestyle, metabolism, the muscle volume and movement, the severity of the treated areas, and the unique characteristics of the skin.
The professional performing the cosmetic procedure can better estimate how long you can expect the Restylane effects to last. Before the procedure, the professional will take a closer look at your skin or lip, and ask questions regarding your lifestyle, medical history, and other information.
The duration ofthe Restylane’s effect varies from area to area and type of product. For example, Restylane injected in lips wear off shorter than that in another part of the face or skin. The average effect of Restylane in lip treatments and enhancements is three to six months. In areas other than the lips, the effect is usually longer, averaging six to nine months, or even 12. Here is how long the different Restylane products last;
Restylane Dermal filler type | How long does it last? | |
Restylane Defyne, Refyne, and Lyft | About 12 months, with a possible touch-up at 6–9 months | |
Restylane Silk | Approximately 6–10 months. | |
Restylane-L | Approximately 5–7 months. |
However, if the filler reduces over time or if its effects wear off, you can always go to the professional to set-up a re-treatment if you so desires. That way, your face or lips can stay smooth, fresh and young-looking. Restylane’s effects are long-lasting but not permanent. To keep enjoying the effects of Restylane, you can set up a schedule with your professional, tailoring it to your physical needs, physiology, and other factors. What many like about Restylane is that it is quickly healing and the side effects are minimal. You can even get it on short notice just as long as you are a good fit. Which leads us to the next important question, is it right for you? SEE:How Long Does It Take Restylane To Settle
Side Effects
Adverse Experiences
There were six U.S. studies that reported adverse experiences. Four of the six studies were conducted in support of the indication of mid-to-deep dermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and two of the six studies were conducted in support of the indication of submucosal implantation for lip augmentation.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common side effects of a dermal filler include:
- redness
- swelling
- tenderness
- bruising
These side effects usually go away in about 1 to 2 weeks. To help aid healing and reduce swelling and bruising, Palep recommends using Arnica topically and orally.
More serious side effects may include:
- an allergic reaction
- skin discoloration
- infection
- lumps
- severe swelling
- skin necrosis or wounds if injected into a blood vessel
To reduce your risk of serious side effects, choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These practitioners have years of medical training and know how to avoid or minimize negative effects.
Is Restylane Right for You
This would depend on the recommendation and finding of the professional who will perform the procedure. Whether you are a good fit for dermal filler treatment depends on various factors like age, metabolism, lifestyle individual goals, and budget. Considering that Restylane treatment may cost a lot, it may not be available for everyone. However, if the professional finds that, based on the checkup, you are a good candidate for dermal filler and that you can afford the cost, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t try this treatment option.