Restylane

What is Restylane?
Restylane is essentially a clear gel made of NASHA which stands for Non Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance and is already found in our skin although the amount diminishes with age. It's function is to bind water and maintain the volume of skin and this is why as skin ages and contains less Hyaluronic Acid it generally becomes less elastic, has less volume and is more wrinkled.

What does it do?
Restylane is pure Hyaluronic Acid which when introduced into the skin replenishes our own natural supply, binds water into the skin and instantly smooths out wrinkles and folds thus restoring a more youthful appearance.

Restylane can be used to smooth out nose-to-mouth lines, frown lines, fine lines around the lips and eyes as well as the folds at the corners of the mouth. It is also perfectly suited to lip enhancement and for reshaping facial contours.

How is it done?
The area to be treated is first painlessly anaesthetised using a local anaesthetic. Once full anaesthesia has been achieved the Restylane is injected into the wrinkle or fold, just under the skin. This has the effect of immediately filling out the wrinkle and makes for quite dramatic improvement.

How long does the treatment take?
Generally treatment can be carried out in one appointment which takes around 45mins to 1 hour.

Is it permanent? How long does it last?
The effect is not permanent and will wear off with time. The length of effect will depend upon the area treated with nose-to-mouth lines lasting for between 8-10 months; lip enhancements lasting for 6-8 months. Regular top-ups will mean that less material is needed at subsequent treatments in order to maintain the effect.

Are there any side effects?
1 in 15,000 patients have reported an allergic reaction to Restylane so the material does not require patch testing prior to use.

There is usually a little swelling around the treated area for one to two days after treatment.In the case of lip enhancements swelling can occasionally be more significant.

What is the advantage of Restylane over surgery?
For many people Restylane treatment is more appropriate than corrective surgery due to the fact that they can remain in control of their appearance. The treatment is not permanent so patients can decide for themselves how much correction they wish and whether or not they wish to maintain their new look.

The results are instant; there is little or no recovery period; very little if any post operative discomfort and of course it is far less expensive than surgery.

Can I have a consultation and the treatment completed in one visit?
If you have a busy schedule and require treatment to be completed in one visit then we will be happy to arrange this for you. Some preliminary health questions will be asked and if all is well then an appropriate appointment will be arranged.