Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Restylane is a gel of hyaluronic acid produced by bacteria and used for treating facial wrinkles and folds. Hyaluronic acid
is a substance that is normally produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid 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.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Single use syringes
STORAGE: Store at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Restylane is used for the correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds (e.g. naso-labial folds). It is also used for enhancing fullness of the lips.
DOSING:Restylane is administered by injection only by a physician. The amount of Restylane that is administered depends on the site that is being treated but it should not be more than 1.5 ml per site.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions are not listed in the prescribing information.
PREGNANCY: Use of hyaluronic
acid during pregnancy has not been evaluated.
NURSING MOTHERS: Use of hyaluronic acid by nursing mothers has not been evaluated.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of hyaluronic acid are reactions at the site of injection such as bruising, redness, pain, itching, tenderness and swelling. 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 infection, allergic reactions, necrosis (death of tissue), and acne.
Wrinkles, whether they be fine line or deep furrows, typically appear on areas of the body that receive a high amount of exposure to the sun. Smoking, light skin type, hairstyle, the way you dress, your occupational and recreational habits, and heredity are all factors that promote wrinkling. Medical treatments for wrinkles include antioxidants, moisturizers, alpha-hydroxy acids, and vitamin A acid. Cosmetic procedures that treat wrinkles include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and fillers.
Although wrinkles can signify wisdom, most people nowadays would rather not
have them.
Many products and procedures promise to reduce wrinkles. Some do
little or nothing (like the products that claim they reduce "the appearance of
fine lines," which means that they don't reduce the lines themselves). Others
can achieve a fair amount of success.
Skin ages all over the body, but much more
so where there has been sun exposure. Changes brought on by sun damage (photoaging)
include "dryness" (really roughness), sagginess, skin growths like keratoses
("liver spots"), and wrinkles.
Most wrinkles appear on the parts of the body
where sun exposure is greatest. These especially include the face, neck, the
backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Wrinkles come in two
categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows. Wrinkle treatments are in
general much more effective for fine lines. Deeper creases may require more
...
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