Understanding Restylane Filler Treatment
Many people are familiar with Botox injections to help reduce wrinkles, but not many people are as familiar with Restylane. Restylane is a facial filler that can help reduce fine lines as well as sculpt the face. This article will help you understand all of the basics of Restylane fillers to help you determine if it is a good fit for you.
Comparing Restylane and Botox
Restylane
Restylane is an FDA-approved cosmetic hyaluronic facial gel filler. It acts like the hyaluronic acid that naturally occurs in the facial tissues, and attracts additional water to the subdermal facial tissues to aid in hydration and elasticity.
Botox
Botox is a botulinum toxin that partially paralyzes muscles by blocking nerve transmission. The reduced muscle movement decreases skin movement and, in turn, reduces wrinkles.
Understanding Its Uses
Restylane injection fillers have many uses. The most common treatments of the fillers are:
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Adding volume to the cheeks
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Adding volume to the chin
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Making lips more full
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Reducing wrinkles on the backs of hands
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Reducing wrinkles around the sides of the mouth and eyes
Preparing for the Procedure
There are several steps you can take to ensure that your fillers are done safely.
One week before your injections, stop taking any blood-thinning medications and supplements. A few days prior to injections, be sure to stop using any retinoids, and do not wax or use any hair removal creams on the area where you will be getting treatment. You can also take arnica to reduce bruising after the procedure. For the 24 hours before injections, do not consume any alcohol, avoid direct sun, and use sunscreen. On the day of the procedure, arrive at the office with no makeup.
The procedure can take 15 to 60 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated and the number of individual injections needed.
Recovering From the Procedure
After the injections, you will stay at the office for observation for about 15 minutes to ensure that you do not have any allergic reactions to the treatment. Follow your doctor's post-op instructions. Apply ice and topical arnica to reduce swelling and bruising. Take acetaminophen to reduce any pain. For the first few days, avoid heat such as hot tubs, saunas, and sunbathing. Do not participate in any strenuous activity for a week to keep the fillers in place.
Though the placement of the fillers often determines how long they last, the fillers typically last 6–18 months before beginning to fade and needing to be readministered.
You have a lot to consider when looking into facial filler treatments, but with this as your guide, you are well on your way to deciding if Restylane is right for you.