While those of you reading this page on Dr. Kunkel’s website surely know the name Restylane — the world’s first hyalruonic acid (HA) dermal filler — you probably don’t know the name Galderma. Galderma is a Swiss company that makes Restylane. On this page, we’ll get into a little bit about Galderma, and then into the various Restylane fillers, Dr. Kunkel offers at his Fort Worth practice.
What Is Galderma? What Does It Do For Dermatology And Skincare?
Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Galderma bills itself as the “world’s largest independent global dermatology company.” Galderma says its corporate goal is to “enhance the quality of life by delivering science-based solutions for skin health over the course of people’s lives.”
To accomplish that, Galderma produces various skincare products, everything from Proactive for acne treatment, to the popular skincare lotion Cetaphil, to a product to treat rosacea called Mirvaso, among others.
Galderma is probably best known for its aesthetic products, including the Restylane® line of dermal fillers, Sculptra® (a long-lasting filler), and Dysport® (a botulinum toxin product similar to BOTOX®.
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What Is Restylane?
Restylane® was the flagship product, the first hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler. It remains very popular around the world. It most commonly is used in the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, adding volume beneath the wrinkle or crease and pushing the surface skin upward. Results typically last from 6 to 9 months.
What Is Restylane Lyft?
Restylane® Lyft is a different formulation of HA that adds volume to the cheeks and corrects smile lines. Lyft also can be used to replace volume loss on the hands (see below). Results usually last from 12 to 18 months.
What Is Restylane Refyne?
Restylane® Refyne was approved by the FDA in December 2016. Galderma changed the HA gel in Restylane®, cross-linking it in a way that helps support a person’s natural expressions. This allows for a natural movement when smiling, frowning, or otherwise moving your mouth. Refyne is used for mild to moderate lines and wrinkles, usually around the mouth and the nasolabial folds.
What Is Restylane Defyne?
Approved along with Refyne, Restylane® Defyne also is most often used to treat nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The difference is that Defyne is designed for use on moderate to severe creases and lines. Both Refyne and Defyne provide results that last up to one year.
What Are The Benefits Of Restylane Fillers?
True to their name, Restylane fillers simply “fill” in areas where declining collagen production and thinning skin have allowed creases and lines to form. These occur all around the mouth in the form of smile lines, parentheses lines, marionette lines, and barcode lines. Restylane Lyft returns volume to sunken cheeks. Clients instantly look refreshed as these wrinkles and lines are softened and volume is added.
All of the Restylane® fillers are approved by the FDA. In fact, the original Restylane® was the first HA dermal filler approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Today, it remains one of the most popular dermal fillers in the world. To expand the benefits for patients, Galderma has added the additional fillers discussed on this page. They have been engineered to more optimally treat specific areas, allowing us to achieve wonderful results for our patients from Fort Worth and the surrounding areas.
Can Restylane Be Used For Hand Rejuvenation?
The hands are often overlooked as an indicator of aging, but fat volume loss, declining collagen production, thinning skin, and overall sun damage can make your tendons, veins, and even bones stick out. This can make your hands look older than anywhere else on your body, leaving them skeletal and bony.
In May 2018, Restylane® Lyft received FDA approval for use on the hands. It was approved to treat age-related volume loss on the back of the hands. Lyft is injected under the skin, but above the connective tissue that covers the tendons, bones, vessels, and nerves. Patients notice instant volume improvement in their hands, and these improvements last for about six months.
What Are The Side Effects With Restylane Fillers?
Because Restylane® is made primarily with hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the human body, allergic reactions are extraordinarily rare. The common side effects with all dermal fillers are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, tenderness, and itching at the injection sites. Some patients have been known to develop headaches for a day or two, but this is uncommon. These side effects are typically mild but may last for up to a week when treating smile and marionette lines.
Occasionally, lumps will form at the injection sites. This is not common. If a lump does form, it can be resolved by an injection of hyaluronidase. This is an enzyme that instantly degrades the hyaluronic acid, eliminating the lump.
Is It Painful To Have Restylane Filler Injections?
Restylane fillers are not injected into great depth, and they are injected with a very fine needle or cannula. Still, to ensure patient comfort we apply topical numbing anesthetic prior to every filler session.
Are Restylane Fillers Safe?
As mentioned above, the various Restylane fillers have all been approved by the FDA, along with other health organizations around the world. Because they are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body responsible for hydrating, plumping, and firming the skin, reactions to any of these fillers are almost non-existent. These are safe, effective treatments that have been performed millions of times around the globe.
How Should I Care For My Skin After A Dermal Filler Injection?
There isn’t any special care necessary following your injection session at Dr. Kunkel’s office. You should refrain from rubbing the injection sites for a day or so to let the filler settle into place. That’s about it.
Restylane FAQs
Restylane® Lyft is specially formulated for deeper injection, making it ideal for restoring volume in the cheeks and hands. Compared to lighter fillers like Restylane Refyne or Juvederm Volbella, Lyft has a firmer consistency that allows it to lift and contour more robustly. It’s FDA-approved for both the mid-face and hands, offering versatile results with longer duration, typically lasting 12 to 18 months.
One of the key benefits of Restylane fillers is their immediate effect. Most patients experience visible improvement immediately after treatment, although mild swelling or redness may temporarily affect the appearance. Full results are typically enjoyed within a few days, once the filler has settled and any post-treatment inflammation has subsided.
Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine Restylane with neuromodulators like BOTOX® for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. While Restylane restores volume and fills deeper lines, Botox relaxes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet or frown lines. Combining both offers a smoother, more balanced result—and can often be done in the same appointment.
While most people associate fillers with facial rejuvenation, Restylane Lyft is FDA-approved for hand rejuvenation. It restores volume on the backs of the hands, helping to conceal veins and tendons for a younger, smoother appearance. Some off-label uses (performed safely by skilled injectors) may include earlobes, chest lines, or even depressed scars.
Restylane is one of the most established names in the filler world, with an extensive product line tailored to specific treatment areas. Unlike Juvederm, which tends to spread more, Restylane has a firmer, more cohesive gel, which is ideal for precision and control. It also offers advanced technologies like XpresHAn, designed to maintain natural movement, especially around the mouth.
Restylane fillers use a stabilized form of hyaluronic acid (HA), a molecule naturally found in the skin that binds with water to provide volume and hydration. Galderma, the maker of Restylane, cross-links the HA molecules in each formula to achieve different textures and longevity, creating fillers that are both versatile and biocompatible.
Yes. Every Restylane treatment at Dr. Kunkel’s Fort Worth office is personalized. Based on your anatomy, goals, and skin condition, our team will select the right product, whether it’s Lyft for cheeks, Refyne for smile lines, or a combination of products for a full-face refresh. The consultation process is key to ensuring natural, balanced results.
To maximize your results and minimize downtime:
- Avoid touching or massaging treated areas for 24 hours
- Refrain from strenuous exercise or alcohol for at least one day
- Sleep with your head elevated the first night
- Apply cold compresses if swelling occurs
- Avoid blood-thinning medications unless prescribed
Schedule A Consultation Today!
If you’re interested in learning more about Restylane fillers please contact us for a consultation at 817.335.5200 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
