Restylane FAQs

Dr. Hilinski is "Double Board Certified" in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

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Q - What is Restylane?
Restylane is an injectable filler which may be used during an office-based procedure to treat unwanted facial creases and moderately deep wrinkles by augmentation of the underlying soft tissue. Restylane can also be used to reshape and recontour certain regions of the face in a non-surgical fashion. Restylane is one of the most popular choices when it comes to injectable fillers. It is predominantly made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that is highly attracted to water and binds moisture with great ease. This feature affords Restylane it’s ability to fill in wrinkles and creases by bringing water (and therefore volume) to the area of concern, providing a soft, supple enhancement that looks very natural.

Q - What is Restylane made of?
Restylane is predominantly made of hyaluronic acid. This is a natural substance found in the body that is highly attracted to water and binds moisture with great ease. As such, Restylane can fill in wrinkles and creases by bringing water (and therefore volume) to the area of concern, allowing for a soft, supple and very natural-looking enhancement.

Q - Who is a good candidate for Restylane treatments?
Most candidates for Restylane injections are looking to improve unwanted facial creases and moderately deep wrinkles. Restylane is commonly used to treat the nasolabial fold, or smile line, that is formed by the border of the cheek and upper lip. This is a classic area where deepening of the crease leads to the appearance of looking older and more tired, and many patients elect to have a filler injected under the skin to help plump out and erase these bothersome lines. Other patients are looking to simply enhance or sculpt the overall shape of the face in a minimally invasive, nonsurgical manner, often to improve areas of the face that appear excessively hollowed, flat or deflated. For instance, many patients opt for Restylane injections of the upper and lower lip to fill in and plump the lips, making them appear fuller and more feminine. Restylane can also be used for contour enhancement of the lower eyelids, cheeks, and jowl region to mimic a non-surgical facelift (popularized by the term ‘lunch time lift’). Restylane is ideal for patients interested in facial enhancement and seeking a more vibrant, youthful look with minimal downtime. The majority of people who are treated with Restylane are thrilled with the immediate results and appreciate the ability to return to their busy schedule within the day.

Q - Where is the Restylane treatment performed?
Restylane treatments are performed in the office setting.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for Restylane treatment?
Topical anesthesia with or without a nerve block may be used for the Restylane injection to maximize the patient’s comfort.

Q - How is the Restylane injection performed?
There is no need for skin testing with Restylane. If patients desire, a nerve block can be administered to maximize comfort during the procedure. The areas of concern are visually identified and Restylane is then placed under the skin into the superficial and/or deep dermis. Placement along these layers helps to plump out the overlying skin crease or wrinkle. Restylane augmentation for facial contouring, such as in the cheek, is done in a similar fashion but over a broader area. Restylane injections for the lip can be done to provide a fuller red lip and/or to better define the vermillion border of the lip (the natural curve between the red and white lip). In some cases, patients also benefit from injection above and below the vermillion to address unwanted vertical lip lines. Once the injections are administered, an ice compress is then used to help minimize the chances of swelling and bruising.

Q - How long does the Restylane treatment take to perform?
Restylane treatments usually take less than fifteen minutes to complete.

Q - What is the recovery like after Restylane treatment?
In our experience, a very small percentage of patients will develop bruising or swelling at the treatment site lasting beyond twenty-four hours after Restylane treatment. In some cases, you will be instructed to massage or ‘pinch and roll’ the treated areas for an additional several days to further smooth the injection sites and to maximize results.

Q - When will I be able to return to work after undergoing Restylane treatment?
Patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within twenty-four hours after the Restylane treatment.

Q - When will I be able to exercise after my Restylane treatment?
Patients are able to resume aerobic exercise within twenty-four hours after the Restylane treatment.

Q - Are there risks or complications with Restylane?
Restylane treatment is generally very safe. In rare cases, the Restylane may become slightly lumpy in focal areas, which typically responds to massage and/or an office-based injection of hyaluronidase to help to dissolve away any unwanted Restylane.

Q - Does insurance cover Restylane treatment?
Restylane treatments performed for cosmetic reasons alone are generally not covered by insurance, though patients will need to check with their own insurer.

Q - How long do the results of Restylane last?
Patients can typically expect the Restylane enhancement to last upwards of six to nine months. Because Restylane has proven to last longer than collagen, it has essentially replaced collagen as one of the primary wrinkle therapies.

Read more about San Diego restylane procedures.

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