Restylane Review

Overview

Restylane is an injected treatment for facial wrinkles and folds that was created by the Swedish pharmaceutical company Q-Med in 1996. Used in over 70 countries since then, Restylane was approved by the FDA in 2003. Medicis Aesthetics, a well known producer of dermatological pharmaceuticals, is the exclusive licensee of Restylane in the US. Defining themselves as "The Dermatology Company," Medicis distributes a wide range of products, including Restylane, that reflect their corporate dedication to "helping patients attain a healthy and youthful appearance and self-image." Since Restylane is made without bovine or other animal products, it is often used as a less risky substitute for Botox or collagen injections, particularly by people with animal allergies. Additionally, the lack of animal ingredients in Restylane eliminates often time consuming allergy testing prior to injection. Restylane is particularly popular as a treatment for under-eye wrinkles as well as to increase the fullness and body of lips.

Product Details

Like some of the competing animal-based products on the market, Restylane is composed of a hyaluronic acid base. However, as mentioned above, Restylane, like all of the hyaluronic acid-based products produced by Q-Med, is composed of NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid), which is created using an exclusive, patented process. Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is an acid that naturally occurs in the body's connective tissue. It provides lubrication for the body's joints and, due to the body's hydrophilic ('water loving') nature, this acid also plays a role in hydrating the skin. Restylane injections work by adding more of this naturally occurring acid in selected areas of the face, which, in turn, provides the volume necessary to augment or minimize specific features as desired.

The Good

• Natural, bio-compatible, bio-degradable, and free of animal proteins
• Results can last for up to six months.
• Manufacturer's website offers "Restylane Rewards," a system of vouchers offering treatment discounts to frequent patients.
• Low risk of adverse reactions; established history.

The Bad

• Requires sometimes painful injections performed by a physician.
• Can be expensive ($500+ per injection).
• Not as long lasting as other treatments.
• Injection site can be swollen or lumpy for several days after treatment.
• Not recommended for those with memory problems.

The Bottom Line

Restylane can be an effective short-term treatment for facial wrinkles, and has been successfully used to reshape lips. However, while competitive with other forms of injected aesthetic treatments, Restylane can be expensive, and requires regular follow-up visits with a physician to ensure proper maintenance. The generous "Restylane Rewards" program offsets the expenditure somewhat. Particularly for lip augmentation, the Restylane injection is often quite painful. However, a nerve block injection prior to Restylane injection can mediate this. Restylane is a welcome addition to the portfolio of facial treatments available from a dermatologist, and should be considered as a viable option to any of the other treatments currently available. It should also work effectively as a supplement to non-injection based skin care systems.