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Restylane®
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and supporting collagen from beneath
the surface. Dermal fillers like Restylane® and Juvederm can plump out lines
and rejuvenate our faces beautifully.
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I use non-permanent gel fillers like Restylane®,
Perlane, Juvederm and Laresse. They are Hyaluronic
acid (HA) fillers. HA is a natural polysaccharide
that exists in all living organisms. The HA in dermal
fillers is produced biosynthetically through bacterial
fermentation, so it is biocompatible and there is
no risk of transmitting disease. The gel is able to
integrate with the adjacent tissues, allowing passage
of oxygen and nutrients. Restylane® is characterised
by the fact that its HA molecules are cross linked,
which makes it long lasting - but not permanent. Exactly
how long a treatment lasts is quite individual: it
depends on your age, skin type and muscle activity
as well as the injection technique. The HA gel particles
are absorbed slowly and water takes its place. When
totally absorbed, the gel disappears unnoticed from
the body.
How long does it last ?
Clinical trials indicate that Restylane® is effective for 9 months to a
year for the treatment of wrinkles and for around six months for lip
augmentation. It lasts less time in areas subject to muscle movement.
Which areas does it treat
best ?
This
substance is a cosmetic polyfilla and has a range
of uses, including lip sculpture, filling lines and
folds. It is used to particularly good effect in the
nasiolabial lines. These run from nose to corners
of the mouth and are often the first sign of ageing.
It is also good in smile lines, frown lines and crows-feet,
although it is often advisable to combine dermal filler
with the use of Botox
in these areas of very active expression. Dermal fillers
also have a role to play in the treatment of under
eye hollowing or dark circles. Restylane® can
be used to augment lips or cheek bones and fill out
some scars. Some catwalk models choose to use it as
a cushioning pad in the ball of the foot.
Treatment times average 45 minutes and the results are instantaneous. I use
a combination of numbing cream and local anaesthetic injections to make the
procedure as comfortable as possible. The product is injected in small
amounts to give natural volume and smooth wrinkles.
The down side?
- Some mild bruising may occur. These signs may take 2-3 days to vanish. The corners of the mouth tend to bruise a little more.
- Transient redness, swelling, itching or discomfort. In the case of a lip augmentation, the swelling can be considerable for a few days.
- Discolouration at the implant site. Typically, resolution is spontaneous, within one or two days of injection into the skin, and within a week after lip augmentation.
- Temporary palpable lumpiness at the implant site.
- Joint pain or muscle pain or headache have been reported, but are unlikely.
What can go wrong ?
- Blistering
- Infection
- Cold sores. If you have a history of cold sores in the treated area, filler injections may cause them to break out again. I will give you a prescription for antiviral tablets that must be taken before and after the treatment.
- Allergic reaction;
Immediate allergic type reactions:
Prolonged redness, swelling, itching or hard lumps at the points of
injection. Sometimes they can last for several months or longer, but this
is extremely unusual.
Delayed allergic type reactions happen with
a reported incidence of 1 in every 8,000 patients.
Red lumps may appear underneath the skin many months
later and are permanent in a small number of cases.
In very rare cases (less than 1 in 15,000 treatments) granuloma (lumpy
tissue), superficial necrosis (skin death) and urticaria (red wheals) have
been reported.
These reactions generally start a few days after treatment, but can appear
after 2 to 4 weeks. They are generally reported as mild to moderate and self
limiting, with an average duration of two weeks.
Conditions that will mean you can not have this treatment:
- Active infection e.g. acne.
- Known allergy to Hyaluronic acid.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (as there is no research data)
Costs:
Cost will depend on the number of syringes needed to create the desired
result. A quote will always be given at your initial consultation.
For example: one syringe of Restylane® will give a subtle lip enhancement or be
sufficient for mild nose - mouth lines and will cost £270 - £300.
A syringe of heavier density Perlane and one syringe of Restylane®, may be
required for more pronounced nose - mouth lines will cost £570 - £600.
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