“Restylane” is a name is current a “trade name” for several hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. [See dermal filler page on this website… consider putting in a hyperlink on the words dermal fillers that takes them to that page]

Historically, Restylane was a single product given to the original filler that was developed to deal with the risks and limitations of Collagen.

Initially bovine collagen was used to restore lost volume in the nasolabial folds [the folds by and between the nose and mouth] and is made up of hyaluronic acid as well as other animal proteins. While collagen was a fantastic product because it was soft and delivered very natural results, it had some limitations, the most significant being that animal proteins could potentially cause allergic reactions so individuals needed allergy testing prior to the injection treatment. And, the form of hyaluronic acid found in collagen was reabsorbed readily making the duration of results unsatisfactory to most consumers.

With the development of Restylane these were the two issues that they set out to address, the need to eliminate allergy testing, and the development of a product that did not break down as quickly as bovine collagen.  These studies were conducted and the product was used in Europe and Canada well before it’s introduction in the United States. Restylane did become the first product to gain FDA approval for cosmetic use in December 2003 and was released to the market in January 2004. The technology that was created was called Non-animal, Stabilized Hyaluronic acid [NASHA]. This was the cutting edge technology of the times and Restylane enjoyed a very long and successful run as the number one product used in Europe, Canada and the U.S.

Since then, the product has undergone some changes such that “Restylane” has become a “trade name” for a host of products. Each of the products is called “Restylane followed by an initial or name that that helps define the difference from the “main, or original” product, and the modified product. Because of these changes it was FDA approved for deep dermal [deep in the skin] injections since 2010. Lets review the different types of Restylane.

Restylane – the original filler. It is used when a patient has an allergy to Lidocaine [local anaesthetic agents]

Restylane – L – the original filler mixed with Lidocaine. This addition was created to make the treatment more comfortable to the patient.

Restylane – Lyft [formerly called Perlane] – this product was developed to deal with more significant and deeper areas of volume loss. This product was FDA approved for deep dermal [deep in the skin] injections in 2010 and to restore lost volume in the back of the hands in 2018.

Restylane – Silk – the first product that was FDA approved Jan 29, 2015 for Lip enhancement and to treat the lines around the mouth.

Restylane Defyne and Restylane Refyne were FDA approved together in December 2016 Per the PRwire press release: “Restylane® Refyne was approved for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds and Restylane® Defyne for the treatment of moderate to severe, deep facial wrinkles and folds.”

Like all dermal fillers, the risks and benefits are mild and these products are well tolerated. The choice of filler is highly dependent on the area and longevity and is decided upon at the time of your consultation.