Restylane® is a gel based on hyaluronic acid. Like collagen in the past, it is very efficient at softening wrinkles, filling out lips and smoothing the curves from the nose to the lips or at the corners of the mouth.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present throughout the human body and creates a water-rich environment between the cells. It helps to provide proper hydration for the subcutaneous tissues. As people grow older, less hyaluronic acid is produced so the skin has a greater tendency to wrinkle. The use of Restylane® is therefore a natural way to fill out and flatten existing wrinkles.
Restylane® is produced by Swedish company Q-Med. It is different from other hyaluronic acid gels in that a large number of scientific publications have demonstrated its safety and durability and it is also not of animal origin.
There are different types of gels within the Restylane® range, from very liquid to more viscous. The most fluid gels are inserted in the superficial subcutaneous space to treat fine wrinkles, while thicker gels are applied more deeply to add fullness.
The treatment is usually very well tolerated, even without an anaesthetic, particularly since there is now a Restylane® gel that contains a small amount of anaesthetic. For lip enlargement, a local anaesthetic is first used on the lip.
The result of the treatment is visible immediately and lasts for six to twelve months. After a lip enlargement the lips will be slightly swollen for two to three days.
Restylane® is naturally and completely broken down by the body.