In This Guide
What Is Restylane?
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler marketed in the United States by Galderma. First approved by the FDA in 2003, it is used to smooth lines, restore volume, and enhance facial contours. The filler is injected by a licensed clinician after an in-person assessment to address concerns such as lip thinning, mid-face flattening, and nasolabial folds.
The Restylane family includes several products, each designed for specific areas. Galderma employs two gel technologies: classic NASHA, a firmer gel that holds shape for lift, and XpresHAn, a more flexible gel for dynamic regions. Products with an "L" suffix contain lidocaine for comfort, and all Restylane fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed.
How Restylane Works
Restylane's hyaluronic acid gel attracts and binds water, creating immediate volume in the treated tissue. The filler's gel consistency - either the firmer NASHA or the flexible XpresHAn - helps it integrate with the surrounding tissue while supporting the skin's natural structure. Over time, the body gradually breaks down the HA, allowing the effect to soften naturally. A clinician selects the appropriate product and injection depth based on the area being treated and the desired outcome.
Products in the Restylane range
- Restylane-L for folds and lips
- Restylane Lyft for cheeks and hands
- Restylane Silk for lips and fine lines
- Restylane Kysse for lips
- Restylane Refyne and Defyne for expression lines
- Restylane Contour for cheeks
- Restylane Eyelight for the under-eye area
Treatment Areas
Lips and lip lines
Cheeks and midface
Nasolabial folds
Tear trough and under-eye hollows
Chin and jawline
Onset and How Long It Lasts
Most patients notice an immediate improvement after swelling subsides, typically within a few days. The final aesthetic effect continues to settle over the first two weeks. Depending on the specific Restylane product and the treatment area, results generally last between six and eighteen months before a gradual decline occurs.
How Much Does Restylane Cost?
The price for a single Restylane syringe ranges from $600 to $1,100 in the United States. Variation depends on the specific Restylane product selected, the treatment area, geographic location, and the clinician's practice fees. Some patients may require more than one syringe to achieve their goals, which can affect the overall cost.
Side Effects and Risks
- Mild bruising at the injection site, usually resolving within a week.
- Temporary swelling or redness that diminishes within several days.
- Tenderness or firmness in the treated area that eases as the filler settles.
- Rare formation of small lumps that can be massaged or corrected by the clinician.
- Very low risk of vascular occlusion, which requires prompt medical attention.
- Allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine is uncommon but possible.
Aftercare
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area unless instructed otherwise.
- Refrain from intense heat, saunas, or vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours.
- Do not consume alcohol or blood-thinning medications for a day if possible.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for the first night.
- Follow any specific post-procedure instructions given by your clinician.
Am I a Candidate?
Ideal candidates are adults with mild to moderate volume loss or facial lines who seek subtle, non-surgical enhancement. Those with severe skin laxity may need alternative procedures. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or unrealistic expectations should discuss alternatives or postpone treatment with their clinician.
How Restylane Compares
Restylane offers a range of HA fillers that use either firmer NASHA gel for lift or flexible XpresHAn gel for dynamic areas, distinguishing it from competitors like Juvederm, Belotero, and the RHA collection. While all are HA-based, Restylane's lidocaine-containing options and reversible nature with hyaluronidase provide specific comfort and safety benefits. Choice among these products depends on the clinician's assessment of the treatment goal and the patient's anatomy.
