What is Restylane? 

Restylane is a clear, non-animal, biodegradable gel based on a natural substance present in the human body called hyaluronic acid.  The gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle.  Because it is water-soluble, it fills wrinkles and depressions in the skin with a natural substance while slowly being reabsorbed by the body. The result is instantaneous and produces a long-lasting, natural enhancement that is gentle and safe to your skin.

What areas can be treated with Restylane? 

Restylane is often used to treat wrinkles around the corners of the mouth, the lipstick lines, the nasolabial folds (commonly referred to as "parentheses" or "laugh lines"), marionette lines, and in the upper and lower lip as well as the lip border.  It can be used in other areas as well.

Dr. Chopra will discuss your options with you for dealing with wrinkles and/or lip augmentation.  He will help you understand the pros and cons of each area, enabling you to make your own decision about which areas are best for your treatment.

How long does Restylane last? 

Your Restylane injections can last up to 6 months with a single treatment.

What are common side effects of Restylane?

After treatment, you may have some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, or tenderness.  These are typically mild in severity and normally last less than 7 days in nasolabial folds and less than 14 days in lips.  Rarely, the doctor may inject into a blood vessel, which can damage the skin.  Although rare, red or swollen bumps may occur.  If you have had facial cold sores before, an injection can cause an outbreak.  Use of Restylane at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete.  In these instances, Restylane could delay healing or make your skin problems worse.

What are some contraindications to treatment with Restylane?

Restylane should not be used by people with previous bad allergies, particularly to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria, or by people with serious allergies to drugs that have previously required in-hospital treatment.  Restylane should be not used by people with bleeding disorders.  Restylane should not be used during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. 

If you have any questions regarding Restylane, or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chopra, please call (310) 858-1787.