What is Restylane?
Restylane is a brand family of hyaluronic acid fillers from Galderma. It is not a single product but a group of products designed for different areas and purposes.
Products in the Restylane range are made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel, and some contain lidocaine to reduce discomfort during treatment. Galderma has developed lines within this range based on different cross-linking technologies. Some products are described as firmer and more shape-retaining, others as more flexible and designed to adapt to facial movement. Product names and indications can vary from country to country.
Restylane is one of the hyaluronic acid filler brands that patients frequently ask about. A brand name alone does not determine suitability, however. What matters is that the chosen product fits the treatment area, is authentic and registered in Türkiye, and is placed with a technique based on sound anatomical knowledge. It is not accurate to rank brands against one another in general terms; the choice is made by the doctor according to the needs of the area.
Where can Restylane be used?
The Restylane range includes products for the lips, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, fine lines and skin quality. Which product is used depends on its approved indication and the doctor’s assessment.
Softer, more flexible products may be chosen for the lips, products that offer more support for the mid-face and chin, and more fluid products for fine lines and skin quality. The Restylane range also includes products often referred to as skin boosters, which aim to improve hydration and skin quality rather than add volume. Indications are defined on the product label and can differ between countries.
The fact that Restylane has a product designed for an area does not mean that product suits that area in every person. Tissue thickness, previous treatments and facial proportions all influence product choice. Taking products from other manufacturers into account as well, the doctor decides at an in-person consultation which option fits the needs of the area. You can always ask your doctor to explain the reasoning behind the choice.
What is Restylane treatment like and how long does it last?
Treatment is similar to other hyaluronic acid fillers and is carried out with a needle or cannula after assessment. Duration varies with the product and area, often ranging from several months to over a year.
Once the treatment area has been agreed at consultation, the skin is cleansed, a numbing cream may be applied and the product is placed slowly and in a controlled way at the appropriate depth. The duration of the appointment depends on how many areas are treated. If several areas are treated, a different product may be chosen for each and the plan built up in stages. A short observation period and aftercare advice follow.
Swelling, redness and bruising may occur in the first days and usually settle within a few days. The final result is generally assessed after two to four weeks. The effect may last less time in mobile areas such as the lips and longer in less mobile areas such as the chin and cheeks; these durations vary from person to person and cannot be predicted precisely. A follow-up appointment allows the result to be reviewed.
What are the risks and limits of Restylane?
The risks are similar to other hyaluronic acid fillers: swelling, bruising, tenderness and, rarely, vascular occlusion or delayed reactions. Because Restylane contains hyaluronic acid, it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed.
Rare but serious risks such as vascular occlusion relate more to the anatomy of the area and the injection technique than to the brand. Alongside the product itself, the doctor’s anatomical knowledge, choice of instrument and layer, slow injection and readiness to manage complications all matter. Having hyaluronidase available is part of this readiness. If you notice increasing pain or a change in skin colour after treatment, contact your doctor without delay.
Restylane does not replace surgery where sagging or excess skin needs to be corrected. Treatment is avoided or postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with an active infection or with a known allergy to an ingredient. To confirm authenticity and traceability, you can check the box, the batch number and registration details for Türkiye. Sharing details of previous treatments also helps your doctor plan safely.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Restylane and Juvederm?
Both are hyaluronic acid filler ranges, made by different manufacturers with different cross-linking technologies. Neither is superior in general; the choice depends on the area and the properties of the product.
How long does Restylane last?
It depends on the product, area, amount and your metabolism. A personal estimate can be given at consultation once the product and area have been decided.
Is Restylane used for lips?
The Restylane range includes products designed for the lips. Which product suits your lips is decided after assessing their structure and your expectations.
Is a Restylane skin booster a filler?
Products referred to as skin boosters aim to improve hydration and skin quality rather than add noticeable volume, so they are used for a different purpose from a classic filler.
What is Restylane Kysse?
Restylane Kysse is a hyaluronic acid filler in the Restylane range designed for lip volume and lip contour, and it contains lidocaine. The manufacturer describes Restylane Kysse as flexible enough to adapt to the movement of the lips. Whether Restylane Kysse suits your lips depends on their structure and the volume you are aiming for, and its registration status in Türkiye should also be checked.
Is Restylane used for the backs of the hands?
Yes, some Restylane products are approved in some countries for volume loss on the backs of the hands. They can soften the veins and tendons that become more visible as the skin there thins with age. Swelling and tenderness can last a few days after hand treatment; the Turkish labelling for this use, and whether it suits you, should be discussed with your doctor beforehand.
How many sessions of Restylane Skinboosters are needed?
Restylane Skinboosters are often given as an initial course of around three sessions a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions roughly every six months. Changes in skin hydration and texture are noticed gradually as the sessions progress rather than after a single session. The number and spacing of sessions can be adapted to your skin, age and goals.
How do the different Restylane lines differ for the patient?
Restylane lines are made with different cross-linking technologies, which the patient experiences as differences in the gel’s firmness, flexibility and behaviour during facial movement. More shape-retaining Restylane products may be preferred where support is needed, such as the chin and cheeks, and more flexible ones for mobile areas such as the lips and around the mouth. The line is chosen to suit the area.
Sources (2)
- U.S. FDA: RESTYLANE INJECTABLE GEL, P040024 (Premarket Approval record) (2005)
- Metelitsa A et al. (J Cosmet Dermatol): Simplifying the injector's armamentarium: An international consensus regarding the use of gel science to differentiate hyaluronic acid fillers and guide treatment recommendations (2024)
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.