NonSurgical Solutions Frequently Asked Questions

What is Restylane made of?
Restylane is the first and only cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is a natural  substance  that  already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin.  The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA,™ or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid.  NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. 

How does Restylane work?
As you get older, your face loses its shape.  Restylane simply restores that fullness and provides a smoother contour to the face.

What should patients do prior to Restylane treatment?
Patients should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week prior to treatment.  This will help to minimize any bruising or bleeding at the injection site.

How is Restylane different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane is non-animal-based.  This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Is Restylane safe?
Yes.  Restylane has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide.  Because Restylane is non-animal-based and fully biocompatible, allergy testing is not required.  This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. 

Are there any side effects with Restylane?
As with any injection, some common injection-related reactions might occur.  The most common side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.  These typically resolve within two to three days.

How long does Restylane last?
The average treatment results last six months or even longer.

How is Restylane administered?
Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle.  After the injection, your physician may gently massage your skin to optimize contouring.  Restylane is a simple and convenient procedure and results are practically instantaneous.

How often should I have Restylane treatments done?
Restylane lasts twice as long as collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year.  Evidence shows that having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect.

Is Restylane approved by the FDA?
Yes.  Restylane is FDA approved for use in the U.S.

Do Restylane injections hurt?
Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultra-fine  needle, resulting in minimal discomfort.  To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area.

Can Restylane be used anywhere on the face?
Although Restylane has been used in more that one million treatments in over 60
countries to smooth wrinkles and deep facial folds and to enhance the appearance and fullness of lips, in the U.S., it is currently indicated only for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds and lips.

How is Restylane different from Botox?
Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler.  In contrast, Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles.  Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

How is Restylane different from bovine collagen?
Restylane is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, with virtually no risk of animal-based transmission or allergic reaction.  In addition, bovine collagen is derived from animals and requires an allergy test.  Because Restylane is non-animal-based, it can be administered without  pre-testing,  so no  waiting is required.

What are treatment sessions with Photo rejuvenation (IPL) like?
Quick and easy!  After initial preparation, the hand piece will be moved gradually over your skin.  The hand piece emits a light that breaks up the pigment in the lesions.  Most people perceive the light as a gentle “snapping” sensation, which causes little to no discomfort.

What should you expect after treatment after an IPL or Photo rejuvenation treatment?
Pigmented lesions may darken slightly after treatment, and then fade away after about 10-14 days.  Most people experience some mild temporary redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn, in the treated area shortly after treatment.  This does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day.  In some cases, the redness may last longer, but will still be mild and temporary.

What is Sclerotherapy?
The Sclerotherapy treatment was developed in the 1920’s. During the procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The tiny needle generally causes very little pain. The sclerosing solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then gradually disappear. A typical treatment may last for 15 to 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections. 

What are spider and varicose veins?
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are those tiny purple and red blood vessels found most commonly on the thighs or lower legs of women. They are hereditary and can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle. Occasionally, spider veins appear on the face.  Varicose veins are larger. They can appear raised with a bluish color and can become quite painful. Although spider veins and varicose veins carry blood, they are not part of the venous valve system.

How many Sclerotherapy treatments will I need?
Complete correction of the treated area is not expected on the first treatment. In most cases, about 50 - 70% of the treated vessels will be gone for good. However, new veins may appear and additional treatments are generally required for optimum results. These treatments may be in three week intervals.  You may be asked to wear special heavy-duty stockings to help keep pressure on the veins. This will reduce bruising and help keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week. A tan or brownish pigment may persist for six to eight weeks when larger veins are involved. Occasionally, small clots can develop at the injection site. These are not a cause for concern and may be removed to allow healing to progress.  Patients are generally encouraged to resume normal activities immediately. We do ask that you refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours. Walking is encouraged because it increases blood flow through the other veins. Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most patients experience a 60% to 80% improvement.

What are Sclerotherapy treatments like?
First, we thoroughly cleanse the area to be treated with alcohol. Then we mark the veins to be treated while you are standing.  The larger veins are usually treated first. Using a tiny syringe fitted with a micro-needle, your physician will inject a small amount of sclerosing agent into the vein. Sclerosing solution displaces the blood within the vein. It then causes irritation to the lining of the vein, making it swell shut. The needle is withdrawn and pressure to the area is applied immediately. While each vein may require several injections, most disappear in two weeks to two months.  Most Sclerotherapy patients report little if any discomfort. A few may experience a mild burning sensation when we inject the solution, but it stops in a few seconds.

Contact us to schedule a personal consultation.