What Is Restylane?

Restylane is a family of FDA-approved dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in your skin that provides hydration, structure, and volume. As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid decreases, contributing to wrinkles, sagging, and volume loss.

Restylane fillers use a proprietary technology called NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) to create a gel that, when injected beneath the skin, instantly adds volume, smooths wrinkles, and enhances facial contours. Because hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, Restylane integrates seamlessly with your tissues for results that look and feel natural.

Introduced in the United States in 2003, Restylane was the first hyaluronic acid filler approved by the FDA and has since been used in millions of treatments worldwide with an excellent safety record.

The Restylane Family of Fillers

Restylane offers a comprehensive collection of specialized products, each formulated with specific characteristics to address different areas and concerns.

Restylane®

The original Restylane is a versatile filler used to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, particularly nasolabial folds (lines from nose to mouth). It can also be used for lip enhancement. Results typically last six to 12 months.

Restylane® Lyft

Formerly known as Perlane, Restylane Lyft is a firmer filler designed for deeper injection. It’s FDA-approved for cheek augmentation and correction of age-related midface volume loss, as well as for hand rejuvenation. By restoring volume to the cheeks, Lyft provides a subtle lift that can improve the overall appearance of the midface. Results typically last up to 12 months in the cheeks and six months in the hands.

Restylane® Silk

Restylane Silk is the first FDA-approved filler specifically designed for subtle lip enhancement and smoothing lines around the mouth. Its smaller, smoother particles provide natural-looking lip augmentation and effectively treat vertical lip lines. Results typically last about six months.

Restylane® Refyne

Restylane Refyne uses XpresHAn Technology™ to create a flexible gel that moves naturally with your facial expressions. It’s designed to smooth moderate to severe laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines) while maintaining natural movement. Results typically last up to 12 months.

Restylane® Defyne

Like Refyne, Restylane Defyne uses XpresHAn Technology for natural movement, but it’s designed for deeper laugh lines and wrinkles. Its firmer formulation provides more support while still allowing natural expression. Results typically last up to 12 months.

Restylane® Kysse

The newest addition to the Restylane lip line, Kysse uses XpresHAn Technology for lip enhancement that moves naturally when you talk, smile, and kiss. It’s designed to add volume, enhance shape, and provide a natural look and feel. Results typically last up to one year.

Restylane® Contour

Designed specifically for cheek augmentation and midface contouring, Restylane Contour uses XpresHAn Technology to restore volume while maintaining natural facial expressions and movement.

What Can Restylane Treat?

The Restylane family addresses a wide range of concerns related to facial aging and enhancement.

Lips

Restylane offers multiple options for lip enhancement, from subtle definition to more noticeable volume. Restylane Silk provides delicate, natural-looking enhancement, while Restylane Kysse offers fuller results that still move naturally. Dr. Daoud can enhance lip volume, define the lip border, improve symmetry, and smooth vertical lip lines.

Cheeks and Midface

Volume loss in the cheeks is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs of aging. Restylane Lyft and Restylane Contour restore youthful cheek fullness, providing a subtle lift that can improve the overall appearance of your face.

Nasolabial Folds

The lines running from your nose to the corners of your mouth deepen as we lose midface volume. Restylane, Refyne, and Defyne can smooth these folds for a more refreshed appearance.

Marionette Lines

Lines extending from the corners of the mouth toward the chin can create a perpetually sad expression. Restylane fillers can soften these lines and restore a more pleasant resting expression.

Vertical Lip Lines

Fine lines around the mouth (sometimes called “smoker’s lines” or “lipstick lines”) can be smoothed with Restylane Silk or other appropriate fillers.

Hands

The hands often reveal our age even when our faces look youthful. Restylane Lyft is FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation, restoring lost volume to minimize the appearance of veins and tendons and create a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Under-Eye Hollows

Dark circles and hollowing under the eyes can make you look tired. When appropriate, carefully placed filler can smooth this area and reduce shadows. This delicate treatment requires an experienced injector.

Chin and Jawline

Restylane fillers can enhance chin projection and improve jawline definition for better facial balance and a more sculpted appearance.

The Restylane Treatment Experience

Getting Restylane at Glo Dermatology is a comfortable experience with minimal disruption to your day.

Your Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Daoud. She’ll examine your face, discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Daoud will explain which Restylane products are best suited for your needs and what results you can realistically expect.

The Treatment

Restylane treatments typically take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. Most Restylane products contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort during injection. Topical numbing cream can also be applied before treatment if desired.

Using fine needles or cannulas, Dr. Daoud injects the filler precisely where it’s needed. Her careful technique minimizes discomfort and helps reduce the risk of bruising.

Immediate Results

You’ll see improvement immediately after treatment. Some initial swelling is normal and will subside over the following days, revealing your final results within one to two weeks.

