Restylane

Many factors affect the quality of our skin. Gravity’s toll loosens once-taut tissues, sun exposure creates pigmented spots and fine lines, and as we age, we naturally lose an essential protein that promotes skin elasticity: collagen. Collagen acts as one of our body’s natural skincare products. When we’re young, it’s produced in abundance, and gives our skin the smooth, supple quality that characterizes a youthful appearance. Over time, however, collagen production gradually diminishes and we’re left with the hallmark signs of aging — sagging skin, wrinkles and volume loss.

Fortunately, we are growing increasingly sophisticated in our efforts to reverse this natural damage. Dermal fillers are a popular solution for men and women who are no longer satisfied with an aged image that doesn’t reflect their youthful spirit. The Restylane® family of dermal fillers offers the chance to turn back the clock without surgery and show the world what you are: vibrant, energetic and attractive at any age.

Dr. Anthony Terrasse is a renowned plastic surgeon who has practiced along Chicago’s North Shore for more than 30 years. He understands the effect aging can have on one’s sense of image and self, and is passionate about helping patients discover their most youthful, confident selves. If you’re interested in learning more about the Restylane® family of products, or other dermal fillers available at Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery, please contact us at 847-234-2400 or visit our contact page today!

What Is Restylane®?

Restylane® is a collection of dermal fillers that have a variety of benefits. Restylane® can be used to add volume to the lips, smooth wrinkles, rejuvenate frail hands, correct the appearance of scars and much more. Restylane® is made of hyaluronic acid, a sugar that’s naturally produced by the body. It has a multitude of functions, such as increasing the elasticity and hydration of the skin, but like collagen, hyaluronic acid production decreases with age. This gradual loss contributes to lines, wrinkles and sagging skin on the face, as well as volume reduction in the backs of the hands.

The Restylane® family of FDA-approved dermal fillers was created to revive a youthful appearance by restoring volume beneath the skin. Each Restylane® product has a different formulation, which gives it a unique density and texture. This variety means that Restylane® treatments are customizable for every patient’s individual needs and desires. If lip enhancement is your goal, a dose of Restylane® Silk can help. If you’ve lost volume in the backs of your hands, Restylane® Lyft can be beneficial. These are just two of the Restylane® products Dr. Terrasse may choose from to ensure you receive the beautiful results you deserve.

In addition to Restylane® products, Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery offers several other dermal fillers. We also carry Juvederm®, Belotero® Balance, Sculptra® Aesthetic and Radiesse®. If Restylane® doesn’t seem like the right choice for your needs, Dr. Terrasse may suggest a different filler that is more aligned with your goals.

How Does Restylane® Differ From Other Dermal Fillers?

Restylane® is made of hyaluronic acid, as are many other popular dermal fillers, like Juvederm® and Belotero® Balance. Although they all consist of the same primary ingredient, there is a significant difference in their consistency and texture. Restylane® has a more microscopically granular texture in comparison to the smooth gel of Juvederm®. This makes Restylane® ideal for adding volume to sunken areas of the face because it has a higher chance of staying in place. The texture of Restylane® is also more moldable, which gives the injector more opportunity to shape and contour the filler to the treated area, such as the chin. Compared to Belotero® Balance, Restylane® has a softer consistency, which is beneficial when treating delicate areas like the lips.

Other dermal fillers, such as Radiesse® and Sculptra® Aesthetic, differ entirely because they are not made of hyaluronic acid. Instead, Sculptra® Aesthetic is made of the synthetic material poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa). While each of these dermal fillers can be an excellent option for the right patient, their differences impact which one is chosen for a particular treatment. For example, the PLLA in Sculptra® Aesthetic stimulates collagen production, which makes it a longer-lasting filler, but it is not the preferred choice for treatment around the eyes or lips.

Another notable difference between the different types of dermal fillers is that only hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be reversed after injection. If a patient isn’t satisfied with their results after treatment with a hyaluronic acid filler, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the product. Other types of fillers must simply dissolve on their own.

How Does Restylane® Differ From Other Injectables?

The type of wrinkle being treated is another consideration that factors into the decision about which injectable is right for a given patient. Dermal fillers are meant to treat wrinkles known as “static” or “passive” lines. These wrinkles develop as a result of collagen loss and environmental damage, and are visible on the face at all times. “Dynamic” or “active” lines develop due to long-term repetitive use of facial muscles and are most prominent when the muscles are engaged. These wrinkles are treated with neuromodulators, which temporarily inhibit muscle movement in overactive areas such as around the eyes and forehead. Popular neuromodulators include Botox® and Dysport®.

