RESTYLANE vs. other treatments

How does a treatment with RESTYLANE differ from injections with other products? This comparison chart will answer the question.

Description Procedure Safety Duration Botulinum Toxin Type A Botulinum Toxin Type A is a toxin that blocks neuromuscular transmission when injected in tiny amounts into specific muscles to treat and improve lines and wrinkles associated with facial expression. Manufactured under the names of Botox© and Dysport© Botulinum toxin is injected in minute quantities. It blocks the nerve impulses to the facial muscles responsible for contraction, thereby relaxing the muscles and smoothing facial lines. It is most effective on frown lines and crow's feet around the eyes. Accurate dosing and precise positioning are critical in order to freeze the right muscles just enough. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and the effect of a treatment can be seen within 1 - 2 weeks. The long-term risks of botulinum toxin are unknown. Redness may occur, as well as bruising, numbness, swelling and headaches. If overdosed or the injection is performed incorrectly, the patient can be left with an immobile face or droopy eyelids until the effect of the injection wears off. The result lasts for about four months. Collagen treatment Collagen is derived from the hides of cows specially bred for the purpose. Collagen can also be derived from pig skin. Because collagen is an animal product, a collagen test skin implant is administered to determine whether the patient is allergic to the implant, four weeks prior to the treatment. Collagen is manufactured under many names, two of which are Zyderm and Zyplast. Collagen can be injected under the skin to fill lines and wrinkles. It is also used for lip enhancement. The treatment takes less than an hour. Redness and swelling may occur. Allergic reactions are possible in 3-4% of patients. The effect normally lasts for three to four months. Stabilized Non-Animal Hyaluronic acid gel (NASHA) Hyaluronic acid is a substance that exists naturally in the body. Its most important function is to carry and bind water. Non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) does not contain animal protein and does not require a skin test prior to treatment. NASHA is a unique form of hyaluronic acid, manufactured under the name of RESTYLANE. RESTYLANE is designed for different purposes and effects, from reducing wrinkles and folds to enhancing facial contours and sculpting lips. The treatment often takes less than half an hour. Injection-related adverse reactions such as swelling, redness and tenderness might occur. Other adverse reactions are very rare. The result is immediate and can last from 6 - 12 months, depending on the patient and the area that is being treated. Wrinkle treatment tends to last from 6 - 12 months and lip enhancement for around 6 months. Other Hyaluronic acid products In addition to RESTYLANE, a range of hyaluronic acid treatments is available. Some of these products are derived from cockscombs bred especially for this purpose. Hyaluronic acid is manufactured under the names of Hylaform, Juvederm, Rofilan and AcHyal. Hyaluronic acid is used to treat lips, wrinkles and facial lines. The treatment takes less than an hour to perform. Swelling, redness and tenderness may occur at the site of injection. The duration varies depending on the type of product, the condition of the patient and the area being treated. Permanent/semi-permanent skin implants Permanent and semi-permanent skin implants contain a range of different synthetic ingredients to make the product last longer. Permanent and semi-permanent skin implants are manufactured under the names of Artecoll, Dermalive, NewFill, Evolution, Outline and Amazingel. These products are used to fill lines and wrinkles and to augment lips by injection. Some of the products require at least two treatment sessions. For some of the products, very little or no safety data at all are available. Immediate reactions include redness and swelling at the injection site. Longer-term reactions are also known to occur over time. They include permanent redness, inflammation, lumpiness, skin discoloration or granulomas. The duration differs between the products. Some claim to last for ever, while others offer a sustained improvement for up to twelve months. Fat injections / liposculpture Fat injections or liposculpture are performed using the patient's own fat cells (autologous fat) taken from unwanted fat deposits. There are many variables in this treatment, including the way the fat is extracted, whether frozen or fresh fat is used, the area that is injected, the amount of fat that is used and how deeply the fat is injected. The fat is injected under the skin to treat hollow cheeks, to enhance lips or cheeks or to treat deep folds. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and can take from less than one hour to several hours.