The ultimate guide to Restylane types, uses, longevity, and how it stacks up against other fillers
Restylane is a brand of dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid that temporarily plump skin and fill wrinkles when injected. Its products add volume, smooth lines, enhance lips, or lift and contour areas like cheeks and chin for facial rejuvenation.
What is Restylane?
Restylane is an injectable skin filler made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance in the body that provides hydration and volume to the skin.
Restylane dermal fillers were developed by Galderma. They have various formulations for injection in different areas of the face and body to smooth lines, sculpt facial contours, or plump lips and hands.
How Restylane Works
When injected under the skin, the hyaluronic acid in Restylane products binds to water and expands, providing volume, plumping up facial folds and wrinkles from within, diminishing their appearance.
Restylane types stimulate collagen production for youthful structure and elasticity. Effects are temporary but can last 6 months to a year or longer before breakdown and absorption.
Is Restylane a Good Filler?
Restylane is a good filler option for aesthetic treatments, providing natural-looking results and being safer than invasive procedures. Its products address different face areas, offering treatment versatility.
Is Restylane a Permanent Filler?
Restylane is not permanent. The effects last from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the product and area treated. Over time, Restylane fillers will naturally degrade and dissolve.
What Happens When You Stop Using Restylane?
When you stop using Restylane, the filler will gradually dissolve, and no remnants will remain in your body. The natural aging process will continue, and there will be no permanent changes due to the filler.
Popular Types of Restylane Fillers and Their Uses
There are different Restylane formulations for various cosmetic uses. This section will outline the main Restylane products and their FDA-approved treatment areas.
Restylane Lyft
Restylane Lyft, formerly Perlane-L, adds volume to facial tissues. It’s injected into the midface area to lift and contour the cheeks or restore lost fullness due to aging.
Restylane is used as a dermal filler to address volume loss and wrinkling on the back of the hands, providing skin smoothing and rejuvenation that can last over a year.
Restylane Defyne and Refyne
Restylane Defyne and Refyne smooth and fill moderate to deep wrinkles and folds. They soften nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and plump facial wrinkles.
The particle gels in Defyne and Refyne offer flexible support to fill in creased wrinkles and adapt to facial movements without bunching for natural-looking wrinkle correction. Results typically last around 6 months.
Restylane Kysse
Restylane Kysse is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler FDA-approved for lip augmentation and enhancement.
Kysse injected into the lips and lip lines adds subtle or dramatic fullness with natural movement. The gel filler integrates seamlessly for soft, kissable lips. Effects last 6 months or more.
Restylane Silk
Restylane Silk uses smaller, smoother hyaluronic acid particles than other Restylane products. It’s great for filling fine lines around the mouth and lip area while maintaining a flexible, natural-looking result.
Silk is used for mild lip enhancement, shaping, and smoothing chin wrinkles. Touch-ups are needed every 6-9 months.
Other Restylane Products
In addition to the main products, Galderma offers specialized Restylane formulations, including Restylane Eyelight for under eye circles and hollows, and Restylane Contour for facial reshaping like cheek and chin augmentation.
The Restylane Treatment Experience
Getting Restylane filler injections is a straightforward outpatient procedure. Here’s what to expect during a typical treatment visit.
Consultation
An initial consultation allows the patient to discuss their cosmetic goals and concerns with the provider. The provider evaluates the patient’s facial anatomy and skin to determine the most suitable Restylane product.
The consultation includes a review of medical history to ensure no contraindications. The provider will discuss the procedure and answer questions.
Procedure
The treatment area is sterilized and anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort.
Restylane filler is injected in strategic locations using an ultrafine needle or cannula. The provider will massage the area to distribute the gel under the skin. Multiple injections are given during one session for optimal results.
Patients may experience mild discomfort from the injections. To minimize bruising and swelling, they should avoid blood thinners like aspirin for 1-2 weeks before and after treatment.
Results and Aftercare
Plumping effect is immediate after Restylane injections, but it may take 2-4 weeks for the product to fully integrate with the surrounding tissues for the final effects.
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, and bruising at the injection sites are common. Ice packs can minimize swelling in the first 24 hours. Patients should avoid extreme temperatures, alcohol, exercise, and touching the area for a few days.
