Your lips tell your story — and not just through words.
When you smile, frown, or even catch eyes with someone across a room, your mouth is part of the expressive package people see. Full lips are a sign of robust health and youth. If you have them, wrinkles can betray your age faster than you want.
Lip fillers can help. If you’ve considered these simple and safe treatments, you may have heard about Restylane® Silk, part of the Restylane family.1 Restylane® products are designed to restore facial fullness and offer a more youthful appearance, and Restylane® Silk treats the lips in particular.
What Is Restylane® Silk Used For?
Restylane® Silk has two primary purposes:
- To plump the lips and restore a youthful silhouette
- To reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the lips2
People use Restylane Silk to give their lips more definition and fullness. Some are looking for a certain aesthetic and don’t necessarily want or need to look younger.
Other people turn to Restylane® Silk to return what age has taken away. You might decide to get Restylane® Silk treatment on its own or with other fillers as well.
Talk to a provider about scheduling treatments. Side effects may be more significant if you have multiple cosmetic procedures close together.
Restylane Silk vs Restylane
Restylane® Silk and original Restylane® are both appropriate for use on the lips, but they’re designed for different purposes.
Original Restylane® is an injectable filler used to correct moderate to deep wrinkles on the face. Providers may use it on the lips or to correct nasolabial folds — those deep creases that develop between the sides of the nose and mouth.
Restylane® Silk is different. It’s designed specifically as a lip filler and volumizer.
Benefits of Restylane® Silk
Restylane® Silk is the first product the FDA has approved to plump and shape the lips.4
One of the main benefits is a fuller lip contour. Whether you’ve lost volume over the years or have naturally thin lips, Restylane® Silk can plump and shape your lips.
Restylane® Silk can also reduce the effect of wrinkles that appear around the mouth. These vertical lines often appear as you age, especially if you’ve had sun damage or been a smoker.
How Does Restylane Silk Work?
Restylane® Silk uses tiny particles of hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and smooth away wrinkles.5 It uses an extremely small needle that lets providers get precise results.
Your provider will use a measured amount of product to get the desired effect. Too much increases your chance of side effects, so the provider won’t use more than necessary. If you’re not happy with the results of your procedure, talk with your doctor about the possibility of follow-up treatment.
What Results Can You Expect?
The precision of the Restylane® Silk system lets filler specialists achieve just the right contour — symmetrical with a slightly fuller upper lip and tapering toward the corners.
In a study of Restylane® Silk patients, 98% reported visibly fuller lips two weeks after injection. Six months later, 77% still noticed improved fullness.6
No filler lasts forever, however. Ask your provider about the possibility of follow-up treatments.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Restylane® Silk is approved as safe for most patients between 22 and 65 years old.7
Who Shouldn’t Use Restylane® Silk?
You should not use Restylane® Silk if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have recently used blood thinners
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Are allergic to lidocaine or have other serious drug allergies
- Have an allergy to gram-positive bacteria
If you have any skin injuries, including pimples or rashes in the affected area, your doctor may suggest waiting until the problem has healed. Also, tell your doctor if you have a history of scarring or an impaired immune response.
What Are the Side Effects?
Side effects may occur even in healthy patients. Common side effects include:
- Lip pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Burning or itching
- Headaches
In studies, most side effects were mild to moderate and nearly all resolved within seven days of treatment. Talk to a specialist to learn more.8
Are There Any Serious Risks?
The primary serious risk is the accidental injection of the filler into a blood vessel.9 The best way to avoid this risk is to select an experienced provider specially trained in Restylane® Silk injections.
Does It Hurt?
Restylane® Silk contains the numbing agent lidocaine to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Your provider may offer you additional numbing medication since the lips are particularly sensitive.
A cold compress can help control swelling and discomfort after the procedure.10 If you think you might want an over-the-counter pain reliever, talk to your doctor about what’s safe. Ibuprofen and similar medications may cause bleeding.
Your doctor will probably also recommend you avoid strenuous exercise and exposure to intense cold, heat, and light for approximately 24 hours after the procedure. Ask if they have any special recommendations for you individually.
Getting Started: First Steps to Restylane Treatment
Restylane® Silk can improve your confidence and help you look your best. It’s a safe and convenient choice if your lips are a particular area of concern, but it’s not a decision to make on your own.
If you’re considering Restylane® Silk as a lip filler or wrinkle reducer, speak with a doctor or other trained professional. They can tell you more about the procedure and whether it’s a good choice for you. They’ll answer your questions and recommend a treatment plan based on your goals and medical history.
Use reputable articles like those on My Filler Treatment to learn more about your options. When you’re ready to see a professional, choose someone with specific training and experience in Restylane® Silk procedures. Ask friends for recommendations and always read reviews and ratings before choosing a provider.
SOURCES:
- Restylane USA: ” What Is Restylane?“
- Restylane USA: ” Restylane Silk.“
- Galderma Global: ” About Restylane Silk.”
- Restylane USA: ” Restylane Silk.“
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: ” Restylane Silk.”
- Restylane USA: ” Restylane Silk.“
- Galderma Global: ” About Restylane Silk.”
- RxList: ” Restylane Silk.”
- Galderma Global: ” About Restylane Silk.”10. Galderma Global: ” About Restylane Silk.”
