Collagen (Zyplast, Zyderm)
Collagen has been around for decades and is a nonsurgical treatment to provide an immediate, visible difference in your face. Collagen replacement therapy works by replenishing the skins natural collagen. The collagen used is derived from cows and is placed just below the superficial layers of the skin where the body commonly accepts the collagen as its own. By supplementing your skin's own collagen, Collagen Replacement Therapy helps smooth facial lines. Unlike others implants Bovine (cow) collagen is temporary and requires continued treatments. Skin testing is required to assure no allergy to the implant material prior to treatment. A new form of collagen is available by Dr. Gray: Cosmplast, Cosmoderm, which does not require skin testing. Again, this in only temporary.

Restylane® Instant and long lasting wrinkle correction.

B E F O R E	A F T E R

Q What is Restylane®?
Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler
that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Q What is Restylane® made of?
Restylane is the first and only cosmetic dermal filler
made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA™ or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA™ is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Q How is Restylane different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane is non-animal-based. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Q What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane requires no pretesting, but you should take a
few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence.

Q Is Restylane safe?
Yes. Restylane has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. Because Restylane is non-animal-based and fully biocompatible, allergy testing is not required. There is virtually no risk of animal­based disease transmission or allergic reaction. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Q Can Restylane be used anywhere on the face?
Restylane has been used in more than one million
treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and to enhance the appearance and fullness of lips. However, it is currently indicated in the u.s. only for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Q How lonq does Restylane last?
Studies have shown that the average treatment results
last six months or even longer. The unique NASHNM technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.

Q How often should I have Restylane treatments done?
Restylane lasts twice as long as collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year. Evidence shows that having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect.

Q How is Restylane different from Botox™?
Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast,
Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

Q How is Restylane different from bovine collagen? Restylane is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect
than traditional collagen, with virtually no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. In addition, bovine collagen is derived from animals (cow) and requires an allergy test. Because Restylane
is non-animal-based, it can be administered without pretesting, so no waiting is required.

Q Do the injections hurt?
Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny
amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient, and results are practically instantaneous. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area.

Q How much do Restylane treatments cost?
Restylane is a customized procedure based on your
specific needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient. In general, the cost of Restylane is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. Because Restylane
is longer lasting, it proves to be very economical over the long term. Please consult your physician to determine the best recommendation for your particular needs.

Q Who is Medicis Aesthetics™?
Medicis Aesthetics is a subsidiary of Medicis®
a well-established dermatology company dedicated to clear and beautiful skin.

Gortex
Gortex is a polytetraflouroethylene material which has been utilized in surgery for over 20 years. It is approved by the FDA for use in surgery for the reconstruction of soft tissue. Gortex has demonstrated a very low reactivity with rare associated complications. Gortex is the preferred implant for patients whom do not desire Alloderm.

Benefits in utilizing this material for facial implantation is the improvement of creases, folds and other defects. The material is permanent and is not broken down by the body. In contrast to Alloderm, Gortex can be removed at a future time if so desired or if a problem occurs. Allergic reaction to Gortex is possible but unlikely.

Gortex can be used in any area of the body. Common sites for implantation include: Body of the lips, lip borders, frown lines, forehead furrows, corners of the mouth, cheek folds, cheeks, chin, etc. For further information a free consultation with Dr. Michael W. Gray is recommended.

SoftForm
Softform is expanded polytetraflouroethylene and is similar to Gortex except it is a softer implant which comes in a tubular form.

Alloderm, Gortex, and Softform can be implanted in the office under local anesthesia. A few fine sutures are placed which are removed 5-7 days later. Bruising and swelling can occur and disappear without difficulty. Hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction is possible, however, it is very uncommon. There are no bandages necessary and full makeup may be worn in approximately 4 days. Any swelling present will usually resolve in 7 to 10 days.

If you have further questions please feel free to contact our office for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gray at 248.538.3333.