Restylane®
Treatment
by
Paul Wigoda, MD
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Restylane® is used to restore volume and fullness
to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and
folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane® is the first and only
dermal filler made of crystal-clear gel called "NASHA"TM, or Non-Animal
Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid.
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Is Restylane®
effective?
Yes. Clinical studies show that patients who were
injected with Restylane® for the treatment of facial folds achieved
an optimal cosmetic result. These results were sustained for a
longer period of time (as much as twice long) than with collagen.
How
does Restylane® work?
Restylane®
works in two ways: upo injection, into the mid to deep dermis, the NASHA
gel adds volume and fullness to smooth facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane®
integrates into dermal tissue, then attracts and binds to water molecules
to help maintain volume.
How
long does Restylane® last?
The
average treatment results last six months or even longer.
Is
any of the material left in the skin after it's degraded?
No.
Unlike permanent fillers, Restylane® is completely degraded. over time,
NASHA gel is eliminated by the body, leaving absolutely no trace of
the injected material.
Is
Restylane® safe?
Yes.
Restylane® has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons
since 1996 worldwide. Because Restylane® is non-animal-based and fully
biocompatible, allergy testing is not required. The most commonly reported
side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.
These effects typically resolve within two to three days.
What
should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane®
requires no pre-testing, but patients should take a few precautions
before being treated. patients should avoid using aspirin, non-steroideal
anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin
E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising
or bleeding at the injection site Also, if patients have previously
suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needles punctures
could contribute to another recurrence. You may consider prescribing
a medication to minimize recurrence.
How
is Restylane® different from Botox?
Restylane®
is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, Botox® is a drug that blocks
nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients
have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.
How
is Restylane® different form bovine collagen?
Bovine
collagen is derived from animals and requires an allergy test before
it can be used. Because restylane is a non-animal-based hyaluronic acid,
it can be administered without pretesting. In addition, Restylane® delivers
a longer-lasting effect than bovine collagen.
How
many patients were studied in U.S. clinical trials?
A
randomized double-blind study enrolled 138 subjects who received split-face
treatment with Restylane® in one nasolabial fold and Zyplast in the
other. After 6 months, more than twice as many Restylane-treated folds
continued to experience excellent results versus collagen-treated folds.
What
were the adverse events in this clinical trial?
As
with any injection, some injection-related reactions occurred. The most
commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at
the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two or three
days.
What
is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic
acid is a natural substance found in all living organisms. in humans,
it is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The type of hyaluronic
acid in Restylane® is called NASHA
What
is NASHA?
NASHA
is a patented, Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid in clear gel form
which is biosynthetically produced. NASHA is the first stable, biodegradable,
non-animal form of hyaluronic acid.
If
NASHA is not derived from animals, is it derived from humans?
No.
NASHA is identical to the natural hyaluronic acid found in humans in
all living organisms, and is produced in a laboratory by a natural fermentation
process.
How
is Restylane® different from other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike
other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster
combs, only Restylane® is non-animal based. this quality virtually eliminates
any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.
Please
visit Dr. Wigoda for further information.
CREDIT
BYLINE: Article written by Paul Wigoda, MD, The Aesthetics Institute
1404 E Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 (954) 463-7088 -
toll free: (888) 774-3223 (FACE) (954) 463-8766 (fax) http://www.drwigoda.com/
- info @ drwigoda.com(no spaces)
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