Restylane®

For smoothing wrinkles, sculpting lips, and improving other facial features, Restylane® injections are a growing favorite. Approved by the FDA in December 2003, Restylane® can produce positive results on facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. Another benefit is the long-lasting results, as the effects of Restylane® treatments can last six months or more.

Before Procedure

To better understand your overall health, we will evaluate your medical history prior to the procedure. In addition, a complete examination of your face is done in order to decide the most effective injection sites. All issues and concerns will be discussed.

The areas that will be treated are marked and digital photographs are taken in order to determine the amount of improvement after the procedure.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in all mammals that helps to hydrate and add volume to your skin. In addition to its use as an aesthetic treatment, hyaluronic acid has also been used for more than 20 years for injection into arthritic joints to aid movement as well as for eye surgeries and wound repair.

Which areas of the face can be treated with Restylane®?

Restylane® can be used for smoothing out folds and wrinkles, lip enhancements and shaping facial contours. Very superficial or very deep wrinkles may be difficult to correct and may require a formal face lift or laser resurfacing.

Is treatment with Restylane® injectable gel painful?

Every effort is made to minimize any discomfort you may feel. Dr. Merheb will numb (anesthetize) the treatment area to minimize discomfort. Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection. The smooth consistency gel of Restylane® allows your doctor to administer it easily and smoothly. And, Restylane® injected directly into the skin using a fine needle to reduce injection discomfort.

What are the possible side effects of Restylane ® injectable gel?

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injections site reactions such as redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures there is a risk of infection.

Is there an allergy test required?

No pre-test is needed.

What will I look like after the treatment?

Immediately after the treatment, you can expect slight redness, swelling, tenderness or an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection. The discomfort is temporary and generally disappears in a few days. After a lip treatment, the lips may become swollen. Ice packs as well as Arnica Montana pills (herb) are given to reduce pain, swelling and bruising.

What precautions will I need to take after treatment with Restylane®?

During the first 48 hours after your treatment, do not massage or rub the treated area. If you have had a lip enhancement, avoid puckering your lips for the first two days after the treatment. Until the initial swelling and redness have resolved, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. in a solarium or by sunbathing) or extreme cold.