Restylane® Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Restylane®?

    Restylane® is the first and only FDA-approved dermal filler made of a biodegradable non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA™). Upon being injected beneath the skin's surface, the NASHA gel adds natural volume and lift to smooth wrinkles and folds.

    Restylane® has been used in more than 1.5 million treatments in over 60 countries and is now approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds.

  2. Where on my face can I get Restylane®?

    It is used along the deep crease of the face. Commonly in the nasolabial folds, the lines from the corner of the nose to the lip corner. It can also be used to “plump” the lips and reduce wrinkles.

  3. How often can I get injections?

    Follow-up treatments are typically scheduled at six-month intervals. (Individual results may vary.)

  4. Who performs the injections?

    All consultations and treatments are done by our a physician medical director or certified physician assistant.

  5. What should I expect at the time of the injection?

    You should take a few precautions before being treated with Restylane®. Avoid using aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, St. John’s Wart, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week prior to treatment because they may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial Herpes virus (cold sores), there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence, pre-treating with oral medication from your doctor is recommended .

    Restylane® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient and results are practically instantaneous. There are options available to optimize your comfort during the short procedure, such as a topical numbing cream and dental blocks (inject the inside of the mouth with lidocaine like the dentist does before a procedure)

  6. Is Restylane® safe?

    Restylane® has a highly favorable safety profile. Hyaluronic acid (NASHA)is a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane® is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, it is recommended that you do not receive Restylane® injections.

    Based on clinical studies, Restylane® treatments produce a low occurrence of adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve in less than seven days.

  7. Why is Restylane® better than collagen?

    Restylane® is better than collagen because it is a smooth, clear gel and “flows” when it is injected and goes in very evenly. Most importantly, it can last six months or longer. Restylane® is an excellent wrinkle filler and wrinkles can be “filled in” as needed. With collagen, you have to over correct because of the anesthetic in it, as some is absorbed, the correction decreases.

  8. Who should not receive Restylane®?

    Restylane® has not been studied and is therefore not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, individuals under 18 years old, and those with a known allergy to Restylane® or other gram-positive materials. Those who develop keloid or hypertrophic scarring are not good candidates.

  9. What should I do after my treatment?

    Minimize exposure of the treated area to excessive sun and UV lamp exposure and extreme cold weather until any initial swelling and redness has resolved. It is not advised to have any other treatments such as laser or PhotoFacials™ in the area for about 2 weeks after the injection.

For additional general information about Restylane®, visit www.restylaneusa.com.