Restylane: Easy, Safe, Beautiful

Approved by the FDA in 2003 for the treatment of moderate to severe lines and wrinkles, Restylane has become one of the most commonly used weapons in the fight against aging. Made by Q-med, a company based in Sweden, Restylane treatments consist of multiple injections of hyaluronic gel into the skin. Similar to other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane works to smooth deep wrinkles and folds by helping the skin to retain water and volume at the sites of injection, making the skin look younger and healthier. However, unlike other dermal fillers, Restylane is free from animal proteins, which limits the risk of disease and allergic reaction, and makes Restylane one of the safest injectables on the market today.

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, "Eighty-six percent of soft tissue augmentation procedures are performed to fill wrinkles and Restylane is the most frequently used filler (51 percent). Collagen now accounts for just 13 percent of augmentation procedures." Studies have shown that treatments with Restylane effectively reduce wrinkles by up to 80 percent.

Restylane treatments are considered to be relatively easy and painless. Since there is no risk for allergic reaction, no pre-procedure skin test is necessary. A typical session consists of a local anesthetic followed by the injections. Patients do report minimal pain during the procedure because, unlike Collagen injections, Restylane does not contain anesthetic lidocaine. The procedure takes roughly half an hour, after which patients are free to go about their day as normal. The results are usually apparent within a week of the procedure. As stated on Medicine.net, "The most common side effects of hyaluronic acid are reactions at the site of injection such as bruising, redness, pain, itching, tenderness and swelling." However, in most cases, side effects abate after just a few days.

The cost of Restylane treatments is comparable to other dermal fillers, between $500 and $1000 per treatment. However, the time between injections is longer than similar procedures. According to Derma Network, an online dermatological information site, the effects of a Restylane injection can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, whereas the effects of a Collagen injection should be expected to last only between 3 and 6 months.

The creators of Restylane now offer an incentives program for their loyal customers similar to airlines and credit card companies. As explained on their website, "Simply begin your beauty regimen, and follow up with treatments every six months, or sooner. After your first treatment and each of the next four follow up treatments, you'll be rewarded with Restylane RewardsSM Benefit Checks of increasing value. The rewards grow over time and include a special bonus after your fifth treatment - a $200 treatment voucher towards your next Restylane treatment."

To view procedural and news videos about Restylane click HERE.