Restylane® / Collagen Injection

Background

Before

After

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, and sun exposure. Years of facial muscle movement such as smiling, chewing and squinting lead to creases in our skin much like folding a piece of paper repeatedly along the same line. The collagen that keeps our skin looking youthful and plumped up begins to break down leading to laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where muscle movements occur. Soft tissue fillers, most commonly collagen, Restylane® and fat, can help fill in these lines and creases thereby restoring a smoother and more youthful appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to “sunken cheeks” and lips correcting the lipstick lines associated with thinning lips and advancing age. They can also smooth out the step-offs that can occur between the lower eyelids and cheeks over time.

Soft tissue fillers may be used in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures such as skin resurfacing with laser or chemical peels, or surgeries as eyelid surgery and facelift.

The most important fact to remember about injectable fillers is that the results are not permanent. Injected material is eventually metabolized by the body. In some individuals the effects last only a few months, while in others the results may be maintained indefinitely. Researchers believe that age, genetic background, and skin quality may all play a role in injected materials "staying power."

Procedure

Restylane® and Collagen are naturally occurring elements that provide support to various parts of the human body: the skin, the joints, the bones, and ligaments.

Restylane® or Collagen are injected using a fine needle inserted at several points along the edge of the treatment site. Dr. Sayah prefers to administer some local anesthesia so the injections are not painful. Since part of the substance is saltwater that will be absorbed by the body within a few days, Dr. Sayah may slightly overfill the area. Along with injecting the soft tissue filling material, Dr. Sayah actually sculpts the injected material to produce perfectly smooth results every time. You may be asked to hold a hand mirror during the procedure to help Dr. Sayah decide when you feel he has achieved your preferred results.

After Procedure

Immediately following the procedure, you may notice some minor discomfort, stinging or throbbing at the injection site. Occasionally some bruising or swelling will occur, but it is usually minor. Any redness at the injection sites usually disappears within 24 hours for collagen. Restylane® typically results in 2 days of swelling especially when injected at the lips. However, in some individuals, particularly fair-skinned patients, this redness may persist for up to a week.

No bandaging is needed and you are free to eat and drink and wear makeup with sun-block protection. Our office will be in contact with you every day after the procedure for up to one week to be certain you are progressing well.

People absorb collagen and Restylane® at varying rates, but treatments generally last 3 months for collagen and 8 months for Restylane®.

Perlane®

Perlane® restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). After your treatment, you might have some swelling, redness, pain, and bruising. This will normally last less than seven days. Although rare, red or swollen small bumps may occur. If you have had herpes before, an injection can cause the herpes to return. In rare circumstances, the doctor may inject into a blood vessel, which can damage the skin. To avoid bruising and bleeding, you should not use Perlane if you have recently used drugs that thin your blood or prevent clotting. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you shouldn't use Perlane®.

Juvéderme™

Juvéderm™ is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Your healthcare professional eases Juvéderm™ injectable gel under the skin to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvéderm™ provides a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm™compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.