Restylane--how long before it dissolves and does it leave scars?

Hi Lisa,

Sorry for your bad experience, but sometimes things don't go exactly as planned with the injection of fillers.  The vertical forehead lines between the eyebrows are usually best treated with Botox (i.e.glabellar line, "11's"), although many of us supplement the Botox with a little very carefully placed filler.  The horizontal lines of the mid- and upper forehead are likewise best treated with Botox for the reasons that you have experienced.  Widase or Vitrase can be used to dissolve excess or unwanted Restylane.  The blue streak occurs when Restylane is placed to superficial in the skin.  It too can be corrected with Vitrase or Widase.  Another method of improving the blue line is to have your physician make a small nick over the line with a small needle, and then massage the product out.  If the product is left alone, once it absorbs you should not be left with any permanent scarring. 

Physician’s policies vary regarding taking care of untoward events.  I do not reimburse patients, but will do everything to make things right.  I will not charge for Widase or Vitrase or for the puncture-massage.  If more product is necessary then I will only charge my cost of the product.  Again, different practices have different policies, the best avenue is to discuss your concerns with your physician, and know that your physician wants you to be happy.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P