What is Restylane®?
Restylane® is a safe, and natural cosmetic dermal filler that enhances the youthfulness of your face by restoring volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles, folds, and furrows. It is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body.
The hyaluronic acid contained in Restylane is hydrophilic or “water-loving,” meaning that once injected into the face, Restylane maintains its shape by binding to the body’s own moisture. It is this ability to bind with water that helps provide results lasting up to six months. And because Restylane is free from animal proteins, the risk of allergic reactions or the transmission of animal-based disease is limited. Restylane has been used in more than 1.5 million treatments in over 60 countries. It is only available through a licensed practitioner and has helped hundreds of men and women restore and rejuvenate facial features.
Who is a candidate for Restylane®?
Restylane® is an excellent treatment option for adults of all ages. While there are situations in which a surgical lift will achieve optimal results, Restylane® fillers have been designed to improve mild to severe wrinkles, creases, and volume-loss issues. If you are a healthy adult, are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and can understand what dermal fillers can and cannot achieve for you after talking with one of our providers, then you may be an ideal candidate for treatment. The image on the right is after Restylane Contour.
Is Restylane® safe?
Since 1996, over 1.5 million Restylane® treatments have been safely administered by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in more than 60 countries. Restylane® has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States for the treatment of facial wrinkles and volume deficits in the backs of the hands. Restylane® is free from animal proteins so the risk of allergic reactions or the transmission of animal-based disease is limited and Restylane® treatments produce a low occurrence of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and mild swelling at the injection site. During your initial consultation, a staff member at West End Plastic Surgery will address any safety concerns you have regarding the use of Restylane®.
Want to see more of the incredible transformations our talented team of skilled surgeons, nurses, and aesthetic experts can achieve? Check out our gallery for amazing before and after images! From surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, our experts deliver stunning results that help our patients look and feel their best. Click the link to explore!
Types of Restylane® Filler
The Restylane line of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers is the broadest portfolio of fillers in the United States, including:
- Restylane Kysse
- Restylane Contour
- Restylane Eyelight
- Restylane Lyft
- Restylane Refyne
- Restylane Defyne
- Restylane Silk
- Restylane-L
Restylane® Kysse
Restylane® Kysse is a uniquely soft and cushiony hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is designed specifically for the lips. It can be injected into the body of the upper and lower lips to correct deflation or build natural-looking fullness, and may also be injected into the fine lines that can develop around the mouth. Made with XpresHAn Technology™, Restylane® Kysse does not cause the lips to look or feel firm; they remain kissably soft.
Restylane® Contour
Restylane Contour is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler specifically designed to restore volume and enhance the shape and definition of the cheeks. It utilizes XpresHAn Technology, which allows the filler to move naturally with facial expressions, providing a flexible, soft, and natural-looking result. This makes it ideal for patients seeking cheek augmentation that maintains a natural appearance, even with dynamic facial movements. Restylane Contour can also help create subtle lift and improve overall facial balance.
Restylane® Eyelight ™
Say goodbye to dark under-eye shadows and brighten up your look with Restylane® Eyelight™! It's a hyaluronic acid injectable filler for the treatment of the tear trough area that reduces dark under-eye shadows and grooves and stops your eyes from looking tired. A small amount of Eyelight™ is placed under the eye to fill the groove. With the groove filled and the volume replaced, shadows and dark circles under the eyes will decrease, giving you a refreshed and less tired appearance.
Shadows and dark circles under the eyes can be caused by many things, such as hyperpigmentation or superficial veins. Eyebags and puffiness can also contribute. However, in the majority of cases, a lack of volume below the eyes is what creates the hollows that make us look tired. The area that is affected by volume loss is often called the “tear trough”. The tear trough area starts at the inner corner of the eye and forms a half-circle under the eye.
