The synthetic, biodegradable, FDA approved hyaluronic acid known as Restylane® has been an absolute favorite for smoothing wrinkles, sculpting lips, and improving other facial features in Europe, Canada, and the United States.  

Restylane® contains hyaluronic acid in the form of a crystal clear gel. In contrast to other biodegradable implants, Restylane® is not extracted from animals.  This means no risk of allergic reaction and, therefore, no allergy testing needed.  

Since no pre-test is needed, the procedure may take from a few minutes to up to 30 minutes depending on the extent of the treatment. It is most often performed after applying a topical anesthetic cream for twenty-thirty minutes, while others prefer an anesthetic block, especially when the lips are being treated. This makes the treatment relatively painless.   

Prior to the injections, the injector will first clean the area being treated with an antiseptic and will then select one or more injection points for each location to be treated. The correct amount of product will then be determined.  The Restylane® filler is then injected underneath the skin surface to correct volume loss, to fill in fine lines, or to sculpt lips. The Hyaluronic acid in the filler adheres to the skin as the water contained in the acid helps to retain volume under the skin’s surface.  The Hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules, which helps to preserve the renewed volume of skin.

Results are noticed right away and are fully evident within one week. The most common side effects are swelling and bruising at the injection site, as well as redness and pain at the injection points. For this reason, it is advisable that no blood thinning medications, such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Fish oil be taken for at least 5 days prior to treatment to minimize bruising.  Other possible side effects, although rare, include headache, nausea, and flu-like symptoms.  Normal activities can be resumed immediately, though patients are advised to stay out of the sun.  

Restylane® will visibly correct wrinkles by 80 percent. Restylane® treatments are not permanent and maintenance treatments may be needed every 4-12 months.   

COST

The cost of each Restylane®  treatment may vary depending on who is injecting the product (Esthetician, Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician), geographic location, the amount of product needed, and the amount of area to be covered per treatment. Major metropolitan cities often charge higher rates for treatment. New York and Miami are known as the two most expensive areas for the treatment. Purely cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. The price per syringe may range from $300 to $1000 per syringe.  If the cost is too much to pay at once, some offices may offer financing options and tips. The manufacturer also offers a mail-in rebate known as the Restylane® Rewards program where a patient receives money back after each Restylane® treatment.

No photos are associated with this procedure. Before and after photos for procedure will be added soon.

What are Pros and Cons?

The pros and cons section offers a quick, at-a-glance list of why or why not to have a certain procedure or try a given product.   Use this list to share and learn with others about what procedures and products you feel are the best or not-so-best.  Honest feedback from real people that have experienced the treatment or product themselves!