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Restylane Downtime and Recovery

asked 3 years ago by monarchbutterfly in Edmonton, Canada
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 19,672 times
Tags: recovery

How many days of recovery time can I expect with Restylane? Can I have it done in the morning and go to work without anyone really noticing?

17 answers to Restylane Downtime and Recovery

Restylane Downtime: Bruising, Swelling, and Redness after Facial Fillers

In most cases, the amount of downtime following a facial filler injection is minimal depending on the technique used. A small gauge needle used on a patient who does not meet any criteria for excessive bleeding will undoubtedly result in quick recovery. Our office performs countless facial fillers and we advise patients to not schedule them immediately prior to a major social event. A small bruise can occur in any patient, even in the best circumstances, and thus several days of recovery... more

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Recovery after Restylane

Great question. Dermal-fillers like Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Radiesse are effective non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate your appearance. While the treatment is performed in about an hour and the effects are immediate, you may need 1-2 weeks to see the full results of your treatment and recover from any bruising and swelling. Plan ahead by scheduling your treatment a week or two in advance of any special event. To minimize bruising, stop taking any aspirin... more

David Mabrie, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

Most patients can return to work the day following their treatment.

Most patients can return to work the day following their treatment. The amount of swelling one may experience depends on where they had Restylane injected. Lips may become a bit more swollen than the rest of the face. Any time one places a needle in the skin, there is a risk to develop a bruise. It is advisable to avoid non steroidal anti inflammatories the week prior to your treatment.

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Most of the time, Yes.

To monarchbutterfly, Typically, there is a little bruising following Restylane which lasts for a day or two and is easily covered with makeup. We apply ice after the injection to minimize bruising. Also, you will have even less bruising if you don't take aspirin or other anti-inflammatories. But very rarely, there will be more noticeable bruising which I have seen last up to 5 days.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Minor swelling and bruising is possible after Restylane

In my practice, I ask my patients to refrain from taking blood thinners (i.e., aspirin or ibuprofen) for about 2 weeks prior to the office procedure. I agree with the other physicians: The downtime after injectables varies per individual. Depending on the person, bruising and swelling may occur but usually subside within a week. We usually give our patients ice packs immediately after injecting to decrease the chance of bruising. Most patients are able to drive immediately after... more

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Everyone responds differently

This is a good question. Ideally, you will not have any bruising or swelling. However, realistically, most people have mild swelling and about 1/3 of people develop very mild bruising. You probably should not return to work the same day, but you will likely be fine to go back the next day. If you are worried, have the procedure on a Friday and you will be fine by Monday for work. Good Luck. David Shafer, MD

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Downtime with Restylane

Dermal injectables are a great way to temporarily improve the look of facial wrinkles. They are notable for low downtime, minimal discomfort and immediate results. Any procedure has risks however - There can be local site reaction (some redness at the injection site), some swelling (which usually subsides in 2 - 3 days.) You may be asked to massage your injection site to reduces swelling and more evenly spread the product and reduce lumps. Mentor (recently purchased by Johnson and Johnson)... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Restylane Downtime and Recovery

Patients frequently return to work after treatment although we often suggest to go back the next day. It would be advisable to allow a week to a few weeks prior to a major social engagement to allow sufficient time to touch up the results.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drkrisreddy.com

Downtime after Restylane

I normally encourage people to have a filler done at the end of their day so they can go home and not be self conscious of the small temporary red bumps that form for a few hours. There can be slight bruising, and very rarely significant bruising, so you shouldn't do it within a few days to even a week of an important social function or business meeting if the discoloration of a bruise would be a problem. The right makeup, or makeup applied by a specialist can hide brusing, but it... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

www.thenyac.com

Downtime for Restylane depends on injection location

The answer to the question depends on where the product is being injected. In most cases, when Restylane is injected in the nasolabial folds (smile lines) or marionette lines (chin), our patients will not have any downtime. When injecting the lips, there can be some significant swelling depending on how much product is injected and to which area of the lip (border vs. body). Finally, under eye injections for hollowness and dark circles is the most likely area for bruising. It happens... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Restylane minimal to no downtime

Most of our Restylane patients can return to work the same day of injection. The amount of swelling varies from patient to patient and also depends on the area being treated. Lips are the most sensitive and could experience a little more swelling and some possible bruising. Rule of thumb, try to avoid all anti-inflammatories the week prior to injecting.

Bruce Katz, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Restylane downtime

The downtime form Restylane in my practice is next to nothing. Most patients come in, have the procedure and go back to work. There is often some swelling and there may be mild bruising, but that is really it. One way to limit bruising is by avoiding any medication that causes the blood to not clot properly ( aspirin, anti-inflammatories, to name a few). Ice after the procedure can help too.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Filler Injections and Returning to Work

Hi Monarch, Most patients can have their filler treatment in the morning and return to work without too much attention. Particularly women who can use a little consealer. There may be slight redness that fades within 12 to 24 hours. There can be small surface irregularities, but those should be massaged out by the physician before leaving the office. Now for the wild card, even in the most expert hands, that little injection needle may find a small artery or vein that bleeds a bit,... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

One day downtime

Restylane is an excellent filler that injected into the deep dermal layers. Swelling is usually minimal and bruising is always a risk. The bruising if evident can be camouflaged with make-up and the swelling is what we are trying to do with a filler - swell a depression or wrinkle. Go to work the following day and enjoy your new face.

Robert M. Freund, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Minimal downtown with Restylane

The estimated 'downtime' varies from patient to patient and also is based on the injection technique, and somewhat depends on the type of filler used. The short answer is this: with any hyaluronic filler (Perlane, Restylane, Juvederm, Prevelle and Elevess) you can expect the following 1. redness and swelling immediately after injection for 24-36 hours. This is usually minimal, and most people have no problems interacting socially immediately after injection 2. some mild bruising (which again... more

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

It depends.

Restylane is a great filler with predictable results and longevity. It is an injectable filler, which means that the doctor will have to make several passes with the needle to place the product. It does have a risk of associated redness, swelling, and bruising. Several factors are important in helping you make this decision: 1. Which areas you are treating. Nasolabial folds rarely bruise, and little swelling is not very noticeable usually. Lips usually swell a bit more, and if the doctor... more

Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

You should be able to return to work, but there may be signs of the treatment

We have patients who schedule late in the week to return to work on Monday, but most of our patients continue with non-strenuous activities on the day of their Restylane (or other fillers) injection treatments. Most people feel comfortable doing things the next day. A small amount of swelling is common, but more noticible in the lips than if your treatment is in the nasolabial grooves. Minor bruising is not uncommon, but can be covered with makeup. The treatment area may also have a pink... more