Most side effects resolve within a week, leaving smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Maintaining results requires repeat treatment before the Restylane breaks down, usually within 6-12 months.
Does Restylane Dissolve Over Time?
Restylane fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, which naturally dissolves over time. They can absorb water to maintain volume as they degrade. Hyaluronidase can dissolve Restylane fillers quickly if needed.
How Long Does Restylane Last?
The duration of Restylane results depends on several factors. This section examines what affects longevity and what to expect.
Factors Affecting Longevity
The type of Restylane product used affects how long results last. Denser gels like Restylane Lyft and Defyne may endure longer than lighter fillers like Silk or Kysse for delicate areas.
Where the filler is injected matters. Restylane breaks down faster in high movement areas, like around the mouth. Results last longer in static areas like the cheeks or chin.
Individuals’ metabolism and hyaluronidase enzyme variations affect Restylane results’ duration. Most need touch-up injections every 6 to 18 months.
Realistic Expectations
Restylane injections are rewarding but don’t stop aging. Their effects last from 4 months to a year before repeating treatment.
Maintaining results means committing to regular injectable care, generally every 6 to 24 months long-term depending on the individual and products used. But used properly, Restylane fillers
can help patients look refreshed and confident for years.
How Long Do Restylane Dermal Fillers Last?
The longevity of Restylane fillers varies depending on the product and treated area:
- Restylane and Restylane-L: Results can last up to 18 months for facial wrinkles and folds.
- Restylane Contour: For cheek augmentation, results can last up to 18 months.
- Restylane Kysse: For lip enhancement, results last 6-12 months, up to 1 year.
- Restylane Defyne: For facial wrinkles and folds, results last up to 12 months.
- Restylane Lyft: In the cheeks, results last up to 1 year; for facial wrinkles and folds, up to 6 months.
- Restylane Refyne: Results can last up to 1 year for facial wrinkles and folds
- Restylane Silk: For lips and perioral rhytids, results last up to 6 months.
Restylane products usually wear off between 6 and 18 months after treatment, with some lasting up to 3 years.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Does Restylane Have Side Effects?
Yes, Restylane can have side effects, although they are usually minor and temporary. Common ones include bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness, and itching at the injection site.
Allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid gel is possible but unlikely. Seek medical care for severe swelling, redness, rash, or difficulty breathing.
There’s a small risk of infection when the skin barrier is disrupted. Proper aftercare helps prevent problems.
Is Restylane Right for Me?
Who is an ideal candidate for Restylane? When should someone consider alternatives?
Ideal Candidates
Restylane injectable fillers can improve self-confidence and satisfaction with personal appearance for people hoping to enhance or restore their natural beauty.
Good Restylane candidates are over 21, in good health, and have realistic expectations. They should commit to an experienced provider for safest outcomes.
When Restylane May Not Be Ideal
People with autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diseases, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Restylane.
People with severe allergies, especially to hyaluronic products, should undergo allergy testing before considering these dermal fillers.
In some cases, oral or topical treatments may better address a patient’s cosmetic needs than injectable fillers. An experienced provider can advise on Restylane suitability.
Finding the Right Provider and Making an Informed Decision
Where to get Restylane injections is as important as choosing the filler. What should you look for and ask?
Don’t Skimp on Expertise
Choose an experienced, licensed provider with specialized training in filler injections and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy for Restylane. Their skill and expertise are vital for balanced, safe, and aesthetically pleasing results.
Questions to Ask
During your consultation, ask for before-and-after photos of the provider’s Restylane work. Inquire about their injection techniques and how they minimize discomfort and side effects.
Ask how long they’ve used Restylane, injection frequency, and ongoing training to stay current on products and injection methods. Their experience and comfort with these fillers should be topnotch.
It’s Your Choice
While a provider can advise if Restylane is suitable, don’t feel pressured. Consider the benefits and risks for your situation.
Consider if addressing these facial concerns aligns with your health priorities, lifestyle, budget, and personal outlook on cosmetic procedures. Every patient needs to make an informed decision about pursuing Restylane injections.
