The Restylane® family of dermal fillers features hyaluronic acid to restore support to the dermal structure, adding fullness while smoothing away lines and wrinkles. The vast array of formulations allows providers to address many different concerns at one time. When an experienced injector administers the procedure, the results should appear natural and last for many months. When you choose a member of the California Society of Facial Plastic Surgery (CSFPS) for your treatment, you can rest assured you are getting the experience and expertise to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Is Restylane® Right for You?
Restylane® can be effective for any skin type or tone and may be used on adult patients of all ages. With a variety of formulations, we can treat any or all the following concerns:
- Nasolabial folds also referred to as smile lines
- Marionette lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin
- Chin wrinkles
- Loss of volume in the temples and midface
- Thin lips or lips that have lost fullness over time
- Perioral lines (also known as lipstick or smoker’s lines)
How Restylane® Helps You Turn Back the Clock
The Restylane® line includes a variety of formulations, each designed for a different purpose:
Restylane® and Restylane®-L
The original Restylane® product is still a top choice to address facial wrinkles around the lower portion of the face, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It can also be used to diminish wrinkles along the chin or fine vertical lines that often appear above the upper lip (perioral lines). Restylane® may also be a filler choice in patients age 21 and over that want to add fullness and definition to the lips. Restylane®-L is the same formulation as Restylane® but includes lidocaine for a more comfortable treatment experience.
Restylane® Silk
Restylane® Silk was explicitly created to treat lips that lack volume, whether they have always been thin or have become that way over time. This formula also offers natural results when addressing perioral lines above the upper lip. Smaller hyaluronic acid particles with an ultra-smooth consistency are the secrets to the success of Restylane® Silk.
Restylane® Lyft
Restylane® Lyft features a thicker formulation that is well-adapted to adding volume to the midface and backs of the hands. The midface commonly loses volume over time, creating a hollowed appearance. Restoring volume adds definition to the cheekbones and creates a more youthful facial profile. In addition, the product can be used to fill out deep nasolabial creases and other severe lines on the face.
Restylane® Refyne
Restylane® Refyne is designed with innovative XpresHAn technology, which offers a more cohesive consistency that allows the filler to move within the dermal structure and preserve natural facial expressions. This product softens lines around the nose and chin, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
Restylane® Defyne
Restylane® Defyne features the same XpresHAn technology as Refyne but comes in a slightly thicker solution to smooth out deeper nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Like Refyne, Defyne offers noticeable correction without compromising your ability to make natural expressions.
Many members of The California Society of Facial Plastic Surgery are expert injectors, and will carefully assess your concerns and discuss your desired outcome to ensure we provide you with the most effective procedure. Your filler product will be chosen based on the treatment area, the amount of correction necessary and the goals you hope to achieve.
Who Should Administer Your Restylane® Treatment?
While Restylane® and other fillers are frequently used to address signs of aging, the person performing the procedure will make all the difference in the safety and success of the process. It is essential to select an experienced provider that has the training and qualifications to provide you with a safe and successful treatment. Do not hesitate to ask the plastic surgeon or clinic staff about their level of expertise and how many Restylane® procedures they perform weekly to ensure they have sufficient experience to deliver your injections.
Preparing for Your Treatment
Restylane® is a safe treatment with few side effects, so there are not many steps you will need to take to prepare for your procedure. Some substances can increase your odds of bleeding or bruising slightly around the injection sites, so stopping those medications and supplements may enhance your results. Blood-thinning medications to avoid before treatment include aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. It is also advised to stop taking vitamin E and St. John’s Wort for the same reason. We will cover these substances at your initial consultation to ensure you are ready for your treatment to achieve the safest outcome.
Procedure Overview
Restylane® treatments are quick and relatively comfortable. In most cases, no anesthetic is required before the injections are administered. Some patients may want topical numbing or ice before treating sensitive areas like the lips. Injections are strategically placed where they will achieve smooth, even results and patients typically do not feel the fine needle as it goes into the skin. Most procedures take just minutes to complete depending on the number of areas you want to address in a session.
Is There Recovery Time After a Restylane® Treatment?
Once your procedure is completed, you can head directly back to work or other activities. Other than some very mild bruising or swelling, there should be no indication you just had a cosmetic procedure performed. Discomfort is minimal after Restylane® treatments, and most patients do not report any pain after their procedure.
Results appear immediately following Restylane® injections and will continue to improve in the days following treatment. The duration of those results will vary somewhat, based on the specific formulation used, the treatment area and how fast your body reabsorbs the hyaluronic acid in the formula. Most patients enjoy positive results for anywhere from six months to one year. To extend those results indefinitely, you can schedule regular appointments with our office. Keep in mind that insurance does not typically cover these procedures, but providers usually offer payment plans and discounts on multiple treatments to make the enhancement more affordable.
Whether you are looking to smooth away wrinkles, restore youthful volume or add fullness to the lips, there is a Restylane® product that may help. To be sure your Restylane® treatment fits your needs and goals, educate yourself about the various formulations available and select a CSFPS member with the training, credentials and experience to produce the best possible results.