It's one thing to smooth out facial creases by replacing the hyaluronic acid our facial skin loses as we age—and quite another for an injectable dermal filler to help the skin produce its own collagen. But that's exactly what researchers now believe
Restylane does.

According to a study published in the Feb. 20, 2007 issue of the Archives of Dermatology, an American Medical Association publication, Restylane appears to stimulate facial skin cells to make their own collagen, a basic skin protein.

What is Restylane?

Restylane, from Medicis Aesthetics, is a safe and natural hyaluronic acid cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin. Dr. Parungao uses Restylane to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth.

What is Restylane made of?

Restylane is made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the human body that provides volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA^TM, or non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. NASHA is biodegradable and fully biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

Hyaluronic acid, a natural complex sugar found in all living cells, holds collagen and elastin together and provides a framework
for the skin.

Hyaluronic acid hydrates skin by retaining water like a sponge, absorbing more than 1,000 times its weight. This helps increase your skin's volume and density for a more youthful appearance.

How is Restylane used?

Restylane is commonly used to:

• Plump up the nasolabial folds, which extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth
  
  
• Add fullness to thin lips
  
  
• Fill in lines in the glabella, or the area between the eyebrows
  
  
• Smooth out acne scars or pits
  
  
• Diminish vertical lip lines (smoker's lines)
  
  

How are Restylane treatments given?

Dr. Parungao will assess your facial wrinkles and folds and advise you on whether you are a good candidate for Restylane. If you are, the injection process takes only about 15 minutes and the results are immediate. And there's minimal recovery or down time.

How long do Restylane treatments last?

Studies have shown that Restylane's effects last for about six months. The research reported in the Feb. 20, 2007 Archives of Dermatology suggests that the effects of Restylane seem to last longer with subsequent treatments, as the hyaluronic acid appears to stimulate the skin to produce its own collagen.

Medicis Aesthetics advises that having a follow-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated may enhance Restylane's
lasting effect.

Is Restylane safe?

Yes. Since 1996, Restylane has been used in more than 3 million treatments in over 70 countries. It is now approved in the U.S. for treating facial wrinkles and folds. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Restylane is fully biocompatible and allergy testing is not required.

Are there any side-effects?

After a Restylane treatment, you might have some redness or swelling; this will normally last less than seven days. You should avoid sunbathing and cold outdoor activities until any redness or swelling disappears.

Who should not receive Restylane treatments?

You should not use Restylane if you are:

• Pregnant
  
  
• Breastfeeding
  
  
• Under 18
  
  
• Allergic to gram-positive bacterial proteins
  
  

How is Restylane different from Botox® Cosmetic?

Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler that plumps up the skin to smooth away facial wrinkles. By contrast, Botox Cosmetic is a drug that relaxes the muscles that underlie wrinkles. Dr. Parungao may recommend treatment with both products in different areas of the face to produce the results you desire.

How is Restylane different from bovine collagen?

Bovine collagen is derived from cows and requires an allergy test with up to a three-week waiting period before treatment. Restylane can be administered on your very first office visit—no allergy testing or waiting is needed.

Where can I find Restylane patient safety information?

Before beginning Restylane treatments, please review this important information from Medicis Aesthetics.