Restylane®
What's the recent buzz about Restylane® all about?
An independent study conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School showed that in addition to adding volume under the skin to smooth out wrinkles, Restylane actually makes the skin produce more of its own collagen. This means the treatment, which is already known to last several months, has the potential to provide beneficial effects that last even longer than previously thought.
How does Restylane influence the body's natural collagen?
The results of the study, which were published by the Michigan team in a recent issue of the Archives of Dermatology, suggest that Restylane injections encourage stretching of the skin's fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. This prompts the fibroblasts to make more collagen and stimulates the production of chemicals that inhibit collagen breakdown. A healthy network of fibroblasts and collagen is what supports the skin to lie smooth and unwrinkled.
What is Restylane?
Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that adds volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Areas commonly treated are nasolabial folds, perioral lines, lip and lip border, oral commisures, frown lines, forehead lines, crows feet, jaw line and cheek bone areas.
What is Restylane made of?
Restylane is made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. It is the first and only cosmetic dermal filler product available made in this fashion. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA™ or Non-Animal Stabilized Hylaluronic Acid. It is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.
How is Restylane different from other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, Restylane is non-animal-based. This virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.
What should patients know prior to treatment?
There is no pretesting required, but you should use a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses or Vitamin E supplements for a week to 10 days prior to treatment since these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could cause another recurrence. When you come in for your consultation, we can discuss pre-treatment antiviral medication in order to prevent a post-treatment breakout.
Is Restylane safe?
YES. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have used Restylane since 1996 worldwide. There is virtually no risk or animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. This usually resolves within 2 to 3 days.
How long does Restylane last?
Prior to the new research showing Restylane's potential for stimulating collagen production, studies showed that the average life of the injected substance is six months or longer. The unique NASHA technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone. Restylane maintains its shape using the body's own moisture. The most basic element of natural beauty, water, holds the key to long-lasting results.
Now that the University of Michigan study has shown Restylane can stimulate the skin to produce more of its own collagen, Restylane's beneficial effect on the skin may last well beyond the life of the injection itself. This is exciting news we'll be following in the months to come.
How is Restylane different from BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Restylane is a natural cosmetic filler. Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes muscles. Many of our patients are very satisfied after receiving treatments with both products.
How is Restylane different from bovine collagen?
Restylane is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, without the risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Bovine collagen is derived from the cow and requires allergy testing prior to treatment. Restylane is administered without pretesting, so no waiting period is required.
How much do Restylane treatments cost?
Restylane treatment is a customized procedure based on your specific needs. The cost will vary from patient to patient. Because Restylane is long lasting, it proves to be very economical over the long term. When you come in for a consultation, we can better determine cost according to your desired treatment areas.
Can I combine Restylane with other treatments?
Absolutely. Many people choose to enhance the results of their face lift or brow lift in Colorado by using Restylane treatments on their forehead, cheeks, or jaw line. You can learn all about your facial cosmetic surgery options and see diagrams of how several procedures are performed when you visit our specialty site.
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