Exploring Restylane: Uses, Benefits, and Applications

David Fuller

Last Updated On: March 27, 2024

What Is Restylane?

Restylane, a renowned non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler brand line, has been produced by Swiss pharmaceutical company Galderma S.A. since 1996, boasting over 25 years of excellence in the field of aesthetics. Galderma employs two cutting-edge technologies, NASHA and XpresHAn, to elevate its range of aesthetic treatments.

NASHA, a patented non-animal stabilized HA technology, delivers dependable and safe results through its firm gel texture, making it ideal for achieving noticeable lifting effects and precise product integration in targeted areas.

On the other hand, XpresHAn Technology, with its soft gel texture and exceptional flexibility, ensures natural movement and expression, effortlessly blending with the tissue. This innovative approach allows Restylane to emulate natural hyaluronic acid with minimal crosslinking, catering to dynamic facial areas and yielding authentic-looking outcomes.

How Does Restylane Work?

The main active ingredient in Restylane filler is HA, a naturally occurring substance in the body. HA has the ability to attract and retain water molecules, providing enhanced hydration and volume to the skin. 

During the treatment, Restylane is injected into the targeted skin areas using a needle or a  cannula. Once injected, the HA molecules bind with water molecules, creating a gel-like substance that plumps up the skin and smooths out wrinkles and fine lines in the area. The HA fillers can also be used to slightly contour some areas of the face, like the chin and the jawline.

Additionally, Restylane stimulates collagen production in the treated areas. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its structure and elasticity. By helping collagen production, Restylane aids in improving skin texture and firmness, which results in a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance.

The effects of a Restylane treatment aren’t permanent and will gradually wear off over time as the body naturally metabolizes the HA, leaving no trace of it behind. Depending on the specific Restylane brand line product used and individual factors, the results typically last from 6 months to 18 months.

Types of Restylane Dermal Filler

Over the last few decades, Galderma has continued to refine the Restylane brand, resulting in nine distinctive products. Some serve as general tools, while others are tailored to address specific aesthetic concerns. These products are:

1. Restylane: This classic and first Restylane filler is ideal for smoothing moderate to severe wrinkles and lines, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines. This is the only Restylane product without lidocaine. Lasts up to 18 months.
2. Restylane-L: Designed for submucosal implantation for lip enhancement, Restylane-L provides natural-looking volume and shape to the lips, giving them a fuller and more youthful appearance. Lasts up to 18 months.
3. Restylane Contour: Designed for cheek augmentation and midface contour correction, this versatile filler helps achieve well-defined facial contours, enhancing cheekbones for a more refined appearance. Lasts up to 18 months.
4. Restylane Defyne: Designed to accentuate the chin and give it a sculpted, elegant appearance. Additionally, it effectively corrects deep wrinkles and folds, restoring volume and elasticity to areas with pronounced lines. Lasts up to 12 months.
5. Restylane Kysse: Tailored for lip augmentation, correction of upper perioral rhytids, and softening lip lines, this Restylane injection gives a flexible and natural feel, enhancing lip volume and creating a smooth pout. Lasts up to 12 months.
6. Restylane Lyft: Focusing on mid-face volume and lifting, Restylane Lyft addresses sagging cheeks and nasolabial folds, restoring youthful contours to the face. It can also be used for injection in the dorsal hand to add volume. Lasts up to 12 months.
7. Restylane Refyne: Specifically designed for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Lasts up to 12 months.
8. Restylane Silk: As a specialized filler for delicate areas, such as lip lines and tear troughs, Restylane Silk delivers subtle enhancement and smoothness for a refreshed appearance. Lasts up to 6 months.
9. Restylane Eyelight: This new Restylane product is specially formulated for the under-eye area. Restylane Eyelight reduces the appearance of dark circles and hollows, providing a brighter and rejuvenated look. Lasts up to 18 months.

What Is Restylane Made Of?

As we mentioned before, the primary component of Restylane is HA. Galderma utilizes a biofermentation process that derives HA from Streptococcus bacteria instead of animal-derived HA, stabilized in phosphate-buffered saline. This choice is made for several reasons, including ethical considerations, reduced risk of allergic reactions, and better control over the purity and quality of the HA. By opting for Streptococcus bacteria, Restylane ensures a biocompatible and biodegradable filler that is well-tolerated by patients while achieving natural and long-lasting results. 

The HA filler will naturally break down over time, and in rare cases of severe side effects, it can be enzymatically broken down with Hyaluronidase. This process allows the body to absorb the HA filler completely, leaving no trace of it behind. 

Aside from HA, Restylane injections may also contain trace amounts of lidocaine, a local anesthetic that enhances patient comfort during the injection process. The presence of lidocaine in some Restylane products helps reduce discomfort and minimize any potential pain.

