The Science Behind Restylane
The Restylane formula consists of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) suspended in a clear gel. When injected beneath the skin’s surface, this gel integrates with your tissue, attracting water molecules and creating a plumping effect. The result is immediate volume restoration and wrinkle reduction that looks and feels natural.
What sets Restylane apart from other fillers is its composition and manufacturing process. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is cross-linked, meaning the molecules are bound together in a way that slows down their natural breakdown in the body. This cross-linking technology allows Restylane to provide longer-lasting results compared to non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid products.
The Restylane Family of Products
The Restylane collection includes several specialized formulations, each designed to address specific concerns:
Restylane Lyft features larger particles ideal for adding volume to the cheeks and correcting deeper facial wrinkles. With its robust formula, Lyft provides the structural support needed for areas requiring significant volume restoration.
Restylane Silk contains smaller, more refined particles specifically formulated for lip enhancement and smoothing wrinkles around the mouth. Its fine consistency allows for precise application and natural-looking results for delicate areas.
Restylane Refyne utilizes XpresHAn Technology™ to create a flexible gel that moves naturally with your facial expressions. This innovation makes Refyne particularly effective for treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles while maintaining natural facial movement.
Restylane Defyne also employs XpresHAn Technology™ but with a slightly firmer consistency to address deeper facial folds and wrinkles. Defyne provides support while allowing for natural facial expressions, ensuring you look refreshed rather than overdone.
Restylane Kysse is specifically designed for lip enhancement, providing natural-looking volume with improved flexibility that complements the natural movement of your lips. Kysse also enhances lip color and hydration for a comprehensive improvement.
Restylane Contour represents the newest addition to the family, created specifically for cheek augmentation and addressing mid-face volume loss. Its unique balance of flexibility and support creates natural-looking contours that move harmoniously with your expressions.
Preparing for Your Treatment
While Restylane requires minimal preparation, following these guidelines can help optimize your results and minimize potential side effects:
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil for approximately one week before treatment, as these can increase the risk of bruising. Always consult with your primary physician before discontinuing any prescribed medications.
Refrain from consuming alcohol for 24-48 hours prior to your appointment, as alcohol can dilate blood vessels and potentially increase bruising and swelling.
Arrive at your appointment with clean skin, free from makeup, to reduce the risk of infection and allow for proper skin preparation.
During Your Treatment: Comfort and Precision
On the day of your treatment, Dr. Salter-Lewis will begin by cleansing the treatment area and may apply a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort. Most Restylane formulations also contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that further minimizes discomfort during the injection process.
Using either a fine needle or a cannula (a blunt-tipped instrument that can reduce bruising), Dr. Salter-Lewis will precisely inject the Restylane gel beneath the skin’s surface. Her expert technique ensures accurate placement for natural-looking results while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
Throughout the procedure, she may massage the treated areas to ensure even distribution of the product. The entire treatment typically takes between 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment, though some minor adjustments for the first 24-48 hours are recommended. Here’s what you can expect in the days following your Restylane treatment:
Days 1-3: Initial swelling and potential bruising are at their most noticeable. Some patients might experience temporary tenderness or a feeling of firmness in the treated areas.
Days 4-7: Most visible swelling subsides, and any bruising begins to fade. The product begins to settle, and you’ll start to see your true results emerging.
Days 8-14: Nearly all swelling and bruising should have resolved. Your results will continue to refine as the product fully integrates with your tissues.
Weeks 2-4: Final results are visible as the Restylane has completely settled and integrated with your facial tissues.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Restylane
Despite its established safety record and popularity, several misconceptions about Restylane persist. Let’s address these myths with accurate information:
Myth: Fillers Make Your Face Look Frozen or Unnatural
Reality: This misconception often stems from confusing fillers like Restylane with neuromodulators like Botox®. Restylane does not affect muscle movement; it simply adds volume beneath the skin. When properly administered by a skilled provider like Dr. Salter-Lewis, Restylane enhances your natural features while preserving normal facial expressions and movement. Unnatural results typically occur from excessive product use or improper placement, which is why choosing an experienced provider is essential.
Myth: Once You Start, You Can Never Stop
Reality: You can discontinue Restylane treatments at any time. If you choose to stop, the product will gradually break down naturally, and your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over several months. You’re not committing to a lifetime of treatments by starting Restylane, though many patients choose to continue because they appreciate the results.
Myth: Fillers Stretch Your Skin Over Time
Reality: There’s no scientific evidence supporting the idea that properly administered fillers stretch the skin. In fact, some research suggests the opposite—that hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane can stimulate collagen production, potentially improving skin quality over time. The key is appropriate product selection and placement by a qualified provider who understands facial anatomy and aging patterns.
Myth: Restylane Treatments Are Extremely Painful
Reality: Most patients report only mild discomfort during Restylane treatments. The needles used are very fine, and the product contains lidocaine to reduce pain during injection. Additionally, Dr. Salter-Lewis employs techniques like topical numbing creams, ice, and gentle injection methods to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
