What filler to choose - Hi my question is, what's the difference between Restylane and Restylane Silk?

They are both Hyaluronic Acid Fillers but, Restylane Silk is slightly thinner than Restylane. This is why Restylane Silk is preferred in the under-eye area. Depending on the volume deficit, Restylane might be indicated as well.  
 

Hello,Good question.  Most injectors that perform "tear trough" treatments (under the eyes) prefer Restylane as this is a smooth gel that is safe, predictable, and offers a solid duration of 9 to 12 months or longer in this area.  Although not FDA approved for tear troughs, this is the most common filler used for this service.  Restylane SILK is a much thinner product which is ideal for fine lines or treatment of the mouth/lips.  It's not clear why your injector would prefer SILK given that Restylane is the better choice as well as a lower price tag.  

Hello, 

Thank you for your question. Restylane Silk is made with a smaller molecule, it tends to look better under the eyes because its softer than the regular Restylane. However both can be used under the eyes. Good luck!

Regular Restylane is thicker and more likely to cause bumps or nodules when used in thin skin areas like the lower lids vs #restylane silk which is thinner and less likely to cause these problems.Restylane® Silk has recently been approved by the FDA for release in the United States. It’s the first and only approved product specifically designed for smoothing wrinkles and lines around the mouth, as well as replacing lost volume. 

Both are safe FDA approved
hyaluronic acid fillers. Restylane Silk can be injected in a more
superficial dermal position. Restylane is a soft tissue filler injected below the dermis for fine upper lip wrinkles. I
would consider using a hyaluronic acid filler like Restylane for the tear
trough correction, which will not cause

significant swelling and can last for over a year. This should be done in the
hands of a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist.

I appreciate
your question.

Restylane
silk is an excellent choice for your tear troughs. Restylane silk is a brand
new product. It is the next generation of Restylane. It consists of Smaller particle size and is finer than Restylane so it is very smooth.  Perfect for delicate under eye area.



The best way
to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a
board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative
plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

I use a quite a bit of Restylane Silk for fine lines in the peri-oral region, lip enhancement and anywhere where there are fine lines in the face.  My preference would be to use Restylane instead of Restylane Silk when I am placing the product in a deeper tissue plane like under the eyes.  The exception would be for someone with very thin crepy skin.  You will still get a nice result with the Silk, but you would likely get a longer lasting result with the Restylane.

It is fine to use the "regular" Restylane under the eyes (tear troughs.) This is in fact why I would recommend. Restylane Silk is brand new…it is a great new product, is finer and great for fine wrinkles and detailed work. Hope that helps!

That's a great question. Restylane and Restylane Silk are both formulations of hyaluronic acid, but have different particle size and filling properties. Restylane Silk is fantastic for use around the mouth, and a small amount goes a long way when it comes to peri-oral lines (fine lines seen when you pucker lips) and marionette lines. While Restylane Silk is approved for perioral rejuvenation, it is also used in other areas such as tear troughs. Personally I use Restylane for the tear trough area (undereye hollows), and feel it does an excellent job. In some patients who have very thin undereye skin or minimal subcutaneous tissue, I may opt for Restylane Silk instead. It's worth asking your doctor why she chose one versus the other. This area is one that can be tricky to inject, and the results are long-lasting, so don't choose based on price alone.   

Restylane silk is new and approved for lips, is not typically used in the tear trough yet.  This area requires a very meticulous injector and someone who uses cannulas would be better to limit any complications.  Ultimately the type of filler and placement is the physicians preference and experience.  Best, Dr. Emer.