Everything You Need To Know About Restylane Facial Filler

WHAT ARE RESTYLANE INJECTIONS?

Restylane injections are a collection of injectable skin fillers that are all FDA-approved. These fillers are used to affect severe facial lines and wrinkles, plump up the lips and smooth out the marionette lines, or lines around the mouth. These fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin. This substance is what helps skin maintain its volume and shape.

Because Restylane injections are composed of small particles, it is perfect for the delicate skin of the facial areas. It also is able to absorb water, due to it being a hyaluronic, and plump up the areas where it is injected. When you go to see a medical professional, he or she will first consult with you to let you know what the best option of treatment is for your specific case.

Related: Will Restylane Under Eye Fillers Replace Blepharoplasty?

CANDIDATES FOR RESTYLANE INJECTIONS TREATMENT

So you may be wondering who is a good candidate for Restylane treatment from a plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara. Here are the most popular areas it is used:

• WRINKLES. Restylane, Restylane Lyft.  By far wrinkles are the biggest facial concern. They can occur on the forehead, the nasolabial fold, around the mouth and around the eyes.
• LIPS. Restylane Silk. Lips can oftentimes lose their plumpness. Some people request Restylane injections to re-plump lips and others request it to build up lips that aren’t full enough for their preference.
• NOSE. Restylane.  The nasolabial fold, or laugh lines, are a common concern. As people age, their facial structure can diminish. With the nasolabial fold, the facial structure is what supports the Buccal fat pad.
• UNDER EYE HOLLOWS (TEAR TROUGH). Restylane. The under eye area can suffer from wrinkles and general diminishing of fullness, creating hollows.
• CHEEKS. Restylane Lyft.  The cheeks can lose fat beneath the skin and change the shape of the face. Restylane can be used to build up these areas.

A good candidate for Santa Barbara plastic surgery is someone who has done the research and is keenly aware of the following:

1)    The realistic results that are possible with their specific case

2)    Are relatively healthy individuals

3)    Understand the risks, regardless of how minute

Related: 9 Reasons Why You Should Consider Injectable Fillers – The Ultimate Guide

The most important thing to understand with any aesthetic procedure is what is, and isn’t possible. This is where a Santa Barbara plastic surgeon can be invaluable. They will take before pictures and clearly show you exactly what to expect. They likely will show you before- and after-photos of other patients who had the same procedures and explain that not all results are the same. An experienced surgeon should be your number one priority as they are your partner in the procedure.

You also should be relatively healthy. Be sure to discuss any health issues or concerns with your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara. He or she can give you valuable insight into the safest methods of treatment for your case. Finally, be sure to understand that every procedure has some risk. Yes, you can increase your chances of a great outcome by doing research and being smart, but there is always some unknown. Be realistic and always be forthcoming about your medical history with your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS FOR RESTYLANE INJECTIONS

By far the most important meeting you have with your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara is going to be your first consultations. This is where you cover what you want, what you need, what your doctor can realistically provide, and how the procedure will play out from preparation to post-procedure. You should always share your full medical history with your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon, including what herbal supplements and medications you take. They can then beat gauge a treatment process that will likely work for you.

Related: Causes Of Wrinkled Lips and Effective Treatment Options

RESTYLANE INJECTIONS COST AND FINANCING INFORMATION

The price of Restylane injections are variable because of how many different uses it has. For example, someone in need of treatment for a few forehead lines versus someone in need of treatment for the forehead, cheeks and labionasal folds are going to have distinctly different cost structures.  Additionally, the average cost of Restylane injections varies from region to region per syringe.

In addition to the variable cost, there may be other financial options in terms of financing and payments. The business office of your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon can go over with you the customized payment options they offer. These are exclusive to the office you work with so be sure to shop around. Never compromise on expertise and experience but find the financial options that work for you.

TYPES OF RESTYLANE FILLERS

Two newer filler products from the family of Restylane injections:

• RESTYLANE DEFYNE
• RESTYLANE REFYNE

There are three main filler products used in the family of Restylane injections:

• RESTYLANE
• RESTYLANE SILK
• RESTYLANE LYFT

Related: Can Frown Lines Can Ruin Your Beautiful Smile?