- Replenish lost volume, lift, and smoothen the tear trough area
- Visibly reduce signs of fatigue by reducing shadows and the hollow under the eyes
- Produce natural-looking, long-lasting results
- No downtime
Restylane® Lyft
With age and the loss of collagen and elastin, the face changes shape. It may look flat across the cheek area and wider or droopy at the jawline. Restylane® Lyft is formulated specifically for volumizing and lifting. It is formulated with more density than other Restylane® products so that it may be deposited into deeper layers of the skin to create more youthful contours. In addition to enhancing the cheek contours, Lyft may be used to smooth deeper wrinkles and creases.
Restylane® Refyne and Defyne
Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne are FDA-approved to smooth smile and laugh lines. These fillers are designed with XpresHAn Technology™, which creates a smooth, injectable gel that can give the skin a natural, soft look, and is proven to maintain natural movement in the lower part of the face. Since the lower part of the face is constantly in motion, it’s important to use a filler that supports natural movement and facial expressions. Results with Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne are clinically proven to last up to 12 months. The image on the right is after chin & cheek filler by Rahma Scott.
Restylane® Silk
Restylane Silk was the first FDA-approved filler specifically designed for lip augmentation and the smoothing of wrinkles around the mouth. Restylane Silk is designed specifically to provide natural-looking results in these areas, due to its unique formulation. The lip area is the second most common treatment area on the face, and Restylane Silk provides a solution for patients interested in subtly enhancing this area.
Restylane Silk was approved in 2015 and has a proven safety record with results that last up to six months. Restylane Silk also became the first and only lip filler FDA approved to be injected via cannula, a thin, flexible tube with a small opening that may help minimize patient bruising and downtime.
Restylane®-L
With more than 20 years of clinical legacy, Restylane was the world’s first hyaluronic acid filler. Restylane-L is FDA-approved to help correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, including the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds) and the lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin (marionette lines), and for enhancement of the lips.
Non-Surgical Nose Job (“Liquid Rhinoplasty”)
Interested in a Rhinoplasty but don’t want surgery or you’re not ready? Did you know that we can use Hyaluronic Acid Fillers in your nose to shape, contour, and sometimes mimic surgical results? In this video, Dr. Lexie Wang is discussing “Liquid Rhinoplasties”, also known as a non-surgical nose job. She explains the procedure and its advantages, as well as who is a good candidate and the risks.
Are Restylane® Injections painful?
No. Dermal filler injections are not only convenient but they are also virtually painless. That said, injections are injections. You will feel a slight poke or pinching sensation during your procedure, but it should not be painful. For women, it can be advantageous to schedule injectable treatments mid-cycle rather than close to menstruation. If you are concerned about discomfort, talk to your provider ahead of time to determine which over-the-counter pain reliever you might take to enhance your pain tolerance without increasing your risk of swelling and bruising.
Will there be different results based on which type of Restylane® you use?
Yes and no. Yes, results will be different in terms of softness or structure and longevity. No, results won’t be different in terms of the beautiful, natural appearance we achieve. Our experienced providers select the most appropriate Restylane® formula based on your skin and your desired improvements. During your consultation, we can discuss the expected outcome as it relates to these factors.
Can you combine different Restylane® products in one treatment?
Yes! Many people combine various Restylane® products into one appointment. Each product has the same base ingredient, but each is formulated with unique characteristics. For example, based on the product descriptions on this page, Restylane® Refyne and Defyne are made with XpresHAn Technology™ that moves with the most movable parts of the face, whereas Restylane® Silk is formulated with an ultra-soft composition that is perfect for the lips. When you visit us for your dermal filler consultation, we can discuss which product or combination of products would be ideal for you.
Restylane® Treatment
Restylane®, a crystal clear gel, is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultra-fine needle. The gel fills the skin’s wrinkles and depressions by plumping the skin with water-binding, naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. The doctor may numb the treated area, however, there is minimal discomfort during or after the procedure. The procedure is simple and convenient and results are practically instantaneous.
Restylane® treatments produce a low occurrence of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and mild swelling at the injection site. Both the redness and the swelling generally disappear within seven days of your treatment.
