Restylane^® is used to restore volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane^® is the first and only dermal filler made of crystal-clear gel called "NASHA"^TM, or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid.
  
Is Restylane^® effective?
Yes. Clinical studies show that patients who were injected with Restylane^® for the treatment of facial folds achieved an optimal cosmetic result. These results were sustained for a longer period of time (as much as twice long) than with collagen.
 
How does Restylane^® work?
Restylane^® works in two ways: upo injection, into the mid to deep dermis, the NASHA gel adds volume and fullness to smooth facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane^® integrates into dermal tissue, then attracts and binds to water molecules to help maintain volume.
 
How long does Restylane^® last?
The average treatment results last six months or even longer
 
Is any of the material left in the skin after it's degraded?
No. Unlike permanent fillers, Restylane^®  is completely degraded. over time, NASHA gel is eliminated by the body, leaving absolutely no trace of the injected material.
 
Is Restylane^® safe?
Yes. Restylane^® has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. Because Restylane^® is non-animal-based and fully biocompatible, allergy testing is not required. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.
 
What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane^® requires no pre-testing, but patients should take a few precautions before being treated. patients should avoid using aspirin, non-steroideal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site Also, if patients have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needles punctures could contribute to another recurrence. You may consider prescribing a medication to minimize recurrence.
 
How is Restylane^® different from Botox?
Restylane^® is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, Botox^® is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

How is Restylane^® different form bovine collagen?
Bovine collagen is derived from animals and requires an allergy test before it can be used. Because restylane is a non-animal-based hyaluronic acid, it can be administered without pretesting. In addition, Restylane^® delivers a longer-lasting effect than bovine collagen.

How many patients were studied in U.S. clinical trials?
A randomized double-blind study enrolled 138 subjects who received split-face treatment with Restylane^® in one nasolabial fold and Zyplast in the other. After 6 months, more than twice as many Restylane-treated folds continued to experience excellent results versus collagen-treated folds.

What were the adverse events in this clinical trial?
As with any injection, some injection-related reactions occurred. the most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. these effects typically resolve within two or three days. 
 
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in all living organisms. in humans, it is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The type of hyaluronic acid in Restylane^® is called NASHA
 
What is NASHA ?
NASHA is a patented, Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid in clear gel form which is biosynthetically produced. NASHA is the first stable, biodegradable, non-animal form of hyaluronic acid.
 
If NASHA is not derived from animals, is it derived from humans?
No. NASHA is identical to the natural hyaluronic acid found in humans an all living organisms, and is produced in a laboratory by a natural fermentation process.
 
How is Restylane^® different from other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane^® is non-animal based. this quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Please take a moment to contact Dr. Wigoda with any question you may have