In general, Restylane injections are used most frequently for facial wrinkles and facial folds. This includes being used for marionette lines, which are the lines that run from the corner of the nose down to the chin.

Restylane Silk is traditionally used for treatment of lips and the lines around the lips. What makes it so effective is its makeup. Silk is composed of smaller particles of sugar molecules. That is what makes it perfect to sculpt the mouth area and fill in fine lines. Lips require a soft touch to achieve the natural lift. The added benefit is that since particles are smaller, they flow more easily into the lip area, thus diminishing pain and discomfort.

Restylane Lyft is a product that is most frequently used for increasing mid-face and cheek volume. As patients age, their cheeks can start to deteriorate, resulting in more prominent wrinkles and a lack of facial volume. It also can cause sagging.  As a corrective tool for moderate to severe facial folds, it is highly effective and can be injected into deep dermis and superficial subcutis.  Restylane Lyft is not used for Santa Barbara plastic surgery patients with severe allergies, however. Nor should it be used for patients with bleeding disorders.

THE RESTYLANE INJECTIONS TREATMENT PROCESS

When you go in for any treatment remember that your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon is there to help you through the process from beginning to end. During your initial consultation you cover the general questions. Here are some thing you should ask:

• How many times have you completed my procedure on other patients?
• Can I see some before/after pictures of past results?
• Are you a Board Certified Santa Barbara plastic surgeon?
• Where will the procedure be performed?
• Who will assist you during the procedure?
• At which hospitals do you have privileges?
• Is there a Board Certified Anesthetist on staff and in the room with you during my procedure?
• What are the risks involved with my case?
• What are the risks involved with my treatment in general?
• Can I have five references from patients who have had the same procedure I want?
• Can I have an itemized list of the cost for my treatment?
• What do you anticipate my recovery to be like and what is the projected timeline?

Related: Stopping Wrinkle Damage Is Easier Than You Think

Once you complete your initial vetting of Santa Barbara plastic surgeons, it’s time to choose the one that’s right for you. Here are some general tips to use during the process:

• Confirm that your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon is Board Certified and has a good history with the procedure you are requesting.
• Look at the results of what your physician has done for other patients.
• Be sure that they have the experience to handle a wide variety of cases.
• Find the physician who you have an emotional connection with. You should feel comfortable with him or her and be able to ask them anything, knowing you’ll get a straightforward and honest answer.
• Ask to see where the operating facility is and ask if it is equipped with life support systems if they are needed.
• Assess how well the entire office manages your concerns. This is where you rate overall customer service abilities.

When you choose the right plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara you will schedule your appointment. Usually your procedure will be performed under local anesthesia, in particular if it is the lips that are being treated. There may be some discomfort since not all Restylane injections don’t have lidocaine.  The procedure can last anywhere from a few minutes for small treatments to an hour for more intense ones.

Restylane injections are a clear gel liquid that is non-animal based and is a hyaluronic acid. The first step your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara will complete is to select the injection point or points. An antiseptic may be applied. In the second step, your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon will assess the correct amount to be used in what area/s. Finally, Restylane is injected underneath the skin.

Related: Is The Lip Filler The Modern Enhancement For Beauty?

HOW DO RESTYLANE INJECTIONS WORK?

You may be wondering how Restylane injections actually work. It is a hyaluronic acid and it plays a critical role in normal epidermis makeup. It adheres to the skin and the water that is in the acid aids in retaining volume beneath the skin’s surface. The acid also acts as an attractor for water, which preserves the renewed volume and shape of the skin. It usually takes 7-10 days for the full results to appear. It is very successful in eliminating, or at minimum reducing, deep wrinkles that cannot be treated with other procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

IS THE RESTYLANE TREATMENT PAINFUL?

Restylane treatment can come with some pain, however in general it is minimal. Of course this depends on the amount of procedures completed in one setting, skin sensitivity, treatment care, etc. Most patients however complain of small discomfort, swelling and redness. If you experience any symptoms post-procedure that are questionable, be sure to contact your medical office.