Restylane® Pre Treatment Instructions:
- Prior to your Restylane treatment please make sure you have not been taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other blood thinning medication or supplement for 5-7 days.
- Please come to your appointment with clean skin, free of any make-up or lotions/creams.
- If you have a history of facial cold sores, please inform your provider about medications that may be taken to minimize risk of reoccurrence.
Restylane® Post treatment Instructions:
- A temporary amount of mild-moderate swelling and redness at the injection site can be expected immediately after treatment. This is a normal occurrence and will reduce over the next few days. Cold compresses or ice packs may be applied to the area as needed for comfort.
- Bruising at the injection site is a commonly reported side effect. The extent and duration of bruising can be decreased by applying cold compresses and using a topical arnica gel within the first 24 hours after treatment.
- It is normal to experience some tenderness at treatment site for a few days.
- The injection site may be gently washed a few hours after treatment. Please avoid aggressive scrubbing, rubbing, or exfoliation until swelling and redness subsides.
- Makeup may be applied shortly after treatment unless otherwise noted by treatment provider. Please make sure to apply gently over treatment site.
- Avoid exercise or alcohol for 6 hours after treatment.
- Do not have laser, microdermabrasion, chemical peel, or any other aggressive treatments over treatment site for a minimum of 2 weeks.
- It is not uncommon to feel irregularities or undulations under the skin when pressing on the treated area, please do not massage unless otherwise directed by your provider.
- Sunbathing or excessive UV exposure should be avoided until the redness and swelling has subsided.
Is there recovery involved with Restylane®?
No. You may return to work and other light activities right away after your Restylane® treatment. While there is no downtime after Restylane® injections, there are suggestions to help you maximize the efficacy of your treatment and avoid unnecessary side effects. To ensure that Restylane® does not migrate away from injection sites, providers suggest that patients avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat, and massage of the treatment area for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment. This means you should not schedule a massage or dentist appointment within a few days after your visit with us. In addition to postponing strenuous exercise or other activities for 24 to 48 hours, you should also be very mindful of sun exposure. Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when you go outdoors and do not schedule an appointment at your tanning salon.
How long does Restylane® last?
The unique hydrophilic nature of Restylane delivers results that generally last for about six months. And, because Restylane binds to the water in your body, its cosmetic effects are maintained until the injected material is nearly gone. Of course, individual results may vary and it is best to discuss your individual case with Dr. Ruff and the team at West End Plastic Surgery during your initial consultation.
How often can you receive Restylane® Treatment?
The body naturally contains hyaluronic acid, the base ingredient in all Restylane® products, and it naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid with repetitive use. Retreatment can be scheduled according to the speed at which the product is broken down, and this can vary based on several factors, including sun exposure. On average, more structural Restylane® products, such as Refyne and Defyne, can last 18 months or more. Softer, subtler fillers that are ideal for fine lines and lip augmentation may last up to 12 months. Every situation is unique so we encourage our patients to check in with their results, and with us, periodically.
"I have nothing but good things to say about this practice and Sabrina Pham, the nurse injector who took care of me! Sabrina talked me through my concerns and we decided to do some cheek, chin and a touch of jawline filler. She was so attentive during the consultation and really made sure that all of my questions were answered. During the injections, she was so caring and made sure I was comfortable. And most importantly, I LOVE my results. Even though it sounds like I got a lot of filler, my face still looks like my face, just more awake and maybe 10 years younger (which is exactly what I asked for!). Less important but worth noting, their office is gorgeous and everyone I interacted with was very kind. Highly recommend!"
Schedule a Restylane® treatment consultation in D.C.!
If you wish to learn more about Restylane® or any of the other dermal fillers offered at West End Plastic Surgery, please give us a call at 202-785-4187 today! Or, you can also fill out the form in our contact page, and our office will help you set up your appointment with one of our talented physicians. We look forward to serving you!