Restalyne is touted as a miracle solution for wrinkles, but you may be wondering exactly what it is and whether or not it’s right for you. It might sound like the perfect quick fix to take years off your face, but you should locate a qualified cosmetic dermatologist and learn the facts first.

Restalyne is one of many wrinkle injections on the market today. Hyaluronic acid is injected at the site of your trouble spots, such as nose-to-mouth lines, lines around the mouth and lines above the upper lip; it can even be used for lip plumping. The formula actually works to fill the wrinkle, plump the skin and make the line smooth and seemingly vanish.

This anti-aging solution has grown in popularity because you can have the procedure done at your dermatologist’s office in about an hour; you generally can be fully recovered and looking younger that very same day. The results last for six to eight months, after which you’ll need to get a touch up.

While Restalyne might seem like the fountain of youth you’ve been dreaming of, there are side effects that come along with injections. One thing that sets Restalyne apart from other facial fillers is that the formula is free of animal products, which eliminates the risk of any animal-borne infections. However, patients may experience more pain than they would with collagen injections because those include an anesthetic.

Bruising is the most common side effect; about 20 percent of patients experience bruising after the procedure. Swelling, tenderness, itching or redness can also occur at the site of the injection, but will subside in a day or two. While rare, some patients also have more severe reactions that may last for a few days or a few weeks, including long-lasting redness, extreme tenderness or acne-like blemishes.

As with any cosmetic procedure, you want to be sure to select a qualified dermatologist. With the right hand, you can end up with beautiful and natural-looking results, but with the wrong choice, you could experience more problems and end up with too-plump lips or an expressionless look that happens all too often to Hollywood’s hottest stars.