Restylane

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 24, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The most common and popular injectable fillers available used to be collagen products. While collagen is still frequently used, non-collagen fillers are becoming more popular. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein created by our skin and is what gives it its elasticity and underlying structure.

As you get older, collagen levels decrease and your skin becomes less elastic causing sags or wrinkles. Until 2003 replacement collagen, made from animal byproducts was the only replacement filler available. Restylane and other hyaluronc acid fillers are making inroads in the injectable filler options. According the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, injectable fillers like Restylane grew by 35 percent, to just over 1 million injections in 2007.

Restylane is a transparent gel that is injected in strategic areas underneath wrinkles to increase volume. This makes the skin above the injection taut and smooth again. Primarily used in the in areas of the face where wrinkles and aging lines appear in the folds around the nose and mouth called nasolabial folds or crows feet. Restylane also works great for lip augmentation treatment.

Unlike collagen, Restylane is not manufactured from animal or human byproducts and does not cause allergic reactions. Allergy testing is not required prior to treatment. This means that there is no long delay when seeking filler therapy. The active ingredient of Restylane is hyaluronic acid, which is a complex carbohydrate that is also produced naturally in the body. Because of its unique ability to bond with water, the effects of Restylane injections can last for up to six months.

The key ingredient, hyaluronic acid, attracts water, which helps to increase volume. After injection, Restylane binds with up to a thousand times its weight in water. This helps keep in place the tissue underneath the skin go prevent looseness and sagging.

The benefits of hyaluronic acid may be even greater than first suspected. A new study from the University of Michigan indicates that products like Restylane work by stretching cells in the skin called fibroblasts. When these cells are stretched, the fibroblasts essentially spur new collagen production, further aiding in restoring skin elasticity and cell volume.

The study also shows that hyaluronic acid appears to slow the breakdown of existing collagen in the skin by inhibiting an enzyme called collagenase, which is a leading cause of skin inelasticity as you age.

Injectable fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Prelane can be administered right in the doctor's office. Because they do not require skin testing, the procedures can be performed right away, with little or no down time.

Recovering completely from injectable fillers can take about three days and some minor bruising may occur at the injection site. After a few days, the doctor may request a follow up visit to ensure that the injection volume is adequate and the results are symmetrical with the rest of your face.

When considering cosmetic treatment like Restylane, it is important to find a qualified cosmetic surgeon with a good reputation. Make sure that you and your physician review all options available prior to making a decision on treatment.

If you would like to learn more about Restylane or other injectable fillers, and are in the San Francisco area, please contact Dr. Randall Weil.

Source: Dr. Randall Weil
Website: http://www.randallweil.com

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