Restylane®: How it Works, Benefits & What to Expect
Refresh your look with hyaluronic acid fillers that smooth lines, restore volume, and enhance natural features. Learn how Restylane works and what to expect from treatment.
What is Restylane®?
Restylane® is an FDA-approved family of dermal fillers made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the skin. It restores lost volume, smooths wrinkles, and enhances facial features. Restylane is particularly valued for its variety of formulations, allowing tailored results for lips, cheeks, under-eyes, and facial lines.
The science in simple terms
Hyaluronic acid works like a sponge, drawing in water to plump and hydrate the skin. Restylane’s HA gels come in different particle sizes and consistencies, designed to move naturally with your expressions while maintaining support where needed.
What makes Restylane unique: It was the first FDA-approved HA filler in the U.S. (2003). Its broad portfolio includes specialized fillers like Restylane Kysse (for lips), Restylane Lyft (for cheeks), and Restylane Eyelight (for under-eye hollows).
FDA Approval
Restylane received initial FDA approval in 2003 for facial wrinkles and folds. Since then, multiple formulations have been approved for lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, and tear trough correction.
Global Popularity
With over 50 million treatments performed worldwide, Restylane is one of the most widely used and trusted filler families in the world.
Fast Facts
Treatment Time
15-45 minutes (depending on areas treated).
Downtime
Minimal – slight swelling or bruising may occur, but most return to daily activities quickly.
Onset
Immediate volume improvement, with refined results as swelling resolves.
Longevity
6-18 months (varies by product and treatment area).
Best For
Wrinkles, folds, lip enhancement, under-eye correction, cheek lift, jawline contour.
Unique Advantage
Diverse portfolio designed for flexibility and natural-looking results, even in delicate areas like the lips and tear troughs.
Note: Individual results may vary. Consult with our Restylane Cape Coral specialists for personalized treatment recommendations.
How Juvederm Works
A helpful analogy
Think of Restylane as a personalized toolkit. Each formula is designed for a specific area, so your injector can choose the right option to enhance your features without looking “overdone”.
Treatment Philosophy
The most natural Restylane® results come from a tailored approach, balancing artistry and medical precision.
Our approach includes:
When Restylane is approached this way, results feel like you, just more refreshed and at ease.
Ready to See the Results of Restylane?
Now that you know how Restylane works, let’s personalize it for you. Our Cape Coral specialists create treatment plans that keep you looking refreshed, not frozen.
Restylane Timeline
Most people see immediate improvements, with results that refine as swelling subsides. Here’s what most patients can expect:
| Stage | What happens | When you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation & Treatment | Review goals, map facial anatomy, inject Restylane (15-45 minutes) | Day 0 |
| Initial Look | Fuller, smoother results with some swelling | Same day – Day 2 |
| Refined Results | Swelling subsides, natural look emerges | ~1-2 weeks |
| Longevity | Gradual fading as HA metabolizes | 6-18 months |
| Maintenance | Touch-ups as needed | Every 6-12 months |
*Timing varies based on product selection, metabolism, and treatment area.
Compare Dermal Fillers
All four options are FDA-approved and effective. They differ in material, feel, and how long results last. The right choice depends on your goals, facial anatomy, and timeline.
| Product | Onset | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restylane | Immediate | Typically 6-18 months | HA family with specialized products for lips (Kysse), cheeks (Lyft), and under-eyes (Eyelight). Flexible and reversible. |
| Juvederm | Immediate | Typically 6-18 months | Smooth HA gels for folds, lips, cheeks, and jawline. Wide FDA approvals. Reversible. |
| Radiesse | Immediate | Often 12–18 months | Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. Adds structure and stimulates collagen. Great for folds, jawline, and hands. Not reversible. |
| Sculptra | Gradual (weeks) | 2+ years | Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator. Results build over a series of sessions. Best for global facial rejuvenation and skin quality. Not for instant lip plumping. Not reversible. |
Guidance: Restylane and Juvederm are great first choices since they’re reversible and versatile. Radiesse and Sculptra are long-lasting biostimulatory fillers. Your provider will help match the right option to your goals.
Restylane Treatment Areas
Restylane® is versatile, with specialized options for nearly every facial zone.
Primary Treatment Areas
Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Smooths creases from nose to mouth.
Marionette lines
Softens shadows at mouth corners.
Lips
Adds natural volume and definition (Kysse).
Cheeks
Restores lift and contour (Lyft).
Under-eyes (tear troughs)
Fills hollows and dark shadows (Eyelight).
Advanced Treatment Areas
Chin & jawline
Defines and sharpens profile.
Temples
Restores fullness for balance.
Fine lines
Improves smoker’s lines and perioral wrinkles.
Who is Restylane for?
Best candidates:
Good to know:
How to Prepare for Restylane
Preparation is simple. For best results:
Your practitioner will review every step so you feel prepared and confident before treatment.
Restylane Aftercare
There’s little to no downtime after Juvederm, but following these tips helps your results last:
When to Avoid Restylane
Absolute Contraindications:
Always consult your provider if you have medical conditions that may affect treatment safety.
Choosing the Right Restylane Provider
Your results depend as much on your injector as the product. A skilled provider ensures your outcome looks refreshed and natural. Look for:
The right provider should make you feel comfortable, informed, and confident about your treatment – so your results look refreshed, never overdone.
Restylane Before and After Photos
Restylane restores smoothness, volume, and youthful contours while keeping your natural beauty intact. Results highlight softer lines, plumper lips, and balanced facial proportions.
Individual results may vary. These photos are examples of the natural improvements possible with Juvederm fillers.
Restylane FAQs
What is Restylane?
Restylane is a family of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers designed to smooth wrinkles, restore lost volume, and enhance natural facial features.
What areas can Restylane treat?
It is commonly used to soften smile lines, smooth marionette lines, plump lips, lift cheeks, define the jawline, and reduce under-eye hollows.
How long does Restylane last?
Results typically last 6 to 18 months depending on the product used, treatment area, and individual factors such as skin type and metabolism.
Is Restylane safe?
Yes. Restylane is FDA-approved and has been widely studied. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site.
How soon will I see results from Restylane?
Results are visible immediately after treatment, with final results appearing as any minor swelling or redness resolves within a few days.
How does Restylane compare to other fillers?
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler known for its firmer texture and precision. Juvéderm is smoother, while options like Sculptra and Radiesse stimulate collagen for longer-term results.
Learn More About Restylane Treatments
Want to dive deeper into Restylane®? Explore these helpful guides:
Coming Soon
Book Your Restylane® Consultation
Ready to smooth fine lines and refresh your look? A personalized consultation will help determine if Restylane® is right for you and how it can best achieve your goals. You’ll meet with an experienced injector, review your treatment options, and create a plan designed to deliver natural-looking results — so you look like yourself, just more refreshed.
Where is Restylane Available?
Refresh MedSpa provides Restylane® treatments throughout Southwest Florida:
Have Questions?
Choosing an aesthetic treatment is a personal decision. If you’re exploring options, our team is here to help you understand how treatments work, what to expect, and how they can be tailored to your goals.
Connect with us through the contact form, and we’ll answer your questions and guide you toward the next step in your journey.