What is hyaluronic acid? What is hyaluronic acid used for?
Restylane is a gel of hyaluronic acid
produced by bacteria and used for
treating facial wrinkles and folds. It is
classified as a medical device. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is normally
produced by the body; it is what gives skin its volume and fullness. The
hyaluronic acid in Restylane is called non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA)
because it is not derived from animal sources. When Restylane is injected into
wrinkled skin it adds fullness and reduces the prominence of the wrinkles in the
previously wrinkled area. Hyaluronic acid also attracts and binds water, and
this also helps maintain fullness in the area of injection. The benefit of
hyaluronic acid may last for six months or longer. Restylane was approved by the
FDA in December 2003.
What brand names are available for hyaluronic acid?
Restylane, Restylane-L, Perlane
Is hyaluronic acid available as a generic drug?
No
Do I need a prescription for hyaluronic acid?
Yes
What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?
The most common side effects of hyaluronic acid are reactions at the site of injection such as:
Vitamin E supplements, St. John's Wort,
aspirin,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve and Motrin may
increase bruising or bleeding after injection of hyaluronic acid. Therefore,
patients should stop these drugs at least one week before the injections.
Post marketing adverse effects that have been reported include:
QUESTION
Bar soap and water are fine for cleansing the face if you have sensitive or dry skin.
See Answer
What is the dosage for hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is administered by injection only by a
physician. The amount of hyaluronic acid that is administered depends on the
site that is being treated but it should not be more than 1.5 ml per naso-labial
fold or 6 ml per treatment. For lip augmentation the maximum volume is 1.5 ml
per lip not to exceed 3 ml per session.
Which drugs or supplements interact with hyaluronic acid?
Drug interactions are not listed in the prescribing
information. Hyaluronic acid is classified as a medical device.
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Is hyaluronic acid safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Use of hyaluronic acid
during pregnancy has not been
evaluated.
Use of hyaluronic acid by
nursing mothers has not
been evaluated.
What else should I know about hyaluronic acid?
What preparations of hyaluronic acid are available?
Single use syringes
How should I keep hyaluronic acid stored?
Hyaluronic acid should be stored at room temperature up to 25 C (77 F).