Woman getting facial fillers.
Restylane
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Last Updated On: April 16, 2024

Decoding Restylane: Understanding the Lifecycle of Dermal Fillers

Published on: Apr 4, 2024

Each year, over a million people get dermal fillers. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, dermal fillers are the second most popular non-surgical procedure, accounting for 30% of all non-surgical operations.

Restylane, a hyaluronic acid filler, is one of the leading brands for dermal fillers. It provides a wide range of products that target different areas and address specific needs, making it a popular choice among users and practitioners. However, its effects and longevity vary among people and can be affected by many factors, like the type of product used or the userā€™s lifestyle. 

In this article, we will discuss the lifecycle of Restylane dermal fillers, the factors that affect it, and how patients can maintain its effects. 

Key Takeaways

  • Doctors use Restylane, a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, to smooth wrinkles and add volume. It safely breaks down in the body.
  • The effects of Restylane fillers can last 6 to 18 months, depending on the type used and the injection site. Your body’s metabolism also affects how long the results stay.
  • If needed, you can reverse the changes made by Restylane with a special injectable treatment.
  • Regular follow-up treatments help keep up the results. How often you need them depends on age, skin type, and health.

What is Restylane? 

Restylane is a popular dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid (HA). Doctors use it to smooth wrinkles, bring back fullness, and make small changes in the face. This filler comes from non-animal sources and is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down over time in the body.

Different Formulations of Restylane

The various types of Restylane products cater to specific needs. Whether filling deep lines or adding volume to lips, these fillers have become vital tools in managing facial aging without surgery: 

  • The Original Restylane: This classic formula helps smooth out nasolabial folds. It’s also great for plumping thin lips, giving them a fuller look.
  • Restylane Lyft: For those needing a lift in the cheek area or seeking to diminish severe wrinkles. It adds volume and can help with facial contours that have lost fullness.
  • Restylane Defyne: This product targets deep laugh and marionette lines without stiffening the face. Itā€™s perfect for maintaining movement while reducing wrinkles.
  • Restylane Refyne: For fine lines that need softening, Refyne is your go-to. It smooths out light wrinkles while keeping your face looking natural during any expression.
  • Restylane Silk: Silk is specifically designed for the lips and around the mouth area. It gives a soft, silky plump to your lips and smooths out lines around them, perfect for a natural-looking boost.

How Restylane Works to Enhance Facial Features

Exploring Restylane’s different formulations reveals its versatility in facial enhancement. Restylane uses HA to boost skin hydration and volume, making it a key player in softening wrinkles and improving face contours.

It fills spaces where the skin has lost its fullness, leading to a smoother, more youthful appearance. This filler plumps up areas needing volume and encourages the body to produce more HA naturally.

Lifecycle of Dermal Fillers

Woman getting facial filler.

Initial Injection Process

Medical professionals must use their knowledge of anatomy and injection techniques knowledge to achieve the best results. Hereā€™s how it usually goes:

  • The doctor talks with the patient about their goals and examines their face. This step decides where Restylane needs to go to make the face look its best. 
  • When the patient is ready, the doctor will apply alcohol or disinfectant to the area where they inject Restylane. 
  • A topical anesthetic can be applied to the skin to ease the patientā€™s discomfort. 
  • The doctor marks the skin to guide precise injections. These temporary marks help place Restylane where it can add volume or smooth out wrinkles.
  • The doctor then uses a fine needle or a blunt-tip cannula to inject Restylane slowly under the skin. 
  • They check symmetry and results as they go along, ensuring both sides of the face look even and natural. 
  • Ice may follow to reduce swelling or bruising at injection sites right after the treatment.
  • The last step is post-treatment advice, guiding patients to care for their skin for lasting results.

Integration Into the Skin

After the initial injection, dermal fillers like Restylane integrate into the skin. This integration is crucial for achieving natural-looking results. The filler’s composition plays a significant role in blending with the skin tissues, ensuring a harmonious appearance without lumps or bumps that can occur when fillers do not integrate well.

Gradual Absorption by the Body

The body gradually absorbs Restylane. The filler’s component is HA, which is natural to the body and breaks down over time. The gradual absorption of Restylane fillers varies due to individual metabolism and depends on factors such as the injection site and the type of filler used. 

