How to Fill Eyes With Restylane

Restylane is a cosmetic injectable filler that contains nonanimal-derived, stabilized hyaluronic acid, according to the Skin Therapy Letter website. Hyaluronic acid works by attracting water to the area injected, resulting in a temporary increase in water volume underneath the skin. This increase in volume is thought to smooth out wrinkles and folds and may improve facial contours. Around the eyes, Restylane is used to correct fine lines, lift eyebrows and soften under-eye bags.

Instructions

1. Find a physician or health care provider who is experienced in administering Restylane injections. One way to do this is to ask you family physician or dermatologist for a referral.

2. Schedule a consultation appointment with your chosen health care provider to determine whether Restylane is right for you. During this consultation, ask how to prepare for the treatment and about post-treatment care. Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions such as allergies or reoccurring facial cold sores.

3. Schedule your first treatment appointment and prepare for it as directed by your physician. This often includes not taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's wort or high doses of vitamin E before the procedure because these substances may increase bruising and bleeding.

4. Attend your first treatment. During this appointment, your physician will apply an antiseptic to the area being treated and then use a needle to inject a small amount of Restylane under the skin.

5. Follow any post-care instruction provided to you by your physician such as applying a cold compress to the area treated to reduce swelling and avoiding exposure to intense heat or cold.

6. Expect to experience some pain, swelling, bruising and redness for up to seven days after the procedure. If these side effects continue beyond 14 days, contact your physician.

7. Schedule a follow-up treatment to refresh results achieved from the initial injection approximately four and half to nine months after your first treatment. Results from this second treatment should last approximately 18 months.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your health care provider about financing options available to help offset the high cost of Restylane treatments.

• People who have had severe allergic reactions to gram-positive bacteria, who have been hospitalized because of an allergic reaction to a drug or who have a bleeding disorder should not use Restylane.

• Possible side effects of Restylane include headache, nausea and flu-like symptoms. Some patients may also experience muscle weakness.

References

• Skin Therapy Letter: Clinical Use of Restylane
• Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery: Restylane Injections -- Benefits, Cost & Side Effects
• Restylane USA: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• Restylane USA: Frequently Asked Questions
• Restylane USA: Achieving Full Correction With the Restylane Regimen
• Restylane USA: About Treatment

Resources

• Restylane USA