Due to the tremendous worldwide success with Restylane & Perlane, the manufacturer has recently introduced a new product – Restylane Silk. Restylane Silk is the first filler designed specifically for your lips and even more, the fine lines and smoker’s lines around them. It was approved at the end of 2014 by the FDA for clearance and is now available for use. Dr. Rueckl has used Restylane products in his office for years and was recently asked by the manufacturers to become a national trainer for their injectables. This includes Restylane Silk and is one of the reasons our office gets to bring the product to market first. Though this product is new, Dr. Rueckl’s artistic skill and artistry have been achieved through thousands of filler procedures over the years.
For many years, Dr. Rueckl was the only injector at Lakes Dermatology. But after years of training them with his personal techniques and intricacies, Melanie Wade, BSN, RN, and Ross Davis, PA are both now injecting at our office as well.
What is Restylane Silk and what does it do?
Restylane Silk is an FDA-approved cosmetic dermal filler specially used in the lips and in the fine lines, smoker’s lines, and vermillion border around the mouth. It is composed of hyaluronic acid—a naturally
occurring substance in your body that helps to provide fullness and elasticity. Over time, skin loses natural hyaluronic acid, but injections of dermal fillers like Restylane Silk are able to help fill the wrinkles, lines, and folds caused by this. Restylane Silk is a smooth gel designed to restore natural youthful definition and symmetry to the mouth area. The benefit of Restylane Silk is that its smooth consistency allows it to fill in smaller lines and wrinkles without adding bulkiness.
For more information on Restylane Silk, including all FDA information and a catalog of before and after photos, please visit the Restylane Silk website at:
http://www.restylaneusa.com/restylane/restylane-silk.aspx.
Where is Restylane Silk used?
Restylane Silk is FDA-approved for lip enhancement and the treatment of fine wrinkles and lines around the mouth (which would often be referred to as smoker’s lines and the vermillion border). Depending upon the site of injection and your specific areas of concern, multiple syringes may be needed for full effects. If patients are truly unhappy with a hyaluronic acid filler (like Restylane Silk), or if an error has been made with an injection,) the filler itself can be destroyed with the injection of Vitrase/hyaluronidase.
Why is Restylane Silk different than other fillers?
Like some other dermal fillers, Restylane Silk is made of hyaluronic acid. The process from which it is, though, allows this filler to be injected in places where other fillers cannot. Because Restylane Silk is 
processed to be thinner and smoother, it allows it to be used in more shallow areas, like the fine lines around the mouth, without causing bulkiness, added volume, or color issues to the skin. While Restylane Silk is approved for use in the lips, its smoothness and thinness may not always make it the right choice for individuals wishing to plump and volumize the lips. Restylane Silk does not contain animal proteins. Since it isn’t created from an animal source, there is little chance of allergic reaction and no testing is required prior to injection. The formula is highly biocompatible (over its lifespan, Restylane Silk will metabolize with your body). Restylane Silk lasts approximately 6 months in studies.
Depending on your desires and the areas you want injected, Dr. Rueckl can help you decide if Restylane Silk is the right filler for your needs through a free consultation.
What are Restylane Silk treatments like?
As with all filler injections, Restylane Silk is only injected by Dr. Rueckl. He will begin by discussing the treatment with you and have you sign a consent for the procedure. Dr. Rueckl will prep the site with a lidocaine/epinephrine block to further reduce any pain or discomfort during the procedure and have you wait about 10 minutes. (Restylane Silk does contain Lidocaine in the syringe, premixed from the company. Because the compound doesn’t contain epinephrine though, Dr. Rueckl still prefers to do his own block as it’s more beneficial to each patient and reduces bruising and swelling.) By waiting this amount of time, the blood flow to that area is able to dissipate a bit, resulting in less bruising and swelling. After about 10 minutes, Dr. Rueckl will administer the Restylane Silk syringe and expertly and artistically inject the substance into the areas to be treated. Dr. Rueckl will apply ice packs to the injected areas and have you sit for a few minutes to apply pressure, thereby further minimizing swelling and bruising. The full procedure should take approximately 30-45 minutes. You will leave the office having minimal discomfort or other affects and be able to return to normal activities.
What kind of results can I expect from a Restylane Silk treatment?
You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas (normally 1-2 days) with minimal bruising but a bit of swelling. Because Restylane Silk is hydrophilic meaning it pulls water to itself after injection, some physicians have noted a bit more swelling for their patients post-injection than with other hyaluronic acid fillers. Sometimes bruising and swelling can be minimized by taking Arnica pills, using Arnica gel, or having Arnica gel pads applied post procedure. Arnica is a natural medication that can be obtained from a local health foods store. It is not necessary to take it, but some people find it helpful, particularly if they are prone to bruising. Ice packs and avoidance of aspirin for a few days will help should you encounter either of these as well. Restylane Silk will help fill, smooth, and minimize the lines and wrinkles into which it is injected. For most patients, Restylane Silk lasts approximately 6 months, although in some cases and areas, the duration of the effect may be shorter or longer. Supplemental treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.
How much does Restylane Silk cost?
As with all fillers at Lakes Dermatology, Restylane Silk is charged by the syringe. One syringe of Restylane Silk is 1ml and costs $650.
