Cosmetic Surgery Blog

I love Restylane! I have used it for my lips, nasolabial folds, under eyes (tear trough) and left upper eyelid with much success. I like it because it allows you to ‘try on’ a filler without making a permanent commitment. It is affordable, safe and a little bit goes a long way. The best part about Restylane treatments is that I have found that its effects have lasted longer and longer as I have used it. In fact, I have only needed one treatment for my upper lid—two years later, the result is still there.

I actually started off with Restylane’s big brother, Perlane, on June 11, 2002. I had it injected into my lips then. At first I as surprised at the swelling and blanching, but as it settled down, I did love the fullness. I do believe the result lies within the skill of the injector. As I have not had anything such as this with Restylane with my present injector. Just plumping your lips isn’t what gives it a better appearance, one must define and shape them as well. I have had many injectors and the best thus far has been my present one, Dr. Jonathan Hoenig in Beverly Hills. I went to him originally for injections in the upper eyelid and for a 5FU treatment to get rid of fat grafting and scar tissue. Now, he performs all my treatments.

1. What is Restylane? Restylane is non-animal form of hyaluronic acid. It is a gel designed for injection into the dermis to plump wrinkles and restore volume.

2. What is Restylane Used For? Restylane is used for almost everything. From lips to cheeks, to under eyes to liposuction dents.

3. Does Getting Restylane Injected Hurt? Yes. That’s why I prefer a nerve block, or at least a topical anesthetic and THEN A nerve block. I am a wuss.

4. What is the Downtime for Restylane Injections? If you get your lips injected, expect to be swollen for about 5 days, although you can get away with it at day 3. Of course this depends upon the amount injected. Other areas are usually not as affected by the swelling. At least you don’t notice it as much. Bruising can occur so be sure not to drink alcohol the day before or take any aspirin or ibuprofen products.

5. How Long Does Restylane Last? It depends. I must admit the first time I had Restylane in my lips, okay the first few times, Restylane only lasted me about 3-4 months. Tops! Then as time went on I was getting longer lasting results. Now I get it about twice a year in my lips. I only had to get it once in my upper eye lid, and I get it in my tear trough (under eye area), once a year. It does last longer as time goes on. Well, at least the effects do. The result is more than likely your own collagen, not the product actually lasting longer.

6. How Much Does Restylane Cost? That depends. It depends upon who you go to and what state you are in. I have seen it anywhere from $200 to $800 per cc. Although price can be an important aspect of choosing a doctor, the skill of the injector is the most important. However, that doesn’t mean you should go to Dr. Beverly Hills if he charges you $800. a cc. That’s just nuts, I don’t care who you are.
   

7. What’s The Difference between Restylane and Botox? Well, they are two different products first of all, with two very different modus operandi. Restylane is an injectable filler that actually restores volume or adds it where it did not exist beforehand. When you want to move a muscle (whether voluntarily or involuntary) our brain gives the order to release a neurotransmitter called, acetylcholine. When the acetylcholine binds to the acetylcholine receptors in your muscles, sodium ions are released which causes your muscles to contract and move. BOTOX works by blocking the release of acetylcholine so the order to contract is never received by your muscle. Viola! A form of quasi-albeit-temporary-paralysis is born.

BOTOX is freeze dried and must be reconstituted with saline before use. The contents of one vial of Botox contains 100 units of Botox—enough for about 4 to 5 treatment areas. I prefer to get about 25u per area, especially my glabella (aka frown line). Although some surgeons have advised me that they can get the same effect with half that amount. I disagree as I have had less and noticed a difference in effectiveness and longevity.

Although BOTOX and Restylane are very different from one another, they are often used together to give a more youthful appearance. I personally can’t live without both. I’ll admit, I’m an addict.