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Risks and Complications

Each and every option on cosmetic procedures has its own risks of potential complications that vary with the procedure. While major complications and bad results are very rare, they still can occur even under the most expert care. Most problems fortunately are minor and either resolve spontaneously with time or require minor revisions to correct. Even these are infrequent, but are best handled when there is open communication, patience, trust, and respect that is mutually shared between the patient and physician.
 

 

 

Restylane

Restylane is a skin filler that is injected with a small needle to fill in deeper depressions, folds, and wrinkles in the skin. It is made with hyaluronic acid, a natural chemical that is present in the skin and soft tissue in the body, and is therefore very safe. It is best used for deeper depressions and folds but does not work well for fine wrinkles like those in the upper lip and crow's feet around the eyes. Ideal sites for improvement include deeper frown lines in the forehead, the folds between the upper lip and upper cheek, and the marionette folds between the chin and cheek jowls.

Deeper creases around the corners of the mouth also respond well to Restylane. The injections do sting some, similar to Botox, and I usually offer a pain pill or sedative beforehand to those who want that. There is usually no bruising or swelling even immediately afterwards and the results are immediate. I usually let patients look at results with a mirror at the time of the injections so I can inject the exact areas of concern until satisfactory results are achieved. This works great when injections are used to enlarge the lips so that patients can say they want a little more until ideal results are achieved. Most injection results last from 8 to 12 months but do eventually absorb.

There are always newer and improved fillers being developed by companies, but it is often wise to wait awhile before being the first to try them because many in the past have had late term problems not obvious initially.

Restylane to date has not had any that I am aware of and can be repeated as often as desired. Obviously, a physician with experience should first advise you if Restylane is the best way to treat your areas of concern.

 


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