Dermal fillers are true to their name — they fill in wrinkles and areas of decreased volume. This is completely different than Botox® (and other neuromodulator brands), which relax the muscles that cause wrinkles to form on the skin above them.
Restylane® is known as the original dermal filler, approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. in 2006. Since that day, Restylane® has been, along with Juvederm®, one of the world’s most popular dermal fillers.
Is Restylane a Natural Filler?
Dermal fillers are classified as “natural” or “synthetic.” Restylane is a natural filler because it is made primarily from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body whose job is to hydrate, plump, and firm the skin. It does this by bonding with nearby water molecules.
Originally, Restylane® was a single filler. Over the years, an entire family of Restylane® fillers has been developed, each targeted to a specific area of the face. At Elite Plastic Surgery, we offer and have received extensive training in the use of the entire Restylane® line.
What are the benefits of Restylane?
The Restylane line is an awesome group of “natural” dermal fillers. After they are injected under a wrinkle, crease, or area of volume loss they instantly fill in the lost volume and push the skin back upwards. The different Restylane fillers that we offer at Elite Plastic Surgery give us great latitude when addressing different areas, everything from volume loss in the cheeks to hiding elevated blood vessels and tendons on the backs of the hands to deep smile lines. Removing or vastly diminishing the appearance of all of these signs of aging makes you look younger, more vibrant, and it makes you feel better about how you’re aging. Plus, you can do this without any downtime or recovery, as would be necessary with any type of surgical facial rejuvenation.
Because all Restylane fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the human body, reactions to injections of the various fillers are almost unheard of.
What’s the difference between Restylane and Juvederm?
Restylane and Juvéderm, and their assorted line extensions, are all hyaluronic acid fillers. In particular, the flagship products of each line are quite similar to one another. There is a slight difference between the two in their texture. Restylane is a little more granular and more cohesive. Juvéderm has a smoother texture. Restylane may be a little better for larger areas, as it tends to stay in place, whereas Juvéderm’s smoother consistency tends to spread out.
Still, because both lines have extended and added different fillers to target different areas, the differences between the original Restylane and Juvéderm are quite minor and really don’t matter that much when it comes to patient needs.
Is Restylane safe?
Because Restylane is made from hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the human body, reactions to this filler are almost unheard of. This means patients don’t have to pre-test to see if they will have a reaction to the filler. Restylane has proven to be very safe and has been used millions of times in the U.S. and across the globe since its initial FDA approval and debut in 2006.
Patient Testimonial
“Entire staff at Elite that I delt with were wonderful. I feel totally comfortable having them take care of my surgical needs!” – Diane S.
These are the Restylane products we offer and their target areas
At Elite Plastic Surgery, we carry the complete Restylane® line. Each filler is intended for a different area of the face. Here are the descriptions of each Restylane product, along with their duration.
- Restylane® — This was the flagship product, the first dermal filler. It remains very popular around the world. It targets marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and other wrinkles by adding volume beneath the wrinkle or crease and pushing the surface skin upward. Its results last from 6-9 months.
- Restylane® Silk — Restylane® Silk is FDA approved specifically for the lips. It is used for subtle lip enhancement and for the correction of vertical lip lines. It provides results for around six months.
- Restylane® Lyft — Restylane® Lyft adds volume to the cheeks and corrects smile lines. Results last from one year to 18 months.
- Restylane® Refyne —Restylane® Refyne was approved by the FDA in December 2016. This new addition to the Restylane® line (along with Defyne, see below) is used to correct smile (marionette) lines and nasolabial folds. Refyne is specifically formulated to treat mild to moderate lines and wrinkles. Galderma has cross-linked the gel in Restylane® Refyne and Defyne to help support the patient’s natural expressions — for real-life results that help maintain natural movement when smiling, frowning, or otherwise moving your mouth.
- Restylane® Defyne — Approved along with Refyne, Defyne also specifically targets nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The difference is that Defyne is designed for use on moderate to severe creases and lines. Both Refyne and Defyne provide results that last up to one year.
- Restylane Kysse — Restylane Kysse is the first lip filler designed with XpresHAn Technology™ for flexible movement and natural-looking volume proven to last for up to 1 year. Enhance texture and color of the lips while maintaining a full range of expressions.
How does A Restylane injection session work?
These sessions take just 20 minutes or so, depending upon if you’re treating just a single area, such as smile lines, or if we’re injecting two or more areas. Our Registered Nurse is our injection expert with training on all of the Restylane fillers, in addition to the other injectables we offer at Elite. If patients desire to have topical numbing cream applied, that needs 20-30 minutes to fully take effect. Restylane is injected into the dermis layer with a very tiny needle. After injecting the filler, Ms. Ford will gently massage the area to help distribute the filler gel.
How many treatments do I need with Restylane Fillers?
Every filler in the Restylane line is meant as a single treatment. Once the area you want to treat is injected, you will see immediate results as the hyaluronic acid instantly binds with nearby water molecules and plumps, firms, and hydrates the area. These results will usually last from 9 to 18 months, depending upon which filler has been injected and the area. Areas with more facial movement, such as the lips, tend to degrade the filler more quickly than an area such as the cheeks, which moves much less.
Are Restylane injections painful?
Everyone has a different pain threshold. We inject Restylane® with a very tiny needle that many patients equate to the feeling of a pinprick. In the lips, however, this can be more painful due to the sensitivity of the lips. We can ice the area or apply topical numbing anesthetic, if you desire.
What are the side effects with Restylane fillers?
Because Restylane® is made primarily with hyaluronic acid (which occurs naturally in the human body), allergic reactions are almost unheard of. The common side effects with all dermal fillers are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, tenderness, and itching at the injection sites after your session. Some patients have been known to develop headaches for the first day or two, but this is rare. These side effects are typically mild, but may last for up to a week when treating smile and marionette lines. On the lips, they may last 10-14 days.
Occasionally, lumps will form at the injection sites. This is rare, but if it happens they can be quickly resolved by an injection of hyaluronidase. This is an enzyme that instantly degrades the hyaluronic acid, eliminating the lump.
What should I avoid after my Restylane injections?
There isn’t any downtime or recovery after these injections of the various Restylane fillers at Elite. You may have some slight itching at your injection sites, but you should not itch or massage the area. These symptoms should resolve within a few hours. Until any swelling and redness has resolved, avoid areas with intense heat, such as saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds, and hot wax treatments. Also avoid sun exposure for a day. You can apply an ice pack to your injection sites to minimize any possible swelling.
How long after my session will I see results?
Results with all Restylane fillers are immediate. As soon as you walk out of our offices in downtown Grand Rapids, your lines, wrinkles, hands, and other areas you may have had injected will all be their new, younger-looking selves.
Recovery After Restylane Filler
There isn’t any downtime with any Restylane® filler so you can be back to work and normal life immediately after treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
What’s most important with the use of dermal fillers or Botox® is the experience of the injector. The team at Elite has extensive training with all of these injectables, so you can be sure you’ll get the results you’re seeking.
At Elite Plastic Surgery we will provide you with guidance in selecting the best filler for your needs. Our staff are experts at helping you achieve your goals while maintaining a natural overall appearance. Schedule a consultation today to find out which Restylane product is best for you.
