Restylane Silk – The Exciting New Way to Enhance Lip Fullness
Many women experience a loss of lip fullness as they grow older, while others would like to reduce or eliminate fine lines around the mouth caused by smoking, sun exposure, or repeated facial expressions. However, the demand for overly-full, obvious lips is on the decline. Today’s women want more natural fillers and natural-looking aging.
To answer that demand, Restylane® Silk is now available in the United States. Already seen in Europe and Canada, Restylane Silk was approved by the FDA in June 2014 for sale in the U.S. market. In fact, it’s the first and only FDA-approved filler designed specifically for the treatment of lips and the lines around them.
Restylane Silk is an ideal solution for women who want gentle refining and to avoid severe, overly-filled lips. Its refined formulation is unique because it’s designed for precise lip shaping and for smoothing the lines around the mouth to create a natural look.
A Hamilton Dermatology Exclusive
Restylane Silk is a new and exciting product on the dermal filler scene. Dr. Hamilton was the first physician to use the product in the United States, and is happy to add Restylane Silk to the wide range of dermal fillers that Hamilton Dermatology patients already enjoy.
Restylane Silk is available at Hamilton Dermatology right now – we’re one of only three offices in Georgia offering this exclusive product.
How does Restylane Silk work?
Like its sister product Restylane, Restylane Silk is a hyaluronic acid gel lip filler. Hyaluronic acid is a protective substance, naturally present in the body, that provides structure and lubrication to the skin. However, age can lead to a loss of hyaluronic acid, which can mean loss of lip fullness over time. Use of Restylane Silk fills the lips and adds volume to skin around the mouth.
The treatment is usually completed anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The product is injected with a very thin and precise needle in multiple points in and around the lips. There will be some stinging or pinching, though the procedure is less painful compared to other cosmetic surgery treatments. The Restylane Silk injection contains lidocaine, which is an anesthetic. However, an additional topical anesthetic can be used if desired.
Restylane Silk isn’t extracted from animals, meaning the risk of allergic reaction is dramatically reduced. An allergy test before the procedure is not needed.
How is Restylane Silk different from other lip fillers?
Restylane Silk, like other hyaluronic acid products, is made up of particles of gel. Some products have larger particle sizes intended for a more long-lasting effect. They work by lifting tissue and creating a more filled look. The gel particles in Restylane Silk are smaller, making it ideal for smooth contouring and filling in fine lines. The result is a smoother and softer look than other fillers may offer.
How long will the effects last?
Restylane Silk is designed to create a more subtle look than more dramatic lip fillers. Its unique formulation dissolves slowly in the body to create that natural look. For these reasons, the results typically last for about six months – this is usually longer than collagen injections. Many patients return for a “touch-up” second injection.
In a clinical study, 98% of patients saw fuller lips two weeks after their first injection, and 76% of patients reported that their lips were still full six months after their first injection.
There is little to no downtime or recovery after a Restylane Silk injection – many patients report resuming their normal social or work activities within hours.
Can I control how my lips will look?
Because Restylane Silk is designed for subtle, smooth shaping, patients have the freedom to refine their look. Results aren’t permanent, and that means you can return for one or more treatments until you’re happy with the look of your lips. This can be done progressively, without a sudden and obvious change in your appearance.
We recommend bringing in a photo of yourself from when your lips were fuller, or of someone else whose lip shape you like. We can then work together to determine they best way to achieve your ideal results.
Are there any side effects?
Patients undergoing Restylane Silk treatment may experience some mild side effects that are usually brief. These include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Bruising
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Itching
Patients may be able to reduce the chance of experiencing some of these side effects by avoiding certain vitamins and over-the-counter pain medications before the injection procedure. All side effects will be discussed in advance of the procedure, and we’ll be sure to advise you on ways they can be reduced.
Is Restylane Silk safe?
Because Restylane Silk contains hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally occurring in the body to provide structure, it’s considered safe for most patients. However, you may not be considered a candidate for Restylane Silk injections if you have ever experienced one or more of the following:
- A history of severe allergies with acute reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Multiple severe allergies
- Sensitivity to local anesthetics like lidocaine
- Bleeding disorders
- Allergies to gram-positive bacteria like streptococcus
If any of the above apply to you, you are still welcome and encouraged to come in for a consultation so we can discuss your situation. There may be other lip filler options available that will work for you.
Why should I get Restylane Silk injections from Hamilton Dermatology?
The look of your lips after Restylane Silk depends on much more than just injecting the product. Using too little product or having the product injected in the wrong places in and around the lips can mean results that don’t last as long as you expect, or don’t look the way you want. Your overall facial structure and health also play a part.
Visiting a doctor trained in dermal fillers is critical for the success of any procedure. Restylane Silk is available at Hamilton Dermatology right now – we’re one of only three offices in Georgia offering this exclusive product.
If you’re looking for a refreshed look for the lips or fine lines around the mouth, Restylane Silk might be just what you need. Get in touch with our office today to find out how Restylane Silk can give you that natural-looking lip fullness you’ve been waiting for.