Ask The Doctor - FAQs

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that helps smooth out lines on the face. It's generally used around the mouth to fill in nasolabial folds or to plump up lips. There are also other products similar to Restylane, such as Juvederm.

Quick and relatively inexpensive treatments include injectables such as Botox or Dysport, which are great for dynamic lines (the kind made by repeated muscle movement), and dermal fillers, such as Restylane or Juvederm. These products provide almost immediate results and last anywhere from four to nine months. Before deciding on any treatment, however, you should have a consultation with a skin care physician to learn about which options are right in your specific case.

As we age, our skin gradually becomes lax and sags, which causes it to develop fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. Facial ("spider") veins, sun spots, and other pigmentations and discolorations also begin to appear. All these imperfections are the result of accumulated exposure to the sun over time.

The collagen-elastin matrix is the fibrous web of proteins that forms the majority of the dry weight of our skin. It gives skin strength and elasticity. Sun-caused degradation of this matrix is a major source of wrinkles and other signs of "aging" skin.

Signs of aging skin, like fine lines and wrinkles, are really the product of sun damage. So even if you have a twin who looks just like you, but you have spent much more time outside during your life than she has, you'll have more signs of damage, including wrinkles, than she will.