Restylane - What to Expect
| General Information | What to Expect | Before/After Pictures |
Restylane provides an immediately visible volume enhancement and correction of unwanted folds and wrinkles. The effects last 6 to 13 months or even longer in some cases. Dr. Pacheco prefers a conservative approach and schedules most patients for a second session, 1-2 weeks later, where additional Restylane is injected if necessary. This careful approach creates a more exact final result. Her approach also ensures that only the absolutely necessary number of syringes is used, minimizing your cost.
One week before Restylane
In preparation for your treatment, we ask that you stop all aspirin or ibuprofen-like products, St. Johns Wort and high doses of Vitamin E, to minimize the chances of bruising.
The day of treatment
Please arrive thirty (30) minutes before your scheduled treatment to initiate numbing. Topical and/or injectable anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort. With the area prepared, Dr Pacheco injects the Restylane into the skin using a tiny needle until the desired effect is achieved. Mild swelling may be present for up to a week, which may be disguised with makeup. Some redness and tenderness may also occur, which is normal and subsides readily.
After Restylane care
Ice and Tylenol or similar analgesics may be used after the treatment. Because Restylane remains malleable, like putty, any perceived raised or lumpy areas may be gently massaged at home.
Are there risks?
Although rare, persistent redness beyond one week, inflammation, infection, skin breakdown or crusting and scarring have been described. Surgical removal is never necessary, since Restylane wears off in time, and non-surgical means may be used to hasten its dissolution.
Restylane or Botox - should I choose?
Although Restylane and Botox work well together in many instances, they are not interchangeable. Restylane is a cosmetic filler, which adds fullness and volume to the skin in an area of unwanted folds or wrinkles visible at rest, while Botox works by weakening the muscles that cause unwanted expression lines. Lines that form by frowning or by wrinkling of the eyes require Botox, since they are lines of muscle action or expression. Lines that are seen when the face is relaxed or at rest, such as the folds between the corners of the nose and the mouth, require Restylane. At times, Botox and Restylane must be combined to attain optimal smoothness desired. Both are necessary in the case of some frown lines, where together they create a smoother, longer lasting result.
For more information, visit www.Restylane.com.