“Give me more!”
Restylane: Worth it
Pain: Mild
I am going to be 55 this month. I’ve always been very photogenic; in fact, people used to say I should be a model. However, for the last 3 years, I have started to notice what-I-now-know-are-called “nasolabial lines” and “marionette lines.” I was no longer pretty…not even CUTE anymore. My face looked saggy around my mouth. Although my husband said “Oh, honey, you don’t need anything done, you are so beautiful…” (You know how men are) Anyway, I critically analyzed my face…it decided it was mostly the lines around my mouth that were making me look so OLD. So, what could I do to fix that?
So….Last week, I went to a clinic, and discussed my face with a consultant. She did a complete facial evaluation. I have the usual aging issues, but I just wanted my lines dealt with…I figured I wanted some sort of injection in the lines. The consultant said that Restylane would be the best option. So I made an appointment for about a week later. I originally was going to have both the lines around my mouth done, as well as my lips. But after reading this website, I decided to skip having my lips done, at least for this time.
I had the procedure at 3 p.m. today. I had no swelling, no pain, only a lovely result. The technician gave me a topical anesthetic, then a dental block (I can't imagine this procedure without the block!!!...you need to have this block so you can relax and let the technician carefully & artfully inject the material without pain). After I was completely numb, she injected 1 syringe of Perlane (a sub-brand of Restylane). After it was all over, she gave me a small ice pack which I put on my face for 10 minutes and went back to work. No one “noticed” anything (in other words, I wasn’t scary or swollen looking at all). Now, when I look in the mirror, I see myself as I was 5-8 years ago. Truthfully, I look great, and it's only 6 hours after the procedure.
Just a word of advice, for one week prior to the procedure, I took homeopathic arnica 3 times a day; extra vitamin C; stopped my normal vitamin E & fish oil to avoid bruising. Also, I bought some Vitamin K facial cream at the health food store and used it in advance on the areas I wanted injected.
I don’t know about any other parts of the face except the lines around the sides of my mouth…but I am very happy with my results. I’m already thinking, now that I know how easy it was, and how good I looked immediately, about having the small lines above my mouth and my lips done.
Please, if you are thinking about Restylane…don’t hesitate. I am thrilled! Just be sure you get someone who knows what they are doing!!!! Start out conservatively, and let the professionals do their jobs. You won’t be sorry.
Feb 7, 2008Comments and replies (1)
unregistered guest
28 Feb 2008
Hello, I am looking into having Restylane injections, I actually have an appointment in Seattle next week. To be perfectly honest, after reading all of these posts, I'm thinking I may need to do a little more research prior to jumping into this. I was hoping you might be willing to share who you had do your injections? I was referred to a Plastic Surgeon by the name of Dr. Michelle Peters. I originally went to see her about a tummy tuck and breast lift and decided to get some information on the Restylane also. I thought I would start out with something smaller prior to having surgery. I'm pretty scared but it's something I've wanted to have done for a while. I was all excited about having the injections next week but it sounds like alot of people have had a bad experience and, they did all of this prep stuff that she didn't even talk to me about. Any information you would be willing to share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Editor note: you must join RealSelf so you can be contacted privately with doctor recommendations and feedback. This requires free registration for an account. When registering you must opt-in to receiving private contacts (a check box).