Factors Influencing Longevity of Restylane Fillers

Old woman getting facial treatments.
  • Type of Filler Used: The type of filler used significantly affects the longevity of dermal fillers. Different types of fillers offer tailored solutions for specific areas or concerns, providing flexibility for diverse treatment requirements while also impacting overall duration.
  • Injection Site: After the injection, it’s common to feel some pain at the injection site. Patients have reported this as their primary complaint. It’s essential to be mindful of post-injection discomfort and address any concerns patients may have about this aspect of treatment.
  • Individual Metabolism: The rate at which an individualā€™s body breaks down dermal fillers depends on their metabolism. Unhealthy habits may speed up this breakdown.

Duration of Restylane Results and Maintenance

Restylane offers results that can last over a year, with many patients enjoying consistent improvements for at least 18 months. Through Restylane filler aftercare, patients can even extend these results.

Typical Duration of Results

The variability in longevity underscores how different patients may experience varying durations of effectiveness following Restylane treatments. Medical professionals must consider these influences when advising patients on maintenance and follow-up treatments to maximize their satisfaction with the outcomes of Restylane procedures.

First-time patients usually experience an average of six months of results from Restylane, while less mobile areas show even longer-lasting effects. With one retreatment, Restylane delivers results lasting at least 24 months.

Variability Among Patients

Patients exhibit a wide range of responses to Restylane treatment, influenced by their unique body chemistry and metabolism. Factors such as age, skin type, and overall health can affect the absorption rate of the filler into the body.

Importance of Maintenance Treatments

By scheduling regular maintenance, patients can benefit from longer-lasting outcomes and keep their facial features looking naturally enhanced. Maintenance treatments are an integral part of achieving sustained satisfaction with Restylane fillers.

Misconceptions About the Permanence of Dermal Fillers

  • Clarifying the Permanence Of Restylane: Restylane is not permanent; it’s a hyaluronic acid filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers, including Restylane, can be reversed if needed using an injectable.
  • Natural Process of Filler Degradation: Like natural processes in our bodies, dermal fillers gradually degrade as they integrate and dissolve within our skin. Specifically for those made with hyaluronic acid, realizing that their initial impact softens and progressively diminishes as the body absorbs them over time is crucial.

Maximizing the Lifespan of Restylane Fillers

To prolong the results of Restylane filler aftercare, consider these lifestyle adjustments:

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and maintain the effects of the filler.
  • Skincare regimen: Use gentle and nourishing skincare products to support the health and longevity of the filler.
  • Sun protection: Protect your skin from UV damage by using sunscreen daily and wearing protective clothing.
  • Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet of vitamins and antioxidants to promote overall skin health.
  • Overall health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and sufficient rest to support the body’s natural processes.

Conclusion

To maximize the lifespan of Restylane injections, individuals can consider integrating skincare routines, making lifestyle adjustments, and following post-treatment care recommendations. It’s crucial to clear misconceptions about permanence, as fillers are reversible and degrade naturally.

Remaining informed and proactive ensures skin stays healthy and rejuvenated for extended periods. Regular consultations with your healthcare provider are vital for monitoring the effects of Restylane fillers over time, enabling them to adjust the treatment plan effectively and achieve optimal results.

About: Trusted by over 2,000+ global clients since 2014, Maylips has become a leading supplier of cosmetic, skincare, and orthopedic products for medical and aesthetic professionals. Maylips offers a wide range of authentic brand-name products at competitive wholesale prices, sourced from around the world. Whether your practice needs dermal fillers, botulinum toxins, mesotherapy, PRP kits, or other solutions, Maylips can provide high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Maylips is more than just a supplier, it is your partner in achieving your medical and aesthetic goals.

FAQs

  1. How long does Restylane last?

Restylane lasts between 6 to 18 months.

  1. Does getting Restylane hurt?

You might feel slightly uncomfortable, but it’s usually not too bad.

  1. Can anyone get Restylane treatments?

Most adults can get Restylane, but itā€™s best to talk with a doctor first to ensure itā€™s right for you.

  1. How soon will I see results after getting Restylane?

You’ll likely see the changes right away.

References

Ahn, C. S., & Rao, B. K. (2014). The life cycles and biological end pathways of dermal fillers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 13(3), 212-223. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12100

Al Mashhrawi, Y. M., Al Nujaidi, T. F., Alkhaldi, R. A., Alshami, N. S., & Alhadlaq, A. S. (2023). Awareness and knowledge of the adverse effects of dermal fillers among the Saudi population: A cross-sectional study. Cureus, 15(6), e40322. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40322

Brandt, F. S., & Cazzaniga, A. (2008). Hyaluronic acid gel fillers in the management of facial aging. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 3(1), 153-159. https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s2135