Restylane (or Juvéderm) is a crystal-clear gel made from stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid and water. The gel is a biotechnologically produced version of hyaluronic acid, a tissue friendly substance that occurs naturally in the body. Restylane  (or Juvéderm) given by injection enhances your looks  by restoring volume loss from facial areas. These dermal fillers have an excellent safety track record and are FDA approved. They have been used at Face & Eye for over 15 years.

Restylane / Juvéderm Injections

Restylane (or Juvéderm) is injected into and below the skin in small quantities using a very fine needle or a cannula. The gel gives natural volume to smooth away the appearance of lines and create fuller lips. The treatment takes approximately 20-30 minutes. No skin test is required because Restylane (and Juvéderm) does not contain any animal derived ingredients. Many of these injections are undertaken by our aesthetic nurse practitioner.

A patient wanting fuller lips before treatment

The patient following lip volumisation using Restylane Kysse injections by our aesthetic nurse practitioner at Face & Eye

A patient before treatment

The patient following Juvederm dermal filler injections 

Click here to watch a video demonstrating the injections being given to this patient.

Ingrid Hurtado, Face & Eye CQC Registered Manager and Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

Click here to watch a video about Restylane skin boosters.

Tear trough Restylane injections however, are a very specialist form of treatment close to the eye. For this reason these injections are only undertaken by our oculoplastic surgeons. Restylane in our opinion is the best dermal filler to use for tear trough rejuvenation injections, and the treatment can sometimes be further enhanced with the use of Restylane Lyft to enhance the cheeks and skin booster injections to treat fine skin lines.

How does Restylane / Juvéderm work?

By replenishing nature’s supply of hyaluronic acid Restylane / Juvéderm revitalises and plumps up the skin, diminishing the appearance of lines and giving a softer look. The gel is injected into and beneath the skin depending on the facial / eyelid age-related changes that have occurred. Restylane / Juvéderm instantly enhances lips and diminishes the effects of wrinkles and lines. It is not collagen and it is not Botox (botulinum toxin). Restylane /  Juvéderm does not affect facial expression.

Studies have shown  that Restylane  / Juvéderm stimulates the production of collagen to promote healthy skin, improving overall skin tone and elasticity.

Restylane, Restylane Lyft, and Restylane Kysse:

• Diminish the appearance of frown lines on the forehead.
• Soften those harsh creases from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds).
• Plump up lips and enhances the border around them, increasing definition and helping lipstick and liner to stay put.
• Improve ageing marionette lines at the corners of the mouth.
• Plump up cheeks and accentuate natural features, e.g. high cheek bones.
• Give a gentle lift to the outer aspects of the eyebrows.

Restylane Volyme / Juvéderm  Voluma adds volume to the cheeks and can further improve the appearance of tear troughs when used in conjunction with tear trough Restylane injections.

What are the advantages of Restylane / Juvéderm over the many other injectable non surgical cosmetic treatments?

• Natural and safe – FDA approved in December 2003.
• No animal ingredients.
• No skin test needed.
• Instant and long lasting results.
• Biodegradable, non permanent.
• Quick treatment – this takes around 30 minutes.
• Extensive clinical data supporting efficacy and safety.
• Reversible with the use of Hyalase injections (off label use).

 Why is Restylane / Juvéderm described as a natural beauty treatment?

Restylane / Juvéderm is injected into the skin restoring youthful volume to smooth facial lines, enhance lips and facial contours creating an aesthetic lift. Restylane / Juvéderm contains stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid (NASHATM) which is the basis of all Galderma and Allergan products. The patented and unique stabilisation process employed by Galderma and Allergan in the manufacture of Restylane / Juvéderm results in a minimally modified hyaluronic acid (HA) molecule. Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in our bodies. Its most important function is to carry and bind water. The Restylane / Juvéderm HA molecule is virtually identical to that of our natural HA in our skin – the body recognizes Restylane / Juvéderm as endogenous (naturally occurring in the body). This reduces the risk for inflammatory reaction and ensures long lasting treatment results.

Nutrients, oxygen and hormones are able to pass freely between the crystal clear gel particles, leaving the skin natural and healthy looking. As the gel breaks down, water takes its place and when totally absorbed the gel disappears unnoticed from the body.

Will it hurt?

Most people describe the treatment as uncomfortable rather than painful.

Restylane and Juvéderm contain lignocaine, a local anaesthetic that numbs the area being injected and helps to reduce discomfort. Local anaesthetic injections can also be given into the skin prior to the treatment, not only to numb the area but also to constrict blood vessels to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.

What areas can be treated?

Restylane / Juvéderm treatments can be used for smoothing out facial lines, creating more sensuous looking lips and shaping facial contours, such as cheeks and chins. It is a subtle approach to enhancing looks naturally.

How long does the treatment effect last?

One of the great advantages of Restylane / Juvéderm is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent.

• Facial lines, cheek augmentation: repeat treatment is usually needed after approximately 12 months
• Lips: Follow-up with Restylane Kysse is needed after about 6 months
• Hands, décolletage: repeat treatment with Restylane skin boosters is recommended after around 9 months

However, duration depends on many factors, such as skin type, lifestyle, age, the degree of perfection desired by the patient and the injection technique of the practitioner.

 Restylane / Juvéderm is FDA approved, what does this mean?

In December 2003, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the regulatory authority in the USA, approved Restylane and Juvéderm for the treatment of facial lines. This was the first injectable cosmetic treatment made from stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid, to be approved by the FDA.

The FDA has strict regulations, even more rigorous than most equivalent regulatory agencies in Europe. Many medical devices and cosmetic products fail to meet its demanding criteria. FDA approval of Restylane / Juvéderm is further proof that this is one of the safest and most effective non-surgical treatments available today for reducing the effects of facial lines and restoring volume lost through the ageing process.

More than 10 million treatments have been carried out since the launch of these over 20 years ago which is further testimony to their safety.

You keep talking about hyaluronic acid, does this mean it burns?

No. Hyaluronic acid is a form of sugar molecule that occurs naturally in both humans and animals. The word acid is used in the biological sense, as in a type of protein, in the same way as doctors talk about amino acids or DNA.

What are the risks of side effects?

Some common injection-related reactions might occur after a Restylane / Juvéderm injection. These reactions include redness, swelling, pain, itching, discolouration or tenderness at the injection site. They typically resolve spontaneously within one or two days after injection. The risk of serious complications of this treatment is extremely low but such risks are discussed with all patients prior to any treatment and all safety precautions are taken.

What happens to my treated skin in the sun or in the cold?

The treated areas must not be exposed to intense heat or extreme cold for the first few days after treatment. This is to avoid risk of inflammation since the area has been disturbed. The gel will not harden or soften as outside temperatures change. Saunas and steam rooms should also be avoided for the first few days after treatment.