During an initial consultation, Dr. Terrasse will evaluate your areas of concern to select the optimal injectable. Neuromodulators and dermal fillers are frequently used together to achieve the best cosmetic results.

Ideal Candidates for Restylane®

Restylane® is a safe and effective treatment for men and women of any skin type. Dermal fillers are beneficial for patients who wish to reduce the visible signs of aging, as well as patients seeking to boost their beauty by adding volume to their lips or contouring their face. An ideal candidate must have realistic expectations about the results a nonsurgical treatment can achieve. While Restylane® can enhance your appearance, it may not yield the same results as a surgical procedure.

Areas that Restylane® can improve include:

• Hollow cheeks and temples
• Uneven jawline
• Thin or deflated lips
• Volume deficit in the backs of the hands
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Lines and wrinkles that form near the mouth, eyes and nose

Benefits of Restylane® include:

• Versatile line of products
• Can be performed in combination with other treatments
• Minimally invasive
• Quick in-office treatment
• No downtime
• Results are seen immediately

The Different Types of Restylane®

Your options in Restylane® treatments at Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery include:

Restylane® Defyne: Restylane® Defyne’s formula has a denser and more firm consistency than other Restylane® products. This texture allows Defyne to provide greater support to the skin and makes it suitable for treating more advanced signs of aging. Patients with deep wrinkles, such as laugh lines, are ideal candidates for Defyne. Despite having a firm consistency, Defyne is still more flexible than other fillers on the market and doesn’t inhibit natural facial movements. Results for Restylane® Defyne typically last around 12 months.

Restylane® Refyne: Restylane® Refyne is lighter and more flexible in comparison to Restylane® Defyne. This filler is often used for treating nasolabial folds (wrinkles that run from the nose to the mouth) and marionette lines (lines found near the mouth and chin). Restylane® Refyne may be used in conjunction with Defyne to maximize results by treating wrinkles that range from moderate to severe. Restylane® Refyne lasts for approximately 12 months.

Restylane® Lyft: The formula for Restylane® Lyft is thicker, making it ideal for lifting and defining the midface region and the backs of the hands. Deep nasolabial folds and other severe lines can also be treated with Restylane® Lyft. Results for Restylane® Lyft last for about six months.

Restylane® Silk: Restylane® Silk is designed to treat fine lines that form around the mouth and add volume to the lips. This filler consists of small hyaluronic acid particles, which give it a smooth and soft consistency. Results for Restylane® Silk last for approximately six months.

The Restylane® Procedure

Upon deciding which Restylane® dermal filler is best suited for your needs, Dr. Terrasse will determine the optimal injection sites and the number of doses needed to achieve your desired results. He will clean and sterilize the treatment area, then use a fine needle to administer Restylane® into the areas that require augmentation. The treatment is typically well-tolerated, but Dr. Terrasse may use a topical anesthetic or lidocaine to maximize your comfort.

As Dr. Terrasse injects the filler into the targeted sites, he will gently massage the area with his fingers to ensure the product spreads evenly and appears natural to your bone structure. The injection process typically takes just minutes, and you will be free to go about your day as soon as it is done. Dr. Terrasse may offer you a small ice pack to place in the treated area after injection to reduce discomfort and minimize swelling.

Restylane® Recovery and Results

The results of your filler treatment will be noticeable immediately. Downtime isn’t necessary after Restylane® injections, so you may return to work, errands and other daily activities right away. Side effects from Restylane® are usually minor, such as light bruising or swelling, and short-lived. Over the coming days, your results will continue to improve as any post-treatment swelling or bruising subsides.

Like all hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane® is temporary. Results can last anywhere from six to 12 months depending on which type of Restylane® is used and how fast your body metabolizes the hyaluronic acid. You must schedule subsequent appointments to maintain your results. Dr. Terrasse’s patients typically schedule Restylane® treatments one to two times a year for optimal results.

Restylane® at Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery

Dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular treatment for men and women seeking to halt the effects of aging. Wrinkles, lines and volume loss can make you look older than you feel and rob you of confidence, but you don’t have to settle for a look that leaves you feeling less than your best. The Restylane® family of dermal offered at Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery can refresh and restore your appearance in just a few minutes. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Terrasse to learn more about Restylane®, please contact us at 847-234-2400 or visit our contact page.