Restylane is an injectable medication used to smooth facial wrinkles and sculpt the lips. Restylane is often used to minimize the nasolabial folds, the lines that extend from the sides of the mouth to the nose. Injections do not produce permanent results, but can improve facial skin appearance for six months or longer, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
Identification
Restylane injections contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring acid in the body that makes the skin fuller and more elastic. Over time, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin lessens, causing decreased skin volume that results in wrinkles and skin folds. Restylane provides immediate results, reducing wrinkles and plumping lips by increasing skin volume and fullness.
Before the Procedure
The number of injections necessary to achieve the desired result may vary depending on the condition of the areas to be treated. During your pre-treatment consultation, your plastic surgeon or dermatologist should be able to determine how many treatments you will need. You will be asked to list any prescription or over-the-counter medication you are taking, as some medications may have an impact on your treatment. Your doctor may ask you to avoid taking vitamin E and non-prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications two weeks prior to the procedure. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Taking these substances can increase the chance that you will experience bleeding or bruising at the injection site.
Restylane Injection
Before you are injected with Restylane, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the skin to minimize pain from the needle. After the needle is placed in the skin below the wrinkle, the hyaluronic acid is injected, lifting up the wrinkled portion of the skin. Injections take 15 to 30 minutes to complete and may be accompanied by a burning or stinging feeling in the face.
Recovery
After you receive Restylane injections, you may notice some swelling at the injection sites for two to three days. Redness and tenderness at the injection site and bruising can also occur. It is important to avoid rubbing the injection site during the recovery period or puckering the lips if your lips have been treated. You will be able to complete your usual daily activities, but will need to avoid sun exposure until any redness or bruising subsides.
Warning
Restylane should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The injections are also not recommended for people who use blood thinners or medication to prevent blood clots, as bleeding and bruising are more likely to occur. Injecting Restylane in areas of the face with pimples, rashes, sores or cysts can delay healing and can even worsen the condition of your skin. Some people may develop a granuloma, a rare inflammatory condition that causes a raised bump to appear on the skin.
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