Restylane dermal fillers include Restylane (for multiple areas), Restylane Silk and Restylane Kysse (for lips), Restylane Lyft (for the cheekbone area), and Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne (both for lower facial areas of expression). Dermal fillers are gels made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally-occurring substance in the body that holds moisture, used to restore and create volume to promote a more youthful appearance.
FAQ’s
Typically, the results last 6-12 months, depending on the area treated, the amount of filler used, and how quickly an individual breaks down the filler. The initial treatment requires the most product. Studies have shown that up to 60% of filler volume remained at 1 year, so subsequent treatments often require less filler if maintained regularly.
The cost varies by product and by number of vials used. At your consultation, I will assess the level of volume loss and we will discuss your aesthetic goals. Individual vial cost is as follows: Restylane $600, Restylane Lyft $600, Restylane Silk $600, Restylane Refyne $700, Restylane Defyne $700. Follow Esther Penn, MD on Instagram and Facebook to see monthly and seasonal specials.
As with all injections, filler injections are uncomfortable to some degree, depending on the area injected. Certain areas such as lips are more sensitive, while in other areas the injections are quite tolerable. I use topical anesthetic for all dermal filler injections, and offer dental blocks if needed for lips, although these are seldom necessary. In addition, the fillers contain lidocaine, which helps to increase comfort as the filler is injected. Expect to feel numb in the injected area for 2-3 hours after.
Expect some down time with any dermal filler injection. Some patients choose to have the injections prior to a weekend or holiday. In the first several days, the injected area will feel sore, and may be red and swollen. The area may be bruised as well, especially the lips. This may last up to 2 weeks. It is recommended that you avoid heavy workouts and activities that increase the heart rate for the first 24 hours. Bruises may be covered with concealer or lipstick after the first 24-48 hours (prior to that time, I recommend applying an antibiotic ointment). Non-painful lumps and bumps are common, and typically resolve in the first month. To minimize bruising, I recommend discontinuing all blood thinners such as ibuprofen/Advil, Motrin, Vioxx, Celebrex (all NSAIDS), high dose Vitamin E, and supplements (ginger, ginseng, garlic tablets, kava kava, celery root, or St John’s Wort) which can thin the blood 1 week before. Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours prior to your procedure, as it is a vasodilator (opens blood vessels). Afterward, you may consider using topical or oral Arnica, Vitamin K cream such as Auriderm post-op gel, and/or bromelain.
The most common side effects are local injection site reactions-primarily redness, swelling, inflammation, pain, and bruising. More serious side effects can occur, and these will be discussed at your consultation. Non-painful lumps and bumps are common, and may be treated with massage after 1-2 weeks (wait until your follow-up appointment for evaluation and instructions) or possibly in some persistent cases with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down the hyaluronic acid filler. To minimize bruising, I recommend discontinuing all blood thinners such as ibuprofen/Advil, Motrin, Vioxx, Celebrex (all NSAIDS), high dose Vitamin E, and supplements (ginger, ginseng, garlic tablets, kava kava, celery root, and St. John’s Wort) which can thin the blood 1 week before. Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 -48 hours prior to your procedure as well (it is a vasodilator). Afterward, you may consider using topical or oral Arnica, Vitamin K cream such as Auriderm post-op gel, and/or bromelain.
To minimize bruising, I recommend discontinuing all blood thinners such as ibuprofen/Advil, Motrin, Vioxx, Celebrex (NSAIDS), high dose Vitamin E, and supplements (ginger, ginseng, garlic tablets, kava kava, celery root, or St John’s Wort) which can thin the blood 1 week before. Avoid drinking alcohol (it is a vasodilator) for 24 hours prior to your procedure. Afterward, you may consider using topical or oral Arnica, Vitamin K cream such as Auriderm post-op gel, and/or bromelain.