Every time you look in the mirror, you should feel confident about your appearance. But sometimes, the natural aging process can change the way we feel about our skin and our overall looks. Luckily, the experts at Knox Wellness Experience in Knoxville, TN know that one of the best ways to boost your confidence is to use a dermal filler like Restylane to smooth away superficial concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.
This dermal filler is an injectable treatment that is designed to reduce and correct moderate to severe signs of aging, including lost volume, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity in the face and the hands. Learn more about this unique dermal filler before you schedule your consultation today.
How Soon Do You See Results From Restylane?
One of the truly great things about Restylane is the fact that you can see the results of this FDA-approved dermal filler immediately after your treatment is complete. The instant results of this filler can be attributed to the nature of the hyaluronic acid-based formula, which instantly plumps and smooths the skin for an effortlessly youthful appearance.
The final results of your treatment may take two to four weeks to fully manifest depending on where the filler is used and how well your body responds to the filler. This is true for each of the fillers in the Restylane collection of products.
How Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers Work
Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule that can be found in the body. Typically responsible for lubricating cells, tissues, and joints, hyaluronic acid also works in tandem with collagen and elastin to help the skin look smooth and supple. Hyaluronic acid is well known for its ability to hold several times its weight in water, which is why this hard-working molecule has recently found its way into so many moisturizers.
A hyaluronic acid-based filler typically has a gel-like consistency that is injected directly into the sub-dermal layers of the skin; once there, the hyaluronic acid filler settles and helps attract moisture to the skin, which then helps the skin appear plump and healthy. Additionally, hyaluronic acid-based fillers also increase natural collagen production to fortify the structure of the skin.
Why Does Collagen Matter?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and provides a structure that keeps the skin strong and in place. Alongside elastin, collagen production actually slows as we age, which is why fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity start to develop after around age 30. Over time, the lack of collagen in the skin will leave room for the visible signs of aging to develop.
What Causes Volume Loss?
There are many components related to the loss of volume in the skin as we age. For example, less collagen production means the structure of the dermis begins to weaken over time, which gives gravity the opportunity to pull the skin down. Cellular regeneration also slows as we age, which is why dark spots and other blemishes tend to form.
Unfortunately, the natural aging process can’t be stopped – and depending on your genetics, you may age more quickly than other people. Even lifestyle choices can speed up the aging process, such as too much unprotected exposure to sunlight, a poor diet, lack of hydration, and sleep deprivation.
How This Filler Helps Fight Against Aging
Although you can’t fully put bring the natural aging process to a stop, cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers can significantly slow this process. This is because dermal fillers work to restore the volume in the skin that is caused by less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. This injectable treatment can act as a stop-gap in your natural production and even slow the deepening of fine lines and wrinkles. Specifically, this dermal filler can fight against aging in the following categories:
Lines and Wrinkles
The primary reason why people seek dermal filler treatment is to erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In general, lines and wrinkles on the face are a roadmap to expressions we make over a lifetime – this is particularly true for dynamic wrinkles or deep wrinkles that are associated with facial expressions. The etchings of our past facial expressions can remain even when our expressions are neutral.
By using a dermal filler to inject these lines and wrinkles with skin-plumping ingredients, the appearance of these visible signs of aging will diminish and your overall appearance will look much more youthful. Some people even feel that they look more well-rested after filler treatments. Restylane can be used to treat concerns such as:
- Frown lines between brows
- Nasolabial folds or laugh lines
- Crow’s feet
- Chin wrinkles
- Marionette lines
- Tear troughs
- Forehead lines
- Smile lines
Lost Volume
While wrinkles are caused by volume loss in the skin in small pockets of the dermis, the loss of volume in the skin can also create hollow areas in the face. In particular, volume loss in the cheeks and cheekbones can make the face appear gaunt. Dermal fillers such as this one can be thought of as a liquid facelift since the filler can effectively replace and restore lost volume in the mid-face. This filler can enhance the appearance of the cheekbones, fill in hollow areas of the cheeks, and even lift the jowls.
