Restylane Refyne is a dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid, used to treat nasolabial folds and marionette lines, which are wrinkles that form around the nose and extend to the corners of the mouth. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the connective tissue of skin, which is one reason it is used in cosmetic procedures.
About Restylane
The first Restylane product was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. Restylane adds volume underneath the skin where collagen and tissue have been lost. Adding volume can help smooth and lift skin so it looks fuller and refreshed.
The hyaluronic acid in the Restylane adheres to the skin, while the water in the acid provides volume and attracts more water, helping to preserve the newly-added volume.
Benefits of Restylane Refyne
The benefits of Restylane Refyne include:
- Soften laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines)
- Aim for results that look natural
- Support natural expression (smiling, frowning, puckering up, etc.)
Who is a Candidate?
Restylane Refyne is appropriate for individuals with moderate to severe deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
Restylane is not recommended for those who:
- Are allergic to bacterial protein
- Are immunocompromised
- Take blood thinners
- Are under age 21
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Patients should speak with the provider to determine if Restylane Refyne is an appropriate treatment for them.
Before the procedure, patients should stop taking:
- Blood-thinning medications
- Aspirin
- Vitamin E
- Fish oil
- Ibuprofen
- St. John’s wort
What to Expect
The provider will begin by applying a mild anesthetic to help alleviate pain during the procedure. Next, the injection sites are cleaned with an antiseptic. The provider will consider the severity of the wrinkles to help determine how much Restylane is necessary. The injections will be made using an ultrafine needle.
The entire procedure is completed at the clinic and may take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. Patients can generally leave right after the procedure, and downtime is minimal for many.
Patients will typically see full results within a week of the procedure. Patients may also notice a difference soon after treatment, since the product adds volume once injected.
To maintain results, patients will need additional rounds of injections.
Recovery
Patients should expect temporary redness, swelling or bruising that typically resolves within a week. After the procedure, patients should limit their sun exposure to prevent additional swelling or bruising.
Side Effects and Risks
Patients should be aware of the following potential side effects:
- Pain or itching at the injection site
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Headaches
- Tenderness
These side effects typically resolve within seven to 18 days.
Risks of Restylane include:
- Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Irregularities in the filling (uneven firmness of the skin)