Restylane® Injection for Unwanted Wrinkles
As we grow older, our skin becomes less able to produce hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. This loss of resiliency also allows the skin to become looser, leading to the formation of lines and wrinkles on our faces.
The most obvious areas where wrinkles form are in worry lines across the forehead, glabellar lines across the nose, periorbital lines known as crow’s feet, and the nasolabial folds and laugh lines around the mouth. While non-surgical procedures like BOTOX® injections can help smooth out glabellar lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet by temporarily paralyzing or weakening the underlying muscles, BOTOX is not able to treat these deeper wrinkles or those in the lower parts of the face.
Fortunately, if you are looking for non-surgical options to minimize the wrinkles associated with aging, Restylane® may be the answer you’re looking for. Restylane is a clear, biodegradable NASHA gel that has been successfully used worldwide since 1996. NASHA stands for non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid that is in gel form. Since it is similar to the hyaluronic acid your skin naturally produces, it can be injected by a fine needle into wrinkles and folds on your face, temporarily filling in that space. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Restylane® in 2003 to treat facial wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid is found in all living organisms, from bacteria through people, and is chemically identical wherever it is found. It is a component of what is called extracellular space, the space between the cells throughout our bodies. In our eyes, hyaluronic acid is an important component of the vitreous body that helps the eye keep its shape. In our skin, it creates volume and has viscoelastic properties that allows our skin to spring back when an object pressing on it is removed. As we grow older and hyaluronic acid production is reduced, our skin becomes less elastic and able to return to its former shape.
The good news is that our board certified ophthalmologist who has done a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery is able to provide a temporary but long lasting solution for unwanted wrinkles. The careful injection of Restylane into your creases and folds provides an immediate augmentation to your tissue, smoothing out the skin. This treatment can last between six to 12 months, depending on the individual patient.
In a 15 minute procedure, our oculoplastic surgeon will inject small doses of the Restylane gel into your wrinkles. Because the effect is immediate, he can carefully position these small doses to maximize the enhancement. While most patients require only one treatment, approximately one out of three patients require a second treatment a few weeks later for optimum results.
The Restylane injections do not normally require anesthesia or follow up treatment. However, a local anesthetic may be used for lip augmentations, as the tissue in this area is particularly sensitive. Immediately following your treatment, you will be able to resume your normal activities, even returning to work.
Restylane is an excellent, non-surgical option to improve the cosmetic appearance of your face and eyes. Although usually not covered by insurance, you have the opportunity to have this non-surgical procedure done safely, comfortably, and economically in one of the surgery centers in which we operate.
The most common side effects of Restylane injections are redness, minor bruising, and swelling at the site of the injection. You may experience minor discomfort, which will dissipate over a few days.
If you are looking for non-surgical options for skin rejuvenation, Restylane, the only FDA-approved filler for treating moderate to severe wrinkles that is not a by-product of animals, may be the answer you’re looking for.
