Dermal fillers have become a popular alternative to cosmetic surgery, and Restylane has claimed its place at the top of the list for recommendations by dermatologists. It is a family of clear gel hyaluronic acid injectables that are formulated to correct severe wrinkling and folds, as well as augment areas where collagen has been lost. Our medical professionals at Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN are proud to offer these treatments along with many other top-quality cosmetic services that can be personalized to your specific skin needs.
How Long Do Restylane Treatments Last?
Results are instantly noticeable as fine lines and severe wrinkles are filled and smoothed out upon injection of the gel. These products lift dull, sagging skin by supporting deep tissues. Improved facial contours and plump skin can be seen immediately after just one treatment.
Each product in this family of treatments is formulated for different areas of the face, which means each one has a different consistency and chemical makeup. Due to these differences, the longevity of each product varies. Nonetheless, these are among the longest-lasting products on the market, ranging from six to 18 months.
The Restylane Family
Restylane Silk
This product lives up to its name, as it is thinner and smoother than its counterparts. Designed to augment the skin around the mouth, it is the first FDA-approved product formulated for use in the lips. Its thinner consistency allows for more movement and more natural facial expressions. Studies have shown this product to last for up to six months.
Restylane Lyft
The first of its kind, this product is the only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid treatment that is designed for treating both the face and hands. Formulated to correct collagen loss, this product augments skin around the cheeks, midface area, and backs of the hands. Research indicates that effects may last up to six months.
Restylane
Like Silk, this product can be used to lift and plump the lips, but it is also used to enhance facial contours around the nasolabial folds (NLFs) – the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth. This product is injected more deeply into the skin, so it resists breaking down in the body longer. It has been shown to last for up to 18 months.
Restylane Refyne and Restylane Dfyne
Both of these products use a brand-new technology known as XpresHAn, which crosslinks hyaluronic acid molecules in a way that makes them more flexible. This flexibility allows the gel to move more freely in high-mobility areas, and therefore are indicated for correcting fine lines and wrinkles of the mouth, marionette lines, and NLFs. These products are effective for up to 12 months.
What Makes Restylane Different?
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a chain of sugars naturally made by the body, but as we age production of the acid decreases over time. Since this molecule acts as a humectant, holding up to a thousand times its weight in water, it is an important component of the skin’s hydration. Replacing it with injectable formulations can restore the skin’s plump, hydrated appearance.
Because hyaluronic acid is already produced by the body, Restylane products are generally well-tolerated. In addition, this molecule has a higher resistance to breaking down in the body than other treatments.
Long-Term Benefits
While the volumizing effect of hyaluronic acid on the skin is immediate, there are long-term benefits to this treatment as well. Supplementing the skin’s natural production of this chemical can support nutrient transfer and collagen production. Over time, this can have permanent, positive effects on the skin’s elasticity and resilience.
XpresHAn Technology
The hyaluronic acid used in this family of products is formulated using a technology called XpresHAn, which crosslinks hyaluronic acid molecules of various weights to create a smaller, more flexible molecule. This, in turn, creates a smoother, softer gel that can be used in high-mobility areas of the face. These areas, such as the marionette lines, benefit from this technology, as it allows for more natural facial expressions.
Treatment: What You Need to Know
Who Is a Good Candidate?
These products are FDA-approved for anyone over the age of 21. Anyone who is looking for an alternative to cosmetic surgery or other invasive treatments is likely a good candidate for hyaluronic acid injections. Our experienced medical professionals can develop individualized treatment plans that are effective, safe, and convenient.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Everyone responds to treatments differently, but typically one to two sessions are effective. Many factors affect this, however, such as body chemistry, skin condition, age, and general health. Our specialists will address your individual needs and determine a maintenance schedule that is tailored to your body’s chemistry.
Your Appointment
As with any initial medical appointment, there will be several things you can expect our doctors to inquire about, including your general health, lifestyle, habits, concerns, and skincare routine. From there, we will determine the safest and most effective treatment and maintenance plan that will meet your needs and expectations. You will be advised on what to do prior, during, and after your treatment in order to get the most from your sessions.
