The youthful appearance and elasticity of your skin is due to hyaluronic acid, found naturally in many body tissues. Restylane, an injectable cosmetic treatment, uses hyaluronic acid to correct folds and wrinkles and other imperfections in the skin. Because Restylane uses a naturally occurring substance as filler, there is very little chance of an allergic reaction, such as occasionally happens with collagen. Restylane users can receive treatment immediately following consultation, if desired, rather than having to wait for the results of an allergy test. Over a half a million men and women worldwide have been successfully treated with Restylane since 1996, and its popularity continues to boom. In addition to low rates of reaction, Restylane (unlike collagen treatments) is acceptable to vegetarians, as it contains no animal products whatsoever.

Using Restylane, cosmetic surgeons can fill in facial lines and folds, correct acne scars, augment the chin, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, or nipples, and even treat small facial bone or hand bone defects. Restylane can be used in combination with Perlane to treat especially deep lines and creases, and does not prevent patients from receiving a face lift later on. The body will gradually break down Restylane and reabsorb it, requiring occasional touch ups to maintain the look achieved with initial treatment. Many Restylane users are pleased to learn that touch ups are only required every six to twelve months, depending mostly upon the area treated. (Collagen must be retouched every three to six months.)

Restylane is injected just under the skin using fine gauge needles, and most patients find that they do not need any form of anesthetic, although when Restylane is used in sensitive areas or injected deeply (as when it is used for lip augmentation), a local anesthetic may be used. Possible Restylane side effects are similar to those for any injection: itching, redness, and swelling, and will usually respond well to mild pain medications and disappear in short time. Restylane takes under an hour to be administered, and patients may return immediately to their regular activities, although to maximize the results of the Restylane treatment, doctors recommend that patients avoid excessive movement of facial muscles for the first six hours following treatment.

Restylane presents a new option in treatment of facial imperfections, without the waiting period, risk of allergic reaction, or frequent touch ups demanded by collagen. The natural makeup of Restylane makes it easy for the body to break down over time, and allows nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to pass easily through the gel, encouraging the health and vitality of the skin. Specialized versions of Restylane are available, specific to the treatment of different facial and body areas. Talk to a cosmetic surgeon about Restylane to find out if it is the right treatment for you.