Restylane®

A typical Restylane treatment session takes about 20–45 minutes, depending on the treatment areas and whether you are using a single hyaluronic acid filler or a range of fillers. During your appointment, we will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine which dermal filler is best suited for your needs.

Before your Restylane treatments, your provider will review your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and discuss potential risks, especially if you use blood-thinning medications or have bleeding disorders. To minimize bruising, you may be advised to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements before your injections. After the procedure, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, direct sun exposure, and heat for 24–48 hours, as these can increase swelling.

You will notice results immediately after your Restylane contour filler is injected, as the hyaluronic acid gel adds volume and fullness right away. Over the next few days, the filler settles into place, creating soft, natural-looking results. Individual results vary by age, health, treatment area, and the specific formula used, but most patients enjoy a refreshed, more youthful appearance for several months.

Restylane fillers are considered safe for most patients, including those with sensitive skin or individuals experiencing their first dermal filler treatment. Developed with biocompatible hyaluronic acid HA, Restylane is designed to mimic substances already found in the skin, offering excellent safety and predictable outcomes.

Restylane can absolutely be combined with other aesthetic procedures to enhance contour, fullness, and overall facial harmony. Many patients pair Restylane Defyne, Refyne, or Lyft with treatments like Botox, skin resurfacing, or laser therapy for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Combining treatments allows your provider to address wrinkles, restore cheek volume, and refine lip augmentation in a single, customized plan.

Different Restylane formulations vary in firmness and flexibility, allowing providers to select products that move naturally in dynamic areas like the lips while offering structure and lift in areas such as the cheeks or jawline.

Restylane is often combined with neuromodulators or collagen-stimulating treatments as part of a comprehensive facial balancing plan.

Skin thickness, elasticity, and underlying structure influence how filler settles, which is why treatment is always customized rather than one-size-fits-all.

Because Restylane is hyaluronic acid–based, it can be carefully adjusted or dissolved if subtle refinements are desired once swelling resolves.

The duration of Restylane results varies depending on which specific Restylane product is used, the treatment area, individual metabolism, and lifestyle factors. On average, Restylane results last between 6 and 18 months. Many patients choose to schedule touch-up treatments before the filler completely dissipates to maintain their results.

The Restylane family comprises several formulations, each with specific properties to address different aesthetic concerns and facial areas. The key differences lie in the cross-linking technology and particle size of the hyaluronic acid gel; tighter cross-linking creates firmer products for structural support (like Lyft), while looser cross-linking allows for more flexibility and natural movement (like Refyne and Kysse).

Restylane injections are often called "lunchtime procedures" because they typically involve minimal downtime, though some temporary side effects are normal. Most patients can return to work and normal activities immediately after treatment, though you may want to avoid important social events for 24-48 hours to allow initial swelling and potential bruising to subside.

Restylane is generally well-tolerated, but, like any injectable treatment, it can cause common, expected side effects. The most frequent side effects include temporary swelling, redness, pain, bruising, and tenderness at the injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days to a week. These reactions are usually mild to moderate and are part of the normal healing process.

The cost of Restylane treatments varies based on the number of syringes required to achieve your desired results. On average, Restylane costs between $500 and $800 per syringe. Berman Plastic Surgery offers package pricing for multiple syringes or combination treatments, which can reduce costs.

Yes, one significant advantage of hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane is that they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if you're dissatisfied with your results or experience complications. This provides an important safety net and peace of mind for patients trying fillers for the first time or those concerned about potential asymmetry or overcorrection.

Most Restylane products contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which helps minimize discomfort during injection, and additional numbing options are available to enhance comfort. Many patients describe the sensation as a slight pinch, pressure, or stinging that lasts only a few seconds at each injection site. Pain tolerance varies significantly among individuals, and sensitivity can differ across treatment areas.

Determining the appropriate number of Restylane syringes requires a personalized assessment based on your specific concerns, anatomy, aesthetic goals, and budget. First-time patients often benefit from a conservative approach, starting with fewer syringes and adding more in a follow-up session if desired, rather than risking overfilling. Keep in mind that individual anatomy, tissue characteristics, and product absorption rates vary, so what works for one person may differ for another.

Restylane is formulated to stay where it's placed, and modern formulations use cross-linking technology that helps the gel maintain its position in the tissue. However, several factors can contribute to migration: using too much product, injecting too superficially, placing filler in areas with excessive movement, or massage and manipulation of the area too soon after treatment. To minimize migration risk, choose an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy and uses conservative amounts with proper placement techniques.

The FDA has approved Restylane products for use in patients 21 years of age and older. This age restriction is in place because facial development continues into the early twenties, and the FDA's clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy were conducted in adult populations. Most aesthetic professionals recommend that younger individuals focus on preventive measures like sun protection, good skincare, and healthy lifestyle habits before pursuing injectables.