As we age, our skin begins to lose its natural softness, form, and elasticity. The reduction in skin structure and volume can cause unwelcome lines and wrinkles to appear.

Cosmetic dermal fillers are used to restore skin volume by filling in the skin underneath wrinkle lines. The products produce a natural volume under the wrinkles, which are lifted up and smoothed out. Restylane ® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler, FDA-approved for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, especially for the laugh lines known as the nasolabial folds.

Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that is also present in our bodies, mainly in the skin, the eye, and in the joints as a lubricant. Hyaluronic acid helps bind water, giving our skin its softness and shape. As we age, our skin loses its hyaluronic acid. Over the age of 50, it has been estimated that the skin loses hyaluronic acid at a rate of about 1% per year.

Unlike Collagen or rooster-based hyaluronic acids, Restylane is non-animal derived. It is composed of a crystal-clear gel known as NASHA ™, which stands for Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. This means that no skin-testing is necessary prior to the procedure as Restylane is fully biocompatible. With bovine collagen, skin testing is generally required one month prior to implantation.

Restylane’s safety is underscored by its widespread use. It has been used by physicians and surgeons since 1996 in more than 1.5 million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of folds and wrinkle lines.

Well-documented studies have shown that the effects of Restylane generally last for about six months 1. How long Restylane will specifically last for you may depend on how much is used for correction and on individual variables. Variables such as the depth of the wrinkle, facial skin structure, and metabolism may all affect the length of time the effect lasts. Restylane is fully biodegradable.

The Procedure
The Restylane application is simple and convenient! Our doctor will visit with you to discuss the details of the procedure. You should not use Restylane if you are under 18, breastfeeding or pregnant. A complete medical history will be obtained during your visit. Certain medications increase the likelihood of bruising from the procedure and this will be reviewed with you as well.

Restylane is injected directly into the skin through a very tiny needle. A topical anesthetic can be applied to the skin or a local anesthetic may be used in the form of a dental block to numb the areas to be treated. Discomfort is minimal, and the results are practically instantaneous.

Now you can enjoy a more youthful appearance with smoother skin with this simple and convenient procedure!

1. Narins R S, Brandt F, Leyden J, Lorenc ZP, Rubin M, and Smith S. A randomized, double-blind multicenter comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of REstylane versus Zyplast for the correction of nasolabial folds. Dermatol Surg 2003; 29:588-595