The ultimate guide to Restylane

Last fact-checked: 1 December 2020

Restylane® is a type of dermal filler, injected directly into problem areas on the face to enhance definition, fill in lines, refine skin and create volume in areas including the lips and cheeks.

Learn more about how this wrinkle treatment can help you and find reputable global providers with Medical Departures.

Why Consider Restylane?

None of us can escape the signs of aging. The production of collagen and hyaluronic acid (the building blocks of good skin) deplete significantly as we age; this leads to a loss of elasticity which contributes to fine lines, wrinkles and, inevitably, sagging.

It isn’t just getting older that contributes to aging skin. Genetics play a part, as do lifestyle factors, including smoking and sun damage.

Restylane can help to combat these signs of aging by restoring structure and improving elasticity.

How Does Restylane Work?

Restylane contains hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance produced by your own skin. Hyaluronic acid molecules can hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water, leaving the skin plumped out and hydrated, rather than shriveled and dry. This is why babies have smooth velvety skin–because they produce loads of hyaluronic acid.

Restylane replaces lost hyaluronic acid to give your skin that youthful glow again.

Am I Suitable for Restylane?

Because Restylane’s active ingredient (hyaluronic acid) is found naturally in the body, there shouldn’t be any issues with allergies. If you have fine lines and wrinkles, or loss of volume in the cheeks or lips, Restylane may be a good option to restore a younger look.

It may also be used on the backs of the hands to reduce the appearance of veins, as well as to improve the elasticity and skin tone.

What Can I Expect to Happen During the Procedure?

The treatment only takes minutes to perform for each area, or longer if you are having several areas done at one sitting

After an initial consultation in which the practitioner or doctor will assess your suitability and cosmetic goals, the product will be injected directly into the skin (at predetermined sites) using a fine needle.

What About Any Side Effects?

You may experience a little discomfort or stinging, and afterward, there will likely be redness and a little swelling. It should dissipate fairly quickly, and you will be able to go about your normal activities straight after the treatment.

You can wear makeup to cover any redness, should you need to.

How Long Does Restylane Treatment Last?

Results last between six and 12 months, but following a top-up may last as long as 18 months.

How Much Can I Save by Going Abroad for Restylane Treatment?

This really depends on where you travel–and the savings likely are not worth traveling abroad specifically for the treatment. However, you might think about having it if you are on a holiday or business trip–particularly as the procedure is brief with little downtime.

If you are having a number of areas treated, the savings can be significant. For example, in Mexico, a syringe of Restylane costs around $300, compared to $500 in the United States.

Check out the latest prices, read past patient reviews and see photos at these recommended global clinics for Restylane treatment:

• Istanbul Aesthetic Center (Medical) (Istanbul, Turkey)
• MedConsult International Clinic (Bangkok, Thailand)
• Healthy Skin Clinic (Phuket, Thailand)
• Estherian Clinic (Istanbul, Turkey)
• The Plus Plastic Surgery (Seoul, South Korea)
• Dr. Julio Cesar Diaz Barriga (Monterrey, Mexico_

How Do I Get Started?

Find our full list of global Restylane providers using this link. 

Browse our background-checked listings and once you're ready to book, follow the simple instructions on our site. Whether you book online or through our Customer Care Team, you can look forward to 24/7 support and the best prices thanks to our guarantee. 

Sources:

Herndon, Jaime, MS, MPH, MFA. Restylane: What You Should Know. Healthline. 15 May 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/restylane

Restylane. Website accessed: 1 December 2020. https://www.restylane.com/en/after-your-treatment

Orange, Karim. Anti-Aging Part One: The Importance of Collagen. Huff Post. 20 December 2017. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/anti-aging-part-1-the-importance-of-collagen_b_583cd543e4b04e28cf5b8ac3