In addition to general discomfort, some patients experience nausea, pain and flu-like symptoms. Again- these should not be long-lasting and should always be reported to your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara.

Related: Filler Overload: Puffy Faced Stars Go A Little To Far

RESTYLANE INJECTIONS AFTERCARE

For patients who have treatment with Restylane injections, there are some specific aftercare procedures to follow. First of all, you can use an ice pack on/off for the first two days to minimize bruising and general swelling. You also should always avoid massaging areas that were treated, as this may increase your swelling. Also, be sure to avoid activities that are strenuous, avoid alcohol and hot baths/saunas. Arnica can be used to minimize swelling and bruising. Again- if any symptoms occur that are particularly concerning be sure to reach out to your doctor’s office for advice.

MAINTAINING RESTYLANE RESULTS

Obviously after you go through the process of treatment you want to maintain it as long as possible. Your doctor should schedule a follow-up between one to two weeks post-procedure. They likely won’t need to see you again until three months after that. Usually patients don’t require touch-ups until the six to nine-month mark, depending on results.

Related: 11 Surprising Facts About Facial Fillers

WHICH RESTYLANE PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Deciding on which Restylane product is the right one for you is going to be a collective decision between you and your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara. There are some products however that are used solely for one purpose, i.e. Silk for the lip area. If that is a target area for treatment it is likely your plastic surgeon will suggest that product rather than something thicker like Restylane. Discuss with your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon what your expectations are and let them guide the choice of treatment.

RESTYLANE Q&A

Here are some common questions on the Restylane family of products.

IS TESTING REQUIRED PRIOR TO RESTYLANE INJECTIONS TREATMENT?

No testing is required, however you should discuss any allergies or health issues you have had in the past with your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon. Let them know what medicines you are currently on, including herbal supplements. They may require that you discontinue use of some supplements and caffeine prior to treatment.

Related: Sculptra Aesthetic: Is This Facial Injectable The Next Big Thing?

HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE RESULTS FROM RESTYLANE INJECTIONS?

Normally patients see results almost immediately, however after two weeks from their initial treatment date the full effects are evident. By this time any swelling and bruising usually has subsided so the look they have is the final result. Your skin has also had enough time to absorb water and plump the skin.

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?

How long results last can vary but in general they last from 3-6 months for the lips and from 6-9 months for other areas of the face. Some people’s bodies absorb hyaluronic acid faster and that can be a contributing factor to needing treatments more frequently. Lasting results are also dependent on the amount of muscle movement certain areas of the skin manage daily. For example, if you move your forehead a lot and wrinkle it, that could cause shorter-lasting results.

Related: 13 Things You Need To Know Before Radiesse Injections

WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE AFTER RESTYLANE INJECTIONS?

Ask your plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara for before/after photos of other people who have had your procedure/s done. This should give you somewhat of an indication of what you’ll look like. Remember that results vary depending on things out of your doctor’s control. Also- leading technology is allowing doctors to upload your picture and carry out “virtual” treatments on your picture. This is a great way to see what results you are going to have when your treatments are completed.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF RESTYLANE INJECTIONS?

Restylane injections are safe however there may be some expected side effects. For one, there may be some bruising and discoloration- this is natural. The facial areas treated may also swell and seem puffy. This may last a few hours to a few days, depending on your body’s reaction. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your Santa Barbara plastic surgery office.

WHAT IF I AM UNHAPPY WITH MY RESULTS?

If you’re unhappy with your results speak to your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon. He or she can help you to find a treatment that you are satisfied with. The good news with Restylane injections is that it is not permanent. You can always discontinue use and try something different as directed by your doctor.

Related: How Do Cosmetic Fillers Fight The Aging Process?

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DISCONTINUE RESTYLANE TREATMENT

When you discontinue Restylane treatment you’ll likely see your skin continue to progress through the aging process as normal. The improvements you saw will slowly diminish after 6-9 months.