Question 1

What is Restylane?

Accepted Answer

The Restylane line of injectable fillers temporarily adds volume to plump lips, lift cheeks, smooth wrinkles, fill in scars and under-eye hollows, and rejuvenate aging hands.

The primary ingredient in Restylane fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance found naturally in the skin that attracts and holds water to help keep skin plump and hydrated.

Because it creates less swelling than other HA fillers, Restylane is also a preferred filler for tear troughs under the eyes—one of the most difficult areas to inject well.

Question 2

What are the types of Restylane fillers?

Accepted Answer

Each filler in the Restylane family is formulated to have a specific texture, density, and injection depth, so it works best for certain areas and purposes.

Restylane’s classic formula fills wrinkles and plumps lips. It’s also “one of the most popular fillers for the tear trough region or the under-eye hollows,” according to Dr. Young R. Cho, a Houston, Texas-based plastic surgeon who trains other Restylane injectors for Galderma (its manufacturer).
Restylane Silk, the finest form, adds subtle volume for lip enhancement, smooths fine lines around your mouth, and fills under-eye hollows.
Restylane Refyne is a flexible filler that’s ideal for areas of movement, says Dr. Cho. For example, it can help soften nasolabial folds (also called laugh lines) and marionette lines, the creases that run from the corners of your mouth to your chin. It’s also a popular choice for under-eye hollows.
Restylane Defyne fills severe, deep wrinkles and folds, such as laugh lines and marionette lines. Like Refyne, it’s a flexible filler meant for areas of high movement.
Restylane Lyft (formerly called Perlane) is a robust filler that adds volume to cheeks and hands. It’s also sometimes used in nonsurgical nose jobs, though it’s not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. Lyft, like the other Restylane fillers, contains lidocaine to numb the area and reduce discomfort.
Restylane Kysse is FDA-approved for augmenting lips and treating upper perioral rhytids, the lip wrinkles sometimes called smoker’s lines. While Restylane Silk lasts about six months in the lips, Restylane Kysse has been shown to last up to a year. Like Lyft, it contains lidocaine.
Restylane Contour was recently approved by the FDA for cheek augmentation and contouring the mid-face. It utilizes the brand's proprietary XpresHAn Technology to integrate the filler's gel seamlessly into the skin, promoting more natural movement with each facial expression.

Related: Restylane Contour Is a New Cheek Filler With Some Unique Distinctions

An experienced injector will recommend the right type or combination of filler to create the most natural-looking results.

RealSelf Tip: Fillers can and often should be used in conjunction with other procedures to get the best results. Generally speaking, neuromodulators, like Botox and Dysport, make a great combination for same-time injection.

Related: Which Fillers Work Best Where? Dermatologists Break It Down

Question 3

How much does Restylane cost?

Accepted Answer

Restylane is sold by the area or by the syringe. Doctors on RealSelf say you’ll likely pay $500 to $700 for one syringe.

Usually, one syringe (about 1 cc) of Restylane will be enough for a lip augmentation. It may take up to two syringes to fill nasolabial folds, depending on how deep they are.

You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.

See our complete guide to Restylane costs

Question 4

Restylane before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Restylane photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of Restylane fillers?

Accepted Answer

Pros

This quick, nonsurgical treatment creates instant results, with little to no downtime.
Restylane fillers are infused with the anesthetic lidocaine, to minimize pain during and after injection.
Research suggests that Restylane injections may stimulate your body’s own collagen production, helping rejuvenate volume loss in your skin from the inside out.
If you’re unhappy with your results or your provider accidentally injects into a blood vessel (a rare complication that can lead to tissue death if it goes untreated), an enzyme known as hyaluronidase can partially or completely dissolve hyaluronic acid dermal fillers within 24 hours. Restylane is among the easiest of HA fillers to dissolve.
Because hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body, there’s little chance of an allergic reaction from the treatment.
A study in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery discovered that HA fillers help reduce muscle strain that causes fine lines and wrinkles, so ongoing treatments can help patients look more youthful over time.

