Restylane and Juvederm Treatment for:  Lip Augmentation, Facial Folds and Wrinkles, Volume Correction

What is Restylane?

Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and enhance the lips.

What are Restylane and Juvederm made of?

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 biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Juvederm is a new filler with many similarities to Restylane.  Juvederm comes in three different particle sizes.  We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these fillers for each patient’s needs.

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How does Restylane work?

As you get older, your face loses its shape. Restylane simply restores that fullness and provides a smoother contour to the face.

How long does Restylane or Juvederm last?

The average treatment results last six months or even longer.

What should patients do prior to treatment?

Patients should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort and high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week prior to treatment.  This will help to minimize any bruising or bleeding at the injection site.  If patients have a history of herpes or cold sores, they will be treated with an anti-viral medication before and after Restylane.

Is any of the material left in the skin after Restylane and Juvederm degraded?

No.  Restylane and Juvederm are completely degraded, leaving absolutely no traces of the injected material in the body.

Are Restylane and Juvederm safe?

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.  This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.  The most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.  These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Juvederm is new but has a good safety record.

Are there any side effects?

As with any injection, some common injection-related reactions might occur.  The most common reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.  These typically resolve within two to three days.

How are Restylane and Juvederm administered?

Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle.  After the injection, your physician may gently massage your skin to optimized contouring.  Restylane is a simple and convenient procedure and results are practically instantaneous.

How can I be sure the needle is clean?

Restylane and Juvederm are prepackaged in a disposable glass syringe with a sterilized needle.

Is there any post-treatment care needed?

Normally, patients return to work, school or their usual routine.  Cold compresses may help reduce swelling and bruising.  Make-up may be worn immediately after treatment.

How often should I have Restylane and Juvederm treatments done?

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.

Are Restylane and Juvederm approved by the FDA?

Yes.  Restylane and Juvederm are FDA approved for use in the U.S.

Do Restylane injections hurt?

Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort.  To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area with topical anesthetic or local injections.

How is Restylane different from Botox?

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.

How is Restylane different from bovine collagen?

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.

How much does Restylane cost?

Restylane treatments are customized procedures based on specific individual 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 economical over the long term.