Restylane Lyft is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler used to lift the cheeks, smooth laugh lines (also called nasolabial folds), and add volume to the back of the hands.
What is Restylane?
Restylane is a brand of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers that can help:
- Enhance lip volume
- Increase volume in the cheeks
- Soften the appearance of lines around the mouth
- Reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
Other Restylane products include Kysse, Contour, Defyne, Refyne, and Silk.
How Does Restylane Lyft Work?
Restylane Lyft is formulated using a manufacturing process called XpresHAn Technology. The filler contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar found in the body that supports skin moisture, volume, and elasticity.
The filler is designed to temporarily add volume in the lips and smooth the wrinkles around the upper lip in patients over the age of 21.
Benefits of Restylane Lyft
In a clinical trial, of participants treated with Restylane to improve hand volume:
- 86% saw improvement three months after treatment
- 76% saw improvement six months after treatment
Who is a Candidate For Restylane Lyft?
Restylane Lyft is designed for adults ages 21 and over who would like to lift their cheeks, smooth laugh lines, and add volume to the back of their hands.
Restylane Lyft is contraindicated for patients:
- Currently taking blood thinners
- Allergic to anesthetics, such as lidocaine
- Immunocompromised
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant
- Planning other cosmetic treatments (such as lasers and chemical peels) as this increases the risk of inflammation at the injection site
- With skin sores, pimples, rases, hives, cysts or infections at the injection site
- Prone to bleeding or have a bleeding disorder
Restylane Lyft is also not recommended for patients with a history of serious reactions, such as anaphylaxis, to any drugs or medications. Patients considering Restylane Lyft should speak to their doctor to find out if they’re a good candidate for treatment.
What to Expect During The Procedure
Restylane Lyft injections are minimally invasive and done at the doctor’s office. At the beginning of the procedure, the doctor may apply a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort.
During the procedure, the doctor will:
- Identify the injection sites in the treatment area(s).
- Cleanse the skin with an antiseptic.
- Determine how much filler is necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
- Use an ultrafine needle or cannula to inject the filler.
After the injections are complete, the doctor may gently massage the skin to ensure the filler is evenly distributed and results appear natural.
Treatment results may last up to six months.
Potential Risks And Side Effects
After the procedure patients may experience the following temporary side effects:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin discoloration (or bruising)
- Pain at the injection site
- Lumps/bump formation
- Headache
- Impaired hand function
These side effects typically resolve within two weeks after the procedure.
Other rare risks of Restylane Lyft include scarring, vision changes, infection, cold sores, and temporary scabs.