Benefits of Restylane

Restylane is widely acknowledged for its efficacy in addressing a broad spectrum of facial concerns and delivering customized treatments tailored to individual aesthetic goals. However, that is only the beginning of Restylane’s benefits. Others include:

• Immediate Results: Restylane provides an instant improvement, as the filler is injected directly into the targeted area, delivering noticeable results immediately after the procedure.
• Wrinkle Reduction: It effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping to smooth out the skin and restore a youthful look.
• Natural-Looking Results: Restylane is formulated to mimic the body’s natural hyaluronic acid, ensuring a more natural appearance that integrates well with the patient’s facial features.
• Minimal Downtime: Unlike surgical procedures, Restylane treatments allow patients to resume their daily activities shortly after the procedure.
• Long-Lasting Effects: The results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product used and individual factors.
• Non-Surgical: Restylane is a non-surgical treatment that reduces the risks and complications of invasive cosmetic procedures.
• Customizable Treatments: It comes in various formulations, allowing for customized treatments tailored to meet individual needs and desired outcomes.
• Stimulates Collagen Production: Restylane’s presence in the skin stimulates collagen production, promoting long-term skin health and rejuvenation.
• Safe and FDA-Approved: Restylane is approved by the FDA and has been used safely for years in cosmetic procedures.
• Reversible Effects: In the unlikely event of dissatisfaction or complications, the effects of Restylane products can be reversed.

Side Effects of Restylane

We can’t talk about benefits without mentioning the side effects. The most common side effects of Restylane are:

• Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling at the injection site is a common side effect and usually subsides within a few days.
• Bruising: Some patients may experience bruising at the injection site, which should resolve on its own over time.
• Redness: Temporary redness or erythema at the injection site is possible but typically resolves quickly.
• Tenderness: The treated area may feel tender or sore for a short period after the procedure.
• Itching: Itching or mild discomfort might occur at the injection site, though it usually goes away quickly.
• Lumps or bumps: In rare cases, small lumps or bumps may form under the skin, but they, too, tend to resolve themselves over time.
• Discoloration: Temporary discoloration or hyperpigmentation might occur at the injection site.
• Allergic reactions: Although uncommon, Restylane side effects also include allergic reactions to the HA or lidocaine. 
• Infection: While exceedingly rare, there is a slight risk of infection at the injection site.
• Migration: In very rare instances, the filler material might move to unintended areas, leading to an asymmetrical appearance.

Is Restylane Safe?

Restylane is a pioneering dermal filler, as it holds the distinction of being the first-ever HA filler to receive FDA approval in 2003. This approval by the FDA is a testament to its safety and effectiveness, and it sets a standard for all other dermal fillers. Today, all of their dermal fillers are FDA approved.

Galderma continuously improves its formula, striving for even better results without compromising on safety or the qualities that made its products famous in the first place. Thanks to the biofermentation process, Restylane is well-tolerated by patients, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and ensuring better control over the purity and quality of the HA. 

Conclusion

With a history of over 27 years of excellence and continuous improvements, Restylane injections remain a reputable and well-established dermal filler in the field of aesthetics. They are well sought after by both medical practitioners and patients alike. 

As a medical professional, adding Restylane to your toolbox for aesthetics can give your patients access to a variety of treatments that are both secure and efficient. With Med Supply Solutions, you can easily find Restylane products and equip yourself to meet your patients’ diverse aesthetic needs with ease.

FAQ

Is Restylane better than Botox?

Both Restylane and Botox are effective treatments, but they serve different purposes. Restylane filler adds volume to the skin, while Botox relaxes facial muscles to reduce wrinkles. The better option depends on individual goals and concerns, but they can also be used in combination to deliver the desired result.

What does Restylane do for your face?

Restylane adds volume to the face, smoothes out wrinkles and fine lines, and enhances the facial contour.

How long does Restylane last?

Restylane can last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the exact Restylane product used and other lifestyle factors. 

References:

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2. Comprehensive review on biotechnological production of hyaluronic acid: status, innovation, market, and applications; Ruschoni Ucm, Mera Aem, Zamudio Lhb, Vinod Kumar, Mohammad J. Taherzadeh, Vijay Kumar Garlapati, and Anuj Kumar Chandel; Apr 2022
3. Use of hyaluronic acid fillers for the treatment of the aging face; Michael H Gold; Sep 2007
4. Granulomatous reaction to injectable hyaluronic acid (Restylane) diagnosed by fine needle biopsy; Mubarak Al‐Shraim, Mohammad Jaragh, and William Geddie; Sep 2007
5. Adverse Events Reported From Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Injections to the Facial Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Jessica Colon, Sophia Mirkin, Patrick Hardigan, Matthew J Elias, and Robin J Jacobs; Apr 2023
6. Head-to-head comparison of 4 hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for lip augmentation: A multicenter randomized, quadruple-blind, controlled clinical trial; Serge A Steenen, Constantijn G Bauland, Berend van der Lei, Naichuan Su, Muriëlle D G van Engelen, Rachella D R R A L Anandbahadoer-Sitaldin, Whitney Koeiman, Tina Jawidan, Yama Hamraz, and Jan de Lange; Apr 2023
7. Restylane Lyft for Aesthetic Shaping of the Nasal Dorsum and Radix: A Randomized, No-Treatment Control, Multicenter Study; Xiaojun Wang, Bi Li, and Qin Li; Dec 2022
8. Adverse Reaction to Restylane: A Review of 63 Cases of Injection Laryngoplasty; Abdul-Latif Hamdan, and Elie Khalifee; Mar 2019