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The human body naturally produces hyaluronic acid which promotes overall skin cell health and volume. As the aging process naturally progresses, hyaluronic acid levels gradually decrease, meaning less natural hydration and volume for the skin. Many people notice these changes showing up most dramatically on their face with the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Changes in volume tend to be most noticeable around the cheekbones and jowls where skin elasticity diminishes and results in loose or sagging skin as well.
The diminishing levels of hyaluronic acid are perfectly normal, but many individuals struggle with the idea that their skin doesn’t reflect the age they feel. Those looking to restore their facial skin to a more youthful appearance will want to look into the many benefits of Restylane facial fillers. Since it was first developed in Sweden in 1996, Restylane facial fillers in association with a large collection of family-brand products has gained popularity with patients looking to treat wrinkles and resort their skin to a smoother, fuller look.
Restylane is an injectable gel that restores hyaluronic acid levels to more youthful numbers, subsequently filling in areas where volume is lost and reducing the overall appearance of wrinkles. Restylane is manufactured to mimic the hyaluronic acid a person’s body would naturally produce and as a result, patients often report very natural looking and smooth results. Restylane treatments specifically target the appearance of lines between the eyebrows, worry lines, smiles lines, nasolabial folds as well as crow’s feet. As an added benefit, Restylane is also FDA-approved as a lip enhancement treatment option. Having Restylane applied to the lips results in a fuller, more defined look and is available for patients over the age of 21.
Patients who elect to have Restylane facial fillers administered will be treated in an outpatient capacity from the comfort of the attending physician’s office. Once the area to be treated has been clearly marked, Restylane will be injected using an ultrafine needle under the skin. While these injections are typically painless, patients looking to ensure overall comfort can request to have a local anesthetic or cream placed prior to injections. In total, Restylane injections take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour to complete depending on the size and severity of the area being treated.
One of the greatest benefits associated with Restylane facial fillers is the minimal to nearly non-existent recovery time. Once injections are completed, patients can expect to walk out of the office unassisted and resume their normal, daily activities. The majority of patients’ report experiencing minimal redness, irritation and swelling at the site of injection which generally disappears within a week of treatment. If pain persists, your physician will generally write a prescription for a pain killer.
Visible changes will be noticeable immediately after the injections are completed as the gel works to fill in lines, wrinkles, and areas of the face where volume has diminished. Many patients are excited to notice improvements continuing several months after injections. The long-term results associated with Restylane vary from patient to patient depending on the treatment area, however, Restylane injections are generally expected to last anywhere from 4.5 to 9 months before replacement fillers are required.
As an outpatient procedure, having Restylane injections administered is a very safe procedure that has proven, successful results. Patients who elect to go this route for cosmetic treatment avoid risks associated with general anesthesia, hospital admittance and lengthy recovery periods as well. While Restylane injections are safe for the majority of patients, those with a history of severe allergic reactions are generally advised to stay away from dermal fillers.
The cost associated with having Restylane facial fillers administered varies from patient to patient depending on the severity of the area being treated as well as the number of treatment areas required to achieve successful results. Similarly, the cost fluctuates depending on how regularly patients will require replacement fillers to maintain their youthful new appearance. It is always recommended that patients check with their insurance providers prior to undergoing cosmetic treatment of any kind in order to fully understand the financial undertaking as well as the potential for insurance coverage. In the event that insurance or coverage isn’t available to a patient, the team at the St. Louis Laser Lipo and Vein Center is here to help explain the variety of options we have for handling payments and financing.
Prospective patients that are excited about the potential Restylane injections could offer should begin their journey to change by scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Wright at the St. Louis Laser Lipo and Vein Center. Our team takes a comprehensive approach to caring for every patient that walks through the door. An initial consultation is an important time for Dr. Wright to assess a patient’s medical history while answering any questions or concerns they may have prior to starting a personalized treatment plan.
How can I avoid an overfilled look with Restylane Facial Fillers ®? I want to have fuller lips but I don’t want that ‘duck bill’ look of overfilled lips. What is the best way to keep my results natural?The most important thing is choosing the right provider. There is nothing that replaces experience and aesthetic judgment. Secondly, it is important to use the smaller molecule size fillers like Restylane® or Juvederm® and not Perlane or Juvederm Ultra Plus. Thirdly, not to put too much in. An experienced injector avoids an overfilled look. Choose your provider carefully and make sure you are comfortable with your consultation before proceeding.
How long should I wait to eat after Restylane® lip injections? Could eating certain things affect my results?There is no predetermined amount of time that you need to wait after lip injections. As long as you are not putting any pressure on the lips, you can eat right away. If you want to be more conservative, then a couple hours is more than enough.
Should I wait to have Restylane® injections to my face if I plan on losing approx. 10 pounds?The only effect that weight loss will have is possibly needing additional filler to restore volume lost. Many of my patients see weight loss first in their face. Existing filler will still give volume where it was injected, but the added weight loss may result in more hollowing and sagging in the face. If you plan to lose weight, you can still have filler injections now to correct lines and hollows, and when you lose weight, you can have a follow-up visit to assess whether more filler would be appropriate.
