Adding volume to the lips and treating “smokers’ lines” is nothing new, but Restylane has recently added a new option to its family of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that could set the tone for expected outcomes when treating the lips.
Restylane Silk is the only FDA-approved filler specifically designed to treat the lips and lines around the mouth caused by aging and other external aging factors such as smoking and sun damage.
WHAT MAKES RESTYLANE SILK DIFFERENT?
We asked Dr. Michael Burgdorf to explain the difference between the new Silk and its “cousin” Restylane. Dr. Burgdorf has been administering his own dermal filler injections for nearly a decade, and insists on staying at the forefront of the latest techniques and products available. He introduced Restylane Silk to his patient base immediately, and has been very pleased with the results.
“The lips and lines around the mouth can be more difficult to treat with a gel that has a larger particle formulation than Restylane Silk. The larger particles can make the results look less natural. My patients often ask for a very conservative, natural result and some are very hesitant to try any treatment in the lips or around the mouth for fear of having an obvious or over-filled look. I’m very happy that the pendulum is swinging back toward more natural results with regards to treatment of the lips as it reflects the desires of my patient base and my personal injection technique,” says Dr. Burgdorf.
Restylane Silk’s unique particle gel formula, along with an ultrafine needle designed for improved accuracy, helps give you softer, more precise results. In a clinical study with 221 patients, Galderma (manufacturer of Restylane and Restylane Silk) found that 59% of patients treated with Restylane Silk maintained lip fullness six months after treatment.
Dr. Burgdorf also believes that communication with your injector is the key to great results. “Being upfront with your injector about the result you desire is important; and on the flip side, your injector should set realistic expectations. I allow my patients to participate in their injections (if they wish). They are given a mirror between each step of the injection to ensure they are comfortable with the amount of volume we are using.”
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT WITH RESTYLANE SILK?
After your Restylane Silk injection, you may experience mild swelling which can last 48 hours or more. Using light ice packs provided by Music City Plastic Surgery will help to decrease swelling. Most patients look normal with makeup within one hour. Occasionally, mild bruising may be seen or small dots may appear at the locations where the needle was inserted. Once the bruising and swelling subsides, you are left with beautiful, natural-looking lips. People may notice that you look great, but nobody will know you’ve had anything done!
The patient below had Restylane Silk in the lips. The After photo is 2 days post-injection.
