Restylane Refresh - Will it work on my dry lips? (photo)

I have practices on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and a satellite facility in Israel. Restylane Lip Refresh is not approved in the U.S. However, it has been approved for the past several years elsewhere in the world and in Israel where I have experience using it. Although Restylane Lip Refresh is designated for treating the red and white portions of the lips, there is no specific indication for hydrating the lips. Another product Restylane Skin Boosters Vital Light is however indicated for promoting hydrobalance (although not specifically within the lips), and it would be this product that might be worth discussing to deal with the chronic dry lip problem you are describing. In the States, I would consider dilute Restylane L for this purpose. 

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately Restylane Refresh is not FDA approved in the USA and therefore I would not recommend it for treatment. Best,

Dear Jcat99:The idea of injecting a HA (hyaluronic acid) filler to "moisturize" the lips is enticing but in the many, many patients whose lips I have injected, there is initially the sense of dryness followed by return of normal lip moisture.Skin and lip moisture are provided by the glands in the dermis which provide oily secretions to moisturize the surface. The possibility that a dermal HA might provide that due to the water molecules it attracts is a good thought but not one I have experienced. I believe you would best be served by a consultation with a Board Certified Dermatologist or ENT to evaluate the posibility of xerostomia or "dry lip". Good luck with this.