Lip Augmentation
Gorgeously plump lips are the hallmark of youth, but most people aren’t born with naturally full lips – not even your favorite celebrity. As we age, we lose a significant amount of volume in the lips, which can cause lipstick lines, asymmetry, a weak vermillion border, and even a gummy smile. Troubles such as perioral lines and laugh lines can also deepen as a response to less volume in the lips and around the mouth.
This dermal filler can be used to augment the lips and restore lost lip volume. Whether it’s feathering lip cosmetics or simply unwanted lip thinness, this filler can effectively help you augment your lips into your desired lip appearance.
Hand Volume
You might not think about it, but your hands can actually betray your true age. One of the first areas of the body that lose a significant portion of collagen is the back of the hands; with this volume loss, the hands can appear veiny or bony, which can prematurely age you. Many experts believe that volume loss in the skin of the hands is caused by everyday pollution and unprotected sun exposure.
Restylane is the only dermal filler on the market that can be used to restore lost volume in the hands. Many patients are amazed at how drastically their appearance improves when volume in the hands has been restored.
What Should You Expect?
If your consultation has determined that you are a good candidate for this filler, you will be scheduled for a treatment appointment to address each of your areas of concern. Unlike other cosmetic treatments or procedures, you will not need to do much to prepare for your treatment. You may be directed to avoid taking blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as vitamin E, for about one week before your treatment.
Your treatment itself will take about 30 minutes to complete. Your provider may start your appointment by applying a topical numbing cream to the intended treatment areas. After that, several small injections will be made to correct volume loss. Most of the time, only one syringe is necessary to improve your appearance. The instant results of this treatment will allow your provider to inject the exact amount of filler needed to achieve your desired appearance goals.
What Happens After Your Treatment?
As you already know, the results of this treatment will essentially be visible right away. However, after your treatment, you will need to follow several simple instructions to ensure that your results develop as desired. You will be instructed to not scrub or rub your face roughly so you don’t disturb the filler as it settles, something that may take one to three days. You will also need to avoid unprotected sunlight, tanning beds, hot weather, sweating, saunas, and hot water so your results can develop correctly.
What Restylane Products Should You Consider?
The original Restylane formula is actually part of a bigger series of products. Each of the fillers in this family is designed to correct a specific area of concern. Using the right filler means you are selecting a filler that will achieve your goals flawlessly and as naturally as possible. The products to consider include:
- Lyft for longer-lasting results
- Defyne for severe concerns
- Refyne for subtle volumizing
- Silk for smooth, subtle lips
- Kysse for increased lip volume
If you aren’t sure which filler is right for you, you can rest assured that we will help you select the filler and treatment plan to help you achieve all of your appearance goals. We will go over all of your treatment options during your consultation when we discuss your aesthetic goals.
Is This Filler Safe?
Yes, both the original formula and the family of associated fillers are considered safe. This is partly because hyaluronic acid can be found naturally in the body, and so the synthetic hyaluronic acid used in this filler will be compatible with the body. These fillers have all passed the rigorous FDA clinical trials and have been deemed safe for people who want to restore lost volume in the face and hands.
How Long Do Results Last?
The longevity of your results may depend on the specific filler you are using and the area being treated. Some of the fillers in this collection may last longer than others. But in general, you can expect the results of the fillers used in the face to last for 12 to 18 months, while fillers used on the back of the hands or on the lips may only last for about six months.
How Should You Maintain Results?
Aside from following good skincare habits and doing your best to prevent premature aging by wearing SPF during the daytime, you can easily maintain the results of your treatment by attending your annual appointments. Many patients schedule touch-up appointments once a year to enjoy continuous results between treatments.
Are You a Candidate?
Health women and men who are over the age of 21 and who are showing signs of aging are generally good candidates for this filler. Your eligibility for this treatment will be determined by your consultation appointment and your treatment goals. Candidates should not be allergic to any of the ingredients in the filler and should not be currently pregnant at the time of treatment.
Look Younger Today
Looking in the mirror should be a fun experience and you should feel confident about your appearance every day. But if the visible signs of aging have got you down, then it may be time to find a better solution than over-the-counter creams. If you think Restylane is a good dermal filler option for you, please contact Knox Wellness Experience in Knoxville, TN today to schedule your first appointment.
