Restylane is the trade name for a range of injectable fillers with a specific formulation of non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical in our joints and skin that provides elasticity and ‘cushion’. As we age, the production slows down – causing joint pain, arthritis, and looser, dryer skin. The ‘animal-sourced’ version is made from rooster combs; the non-animal-sourced is formulated in a laboratory, and is more hypoallergenic. Restylane was the first stabilized Hyaluronic acid filler to be approved by the FDA, in the U.S., for sub dermal injection to the face and reportedly has been used in over 11 million treatments worldwide (2010).
Keeping up with Nature
Restylane is used for lip enhancement (volume and contouring), diminishing wrinkles and aging lines of the face such as the nasolabial folds (the ‘parentheses’ around our nose / mouth), mouth corners, eye and forehead wrinkles. It may also be used for filling facial hollows, acne / accident scars, under the eyes for sunken sockets, as well as for cheek volume and contouring of the chin, forehead and nose. Additionally, in August of 2007, Dutch cosmetic doctor, Tom van Eijk, developed a “fern pattern” injection technique to restore dermal elasticity, rather than for use just as filler.
The amount of time that Restylane stays in the skin differs – but, after the initial treatment, is generally between 6 to 12 months. After several treatments, the amount of time between treatments can be longer. Dermal fillers can cause some temporary bruising in addition to swelling and numbness for a few days. The recovery period is usually between 1-2 days, and can be covered with a small bit of concealer during that time. Hyaluronic acid is a chemical that our body produces; it just makes sense to replace it when the body can no longer do it, itself. Talk to your dermatologist or a local cosmetic surgeon about the effects of Restylane therapy.
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