Cons

HA fillers like Restylane are temporary; results typically last 6–12 months, depending on the type used and how your body metabolizes it. While this makes them a good choice for patients who don’t want to commit to a longer-lasting change, it also means you’ll need maintenance treatments to keep up your results over time.
As with any injection, there is potential for mild bruising and swelling. “Plan ahead and schedule an appointment at least two weeks before a major event,” advises Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist in New York City.
Restylane injections (and other fillers) can’t treat sagging skin, and they’re not a substitute for a surgical facelift. This treatment option works best for people who’ve lost some facial volume but still have good skin elasticity.

Related: 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Trying Restylane

Question 6

How does Restylane work?

Accepted Answer

Restylane fillers have a hyaluronic acid gel formula that attracts and retains water, which adds long-lasting volume beneath the skin. This smooths facial wrinkles and gives the skin a plumper, more youthful look.

That the in-office treatment itself is relatively easy. Generally speaking, your appointment will take less than an hour and you’ll experience the following:

Each appointment will begin with a consultation with your injector, where you’ll discuss your concerns and goals.
Your provider will recommend the best type of Restylane (or combination of dermal fillers) for your concerns. Luckily, you won’t have to undergo any pretesting for this treatment since allergic reactions are rare with HA fillers.
After your consult, the area will be cleaned, and a numbing cream or nerve block may be used to minimize discomfort. Even if the filler they’ll be using contains lidocaine, you may want to request numbing for your lips, which are more sensitive than other areas of the face.
Your injector will use an ultrafine needle or microcannula (a blunt-tipped needle that’s less likely to penetrate a blood vessel) and make a series of slow Restylane injections in tiny amounts, gently massaging the area with their fingers.
You may be injected a few times to distribute the gel evenly.

RealSelf Tip: To minimize bruising, stop taking blood thinners (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen), as well as fish-oil supplements two weeks ahead of your appointment for any injectable filler. It’s also smart to avoid alcohol for a few days beforehand.

Related: The Treatments and Ingredients Actually Proven to Reduce Wrinkles

Question 7

Restylane vs. Juvéderm: What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

Both options are hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, with a range of formulas that can target different areas of the face, including the cheeks, eyes, and mouth. The biggest difference between Restylane and Juvéderm is the texture.

Juvéderm is known for having a smoother texture that diffuses more readily into the tissue.
Restylane has a more granular feel that’s slightly more cohesive, so it doesn’t budge as easily from where it’s injected.

In addition to the texture differences, these two popular fillers have a few specific perks to each of them as well. For example, Restylane Contour features the brand’s proprietary XpresHAn Technology, which allows the filler’s gel to integrate into the skin in a way that promotes more natural movement.

On the other hand, the Juvéderm portfolio features Volbella XC, which recently became the first dermal filler to be FDA-approved to fill in tear troughs and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

When it comes to the longevity of each filler type, some Juvéderm formulas are slightly longer-lasting: up to 18 months, compared to up to 12 months for Restylane.

Question 8

What should you expect during Restylane recovery?

Accepted Answer

Social downtime is usually minimal after any injectable treatment, but your recovery will depend on how your skin heals, the number of injections, their locations, and the skill of your injector.

To minimize swelling and bruising, avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, and too much sun or heat for a few days after your treatment.

Applying ice immediately after the procedure also helps minimize bruising. Some providers also advise patients to take oral arnica, beginning three days before injections and then post-treatment for three days, or until bruising fades.

Related: Injectable Bruises? Been There. Here’s How to Handle Them Without Hiding Out

Question 9

When will you see Restylane results?

Accepted Answer

Fillers create an instant result, but Dr. David Stoker, a Los Angeles–based plastic surgeon, says you should “give the product two weeks to settle fully and allow swelling to resolve” for your final results to become apparent.

Some providers offer complementary adjustments at that point, to correct minor issues like asymmetry. You can also return for more volume if the change isn't as dramatic as you'd hoped, though you can expect an added cost.

Your results will only be as good as your injector’s skill level, so find an experienced provider whose aesthetic matches yours.

Related: How to Reduce Swelling After Lip Fillers

Question 10

How long do Restylane fillers last?

Accepted Answer

Restylane results should last anywhere from 6–12 months before your body metabolizes the filler enough that you’ll need another injection (a “top-off,” in injectables lingo).

