What is better for the lips: Restylane Refyne or Silk?

Question

For the most natural lip; I am 28 years old and trying injections for the first time and want something very subtle.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Both Restylane Refyne and Silk can work well for the lips depending on your goals. Silk gives a very subtle lip enhancement that usually lasts around 6 months. Refyne gives a little more plump that also lasts a little longer, close to a year. There are also other options such as the Juvederm family which work well. More important that the type of filler is the skill of your injector. I would recommend an in-person consultation and evaluation with an experienced physician injector who can guide you to your goals using the appropriate products. Best wishes.

Bradley Bengtson, MD, FACS · Answer

Restylane Refyne and Silk are both good options for the lips. Restylane Refyne has been a favorite in our practice as it delicately hydrates the lip and perioral lines without significant swelling or downtime.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Anna.  Your injection technique has as much to do or more with a subtle result as the product.  Product placement is key with the lips to make them appear natural.  We prefer Refyne to Silk in the lips just based on duration.  Silk is very smooth and easy to use but patients report disappointment with duration.

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

Based on my experience of performing lip Augmentation  close to 20 years and having done 1000s my advice to you is choosing the right surgeon than worrying about the right product.  The material or tools used do not make or break as much as an injector that doesn't have good judgement proper injection skills and all subtle techniques to give amazing results.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The answer is neither! Here is the problem.  These are both smoother fillers.  They are runny.  That means a nice lip treatments will migrate in days out of the lips and into the surrounding tissue. I only use Restylane for the lips. It requires a very precise technique. Restylane needs to be sculpted into place. Who is doing your filler service makes all the difference. The Defyne will hold a bit more than the Silk but I don't recommend either product for the lips.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical lip. Nova threads can be used to improve lift and shape. Implants or fat are alternatives. Technique will be important here, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Both can be good for lips. I prefer to use a micro cannula to inject the lips to prevent bruising. Look for a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is an expert in fillers to discuss your desired results and concerns. 
I hope this helps.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Both Refyne or Silk are great for first time lip fillers. I prefer to use Silk for patients who want the softest lips while maintaining their natural shape. For lips that need more "building" and creating more structure or shape, I would then switch to Refyne which is thicker and holds shape better for a longer time. Since no two lips are the same, I modify my technique according to what areas are deficient in the lip. This may or may not mean the border should be injected or a combination of multiple angles and entry sites. For the best treatment options, it is important to visit an expert for an in-person examination. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Neil Sadick, MD · Answer

I use Silk for the lips, its very thin and using a cannula can give very natural results with no bruising or pain. Restylane Silk has also been FDA approved for the lips and peri-oral lines. Refyne is also a thin filler but new on the market and used to improve signs of facial aging (rhytides, lines) while allowing very natural facial movement. The most important aspect is to find a board certified dermatologic surgeon with experience in lip injections. Safety first!

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

It's hard to make a recommendation without seeing a photo or evaluating you in person. Both products will work in the lips and give a subtle result. Restylane Silk was designed for the lips and perioral lines. I think the best thing to do is find an experienced injector whose work you like and let them make a recommendation.