Restylane Filler: Complete Product Guide

Restylane is one of the most trusted and widely used dermal filler brands in the world, with over 65 million treatments performed globally since its introduction. Manufactured by Galderma, the Restylane family includes a comprehensive range of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers designed for specific treatment areas and aesthetic goals — from subtle lip enhancement to dramatic cheek volumizing. Understanding the distinct properties, ideal applications, and expected results of each Restylane product is essential for both patients choosing their treatment and practitioners selecting the right tool for each clinical situation.

About the Restylane Brand

Restylane was the first HA filler to receive FDA approval in the United States in 2003, pioneering the modern era of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Manufactured by Galderma (a global leader in dermatological solutions), Restylane products are made from non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) — a synthetic form of the naturally occurring HA found in human skin. This means there is no risk of animal-derived allergic reactions, and no allergy testing is required before treatment.

Over the years, Galderma has expanded the Restylane family to address virtually every area of the face and hands, using two proprietary technologies. The original NASHA technology creates a firm, particulate gel ideal for structural support and well-defined placement. The newer XpresHAn (Express Hyaluronic Acid) technology creates a more flexible, cohesive gel that moves naturally with facial expressions, making it ideal for dynamic areas like the lips and perioral region. Understanding the differences between these technologies is a key component of injectable certification training.

Restylane (Original)

The original Restylane product remains a versatile workhorse in the filler family. It uses NASHA technology to create a transparent gel with medium firmness, suitable for treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, lip augmentation, and under-eye hollowing. Restylane is particularly popular for nasolabial fold treatment, marionette lines, and moderate lip enhancement where a natural, not overly voluminous result is desired.

Results are immediate, and the product typically lasts 6 to 12 months depending on the treatment area and individual metabolism. Lips tend to metabolize filler faster (6-9 months) than less mobile areas like the nasolabial folds (9-12 months). The product contains lidocaine for injection comfort. Cost ranges from $400 to $700 per syringe, with most patients needing 1 to 2 syringes per treatment session.

Restylane Lyft

Restylane Lyft (formerly Perlane-L) is the volumizing powerhouse of the Restylane family. It uses larger NASHA gel particles than original Restylane, providing greater lift and projection for mid-face volumizing and cheek augmentation. Restylane Lyft is FDA-approved for both cheek augmentation and correction of age-related volume deficit in the backs of the hands, making it one of the most versatile volumizing fillers available.

For cheek augmentation, Restylane Lyft is typically injected deep — at the periosteal or subcutaneous level — where its firm consistency provides excellent structural support and visible lift. The product creates natural-looking cheekbone definition and addresses mid-face volume loss that contributes to nasolabial fold deepening, under-eye hollowing, and overall facial sagging. Results last 12 to 18 months in the cheeks and up to 6 months in the hands. Cost ranges from $700 to $1,000 per syringe, with most cheek treatments requiring 1 to 2 syringes per side.

Restylane Kysse

Restylane Kysse is Galderma's premium lip filler, designed specifically for lip augmentation and the correction of upper perioral lines (vertical lip lines or "smoker's lines"). It uses XpresHAn technology, which creates a uniquely flexible gel that integrates naturally with the lip tissue and moves fluidly with facial expressions. This technology addresses one of the common complaints about older lip fillers — the feeling of stiffness or unnaturalness when smiling, talking, or kissing.

Clinical studies demonstrate that Restylane Kysse produces natural-looking lip enhancement with excellent patient satisfaction scores. The product provides soft, flexible volume that feels natural to the touch while maintaining defined shape and structure. Results last approximately 6 to 12 months, with some studies showing results persisting up to 12 months in many patients. Cost ranges from $500 to $800 per syringe. Kysse has become a preferred choice among lip filler specialists for its natural movement and patient satisfaction.

Restylane Silk

Restylane Silk is the most refined product in the Restylane line, designed for subtle lip enhancement and smoothing of fine lines around the mouth (perioral rhytids). It uses the smallest and smoothest NASHA particles of any Restylane product, allowing for precise, delicate work in areas where subtlety is paramount. Silk was the first FDA-approved product specifically for lip augmentation and perioral line treatment.

Restylane Silk is ideal for patients who want very subtle lip enhancement rather than dramatic volume, patients seeking to smooth fine vertical lip lines that lipstick "bleeds" into, first-time lip filler patients who prefer a conservative starting point, and mature patients whose lip lines and lip volume need simultaneous attention. Results are softer and more subtle than Kysse or original Restylane, lasting approximately 6 months. Cost ranges from $400 to $650 per syringe.

Restylane Defyne and Refyne

Restylane Defyne and Restylane Refyne are sister products that both use XpresHAn technology for natural movement in dynamic areas, but differ in their support level. Defyne is the firmer of the two, designed for deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines where stronger support is needed to lift and smooth deep creases. Refyne is softer, designed for moderate laugh lines where a lighter touch and more natural flexibility are desired.

The XpresHAn technology in both products allows them to maintain their shape during facial movement while feeling completely natural at rest. This is a significant advantage over older fillers that could sometimes create visible lumps or ridges during certain expressions. Defyne and Refyne are frequently used in combination — Defyne for deeper segments of the nasolabial fold and Refyne for the shallower, more mobile portions — creating a seamless, natural result. Both products last 12 to 18 months and cost $500 to $800 per syringe.

Restylane Contour

Restylane Contour is the newest addition to the Restylane family, FDA-approved in 2022 specifically for mid-face contouring and cheek augmentation. Like Kysse, Defyne, and Refyne, Contour uses XpresHAn technology, but with a formulation optimized for the cheek area. This gives it a unique combination of flexibility and support — it provides the lift needed for cheek augmentation while moving naturally with facial expressions.

Contour fills an important gap in the Restylane lineup. While Lyft uses firm NASHA technology for maximum structural support (ideal for patients needing significant volume restoration), Contour offers a softer, more dynamic alternative for patients who want cheek enhancement that feels completely natural during movement. Clinical studies show high patient satisfaction scores for natural appearance both at rest and during expression. Results last approximately 12 to 18 months. Cost is comparable to Lyft at $700 to $1,000 per syringe.

Restylane vs Juvederm

Restylane (Galderma) and Juvederm (Allergan/AbbVie) are the two dominant HA filler families in the United States, and patients frequently ask how they compare. Both brands are FDA-approved, use biocompatible hyaluronic acid, contain lidocaine, and have excellent safety profiles with decades of clinical use. The differences lie in their manufacturing technologies and resulting gel properties.

In practice, many experienced injectors use products from both families, selecting the product that best matches each patient's treatment area and goals. For example, some practitioners prefer Restylane Kysse for lips and Juvederm Voluma for cheeks, or vice versa. The "best" product is ultimately the one that achieves the patient's desired results in the hands of a skilled injector. Comprehensive filler training programs cover products from multiple manufacturers to give practitioners maximum flexibility.