Before Treatment
Consultation
In the consultation, our medical staff will ask you about any current medications you might be taking, any other skin treatments you might be receiving, and if you will be continuing any chemical peels or surgical procedures alongside your dermal filler sessions. Our doctors will examine your skin in-person to help develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Preparation
In preparation for your session, it may be beneficial to follow a few guidelines that will help maximize your results. In the weeks leading up to your appointment, you may want to consider avoiding any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil and Motrin, as these drugs are blood thinners and can encourage bruising. In addition, you may also want to avoid alcohol or any face products that could be drying or irritating, such as retinols.
Spend some time writing down any questions you may have for our seasoned professionals and feel free to express any concerns. Your comfort is our top priority, and our staff will do everything we can to put your mind at ease.
During Treatment
Most patients report little to no discomfort during the treatment, but you will be offered a topical anesthetic to help minimize any tenderness or irritation. The tiny, ultrafine needles will deliver the hyaluronic acid treatment to your skin, and it will then be massaged into the skin so that it targets the areas desired. The whole process should take less than an hour, and you should notice immediate results.
After Treatment
You should be able to return to your daily routine with little to no downtime. It is a good idea to continue following the guidelines outlined in the pre-treatment stage, including avoiding alcohol and NSAID medications. You may also want to avoid any heavy exercise or intense heat for the first few days as well.
It is normal to experience some redness and swelling for the first day or two after treatment. Applying an ice pack several times a day can help alleviate any discomfort you may have. If you continue to experience symptoms after seven days, please call our office for a follow-up appointment.
How You Can Get the Most From Your Treatment?
Prioritize Your Health
Getting the most from your sessions begins with prioritizing your health. Lifestyle choices can play a big part in making your results last as long as possible. Habits such as smoking and tanning (or any overexposure to ultraviolet light) can speed up the aging process and extend recovery time. In addition, high-stress levels affect the body’s ability to heal and sap energy reserves. Prioritizing holistic approaches to your skincare regimen will enhance the duration of treatment results.
Prioritize Your Skincare
Skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin – it’s also about what you put in it. Drinking lots of water and ensuring that the skin is hydrated and receives the nutrients it needs will enhance your treatment’s effectiveness. Developing a consistent skincare routine will help you get the best results.
Wear Sunscreen
It goes without saying that wearing sunscreen is always a good idea. But it is especially important to protect your skin from radiation damage when it is healing from injectable treatments. Taking good care of your skin and protecting it from harsh elements is essential for lengthening the longevity of your treatment and extending the benefits of your results.
Get Regular Maintenance
Regular touch-ups will increase the longevity of your results and reduce the number of sessions you will need overall. Aside from saving you time and money, this will also help maintain the desired effects of your treatment over time. The more product your skin receives, the more your tissues become conditioned to respond effectively to the treatments.
Choose Experienced Professionals
It stands to reason that your results are only as good as the medical professionals you choose to administer your treatment. Our experienced professionals have substantial training in this family of products and are committed to giving you the highest quality of treatment. Our staff has expert knowledge in making product recommendations and evaluating companion treatments that will help you achieve maximum results.
Benefits
Consistent Results
Hyaluronic acid treatments have a low-risk profile, and they continue to be ranked highly by dermatologists. Studies consistently show the benefits of these fillers, including long-term improvement of skin quality. Hyaluronic acid products are the longest-lasting, smoothest, and most cohesive dermal fillers on the market.
These products have been proven effective over years of research. Cosmetic professionals continue to list them at the top of their recommendation lists. Due to hyaluronic acid’s track record of long-lasting results with low risk and minimal downtime, it remains a popular and safe alternative to cosmetic surgery.
Long-Term Benefits
Collagen treatments of the past typically only lasted three to six months. With the new XpresHAn Technology, these hyaluronic acid products resist breaking down in the body, giving them longer-lasting effects. In addition, research shows that consistent use of these products can actually stimulate the body’s own collagen production and make permanent positive changes to the skin.
Non-Intrusive
Since the hyaluronic acid used in these products is not animal-derived and already exists naturally in the body, undesirable reactions are uncommon. This makes them generally well-tolerated, and the needles used are very fine and highly accurate over a small surface area. These qualities make this treatment non-invasive, despite being injectables.
Turn Back the Clock
Don’t let the aging process rob you of your confidence and self-esteem. If you are ready to experience smoother, softer, and younger-looking skin, our talented team is ready to help. Turn back the clock by calling Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN to schedule your consultation today.