How long your results last will depend on the exact product, treatment area, and how your body responds.

Usually, the higher a filler’s “G prime” (a measure of its ability to lift tissues), the longer it will last. Different Restylane formulas have different G primes, with Restylane Silk having the lowest and Lyft at the highest. Filler also tends to endure longest in areas with thinner skin and not much movement, such as under the eyes, while lip filler often dissolves more quickly.

Torrance, CA facial plastic surgeon Dr. Harold J. Kaplan adds, “In most patients, we see Restylane duration of three to four months in the lips, four to six months in the nasolabial folds (smile lines at the side of the nose to corners of the mouth), and six to eight months under the eyes (tear troughs for dark circles or bags).”

Related: How to Make Your Lip Filler Results Last as Long as Possible

Question 11

Does Restylane have side effects or risks?

Accepted Answer

Bruising, redness, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site are common side effects of Restylane, but they usually resolve within a week.

You may also get some lumps, which you can gently massage to help them smooth out. If the lumps last more than two weeks, see your injector.

Restylane is considered very safe, but if the filler accidentally gets injected into a blood vessel it can cause serious complications, like blindness and skin necrosis (tissue death from disruption of blood flow).

Related: Vascular Occlusion is the Scary Filler Complication No One Talks About. Here’s What You Need to Know.

One 2017 study reported nine cases of vision loss in a three-year period after HA filler injections, and others have reportedly occurred since. Injections around the eyes and nose tend to have the highest risk of complications.

An experienced injector with intimate knowledge of facial anatomy—ideally a plastic or facial plastic surgeon—should have the skill to mitigate this risk in these delicate areas.

Question 12

Can fillers make you age faster?

Accepted Answer

This is a common misconception, but there's no evidence that getting dermal fillers accelerates aging. In fact, one study even found that Restylane injections can stimulate your body’s own natural collagen production, helping skin look and act younger.

That being said, fillers can give you an unnatural appearance when overdone or performed by an inexperienced provider. This can contribute to someone believing that they look older after undergoing filler treatment.

Question 13

What are the alternatives to Restylane?

Accepted Answer

Other HA fillers include the Juvéderm family of products, the newer RHA Collection, and Belotero.

Fillers not made from hyaluronic acid can produce longer-lasting effects because they stimulate your natural collagen production, but they have the disadvantage of not being dissolvable if there’s a complication or you don’t like your results. Treatment options include:

Sculptra Aesthetic, made from poly-L-lactic acid, lasts two to three years
Bellafill, made with a bovine collagen base and polymethyl methacrylate microspheres, lasts up to five years
Radiesse, made of calcium hydroxyapatite, lasts up to a year

Question 14

Sources & studies

Accepted Answer

Hruza G.J., Restylane Stimulates Collagen Production (2007)

Joo H.J., Woo Y.J., Kim J.E., Kim B.J., Kang H., A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lidocaine-Containing Monophasic Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Nasolabial Folds (2016)

Myung Y., Yim S., Jeong J., Kim B.K., Heo C.Y., Baek R.M., Pak C.S., The Classification and Prognosis of Periocular Complications Related to Blindness following Cosmetic Filler Injection (2017)

Percec, I., Bertucci, V., Solish, N., et. al., An Objective, Quantitative, Dynamic Assessment of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers That Adapt to Facial Movement (2020)

Yazdanparast T., Samadi A., Hasanzadeh H., Nasrollahi S.A., Firooz A., and Kashani M.N., Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injection in the Restoration of Fullness of the Upper Lips (2017)

RESTYLANE

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD

Karyn Repinski

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD

Karyn Repinski

RELATED TREATMENTS

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	Restylane nonsurgical	Sculptra nonsurgical	Bellafill nonsurgical	Radiesse nonsurgical
Worth It Rating	86%	83%	50%	64%
Average Cost	$1168	$1744	$3235	$1371
Downtime	No downtime	Minimal downtime	No downtime	Minimal downtime
Anesthesia	Topical anesthesia	Topical anesthesia	No anesthesia	Topical anesthesia

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD

Karyn Repinski

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD

Karyn Repinski

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