Restylane is used to treat wrinkles and fine lines. The most common injection area is the nasolabial folds. Those are the lines that form between the mouth and nose. Restylane is a sterile gel that consists of hyaluronic acid. It is a natural sugar that is found in the skin. Per Dr. Brandith Irwin, a dermatologist in the Seattle area, Restylane is one of the safest fillers that is on the market today. It works by attracting water molecules to the injection area which adds fullness and volume to the injection area. One reason that it has become so popular is that it does not contain any animal-based fillers. This means that there is less of a chance of an allergic reaction than there is for other fillers. A common side effect that happens after receiving Restylane injections is swelling, which may be accompanied by redness and bruising. There are things that can be done to reduce the swelling.
Instructions
Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling. Use a standard over-the-counter ice pack or a sandwich bag filled with ice. Wrap a soft towel around the ice pack or bag, and apply to the area three to four times per day or as needed. Continue to do this daily until the swelling subsides.
Place a tea bag on the swollen area. Soak the tea bag in a cup of warm water for about five minutes. Allow the tea bag to cool. Place it on the swollen area for at least one hour. This may be repeated several times per day. It will aid in healing the area and reduce the swelling and bruising from the injection. Any type of tea is fine but comfrey or chamomile is best.
Take Tylenol to ease pain and swelling. It may be taken right after the injection. Follow the standard dosage given on the bottle.
Apply vinegar to the swollen area. It is an effective natural remedy to reduce swelling and bruising. Dip a small washcloth in vinegar. Wring it out so it is damp. Apply the cloth to the swollen area for 45 to 60 minutes at a time.
Avoid the heat. If possible, stay indoors and keep the temperature moderate. Heat will exacerbate swelling.
Apply witch hazel to the swollen area. It works similarly to vinegar to help ease and reduce swelling. It generally smells better than vinegar. Apply witch hazel to a soft washcloth. Apply the cloth to the swollen area for 30 to 45 minutes at a time.
Warning
Do not take aspirin, fish oil or Vitamin E supplements during the week before treatment and avoid them for two days after treatment. They may increase swelling and slow overall healing.
Do not exercise for 24 hours after receiving a Restylane injection.
References
Writer Bio
Yvonne Van Damme is a freelance writer based in Seattle. She has been writing for several years with a focus on criminal justice and legal topics. In addition to various websites, she has been published in several academic journals. Van Damme holds a Bachelor of Arts in law, society and justice and sociology from the University of Washington.