Restylane - Filling in Wrinkles and Creases

Restylane is the brand name of the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid injectable dermal filler. Restylane is used to fill in wrinkles and creases in the face that develop as we age. It can also be used to augment the lips and make them appear fuller. The original indication approved by the FDA for Restylane was the treatment of nasolabial folds, that is, the deep crease that can occur between the nose and the corners of the mouth. However, Restylane was used before and after its FDA approval in 2003 in an “off-label” capacity for a variety of cosmetic applications. The manufacturers, Q-Med AB, report that over ten million treatments of Restylane have been administered worldwide.

 

 

Hyaluronic acid, the main ingredient of Restylane, is found in the body naturally, mainly in between cells in the skin. The manufacturers use genetically engineered bacteria to produce large quantities of hyaluronic acid which is then purified. The bacteria are of a species similar to those that cause strep throat, but there is no risk of this disease being transmitted to patients that receive injections of Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is really a long chain of molecules that are somewhat similar to sugar however the hyaluronic acid that the bacteria produce is highly cross-linked. This cross-linking allows Restylane to last much longer in the skin—without these cross-links, natural hyaluronic acid would be dissolved by the body in a few days. Restylane can last for several months, up to one year.

 

Restylane is not permanent and repeated injections may be required. It is impossible to predict how long the cosmetic benefit of Restylane will last in any given patient; however, most patients enjoy a benefit of six months or more.

Restylane is injected into the skin using a very fine needle. Because the needle is so fine, many people state that the procedure is painless. An anesthetic cream or spray may be place on the skin to minimize discomfort. For larger procedures, such as lip augmentation, a nerve block may be performed. A nerve block involves placing local anesthetic near a nerve fiber to deaden all pain signals over a given area of skin.

 

Restylane procedures are very quick, about 30 minutes or less. Most people will experience redness and a slight swelling around the injection site. Any serious redness, swelling, or fever is not normal and is likely a sign of a skin infection. Bruising, itching, and tenderness may occur from Restylane injections, but usually disappear soon after the procedure.

 

The risks and side effects of Restylane are minimal, but can and do occur. In rare cases, the skin may react to the Restylane injection with an inflammatory response. This inflammatory reaction can cause swelling and pain and may last up to two weeks, but can be reduced with medications. People who have active skin infections or skin diseases should not have Restylane or any injectable dermal filler. It is important that Restylane be administered by a trained medical professional. This not only assures the best outcomes, but also affords the opportunity for a physician to manage any problems should they arise. Many doctors are hesitant to treat complications from an aesthetic procedure that they did not perform themselves.