Aftercare

Recovery is minimal, and most patients return to normal activities right away. Dr. Daoud will provide aftercare instructions to optimize your results. Avoid touching or massaging treated areas for a few hours. Skip strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid excessive heat or sun exposure for a few days. Apply ice gently if needed to reduce swelling.

Minor swelling, redness, and tenderness are common and typically resolve within a few days. Bruising is possible but usually minimal with proper technique.

How Long Does Restylane Last?

Duration varies by product and treatment area.

Restylane (original) lasts six to 12 months. Restylane Lyft lasts up to 12 months in cheeks, six months in hands. Restylane Silk lasts approximately six months. Restylane Refyne and Defyne last up to 12 months. Restylane Kysse lasts up to one year. Restylane Contour lasts up to 12 months.

Individual results vary based on metabolism, the area treated, and other factors. Maintenance treatments help preserve your results, and many patients find they need less product over time.

Is Restylane Safe?

Restylane has been used safely for over two decades and has an excellent safety record. As a hyaluronic acid filler, it’s biocompatible and rarely causes allergic reactions.

Common side effects are mild and temporary, including swelling at injection sites, redness or tenderness, bruising, and small lumps (usually temporary and can be gently massaged).

Serious complications are rare when treatment is performed by a qualified provider. Like all hyaluronic acid fillers, Restylane can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed, providing an added safety measure.

Dr. Daoud will review your medical history to ensure Restylane is appropriate for you.

Restylane vs. JUVÉDERM

Patients often ask about the differences between Restylane and JUVÉDERM. Both are excellent hyaluronic acid filler families with proven safety and effectiveness.

The primary differences lie in their formulations and textures. Restylane products tend to have a more granular consistency, while JUVÉDERM products are smoother. These differences can make one family better suited for certain applications or patient preferences.

Dr. Daoud is experienced with both Restylane and JUVÉDERM and can recommend the best option for your specific needs. Some patients even benefit from using products from both families in different areas.

Benefits of Restylane

Patients choose Restylane for many reasons.

Proven Track Record

With over two decades of use and millions of treatments performed, Restylane has an established history of safety and effectiveness.

Natural-Looking Results

Restylane fillers integrate smoothly with your tissues for results that look and feel natural.

Versatility

The comprehensive Restylane family offers products for virtually every facial concern, from lips to cheeks to hands.

XpresHAn Technology

Select Restylane products feature XpresHAn Technology, which allows the filler to move naturally with your facial expressions.

Reversible

Like other hyaluronic acid fillers, Restylane can be dissolved if needed, providing peace of mind.

Minimal Downtime

You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment, with most side effects resolving within a few days.

Why Choose Dr. Daoud for Restylane?

Injectable treatments require skill, experience, and artistic vision. Here’s why patients trust Dr. Daoud for their Restylane treatments.

Medical Expertise

As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Daoud has extensive training in facial anatomy and injectable techniques. This expertise ensures safe treatment and excellent results.

Artistic Approach

Dr. Daoud understands that beautiful results require more than technical skill—they require an appreciation of facial aesthetics and proportion. She approaches each treatment as both a physician and an artist.

Personalized Care

At Glo Dermatology, every treatment plan is customized to your unique features and goals. Dr. Daoud takes time to understand what you want to achieve.

Comprehensive Options

Dr. Daoud can combine Restylane with other treatments like Botox, laser therapy, or skincare for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Schedule Your Restylane Consultation Today

Ready to restore youthful volume and smooth away wrinkles? Dr. Shaza Daoud and the team at Glo Dermatology are here to help you achieve natural-looking rejuvenation with Restylane dermal fillers.

Contact our Parma office today at (216) 351-7700 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, including Parma Heights, Brooklyn, Seven Hills, Independence, Middleburg Heights, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restylane

Is Restylane painful?

Most patients find Restylane treatments comfortable. The products contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort, and topical numbing cream can be applied before treatment. Most patients describe feeling only mild pressure or a slight pinch during injection.

How is Restylane different from Botox?

Restylane and Botox address different concerns. Botox relaxes muscles to smooth wrinkles caused by movement. Restylane adds volume to fill lines, restore fullness, and enhance contours. Many patients benefit from combining both treatments.

How many syringes will I need?

The number of syringes depends on the areas being treated and your desired results. During your consultation, Dr. Daoud will recommend an appropriate amount based on your goals.

When will I see results?

You’ll see results immediately after your Restylane treatment. Final results are visible once any swelling subsides, typically within one to two weeks.

Can Restylane be reversed?

Yes. Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. This provides a safety net if you’re unhappy with results or if any complications arise.

How often will I need maintenance treatments?

Most patients return for maintenance treatments every six to 12 months, depending on the product used and individual factors. Over time, many patients find they need less product to maintain their results.