Filler Education Guide
Restylane Guide: Which Filler is Right for You?
Restylane is a family of hyaluronic acid fillers made by Galderma — each product engineered for a specific area or purpose. Lyft lifts. Kysse softens. Defyne smooths. Contour defines. This guide walks through how each one works, where it's used, and how to think through what might make sense for your goals.
The Basics
What is Restylane?
Restylane is a line of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers developed by Galderma, a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on skin health. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, and HA fillers work by adding volume to areas where it has diminished — or where structural support and contouring is the goal.
Restylane was among the first HA fillers to receive FDA approval in the United States, and the family has been used clinically for over 20 years. Today the Restylane line spans several products — each with a different gel formulation calibrated for a specific treatment area or goal.
At RELUXE, our providers work with the full Restylane portfolio and will recommend the product that aligns with your anatomy and desired outcome. Results vary by individual, and every plan is personalized.
Understanding the Technology
NASHA vs. XpresHAn
The Restylane family uses two distinct gel technologies, and the difference matters when choosing which product is right for you.
NASHA Technology
Non-Animal Stabilized HA
NASHA gels are firm and resilient — designed to hold their shape under the structural demands of areas like the cheeks. The firmer consistency provides durable lift and definition, which is why Lyft is the go-to for cheek volumization and hand treatment.
XpresHAn Technology
Expression HA
XpresHAn gels are softer and more flexible, engineered to flex with the natural movement of the face rather than resist it. This makes them well-suited for lips, smile lines, and contouring areas where you want results that look natural whether you're resting or laughing.
Product Breakdown
The Restylane Products at RELUXE
Each product in the Restylane family has a specific formulation designed for a particular area. Here is how they compare.
Restylane Lyft
Lift. Volume. Structure.
Restylane Lyft is formulated with NASHA technology to deliver firm, durable lift in the cheeks and midface. Its thicker gel is ideal when structural support is the goal — adding definition and restoring volume that may have changed over time. It is also the only hyaluronic acid filler with FDA approval for treating volume loss in the hands.
Best for
Cheeks, midface, hands
Gel feel
Firm, structural gel
Duration
Up to 12–18 months (cheeks); up to 6 months (hands)
Notable: The only HA filler FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation
Restylane Kysse
Soft. Natural. Expressive lips.
Formulated with XpresHAn technology, Kysse is built to move with the lips rather than against them. Many patients notice an improvement in both lip volume and texture, with results that look and feel natural. Because the gel is soft and flexible, the lips maintain their natural expression and movement throughout the day.
Best for
Lips, lip border
Gel feel
Flexible, soft gel
Duration
Up to 6–12 months
Notable: Designed specifically for lip movement — stays soft and natural-feeling
Restylane Defyne
Deep folds. Natural expression.
Restylane Defyne uses XpresHAn technology with a medium-flexibility formulation designed for treating deeper facial lines. It softens nasolabial folds and marionette lines while still accommodating the natural movement of the lower face. Patients often appreciate that corrections look natural even when laughing or talking — the gel flexes rather than resisting expression.
Best for
Nasolabial folds, marionette lines
Gel feel
Medium flexibility gel
Duration
Up to 12–18 months
Notable: Balances correction of deep folds with natural facial movement
Restylane Contour
Define. Contour. Shape.
Restylane Contour is formulated for facial contouring in the cheeks, jawline, and chin. Its XpresHAn base allows the product to integrate smoothly, creating definition that holds up across facial expressions and angles. Many patients use Contour to add jawline structure or chin projection as part of a broader facial balancing plan — often in combination with other products.
Best for
Cheeks, jawline, chin
Gel feel
Flexible contouring gel
Duration
Up to 12–18 months
Notable: Designed for cheek contouring with natural movement at every angle
Side-by-Side
Restylane Comparison Table
| Product | Technology | Best For | Gel Feel | Duration | Price at RELUXE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyft | NASHA | Cheeks, hands | Firm | Up to 12–18 mo | $750 / syr ($700 member) |
| Kysse | XpresHAn | Lips | Soft, flexible | Up to 6–12 mo | $750 / syr ($700 member) |
| Defyne | XpresHAn | Deep folds | Medium flex | Up to 12–18 mo | $750 / syr ($700 member) |
| Contour | XpresHAn | Jawline, chin, cheeks | Flexible | Up to 12–18 mo | $750 / syr ($700 member) |
Pricing shown per syringe. Most areas require 1–2 syringes. Your provider will give you a personalized recommendation during your consultation. Duration estimates are approximate and vary by individual.
Context
Restylane vs. Juvéderm: What's the Difference?
Both Restylane and Juvéderm are HA filler families with extensive FDA-approved product lines, and both are used at RELUXE. The meaningful difference is in their gel technologies. Restylane uses NASHA and XpresHAn systems. Juvéderm uses VYCROSS technology, which produces a smooth, cohesive gel that integrates readily into tissue — often described as feeling silkier in certain areas.
Neither family is universally superior — each product excels in specific contexts. Your provider's recommendation will depend on the treatment area, your anatomy, and the outcome you're after. Many patients use products from both families as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Read the full Juvéderm vs. Restylane comparison→Decision Guide
How to Choose the Right Restylane Product
Your provider will guide this decision in consultation. But as a starting point, here is how treatment goals typically map to products.
Your Goal
Cheek volume or lift
Restylane Lyft
NASHA gel provides durable structural lift in the midface
Your Goal
Lip enhancement
Restylane Kysse
XpresHAn gel stays soft and natural with lip movement
Your Goal
Deep smile lines
Restylane Defyne
Balances correction of nasolabial folds with natural expression
Your Goal
Jawline or chin definition
Restylane Contour
Flexible contouring gel that adapts to facial movement
Your Goal
Hand rejuvenation
Restylane Lyft
The only HA filler FDA-approved specifically for hand volume loss
Your Goal
Natural expression matters
Any XpresHAn product
Kysse, Defyne, and Contour all prioritize dynamic movement
Not sure where to start? The best way to find the right product is a conversation with one of our providers. Consultations at RELUXE are personalized — your provider will assess your anatomy and goals before recommending anything.
The Experience
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Consultation
Your provider reviews your goals and medical history, assesses your facial anatomy, and recommends which product — and how much — makes sense for you. This is a conversation, not a sales pitch.
Numbing
Most Restylane formulas include lidocaine mixed into the product, which helps reduce discomfort as treatment progresses. Your provider may also apply a topical numbing cream to the area first.
Treatment
Injections are precise and targeted. Most appointments take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the area and number of syringes used. Your provider may gently massage the area to smooth the product.
Immediate results with some swelling
You may see results right away, but some swelling and mild tenderness is normal for the first 24–72 hours. Bruising is possible. Most patients feel comfortable returning to daily activities the same day.
Results settle over 1–2 weeks
As initial swelling resolves, results settle into their final appearance. Many patients notice continued improvement over the first one to two weeks as the product fully integrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restylane Questions, Answered
Restylane is a family of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers made by Galderma. It was one of the first HA fillers to receive FDA approval in the United States and has been used clinically for over 20 years. The product line includes specialized formulas for different treatment areas, including cheeks, lips, deep folds, jawline, and hands.
Ready to Talk Fillers?
Book a Consultation at RELUXE
Our providers at both Westfield and Carmel take time to understand your goals before recommending any product. A consultation is the best way to find out which Restylane formula — if any — makes sense for you.
Having trouble booking?
Our classic booking is always available as a backup.