Frequently Asked Questions About Restylane & Juvederm

Are injectable fillers safe?

All procedures involve some degree of risk. However, HA fillers have been administered millions of times, are approved for use in over 70 countries, and are FDA-approved for the nasolabial folds (the lines between the nose and the corners of the mouth). Some temporary redness and/or lumpiness of the injection sites is common. Dr. Friedman has never personally seen a serious adverse effect.

How long do injectable fillers last?

Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane typically last 6 months or more. Many patients note improvement for up to a year. Remember that unlike surgery, hyaluronic acid fillers do not involve an irreversible change. The results, whether satisfactory or not, are temporary.

Although there is a permanent filler (Artefill) currently available on the U.S. market, Dr. Friedman does not use Artefill due to the significant risk of a chronic inflammatory reaction and nodule formation with this material.

Do hyaluronic acid injections hurt?

Because hyaluronic acid is mildly acidic, the injections may burn. To minimize discomfort, we have several options:

  1. Anesthetic ointment, which is applied for at least 30 minutes prior to injection.
  2. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which will make you feel “woozy” but will wear off about 5 minutes after the procedure. Dr. Friedman is among the very few cosmetic surgeons who have nitrous oxide available.
  3. Nerve blocks (anesthetic injection) placed in the gums to make the lips numb.

Dr. Friedman most commonly uses a combination of anesthetic ointment and nitrous oxide to minimize discomfort.

What’s the difference between Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane?

Juvederm and Restylane are often used interchangeably. However, Dr. Friedman most frequently uses Juvederm Ultra for the lips and for indistinct folds, as it tends to diffuse more widely than the Restylane and is generally less “lumpy.” He generally uses Restylane for well-defined folds and wrinkles, as it tends to “stay put” and diffuses less than the Juvederm.

Perlane is thicker than Juvederm and Restylane and is meant for deeper injection. Dr. Friedman most commonly uses Perlane for volume enhancement along the jawline, cheeks, and hollow areas beneath the lower eyelids.

What is a “liquid facelift?”

A “liquid facelift” refers to the treatment of multiple areas of the face with a combination of Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane and/or Botox. The Botox reduces frown lines and lifts the brows, and the fillers improve wrinkles and restore volume in the cheeks, jawline, and/or beneath the eyes. The results are less dramatic than an actual facelift but are less expensive, non-invasive, and reversible. Dr. Friedman feels that the best results are frequently achieved with a combination of surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation.

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