Experience a smooth, comfortable Restylane treatment with our step-by-step guide covering preparation, the procedure itself, and aftercare. Know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
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Restylane Treatment Process: What to Expect During Your Procedure
Getting Restylane for the first time? It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. At Esteem Med Spa, we want you to feel completely at ease with your decision. We’ve created this straightforward guide to walk you through exactly what happens before, during, and after your Restylane treatment so there are no surprises on the day.
Before Your Restylane Appointment
Preparation for Restylane is pretty simple, but following these guidelines helps ensure the best results and minimizes potential side effects:
About a week before your appointment, try to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil. These can increase your chance of bruising. If you’re on prescribed blood thinners, just let us know beforehand—don’t stop taking important medications without talking to your doctor first.
Skip alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and can make bruising more likely.
Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup. This helps reduce the risk of infection and gives us a clear canvas to work with.
Arrival and Consultation
When you arrive at Esteem Med Spa, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team. If it’s your first visit, we’ll ask you to fill out some paperwork about your medical history and current medications.
You’ll then meet with one of our skilled providers who will discuss your goals and examine your face. This is the perfect time to ask any questions you have. We’ll talk about realistic expectations and create a treatment plan tailored just for you.
We’ll take some “before” photos to track your progress, and then get you comfortable for the treatment.
During Your Restylane Treatment
Getting Comfortable
We’ll have you recline in a comfortable treatment chair. Your provider will cleanse the treatment area thoroughly and may apply a topical numbing cream that takes about 15-20 minutes to work. While many Restylane products contain lidocaine (a numbing agent), the cream helps make the experience even more comfortable.
The Injection Process
The actual injection process is quicker than you might expect—usually just 15-30 minutes depending on how many areas you’re treating.
Your provider will use a very fine needle or cannula to precisely inject small amounts of Restylane into the targeted areas. You might feel a slight pinch or pressure, but most clients find it very tolerable.
Throughout the process, your provider will likely step back to assess the results, making sure the product is placed symmetrically and naturally. They may gently massage the area to ensure the filler is distributed evenly.
Immediate Results
One of the great things about Restylane is that you’ll see changes right away. Your provider will show you the immediate results with a mirror. Keep in mind that there might be some initial swelling that will settle over the next few days, revealing your final results.
After Your Treatment
After your treatment, we’ll provide ice packs if needed to help reduce any swelling. Your provider will go over post-treatment care instructions, but here are the basics:
For the first 24-48 hours, avoid intense exercise, excessive heat (hot tubs, saunas), and direct sun exposure. These can increase swelling and potentially affect how the filler settles.
You can gently apply ice to the treated area for 5-10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
Sleep with your head elevated the first night to minimize swelling.
Avoid touching or massaging the treated areas unless specifically instructed by your provider.
You can typically resume your normal skincare routine the next day, but be gentle when washing your face.
Common Side Effects and Recovery
Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. Some common side effects include:
Temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites. This typically subsides within a few days.
Minor bruising that can last 3-7 days. This can usually be covered with makeup.
Slight bumps under the skin that generally resolve on their own within a week.
These effects are normal and temporary. If you experience prolonged or severe swelling, pain, or asymmetry, give us a call right away.
Follow-Up and Maintenance
Depending on the treatment area and product used, Restylane results typically last 6-18 months. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment about two weeks after your treatment to assess your results and address any concerns.
Many clients choose to maintain their results with regular treatments. We can help you create a personalized maintenance schedule that works for your needs and budget.
Ready for Natural, Beautiful Results?
At Esteem Med Spa, our expert injectors make Restylane treatments a comfortable, positive experience with beautiful, natural-looking results. We focus on enhancing your natural beauty—never overdoing it.
Ready to refresh your look with Restylane? Call us at (480) 867-5970 to schedule your consultation, or book online today. We’ll answer all your questions and create a treatment plan that’s perfect for you.