Restylane

Editors-In-Chief: Martin I. Newman, M.D., FACS, Cleveland Clinic Florida, [mailto:Newmanm@ccf.org]; Michel C. Samson, M.D., FRCSC, FACS [mailto:samsonm1@ccf.org]

Overview
Restylane is the trade name for a specific formulation of non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid most commonly used for lip augmentation. In the United States, Restylane has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic injection into subdermal facial tissues.

Restylane is injected under wrinkles and aging lines of the face such as the nasolabial folds, melomental folds, "crows feet" and forehead wrinkles. It may also be used for filling aging-related facial hollows and "orbital troughs" (under and around the eyes). The process has a fast recovery time of 2 to 3 days. However, it is not permanent; reapplication is recommended every six months or so. Costs can be anywhere between $300 and $500 per treatment.

The effects of Restylane last around six months. Recovery time from an injection takes around three days, as swelling and bruising can be a problem. Some practitioners will ask their patients to return to the practice two or three weeks after treatment for reassessment with view to a "top-up" if required.

A new way to use Restylane was described in the August 2007 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology by Dutch cosmetic doctor Tom van Eijk, whose "fern pattern" injection technique aims to restore dermal elasticity rather than to fill underneath the wrinkles.