Restylane May Stimulate Natural Collagen Production

A clinical study has shown that Restylane's initial anti-wrinkle effect is caused by the presence of the filler in the skin. But three or four weeks after treatment, the skin actually begins forming its own new collagen. The popular injectable anti-wrinkle treatment, appears to stimulate facial skin cells to make their own collagen, a basic skin protein.

This new clinical study finding was reported in the Feb. 20 issue of the Archives of Dermatology, published by the American Medical Association.

The study's finding confirms what Allan Parungao, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon who administers Restylane, is seeing in his patients. "In my observation, the longer a patient continues with hyaluronic acid-based facial fillers, the longer the results seem to last," reports Dr. Parungao, author of A Woman's Guide to Cosmetic Breast Surgery and Body Contouring (Addicus Books, 2006).  

What is hyaluronic acid?
"Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar in the skin that holds collagen and elastin together. This essentially provides a framework for the skin," Dr. Parungao explains. "Injectable fillers such as Restylane and Juvéderm (another hyaluronic acid filler) plump the facial skin, adding volume to minimize lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Parungao. "These hyaluronic acid fillers work by pulling water into the skin. Patients notice the results immediately."

Hyaluronic acid fillers surpass collagen injections.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are extremely popular among busy patients seeking less-invasive procedures to address the signs of ageing. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Americans received more than 1.2 million injectable hyaluronic acid treatments in 2005. Hyaluronic acid injections are normally given every six to 12 months.

Both Restylane and Juvéderm are available in several formulations to treat fine, medium and deep lines and wrinkles. "Hyaluronic acid fillers are commonly used to plump up the nasolabial folds, which extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth, as well as lines in the glabella, or the area between the eyebrows," Dr. Parungao explains.

Another reason for the rise in hyaluronic acid-based fillers is that there are fewer allergic reactions. "Because earlier facial fillers such as collagen were derived from cows, patients had to undergo a pre-treatment skin test for allergies, then make a separate appointment for their first collagen treatment," says Dr. Parungao.

"But unlike collagen, hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin -- so no pre-testing is needed and allergic reactions are rare. Patients can be treated on their very first doctor visit," Dr. Parungao explains. And hyaluronic acid poses no risk of transmitting animal diseases by injection.