Restylane®

In the past 5 years there has been an exciting variety of fillers introduced to patients who wish to restore volume and fullness of skin lost over time. These are injectable materials used to correct mild to moderate wrinkles, folds, as well as volume loss in lips, chin, cheek hollows, cheek bones and depressed scars.

Collagen has been in use for 25 years to achieve these results but newer fillers offer certain advantages. Restylane was approved by the FDA in 2004 and has been widely used since 1996 throughout Europe, Canada and other countries. Restylane contains a highly purified hyaluronic acid, a natural component of skin, currently produced by its manufacturer Q-Med Pharmacy in Sweden and sold in this country thru Medicis Pharmaceutical.

The advantages to using Restylane form of hyaluronic acid:

It is longer lasting than collagen products, averaging 4-12 months versus collagen lasting 2-3 months.
It is non animal derived so allergic reactions are extremely rare and disease transmission is not a concern.
It is replacing invasive surgical procedures traditionally used to correct similar aesthetic problems.

The use of fillers, such as Restylane, has revolutionized the approach physicians take to enhancing the aging face. Restylane can be used to fill the down turning of the corners of the mouth as well as restore volume to the lips, which is diminished as we age. The crease between the nostril and the corner of the mouth, known as nasolabial folds, can be filled and softened to give the face a more youthful appearance. Treatments are done in the office by our physicians during a 30 - 45 minute appointment, with usually minimal discomfort which can be relieved by using a topical or local anesthetic. The patient may experience some local swelling or bruising which generally resolves within 24 hours with the use of ice. As with all products, results may vary from patient to patient. Generally, when used on the lip area, results last 4 - 6 months and up to 12 months when used on the nasolabial folds. The effects are immediate and both physician and patient can guide how much correction is used to create the desired result.

Dartmouth Dermatology's overall experience has been very good and newer forms of Restylane are already being used in Europe and North America offering certain advantages. We believe Botox and Restylane offer the gold standard for non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Restylane® / Restylane Touch® / Restylane Perlane®

These dermal fillers smooth wrinkles & folds or give your mouth a fuller & more sensuous form. There are no foreign or animal elements to this natural material called hyaluronic acid. In the skin it creates volume, resulting in a healthy & vital appearance.

Restylane® is for wrinkle correction & lip enhancements.

Restylane Touch®* is for correcting thin superficial lines. For example, around the mouth, forehead & smile lines

Restylane Perlane®* is for shaping facial contours, such as cheeks & chin, correcting deep folds & volume enhancements of the lips.

Advantages of the Restylane® Products

They are long-lasting but not permanent. You have the choice to continue or change the combination of treatments & the procedure can be repeated as often as you like.

Restylane Touch® & Restylane Perlane® are yet to be FDA approved. However, they are expected to be approved sometime this summer.

For more information about Restylane go to www.restylane.com and for personal advice speak with one of our professionals to see if these treatments can enhance your appearance.