Wrinkles are a normal part of life. As you age, your body naturally slows down its production of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for maintaining fullness and elasticity in your face.

By the time you reach your mid-20s, the skin on your face has already started the aging process. A variety of factors contribute to this, including genetics, prolonged exposure to the sun, smoking, drinking, stress, and exposing your face to chemicals.

Once the production of hyaluronic acid starts to decrease, collagen and elastin begin to disappear from your face as well. As your skin loses its volume, you start to develop wrinkles and folds, which results in a gaunt, older-looking face.

The Age Limit for Restylane Injections

Restylane is a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid. In 2003, the dermal filler was approved by the FDA for use in patients who are 21 or older.

The reason why Restylane is approved for those 21 or older is because young people naturally produce adequate amounts of hyaluronic acid. Since those under the age of 21 don’t have a volume deficiency, injecting hyaluronic fillers into the skin is counterproductive.

Am I a Good Candidate for Restylane?

The skin on your face and neck is incredibly delicate, yet it’s subjected to damage by harsh outside stimulants every day. Therefore, your face ages more quickly than the rest of your body.

If you are 21 or older and have mild to moderate folds and wrinkles on your face, you are a great candidate for Restylane injections. Restylane can also be used to enhance your lips and fill the dark, hollow areas under your eyes.

How Does Restylane Work?

Restylane works by adding volume to areas of your face that lack collagen and other tissue. The injection replaces the lost volume, making your skin look plumper and younger. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane attracts more water under the skin, which ultimately creates the volume the filler adds to the face.

Dr. Lee will decide the amount of Restylane you need depending on the areas you are treating and the depth of the wrinkles you have. You may receive local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort before the procedure. The needle used to inject Restylane is ultrafine, and you may receive one or more injections at the same site.

The treatment takes no longer than thirty minutes and requires no downtime. You can return to your normal daily activities immediately after getting a Restylane injection.

What Do the Results Look Like?

You will see results almost immediately following a Restylane treatment. Restylane is injected right underneath your skin, which makes the effects immediately visible. The results from an injection last for 12 to 18 months depending on the number of treatments you have and the extent of your wrinkles. You will see the final results within a week.

Scheduling Your Appointment

If you meet the requirements for Restylane injections and are interested in making your skin appear smoother and plumper, contact the office of Dr. Wayne Lee for a consultation today. Dr. Lee, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, will be happy to help you achieve a younger, fresher look.