Restylane®

Common areas treated with Restylane®

Restylane® may be used in multiple facial regions, depending on individual needs and clinical assessment.

Common treatment areas include:

• Nasolabial folds and smile lines
• Marionette lines around the mouth
• Vertical lines around the lips
• Lip volume, shape, and definition
• Cheeks and midface volume loss
• Under-eye hollows and tear troughs
• Jawline and chin contouring
• General facial volume restoration

Treatment may involve a single area or a combination of areas to achieve balanced, proportionate results.

How Restylane® Is Used in Treatment Planning

Restylane® is used across a range of facial areas because its different formulations allow for more precise selection based on the tissue being treated and the overall goal of treatment.

All Restylane® products are based on hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body and gradually broken down over time. What makes the line flexible is that each formulation behaves a little differently. Some are designed for softer, more subtle areas like fine lines or lips, while others provide more structure and support in areas such as the cheeks or deeper folds.

This allows treatment to be planned with more control. The product is selected to match the characteristics of the area, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Another practical advantage is that hyaluronic acid fillers can be adjusted if needed, which adds a level of flexibility when refining results over time.

Taken together, these factors allow treatment to be tailored to the individual, with an emphasis on maintaining natural balance and normal facial movement.

Consultation and treatment planning

Every Restylane® treatment begins with a medical consultation. Dr. Patterson evaluates facial anatomy, skin quality, areas of volume loss, and overall facial proportions. Medical history, medications, and prior aesthetic treatments are also reviewed.

The goal of consultation is to determine whether Restylane® is appropriate and, if so, which formulation and treatment approach best aligns with the patient’s goals and anatomy. In some cases, alternative treatments or no treatment at all may be recommended.

What to Expect During Treatment

Restylane® injections are performed in an office setting and typically take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the areas being treated.

The procedure involves careful placement using fine needles or a cannula to achieve controlled, precise results. Many Restylane® products contain lidocaine to help improve comfort during treatment, and additional numbing with topical anesthetic or ice may be used when appropriate.

After treatment, it’s common to notice some temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection sites. These effects are generally mild and resolve within several days.

Recovery and aftercare

Restylane® treatments involve minimal downtime. Most patients resume normal daily activities the same day or the following day.

Post-treatment guidance may include:

• Avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Limiting exposure to heat, sun, or saunas for a short period
• Avoiding pressure or massage of treated areas unless instructed

Following aftercare instructions helps reduce the risk of complications and supports optimal healing.

How long do results last?

The duration of Restylane® results varies depending on the product used, the treatment area, and individual factors such as metabolism and facial movement.

In general, results last between 6 and 18 months. Areas with frequent movement, such as the lips, may require more frequent maintenance. Periodic follow-up treatments can help maintain consistent results over time.

Safety considerations

Restylane® is FDA approved for specific indications. As with any medical procedure, dermal filler treatments carry potential risks, including bruising, swelling, asymmetry, or rare complications.

Patient selection, proper technique, and medical oversight are essential to minimizing risk. Individual results vary, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. All treatment decisions are made during consultation based on medical judgment and patient-specific factors.