Injectable dermal fillers help soften lines, restore volume, and subtly reshape areas such as the lips and cheeks — supporting natural contours and rejuvenating your appearance.

At Dr Kath Aesthetics, I use Restylane® — a trusted hyaluronic acid (HA) filler that mimics the body’s own HA, a substance naturally found in the skin and essential for hydration, fullness, and elasticity.

As HA levels decline with age, fine lines and volume loss can appear. Restylane® works gently to replenish this loss, restoring softness and structure. It was the first FDA-approved, non-animal stabilised HA filler and has been used safely in more than 65 million treatments worldwide.

Dermal Filler

  • BEFORE TREATMENT

    Inform Us:

    Of any significant medical history, dental issues, allergies, or autoimmune conditions.

    It is important you let us know if you are taking any prescribed or OTC medication/supplements. The following should be stopped for at least one week prior to your appointment:

    •        Aspirin, ibuprofen, garlic supplements, Vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and omega-3 or fish oil capsules. 

    •        Clients who are taking warfarin, rivaroxaban or pradaxa (dabigatran) are asked to contact Dr Kath to discuss whether it is safe to stop these blood thinners.

    Dermal filler treatments may trigger a cold sore. Please advise Dr Kath if you have a history of cold sores as she can prescribe anti-viral medication from your pharmacist prior to treatment.

    Stop using topical skin products that contain retinol, glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, or “anti-aging” products at least 2 days before (and after) your fillers are injected.

    No alcohol is recommended for 24 hours before your appointment as it increases the risk of bruising.

    AFTER TREATMENT

    Immediately after treatment:

    •        Apply ice frequently (5-10 minutes every half hour for up to 6 hours)

    •        For lip treatments - avoid drinking through a straw or heavy kissing for 1-2 days

    24-48 hours after treatment:

    •        Sleep on your back for the first few nights to relieve pressure on the area and avoid disturbing the filler.

    •        Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.

    •        Do not use AHAs, BHAs, Retinol, or Vitamin C for 24 hours after the procedure.

    •        Avoid exercise and wearing makeup for 24-48 hours.

    •        Avoid direct UV exposure.

    •        Arnica or hirudoid cream (available from local pharmacy) may help reduce bruising.

    2 weeks after treatment:

    •        Avoid laser treatments, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels for 2 weeks following the procedure.

    •        Attend your FREE follow up appointment for review.

  • HOW DOES RESTYLANE WORK?

    • Young skin contains an abundance of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that retains moisture, hydrates the skin, and enhances its softness and plumpness. However, as we age, the efficiency of our HA diminishes, resulting in decreased natural elasticity and youthful appearance. Restylane is a Stabilized Non-Animal Hyaluronic Acid gel (NASHA).

    • When injected into the skin, Restylane dermal fillers enhance the skin's hydration, boosts collagen production, and revitalizes volume by reinforcing the skin's structure. This helps in delaying signs of aging and promoting the development of radiant, healthy skin.

    WHAT CAN RESTYLANE DO FOR ME?

    • Restylane assists in smoothing lines, enhancing lips, and rejuvenating cheeks, providing a more youthful and fresh appearance for approximately a year.

    IS RESTYLANE SAFE?

    • Restylane stands out for its proven safety and effectiveness, setting it apart from other injectable treatments. With an impressive record of more than 10 million treatments in over 70 countries, Restylane has an outstanding safety profile and was the first HA dermal filler approved by the FDA.

    HOW IS RESTYLANE GEL MADE?

    • The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is created through a distinctive and patented method with minimal chemical intervention. Consequently, the hyaluronic acid gel in Restylane closely mirrors our own HA, reducing the risk of inflammatory reactions and ensuring long-lasting treatment outcomes.

    WHAT DOES RESTYLANE TREATMENT INVOLVE?

    • The Restylane gel is injected in small amounts using a fine needle, offering benefits such as softening lines, adding fullness, and enhancing skin condition and tone. The procedure typically lasts between 30-45 minutes, with visible results right away, while still allowing natural facial expressions. Since Restylane does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, no skin test is necessary. Restylane dermal fillers are formulated with lidocaine to reduce discomfort during treatment, making it suitable for various areas like the face, neck, décolletage, and hands.

    IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME WITH RESTYLANE?

    • After a Restylane treatment, anticipate experiencing minor redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, and/or bruising, which are typical reactions to injections. Fortunately, these effects are temporary and usually fade within a few days. When opting for lip enhancement, it's advisable to schedule your treatment thoughtfully as your lips may swell and seem slightly uneven for a brief period.

    HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS OF RESTYLANE LAST?

    • Restylane offers the benefit of long-lasting effects without permanence, giving you control over your appearance. For facial lines and shaping, a top-up treatment may be required every 6-12 months. Lip enhancement typically needs a top-up every 12 months.

    WHO SHOULD NOT USE RESTYLANE PRODUCTS?

    Restylane products should not be used by people who:

    • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 22 years of age

    • Have recently used drugs that thin the blood or prevent clotting

    • Have had previous bad allergies, particularly to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria

    • Have serious allergies to drugs that have previously required in-hospital treatment

    • Have bleeding disorders

    • Have a known allergy to lidocaine (Restylane Lyft, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne contain lidocaine)

    References:

    • Restylane Lyft. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023

    • Restylane Kysse. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023

    • Restylane Refyne. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023

    • Restylane Defyne. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023

  • Restylane® is a gel containing hyaluronic acid and lidocaine that is injected by a healthcare professional into or below the skin to smooth facial wrinkles and enhance lips by restoring volume and fullness. Restylane® is a Class III medical device and has risks and benefits. Restylane® treatment may result in some redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, itching and/or bruising which may last a few days. Inflammatory reactions can begin up to two to four weeks after treatment in rare cases. See your healthcare professional if any side effects concern you. Exposure to excessive sunlight or extreme cold should be avoided until redness or swelling has resolved.

    Restylane® should not be used in an area where there is a nonresorbable implant or in irritated or infected skin, Restylane® should not be used in people taking blood thinning medicines or who have an allergy to hyaluronic acid, lidocaine or other local anaesthetics. Caution if you take medicines that prolong bleeding time. Treatment lasts 12-24 months. Restylane® has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN. Galderma, Auckland. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland 4.