Restylane and Perlane are part of a group of cosmetic products known as ‘fillers’.

The products are composed of stabilized hyaluronic acid which occurs naturally in the cells of the skin. It works by drawing in water and therefore augmenting the skin, thus reducing the wrinkle treated. It is a non-animal product and patch-testing is not necessary.

It is used to smooth out facial lines and wrinkles particularly around the mouth.

It is also used for lip enhancement creating a fuller more sensual border.

To ensure that the procedure is not painful local anaesthetic cream can be applied or a small injection of local anaesthetic if preferred.

The effect is not permanent and typically lasts 6-12 months.

Are the injections painful?
For wrinkle treatment topical anaesthetic ream can be applied. Some people find no pain relief necessary. For treatment around the mouth and lips local anaesthetic injections can be used which allow the treatment to be pain free and comfortable.

How long does it take for the treatments to work?
The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes and the results are instant.

What can and can't I do after the treatment?
You can carry on life as normal as any redness can be covered with makeup. You should leave the treated area alone for 48 hours to let it settle. It is advisable to not have a facial or similar treatment that may disturb the products or expose the newly treated areas to strong sunlight for 2-3 days.

How long does the treatment last for?
For about 6-9 months.

How often will I need to top up?
Most patients have top ups when they feel the effect is starting to wear off i.e. anytime between 6 and 12 months.

Are there any side effects?
After the treatment there may be some redness and minimal swelling which normally settles in 1-2 days. Very occasionally patients can suffer some bruising at the injection site.

Swelling normally settles in 1-2 days after injection in the skin and within a week after injection to the lips.

Who is suitable for these treatments?
Almost everyone apart from those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What happens if I do not have a top up?
Correction of the wrinkles and the enhanced lip effect will subside gradually until your skin looks like it did before the treatment.

Are there any long term problems?
No because it is completely natural and over time can be completely broken down by the body.

Are the injections painful?
No, as doctors do all the treatments we are able to use local anaesthetic injections which allow the treatment to be painfree and comfortable.

Can it be used with brow freezing procedures?
Yes, sometimes to create the best effect they can be used together.

Would you have Restylane treatment yourself ?
Yes I would. I have had Restylane treatment for my nasolabial (nose to mouth) lines and lip enhancement of my upper lip. The end result was a natural improvement that I was very happy with.

1. Immediately after treatment there may be slight redness, swelling and an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection.

2. Avoid touching area for 6 hours after treatment. Light make-up can then be applied.

3. Do not expose treated area to intense heat (e.g. solaruim and sunbathing) or extreme cold.

4. If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that needle puntcture could contribute to another eruption. However taking a course of Zovirax or Aciclovir tablets prior to the day of treatment can reduce the chances of this occurring. Dr. Sherwood can prescribe this if needed.

5. After the initail treatment of wrinkles most patients choose to have follow up treatment in 6 - 12 months.

6. Lips normally need a retreatment after 6 months.

7. You can repeat the procedure as often as you like, depending on the degree of improvement required.

8. A top up treatment within 2 - 4 weeks of the initial treatment may be required to achieve optimal results. This normally requires a smaller amount of product.

• Anti-wrinkle and brow freezing injections
• Dermal fillers and lip enhancement