Model Image Restylane

Restylane® frequently asked questions


How much Restylane® do you need?
To help you visualize the outcome of Restylane® treatment, the manufacturer has developed a before-and-after photo set that illustrates the outcome of treatment with different amounts of Restylane®.

What is Restylane®?
Restylane® is a natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

What is Restylane® made of?
Restylane® is a cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is a crystal-clear gel called NASHATM, or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

How does Restylane® work?
As you get older, your face may lose some of its shape. Restylane® restores that fullness and provides a smoother contour to the face.

How long does Restylane® last?
The average treatment results last six months or even longer.

What should patients do prior to treatment?
Patients should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week prior to treatment. This will help to minimize any bruising or bleeding at the injection site.

How is Restylane® different from other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, Restylane® is non-animal-based. This minimizes any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Is any of the material left in the skin after Restylane® is degraded?
No. Restylane® is degraded, leaving absolutely no injected material in the body.

Is Restylane® safe?
Yes. Restylane® has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. Because Restylane® is non-animal-based and biocompatible, allergy testing is not required. This minimizes any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Are there any side effects?
As with any injection, some common injection related reactions might occur. The most common side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These typically resolve within two to three days.

How is Restylane® administered?
Restylane® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle. After the injection, Dr. Zevon may gently massage your skin to optimize contouring. Restylane® is a simple and convenient procedure and results are quick.

How is Restylane® packaged?
Restylane® is prepackaged in a disposable glass syringe with a sterilized needle.

How often should I have Restylane® treatments?
Restylane® lasts twice as long as collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year. Evidence shows that having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect.

Is Restylane® approved by the FDA?
Yes. Restylane® is FDA approved for use in the U.S.

Do Restylane® injections hurt?
Restylane® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, Dr. Zevon may apply topical anesthesia to the treatment area.

How is Restylane® different from bovine collagen?
Restylane® is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, with minimal risk of animal-based transmission or allergic reaction. Bovine collagen is derived from animals (cow) and requires an allergy test. Because Restylane® is non-animal based, it can be administered without pretesting, so no waiting is required.

How much does Restylane® cost?
Restylane® treatments are customized procedures based on specific individual needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost of Restylane® is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. Because Restylane® is longer-lasting, it proves to be very economical over the long term.

Text modified from materials distributed by Medicis Aesthetic Holdings ©2003. Restylane® is a registered trademark of HA North American Sales AB.

Call (212) 496-6600