Restylane, a dermal cosmetic filler consisting of hyaluronic acid, is gaining its popularity among those who want to enhance their looks. Though Restylane does not stop the aging process, it can visually diminish the appearance of wrinkles and facial folds, make lips appear fuller and fill hollow circles under eyes.
Restalyne procedures take about 15 to 30 minutes. Depending on the area to be treated and your personal level of pain tolerance, it may be necessary to use local anesthesia. The most common side effects are redness, swelling and bruising at the site of injection. These side effects are usually mild and disappear in a few days by themselves. Restylane is widely used for cosmetic treatments but, as any cosmetic filler, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Restylane
The advantages of Restylane injections are much more pronounced than the disadvantages. Since Restylane is made using bacteria proteins as opposed to animal proteins, it rarely causes any allergic reactions. There is no need to perform a skin allergy test, which can take weeks to finish.
Restylane creates a natural fullness and look without any hardness or lumps. It also provides significant volume, so it can be used in lifting (such as an brow lift), as well as filling. Restylane injections last almost twice as long as collagen (from 6 to 12 months depending on the area treated), which means fewer visits for additional treatments.
Since the major component of Restalyne, hyaluronic acid, is naturally occurring in the human body, it dissolves with time through natural metabolic processes. It may seam counterproductive because it causes necessity of follow-ups, however, this natural process greatly minimizes the possibility of a later development of granulomas at the site of injection.
There has been extensive research on the safety of Restylane. Approved by the FDA in 2003, Restylane was successfully used in USA with more than 1.2 million treatments performed in 2009 alone. The amount of Restylane treatments in the world toppled 10 millions since it was introduced to the market in 1996.
Disadvantages of Restylane
Restylane does not contain anesthetics. It causes a necessity of local anesthesia in some cases, especially with the lips. As with the majority of other cosmetic fillers, it is necessary to perform Restalyne treatments repeatedly in order to maintain the desired results.?
In choosing the right cosmetic procedure, you need to discuss with your doctor if Restylane is a good option for you. The decision will depend on the results you want to achieve and your general health. There are many cosmetic procedures, and your doctor will be able to help you to choose the best one for you.
