Restylane® — Cosmetic Procedures in Alabama

Restylane® treatments at Hedden Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama are a safe and effective choice for correcting facial wrinkles and folds, enhancing the appearance of the lip border and restoring fullness to the skin. Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid, which exists naturally in the human body. The procedure is simple and the effects generally last for about 6 months.

What is Restylane?
Where can Restylane be used?
How long does Restylane last?
What can I expect?
Is Restylane safe?
What does Restylane cost?
What are the advantages of Restylane?
How do I get started?
What are my post-treatment instructions?

Click here to download Restylane consent forms! (PDF)

What is Restylane?

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

Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Restylane maintains its shape using the body's own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is hydrophilic or "water loving." As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide lasting results.

Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.*

Where can Restylane be used?

Restylane has been used in more than 3 million treatments in over 70 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and to enhance the appearance of the lip border. It is currently approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, which are the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

How long does Restylane last?

Restylane is proven to deliver long-lasting results. Studies have shown that Restylane effects generally last for about 6 months. The unique technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.

Follow-up treatments are typically scheduled at 6-month intervals, though individual results may vary.

What can I expect?

You should take a few precautions before being treated with Restylane. One week prior to treatment with Restylane, avoid taking St. John's Wort, high doses of Vitamin E supplements, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. These agents may increase bruising and 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.

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 decide to numb the treatment area.

Is Restylane safe?

Since 1996, over 3 million Restylane treatments have been safely administered by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in more than 70 countries. This innovative treatment is now approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds.

Restylane has a highly favorable safety profile. It's composed of hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the human body. Restylane is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use.*

Based on clinical studies, Restylane treatments produce a low occurrence of adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve in less than seven days.

Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have severe allergies or under 18, you shouldn't use Restylane. Ask your physician if Restylane is right for you.

Precautions

The safety of Restylane for use during pregnancy, in breastfeeding females or in patients under 18 years has not been established.
The safety of Restylane in patients with increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring has not been studied. Restylane should not be used in patients with known susceptibility to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring.
The patient should be informed that he or she should minimize exposure of the treated area to excessive sun and UV lamp exposure and extreme cold weather until any initial swelling and redness has resolved.
If laser treatment, chemical peeling or any other procedure based on active dermal response is considered after treatment with Restylane there is a possible risk of eliciting an inflammatory reaction at the implant site. This also applies if Restylane is administered before the skin has healed completely after such a procedure.

What does Restylane cost?

Restylane® is injected in a customized procedure based on your specific needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost of Restylane treatment is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. However, Restylane's lasting properties often prove to be very economical over the long term. Please consult your physician to determine the best recommendation for your particular needs.

What are the advantages of Restylane?

Restylane is different from Botox — Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. 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.

Restylane is different than other hyaluronic acid-based products and bovine collagen — Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.* Bovine collagen is derived from cowhide and requires an allergy test. Restylane can be administered without pretesting, so no waiting is required.

How do I get started?

Now that you have the answers to some important questions, why wait? Restylane is a safe and natural dermal filler that restores fullness to the skin. There are no delays for allergy testing prior to treatment.* The procedure is simple and convenient and the effects are immediate and lasting.

If you would like to enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance for about 6 months, ask your physician if Restylane is right for you. Whether you choose to use it alone or at the same time as a Botox treatment, Restylane can provide beautiful, lasting results.

What are my post-treatment instructions?

Your healthcare professional should discuss what to do after your treatment. However, be sure to review the information below and discuss any concerns with them.

Please observe the following after treatment with Restylane:

After your treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than 7 days. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18, you shouldn't use Restylane.
Avoid touching the treated area within 6 hours following treatment. After that, the area can be gently washed.
If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence. Speak to your physician about medications that may minimize a recurrence.
Avoid exercise and alcohol for 6 hours after your treatment.
Having a follow-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated may enhance the lasting effect. Please be sure to consult your physician about recommendations for touch-up or follow-up treatments.
One week prior to your next treatment with Restylane, avoid taking St. John's Wort, high doses of Vitamin E supplements, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. These agents may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site.

* Restylane contains trace amounts of gram-positive bacterial proteins and is contraindicated for patients with a history of allergies to such material.

To find out more about Restylane treatments, contact Hedden Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama today.