Restylane: What we know

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based facial and hand dermal filler line used for cutaneous augmentation and fold-crease reduction approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. It is sourced from nonanimal products which confers low immunogenicity and mitigates risk of hypersensitivity reactions and forgoes the need for allergy testing. Restylane has been observed to have excellent longevity secondary to its unique cross-linking properties, lasting in the skin for up to 12 months. Despite its relatively low-risk profile, case reports indicate injection site reactions being common, with more serious adverse events being very rare. In these cases, dissolution of Restylane is performed with hyaluronidase, while intralesional steroids can be utilized to manage unwanted inflammatory reactions. Overall, its low reaction potential, established safety profile, facial filler product-line consistency as well as indication diversity, and prolonged mechanism of action have been leading factors in its continued popularity over the past two decades.