The Differences between Macrolane and Restylane

  The fact that you are reading this article to begin with would suggest that you have heard of either Restylane or Macrolane.  You will probably also be aware that they are both types of cosmetic surgery.  What are the main differences between these two treatments though?  Do Restylane and Macrolane have anything in common with one another?

  First of all it is important to understand that the two treatments have a great deal of similarities as they both work on the same basic principle.  The active ingredient in the two methods is something called NASHA (Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid).  Whether a surgeon is performing Macrolane or Restylane, it is going to be this naturally based substance that he is injecting into the treatment area.  In both procedures an initial injection of NASHA is administered and it is then necessary to have further injections at a later date.

  The main difference between Macrolane and Restylane is that the former is for use on the body (usually on the breasts/pectorals, calves and buttocks) whilst the latter is specifically designed for facial surgery.  With Restylane, the top-up injections will be required after a shorter length of time than its counterpart.

  Whereas Macrolane, after being used for only a year, is a relatively new treatment in the world of cosmetic surgery (around 8,000 women have undergone breast enlargement operations to date), Restylane has been in use since 1996.  From this time a staggering 10 million treatments have been carried out.  As with any medical procedure, improvements are constantly being made.  In 2007 a Dutch doctor of cosmetics unveiled a new way of using NASHA in Restylane that increases elasticity of facial skin.  This method that he masterminded is known as the ‘fern pattern’ technique.  When this method is employed it means that the treated area will show even less sign of any surgery, either when the skin is in a ‘rested’ position or a ‘dynamic’ position.

  Both of the procedures have got a good safety record.  Some patients have experienced minor reactions such as swelling, redness, tenderness or itching, but these normally resolve themselves within a matter of days.

  With Restylane and Macrolane the results are normally very impressive.  They are both recognised by cosmetic surgeons as having very good contouring capabilities while also being able to produce some very natural looking results.  The two procedures have received some good reviews in the media and are proving to be very popular with people who are choosing to have cosmetic surgery performed.  This is a lot to do with very little ‘down time’ being involved and due to the use of only a local anaesthetic.

  It is important to realise how Restylane has progressed and created the other said treatment, giving surgeons the ability to work on the face and the body.  This has allowed them to deal with all manner of imperfections right from frown lines, crow’s feet and acne scars to far larger areas such as uneven breasts, sagging buttocks and undefined pectorals.