Restylane injections

Restylane injections are made for those who desire to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, or folds. Restylane is a dermal filler to correct these things on the face and forehead. It is often described as a non surgical face lift. Part of the natural aging process is when the skin loses elasticity and volume due to the decreased production of collagen and elastin. This progression cannot be stopped, but its effects can potentially be reversed through Restylane injections. Restylane injections are particularly useful around the lips and nose. The results of the treatment can last 6 months or more.

Restylane
Restylane is a clear gel. The main component of Restylane is hyaluronic acid; hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body as a component of connective tissue. Restylane is formulated to act like the hyaluronic acid present in the body. Since it mimics hyaluronic acid in this way, it is easily and readily broken down by the human body, making it ideal to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The Procedure
Restylane injections are administered in a doctor’s office, and it is typically done with local anesthesia, particularly if the lip is being treated.  The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the extent of the injections. Within one week after having the injection or injections, results will be visible. It is quite possible that swelling will be present for 2 or 3 days after the treatment, but it should not hinder normal activities. You will be able to resume your daily routine directly following the injection(s). If any abnormal pain or symptoms are present, contact the physician who gave the Restylane treatment immediately. Remember, this is only a temporary solution to wrinkles and lines, and so on-going treatments may be necessary if you wish the changes to be maintained. The good thing is that the results will last anywhere from 6-18 months.

Risks and Side Effects

It is important to be aware of the possible side effects that can be associated with Restylane injections. The most common are headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms, redness, and pain at the injection site. Sometimes an individual will experience muscle weakness, but it should resolve within days; however, it can take up to a few months. However rare, it is possible that an individual will be hypersensitive to Restylane, and may have the formation of a granuloma, which is just a severe inflammatory reaction. You should be aware of all of these possible side effects before the procedure.

Choosing a Doctor

When you’re going to have someone injecting a substance into any part of your body, particularly your face, you want to be well aware of that person’s qualifications. Your best bet would probably be a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or a doctor that is certified in the area. Review the doctor’s credentials because you want the least possible risk of complications. If he or she cannot answer all of your questions, then you may be better off looking for someone else to give you the injection.

Cost Factors

The cost of Restylane injections can vary, depending on how many areas are treated and how much of the substance is used. The average cost per injection is $350 to $800. In many cases, since it isn’t a medical necessity to receive the injections, insurance will not cover it; purely cosmetic procedures are never covered by insurance. On the other hand, if it is related to a medical necessity, you may be able to get some insurance coverage. If the cost is too much, consider talking to your doctor about a payment plan; the facility or the physician may have one available, or some other type of financing option.

Last updated on Feb 9th, 2011 and filed under Beauty. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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