Restylane®

Instant and long-lasting wrinkle correction.

If you want to enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance for the next six months, or even longer, ask your physician if Restylane® is right for you.

Q. What is Restylane®?
A. Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Q. What is Restylane made of?
A. Restylane is the first and only cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA™, or Non-Animal stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is  bio-degradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Q. How is Restylane different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
A. Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane is non-animal-based. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Q. What should patients do prior to treatment?
A. Restylane requires no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because 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 contribute to another recurrence.

Q. Is Restylane safe?
A. Yes. Restylane has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. Because Restylane is non-animal-based and fully biocompatible, allergy testing is not required. There is virtually no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Q. Can Restylane be used anywhere on the face?
A. Restylane has been used in more than one million  treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and to enhance the appearance and fullness of lips. However, it is currently indicated in the U.S. only for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Q. How long does Restylane last?
A. Studies have shown that the average treatment results last six months or even longer. The unique NASHA™ technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.

Q. How often should I have Restylane treatments done?
A. Restylane lasts twice as long as collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year. Evidence shows that having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect.

Q. How is Restylane different from Botox®?
A. Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

Q. How is Restylane different from bovine collagen?
A. Restylane is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, with virtually no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. In addition, bovine collagen is derived from animals (cow) and requires an allergy test. Because Restylane is non-animal-based, it can be administered without pretesting so no waiting is required.

Q. Do the injections hurt?
A. 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. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area.

Q. How much do Restylane treatments cost?
A. Restylane is a customized procedure based on your specific needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost of Restylane is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. Because Restylane is longer lasting, it proves to be very economical over the long term. Please consult your physician to determine the best recommendation for your particular needs.

Q. Who is Medicis Aesthetics™?
A. Medicis Aesthetics is a subsidiary of Medicis®, a well-established dermatology company dedicated to clear and beautiful skin.
 

 

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Certified, The American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified, The American Board of Surgery

©2000 Ramsey J. Choucair, M.D.

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