How long should I wait before I get my Restylane injections "topped up"?

There is no reason not to go back for another injection if you do not have the result that you like. With fillers, the entire purpose is to get a cosmetic result - basically the look that you want. By going back sooner rather than later you can maintain the look without the ups and downs of going without.

Maley,

This may be a result of initial undercorrection by your physician as 3 months is a short duration for improvement.  Regardless, patient's are ultimately in control of when to have a second injection based on the satisfaction with the overall results.  I would recommend that on your second round of treatment ensure that enough product is used to obtain a complete correction of all your areas of concern.  It may provoke a slightly higher cost in the short term but will provide you longer more stable results.  With an experienced injector, the presence of preexisting filler should not alter your ability to have a nice result on the second go around.

Dr. Pryor

While it is possible that Restylane can only last 3 months in the lips, it usually lasts up to 6 months if the appropriate amount is being used and the injector is good.  There is also the slight possibility that the injector is using an inferior product or a 'black market' product from overseas that could be fake.

In order to make sure of this, insist that you get the box tops from the product in order to send it in for 'Restylane Rewards'.  If they won't or can't give it to you, you probably are getting fake or foreign product.  This means you ought to go elsewhere.

The other possibility is that they are trying to do too much with too little.  If a patient comes to me and wants to get too much done and refuses to do the appropriate amount, I decline to do the procedure.  Make sure they aren't using too little as the pain in this area to get it done means they ought to do the right amount so you don't have to do it every three months.

If you want to maintain a natural youthful appearance all the time, then go for it! There is no advantage in waiting until your current filler dissolves before getting another treatment so long as you need more correction. Since getting injections every few months is a hassle, I try to provide my patients with fillers that will last longer when possible. I get the longest lasting results (and an excellent cosmetic result) by using a combination of products. If the patient has very deep nasolabial folds (smile lines), then I might suggest using Radiesse, Perlane or Juvederm UltraPlus injected very deeply, and then Juvederm Ultra, Restylane or Evolence on top.

If your results are lasting only 3 months, your injector may be putting the material in a little to deep or may not be using enough material. Ask your injector about what they can do to help you get a result that lasts longer.

Michael Sinclair, MD

www.epilution.com

Good Day Maley,

You can always add to filler already in place if you wish for more correction.  You need not wait for the product to dissolve.  You may want to try Perlane (a thicker, sometimes longer lasting form of Restylane)  in the future.  Be well and enjoy your Vegi-mite.

Dr. P

It usually takes 6 months before Restylane is gone. If you wish to "always look natural" don't wait until its effects are completely gone though! You can always do a layering effect and in fact even use heavier fillers like Perlane or Juvederm Ultra Plus to give you more of a fill deeper in the skin. If you use the same category of product in the same area it is very unlikely that you will have any complications with your injections, provided they are placed in the correct plane in the skin.