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Restylane Lyft Is Now FDA-Approved For Use on Hands

allure logoOriginal Article By Macaela Mackenzie. Restylane, a hyaluronic acid filler, just received FDA approval for use on hands, making it the first injectable of its kind to receive FDA approval for use outside the face.

Following a study of 89 patients, Restylane Lyft got the stamp of approval to treat age-related volume loss in the back of the hands. “Fat volume loss and atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand due to aging often leads to overly prominent metacarpal bones, tendons and veins,” Joshua Zuckerman, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, tells Allure. Translation: as you age, hands can start to look skeletal or boney.

Fillers act as an instant plumper. “I perform a subcutaneous injection, which is fully underneath the skin but above the connective tissue that covers tendons, bones, vessels, and nerves,” Zuckerman explains. “Dermal fillers work well in this area, and my patients are generally very excited about the instant improvement in the appearance of their hands.” In the company’s study on efficacy and safety for FDA approval of Restylane Lyft, patients showed volume improvement in the hands for up to six months. Side effects (swelling, tenderness, itching) were predominantly mild and temporary.

Restoring volume to the back of the hands is just one in a seemingly endless list of uses for hyaluronic acid fillers, which are typically used for plumping lips, softening wrinkles, and contouring the face. They’re even being used to recreate the flattering tweaks created by Instagram filters. Elsewhere on the body, hyaluronic acid fillers are becoming alternatives to surgery, offering temporary reshaping effects for non-surgical nose jobs, non-surgical butt lifts — even nipples.

Most of these uses aren’t technically FDA-approved. “Off-label use of dermal fillers is relatively common, and licensed physicians have wide latitude as to what they can do in their office,” Zuckerman explains. “Other common off-label uses include temples, tear troughs, cheek augmentation, and chin augmentation,” Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Allure. Even though the use of fillers on the body is increasingly common, Restylane Lyft is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler to actually be evaluated and approved by the FDA for use on an area other than the face.

Lack of FDA approval doesn’t necessarily mean that fillers aren’t safe to use in other areas of the body, Zuckerman says. “The mechanism that most injectables and dermal fillers work by is well understood, so off-label use is generally safe,” he explains. But because the effects of the injectable on the anatomy of that particular area may have not been studied, it’s even more important to see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for off-label uses. “It is key to undergo off-label treatment with someone who knows the anatomy of the area,” Zuckerman says. “A physician with surgical training all over the body is safest.”


Click here to learn more about Restylane Greenwich

Male patient receiving an Emsculpt NEO treatment to the abdominal area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can EMSCULPT NEO do for me?

EMSCULPT NEO is an amazing noninvasive body sculpting treatment. It’s perfect for patients who are looking to get summer body ready! With this state-of-the-art, two-in-one technology, you build muscle and burn fat at the same time! This treatment provides a 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat and 25% growth in muscle on the treated area after a recommended number of treatments.

How does EMSCULPT NEO work?

While you lie down and relax, EMSCULPT NEO sends high-intensity energies deep below your skin, making your muscles contract in a big way that is like doing thousands of crunches or squats in a few minutes. While your muscles are contracting, the energy from the applicator simultaneously sends warmth to your fat cells, heating them up to the point of destruction. So you build real muscle from the contractions while destroying fat cells that are later naturally eliminated by your body.

How many EMCULPT NEO treatments will I need?

The recommended treatment plan is 4-6 treatments, one week apart. Depending on the patient, you may see improvement in your muscle tone, core strength and posture within a few weeks. And you’ll see fat reduction continue for about 12 weeks after your last treatment.

Are there any patients for whom you do not recommend EMSCULPT NEO?

EMSCULPT NEO is great because it has been shown to be safe and approved for all body and skin types. Contraindications include hernia, recent surgery, and pregnancy, so if a patient has any of these conditions, they should wait until they don’t to get EMSCULPT NEO.

What is the difference between CoolSculpting and EMSCULPT NEO?

CoolSculpting is a well-known treatment that is excellent for reducing unwanted fat in targeted areas. EMSCULPT NEO also reduces fat, but it has the benefit of building muscle, which is what its predecessor EMSCULPT was made to do.

Which treatment you choose depends on what your body needs and your personal goals. If you have great muscle tone and only need to get rid of some extra fat in a specific area like your abdomen or below your chin, CoolSculpting is an excellent option. But if you have loss of muscle tone and need more of a lift or tightening to a certain area like your abs or butt, EMSCULPT NEO is your two-in-one solution.

What is your favorite thing about EMSCULPT NEO?

Not only is this treatment super convenient with one treatment lasting only 30 minutes, but there is also no downtime! Patients can go about their day as they normally would immediately after their visit.

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