Questions about Restylane
Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California
How is Restylane different from Botox?
While both procedures are very similar, Restylane and Botox differ in some very significant ways. Restylane is considered an injectable filler, which is to say it is injected into the skin in order to add volume and fullness to the skin. Other injectable fillers include fat and collagen. Botox, on the other hand, is considered a chemical blocker. It does not add fullness to the skin. Rather, it prevents the surrounding muscle from producing the chemical acetylcholine, which causes muscle to contract. Botox basically relaxes the muscles that cause some types of deep set wrinkles.
Is Restylane safe?
The active ingredient in Restylane is hyaluronic acid, a compound found naturally in the human body. It is therefore 100% safe. While Botox is an actual toxin, it is considered safe if used in very small, controlled amounts, and is used in a variety of non-cosmetic medical procedures.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Your procedure will last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the extent of work that needs to be done. The Restylane gel will be injected into the skin using a very small needle. You may experience a small amount of pain, redness, swelling or discoloration, but these conditions should pass within a few days.
How immediate are the results?
You will notice a significant improvement right away. Some swelling is common, so allow a few days for the swelling to go down and the final result to show.
How long will my Restylane treatment last?
Your Restylane injections should last upwards of six months. Like Botox, they are not permanent. Your body will eventually metabolize the injection and you will need to receive additional treatments in order to maintain your new look.
What are the potential side effects of Restylane injections?
During the first few days following the procedure, you may experience some swelling, redness, pain, and discoloration around the treated area. Any other side effects, or any that last beyond the first few days are rare and should be reported to your cosmetic surgeon.
If you live in the San Francisco area and think you might be a good candidate for Restylane, please contact board certified cosmetic surgeon Randall B. Weil M.D. today to arrange your free consultation.
