It is one of a class of injectable fillers containing a hyaluronic gel, and was the first to market. It was the first filler of its kind to receive FDA approval.
In the cosmetic-surgery industry, Restylane is used to correct aesthetic issues in three main areas:
- reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep crevices
- help diminish the prominence of acne and other scars
- add volume to the areas around the lips, cheeks and eyes
The results are typically a soft, well supported increase in volume, with effects that are both immediate and reasonably long lasting. The filler is injected beneath the skin, with care taken by the surgeon to make sure that the correct volumes are used to achieve a natural look.
We’ve all seen the result of overuse of fillers in the tabloid press, and these hurt their reputations. However, it is perfectly possible to achieve very natural results with the latest incarnations of fillers such as Restylane, provided that the guidelines are followed, and the application is made by a trained professional.
What makes Restylane more attractive is the fact that it can be used almost anywhere to add volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Other fillers, such as Radiesse, may not be appropriate for certain areas, but can be much longer lasting. (Radiesse lasts for years thanks to its calcium base.)
Restylane also has direct competition in the form of Juvederm, and while they both reportedly last up to six months, professionals are split as to which is best. There is a definite trend, though, that while Juvederm may be easier to sculpt and less lumpy than Restylane, some find it to be less reliable with patients showing excessive swelling a few days after their Juvederm injections.
One of Restylane’s advantages is its longevity. It has been used for so long that the possible side effects are understood well, and methods have been developed to reduce them (such as using enzymes to break down lumps that form over time) when they do occur. These are, however, extremely rare, and the vast majority of patients report nothing more than some slight bruising and occasional swelling, which goes down by itself after a few days.
Of course, all of this depends on choosing the right professional, and it is a good idea to have both a list of questions, and some basic research completed before your first appointment. Online forums and websites can also be used to find out more about your chosen professional, and whether the product is right for you. Read around a site such as this one to make sure that you understand the advantages, disadvantages, and possible outcomes of any products you believe could help in your anti-aging regimen.