A Sophisticated Approach
Restylane is an hyaluronic acid-based injectable gel that smoothes your facial wrinkles and creases by adding volume. It is recommended for treating nasolabial folds and other wrinkles around the mouth. It is also used to augment the size of the lips, enhance the appearance of cheekbones and give more mass to the chin, and fill hollows below the eyes. It is an excellent complement to Dysport/Botox Cosmetic injections.
Dr. Carter has developed a sophisticated procedure for facial rejuvenation that often combines multiple fillers, treatments, and surgical procedures to give you a youthful look. To learn what combination of procedure might work best for you, please schedule a free facial rejuvenation at Glow.
Restylane® Information
The basic material of Restylane is the same as Juvéderm, hyaluronic acid. It is present naturally in your body in the skin, joints, and the intraocular and spinal fluids. Unfortunately, naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid diminishes with age, which contributes to skin dryness and the loss of a youthful “glow” as we age.
Because it is a natural compound, Restylane is absorbed by the body, but as it is absorbed, the remaining material binds water molecules, allowing Restylane to maintain its volume for about 4-6 months or longer, depending on the injection site. In the nasolabial folds, durations are shorter because movement of the muscles speeds its dissociation, whereas in the lips it can last for up to a year.
The Restylane® Procedure
As with other injectable fillers, Restylane injections take 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of areas to be treated and the amount of filler necessary.
You may experience some minor swelling, discomfort, and redness after injection. This should subside within one to three days after your treatment. For at least 24 hours after treatment, you should try to avoid strenuous activity, sun exposure and excessive heat. Rarely, some people experience allergic reactions to Restylane, so you should watch for signs of a rash or excessive swelling that expands beyond the treated area.
“I have been coming here for several years and my experience has always been great!! This time my appointment was with Irma, my first with her and first time using the Restylane line of product. Irma’s presentation coupled with her knowledge and expertise, was helpful in explaining the treatment and my options. I felt comfortable throughout our appointment. Irma, is FABULOUS!!!! I am VERY satisfied with my results. I look forward to seeing them (Katrina..too) in the future. BTW, they don’t push to sell you other products.”
Restylane® vs. Juvéderm®
Restylane and Juvéderm are very similar fillers, but they do have some important differences that may make one or the other better for specific applications. Juvéderm is a smooth gel, which makes it ideal for injection near the surface in thin-skinned individuals because there is no risk that it will create an uneven skin texture. It also causes less discomfort and swelling after injection. The tradeoff is that Restylane may last longer in some treatment areas.
Dr. Carter and/or his trained R.N. will look at your skin and discuss your cosmetic goals to help you determine which injectable filler might be right for you. Please schedule a facial rejuvenation consultation today at Glow Aesthetic Medicine to learn more.
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Juvederm®
Juvéderm UltraPlus XC is an FDA-approved filler used to treat facial wrinkles and folds. It restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct deep facial wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm UltraPlus XC may be used in the nasolabial folds (creases starting from the nose and framing around the sides of the mouth), and also to plump lips that may have thinned due to aging or environmental factors (or simply lips that would benefit from a subtle enhancement). A dramatic yet natural looking result can now be achieved without surgery.
Juvéderm UltraPlus XC is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. Filler injections are quick and results are immediate. The average results last approximately six to eight months.
Radiesse®
Previously known as Radiance, Radiesse is a long lasting injectible implant. Due to it’s components and duration, Radiesse is more aptly referred to as an implant rather than a filler. It is used for soft tissue augmentation for correction of deep facial folds and creases and restoration of volume loss in hollow facial areas.
We have found Radiesse to be particularly well-suited for long-lasting correction of deep nasolabial folds. Results typically last 6 to 12 months. Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). Because calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response.