As research and technology advances, so do the options for cosmetic fillers. Galderma’s Restylane family of products now grows by two, adding Restylane? Refyne and Restylane? Defyne dermal fillers to their superb line of injectables. Dr. Robinson and Michelle Giglio, PA-C were part of a special group of professionals invited to the GAIN 2017 Train-the-Trainers meeting at Galderma’s American headquarters for exclusive training on these new formulas. Now, Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery (RFPS) proudly introduces these options to our clients as part of the national product launch.
Chemistry Lesson
So, how do these fillers work? To better understand the “filling” it’s important to identify the “magic” ingredient in these miracle products — Hyaluronic acid (HA). Naturally present in most cells throughout the body, hyaluronic acid is found in higher concentrations in cartilage, connective tissues, fluids around joints, inside the eyeball and especially in the dermis where it works symbiotically with collagen. This substance functions as a cushion, lubricating joints and ligaments, and as a moisturizer, keeping tissue hydrated and supple. As a carbohydrate, HA can be a chain of thousands of sugars linked together, bonding to other molecules or bonding to water. When HA bonds to water, it forms a viscous gel the consistency of which provides beneficial, cradling protection and facilitates motion. HA helps form the body’s connate support system by turning water into a buffer.
The Magic Touch
The entire Restylane line uses hyaluronic-acid based products in a range of formulas designed to address a variety of cosmetic needs. These injectables diminish the appearance of lines, wrinkles and folds by adding more of the body’s own gentle support to those areas. When the aging process depletes volume and reduces the production of both collagen and hyaluronic acid, the skin loses elasticity. HA fillers counteract the sagging with a safe, effective lift.
These newest products, Refyne and Defyne, derive from Galderma’s proprietary XpresHAn Technology which creates gel formulas with a higher range of flexibility and support. This advancement directly yields a product which addresses the most frequently mentioned hesitations about starting treatment — the hope to maintain natural movement. The XpresHAn Technology customizes the degree of HA crosslinking in each product, thereby varying the chemical bonds within that complex molecular chain and increasing the elasticity of the gel. This means more precise applications and a totally natural look. Clients seeking maximum flexibility with subtle support will benefit most from use of Restylane® Refyne, while those needing more support and less flexibility will see better results from Restylane® Defyne.
In Good Hands
Both Refyne and Defyne are designed to be injected at the mid-to-deep level of the dermis in order to combat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. By the skilled hands of Dr. Robinson and our Advanced Aesthetic Injector, Michelle Giglio, PA-C, the in-office treatment process is simple and effective — first, a numbing cream is applied to the targeted site and then the product gently injected with a pre-measured, sterile syringe containing and ultra-fine needle. There’s little to no downtime for recovery with only the potential for slight bruising, swelling or redness in the first few days post-treatment. The beautiful, natural-looking results last for months.
Michelle Giglio, PA-C, says “It’s exciting to introduce the new additions of the Restylane family of fillers – REFYNE & DEFYNE – to our practice! These next-generation of flexible hyaluronic fillers will allow patients to get correction without the worry of unnatural movement in areas of the face that are highly expressive. I’m honored that Dr. Robinson and I were 2 out of 150 professionals selected nationwide to be invited to attend the launch of these new fillers at Galderma’s American Headquarters in Dallas/Fort Worth for their “Train the Trainer” meeting. I feel privileged to be a National Trainer for Galderma on their portfolio of incredible, ground-breaking cosmetic injectables. It was a memorable experience to feel the consistency of these new formulas to understand how they will perform under the skin. I’ve seen amazing patient results using both of these new products. They help soften shadows and folds around the mouth area that come about with expression like pouting, smiling, laughing, and pursing.”
