At South Lake OBGYN in Clermont, FL, we know how hard it is to feel confident when your face makes you look old and tired. That’s why we are proud to offer several non-invasive anti-aging treatments, including Restylane, a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that can be administered quickly and provide rapid results. Here’s what you need to know about this FDA-approved treatment.
How Quickly Does Restylane Work?
Restylane starts working as soon as it is administered, and you will see an initial improvement in your appearance immediately. However, the volume increase you will enjoy is due to the presence of the injected hyaluronic acid molecules attracting water molecules and binding them to the area. You won’t be able to see your final results for a week or two.
What Can I Do to See My Desired Results Faster?
One effective way to hasten your optimal results is to avoid drinking alcohol and consuming tobacco products. If you consume alcohol or tobacco, your existing collagen will be weakened, and your skin won’t be able to produce strong, healthy collagen at a high rate. You should also minimize UV exposure if you want to see your final results as quickly as possible.
It is also important that you take steps to increase the rate of collagen production in your skin. For example, you should moisturize your skin once or twice daily with a gentle occlusive moisturizer. You can also help your skin produce collagen faster by eating nutritiously. Your skin needs many micronutrients to produce collagen, including zinc, vitamin C, and three types of amino acids.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
Restylane injections may be safe and effective for you if you are fairly healthy, your skin is free from irritation, and you are concerned about moderate or severe volume loss. While this treatment is FDA-approved for safety and efficacy in many cases, there are some contraindications. Therefore, to confirm your candidacy for this treatment, you need to meet with us and discuss your goals and health.
Who Doesn’t Qualify for This Treatment?
You will not qualify for this injectable dermal filler if your skin is irritated at the time of your appointment. Your session will be rescheduled if there is a sunburn, skin infection, or any other form of irritation in the planned injection sites. You also will not be considered a good candidate for this treatment if you are nursing or pregnant. Moreover, certain chronic medical conditions will disqualify you, like:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hemophilia
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
To ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible, you must avoid the consumption of anything that can thin your blood or prevent blood clots from forming. You also should ensure that your blood pressure isn’t too high by avoiding the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. To reduce the chance that your appointment must be rescheduled due to skin irritation, make sure that you:
- Wear sunscreen
- Use preventative medication
- Avoid harsh topical products
- Avoid irritating cosmetic treatments
What Should I Expect After My Treatment Session?
As a general rule, you can expect to be able to return to work once your injections have been administered. There is no downtime or requisite observation period after your treatment, but some people may be unable to return to work, depending on the nature of their job. There are several aftercare rules that must be followed, including avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures.
If you do not work in a climate-controlled environment, you should take the rest of the day off from work. You also will need to take a day or two off from work if you have a strenuous job. You should avoid vigorous physical activity for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. Additionally, you must avoid excessive sweating.
How Long Can I Expect to Enjoy My Desired Results?
You can feel confident that your desired results will last between six and 18 months, depending on the area being treated. If you get Restylane injections to augment your lips, your results may only remain satisfactory for around six months. This is significantly longer than other lip augmentation treatments that only provide ideal results for two or three months.
The use of this injectable for cheek augmentation usually results in a stunning appearance for 18 months. You can generally expect to enjoy your optimal results for roughly one year if you use this filler to treat nasolabial folds and other lines and wrinkles.
What Can I Do to Extend the Longevity of My Results?
To enjoy your desired results for as long as possible, you must take care to keep your collagen healthy and strong. One of the best things you can do to keep your collagen strong and healthy is to stay hydrated. Great foods and drinks to incorporate into your diet include:
- Unsweetened tea
- Water
- Black coffee
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Broth-based soups
Eating fruits and vegetables will also help you enjoy your optimal results for longer because they are high in essential micronutrients, like zinc and vitamin C. These micronutrients are some of the building blocks required by your skin for collagen production. You also should make sure you eat plenty of bioavailable protein to promote collagen health.
What Should I Avoid for Longer-Lasting Results?
For longer-lasting results, you should minimize alcohol consumption and avoid the use of tobacco products. You should also avoid unprotected sun exposure.
Contact Us Now
Restylane begins working immediately, but it can take up to 14 days for the final results to become apparent, assuming only one treatment session is necessary to achieve optimal results. To see your desired results faster, avoid exposure to things that damage collagen and ramp down the collagen production process. To find out if this treatment is right for you, schedule an evaluation with us today at South Lake OBGYN in Clermont, FL.