Derma Fillers

Derma Fillers are injectable substances used to restore or enhance fullness to the lips or to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

The latest generation of these products are:

Sculptra®

Restylane®

Perlane®

Radiance™

Restylane® - Frequently Asked Questions

Q  What is Restylane® ?

A   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.

Q   What is Restylane® made of?

A   Restylane® was the first 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.

Q   How does Restylane® work?

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

Q   How long does Restylane® last?

A   The average treatment results last six months or even longer.

Q   What should  patients do prior to treatment?

A   Patients should avoid taking aspirin,  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or 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.

Q   How is Restylane® different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?

A   Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only  Restylane® is non-animal-based.  This quality virtually eliminates any risks of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Q   Is any of the material left in the skin after Restylane® is degraded?

A   No.  Restylane® is completely degraded, leaving absolutely no traces of the injected material in the body.

Q   Is Restylane® safe?

A   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 were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.  These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Q   Are there any side effects?

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

Q   How is Restylane® administered?

A   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 optimize contouring.  Restylane® is a simple and convenient procedure and results are practically instantaneous.

Q   How can I be sure the needle is clean?

A   Restylane® is prepackaged in a disposable glass syringe with a sterilized needle.

Q   How often should I have Restylane® treatments done?

A   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.

Q   Is  Restylane® approved by the FDA?

A   Yes.  Restylane® is FDA approved for use in the U.S.

Q   Do Restylane® injections hurt?

A   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.

Q   Can Restylane® be used anywhere on the face?

A   Although Restylane® has been used in  more than one million treatments in over 60 countries to smooth wrinkles and deep facial folds and to enhance the appearance and fullness of lips, in the U.S., it is currently indicated only for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Q   How is Restylane® different from Botox?

A   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.

Q   How is Restylane® different from bovine collagen?

A   Restylane® is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, with virtually no risk of animal-based 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.

Q   How much does Restylane® cost?

A   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 very economical over the long term.