Optimizing treatment outcome with Restylane SubQ: the role of patient selection and counseling

Restylane SubQ has been developed to meet the growing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that correct loss of facial soft tissue volume and provide a nonpermanent solution for facial rejuvenation. This new product in the Restylane product family is based on the same non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) gel as all other Restylane products, but contains larger gel particles than existing products. This characteristic allows for optimal volume expansion when injected subcutaneously or supraperiostally. Possible indications for Restylane SubQ include cheek augmentation in young patients with flat malar bone as an alternative to cheek implants. Other indications could be midface rejuvenation in patients who either feel it is too early for a face lift, or who are ready for a face lift but are unwilling to undergo surgery. Another possible use could be chin augmentation-pure augmentation as an alternative to chin implantation, or simply rejuvenation of the chin profile to enhance projection in patients with early chin ptosis. A common principle in all these possible indications is that the aesthetic outcome obtained with Restylane SubQ largely depends on appropriate patient selection and counseling. Facial tissue structure is an important consideration when selecting patients for treatment with Restylane SubQ, since treatment success is dependent on adequate soft-tissue cover for the injected product, as well as soft tissue support to prevent mobility.