Introduction to Restylane Lyft Hyaluronic Acid

In the realm of cosmetic treatments in New York City, Restylane Lyft hyaluronic acid has emerged as a prominent solution for those seeking to combat the signs of aging. As we age, our bodies experience a natural decline in collagen production and a loss of hyaluronic acid, a key component responsible for maintaining skin moisture and fullness. This leads to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, and skin laxity. Restylane Lyft offers a non - invasive alternative to surgical procedures, providing effective facial and hand rejuvenation.

What is Restylane Lyft?

Restylane Lyft is a hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler specifically designed for use on the midface, around the jowls, chin, mouth, and hands. It is a product of Galderma and was formerly known as Perlane - L. After its FDA approval in 2015, it joined the Restylane family to restore lost volume in the midface area and hands. The hyaluronic acid gel in Restylane Lyft is formulated with a small amount of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to reduce potential discomfort during the injectable treatment.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that can pull moisture from the environment and hold up to a thousand times its weight in water. When injected, Restylane Lyft restores facial volume, reduces the appearance of deeper lines and wrinkles at or near the injection site, and provides all - over skin rejuvenation. It is also used for hand rejuvenation, restoring lost volume on the hands and reducing the harsh appearance of veins, tendons, and bones that occur with age.

The Restylane Family

The Restylane family consists of several members, each serving a different purpose:

The various Restylane products can be used together to create a “liquid facelift.” Doctors often combine treatments with additional anti - aging skin care and cosmetic treatments for maximum skin rejuvenation.

How Restylane Lyft Works

Mechanism of Action

Restylane Lyft works by restoring volume to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in the filler immediately adds plumpness to the treated area, reducing the appearance of deeper wrinkles and folds along the jowls, chin, cheeks, and midface. It also brings water into the skin, making it plump and smooth. For hand rejuvenation, it adds volume on the dorsal side of the hands, softening the appearance of harsh veins, tendons, and bones.

The filler uses cross - linking Nasha technology, which creates a natural - looking result. It is specifically tailored to reduce the appearance of wrinkles surrounding the mouth, such as deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and to correct volume loss in the cheeks and midface. The “lifting” effect of Restylane Lyft restores lost volume and effectively lifts the sagging skin, giving the face a more youthful contour.

Treatment Procedure

The process for Restylane Lyft treatment is relatively fast and straightforward:

1. Consultation: You will consult with a qualified doctor, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, to discuss your aesthetic goals and review your complete medical history. The doctor will determine the injection sites and the number of syringes necessary. It is essential to be honest about your medical history, especially if you have a history of bleeding disorders, active skin infections, herpes infections, eczema, or if you are allergic to lidocaine.
2. Preparation: A topical anesthetic of lidocaine will be applied about one hour before the treatment to reduce any potential discomfort. An ice pack can also be used before the injections to numb the treatment area temporarily and minimize swelling and bruising. It is recommended to avoid smoking or alcohol before the procedure to minimize bruising. You should also discontinue any anti - inflammatory medication, such as NSAIDs, Aleve, Motrin, aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, or certain herbs and supplements that increase bleeding and bruising. It is best to avoid using any exfoliants or retinoids before the procedure. Pregnant, breastfeeding women, or those on immunosuppressive therapy should avoid Restylane injections.
3. Injection: When you arrive for your appointment, the topical numbing will be wiped off, and your face or hands will be sterilized. The doctor will inject Restylane Lyft through a fine needle or a blunt - tip cannula into the designated treatment areas. Other cosmetic injectables like Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, and other Restylane products may be injected during the same visit. The treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes.
4. Post - treatment: After the treatment, you will be given ice packs to apply to the treatment areas to minimize swelling and bruising. You will be able to return immediately to your regular daily activity. However, you should follow the post - injection instructions carefully. Do not apply any makeup or sunscreen to the area for 24 hours to minimize the risk of infection. Avoid any strenuous exercise or extreme heat, such as saunas or prolonged sun exposure for 48 hours. You should also avoid exposure to UV sources, such as UV lamps or indoor tanning beds/booths. Arnica forte, an all - natural supplement available over the counter, can be taken starting two days before injections and continued after the treatment to decrease bruising.

Benefits and Uses of Restylane Lyft

Facial Rejuvenation

Midface and Cheeks

As we age, the midface and cheeks often lose volume, resulting in a sunken and aged appearance. Restylane Lyft can restore this lost volume, providing a contoured and plump look. It helps to enhance the cheekbones and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds (smile lines) that form along the edge of the nose and curve down towards the chin. Clinical studies have shown that after treatment with Restylane Lyft, a significant percentage of patients thought they looked less tired and that their appearance was improved. For example, in one study, 89% of patients reported looking less tired and 96% agreed that their appearance was improved after cheek treatment with Restylane Lyft.

Chin and Jowls

The lower face, including the chin and jowls, is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. The skin's collagen production decreases with age, and gravity causes sagging and skin laxity. Restylane Lyft can be used in the chin area to help contour the jaw, replace lost volume, and rejuvenate the lower face. By restoring volume, it can create a more youthful facial contour and reduce the appearance of sagging jowls.

Hand Rejuvenation

Our hands are constantly exposed to the sun and used throughout the day, which leads to a loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid. This results in thinner skin, more prominent veins, tendons, and bones, giving the hands an aged appearance. Restylane Lyft is FDA - approved for hand rejuvenation. It restores lost volume on the hands, softening the appearance of veins and tendons and making the hands look younger and smoother. Results can last up to one year, and some doctors may combine Restylane Lyft with fraxel laser rejuvenation to improve the texture and address sun damage on the back of the hands.

Effectiveness and Longevity

General Longevity

Patients can expect the results of Restylane Lyft to last, on average, nine months to one year. However, the longevity of the filler depends on various factors. The density of the filler plays a role; a thicker filler like Restylane Lyft will generally last longer than a thinner one. The amount of filler injected also matters; more significant volume corrections may require more filler and could potentially last longer. The anatomic location of the injection is another factor. Areas with less movement, such as the cheeks, tend to retain the filler for a longer time compared to more active areas like the nasolabial folds.

Longevity in Different Areas

• Cheeks: In the cheeks, Restylane Lyft can last up to one year. First - time patients typically observe results lasting around nine months. Since the cheeks are a relatively static area of the face, the filler tends to last longer here.
• Chin: In the chin area, Restylane Lyft typically lasts about 9 to 12 months, depending on the number of syringes used and the volume that needs replacement. Patients often return every six months for maintenance treatment. Combining Restylane Lyft with skin - tightening lasers like the Thermage FLX® can increase the revitalization and provide longer - lasting results in the lower face, neck, and jowls.
• Hands: In the hands, Restylane Lyft can last six to twelve months. Because the hands are more mobile, the filler is metabolized quicker compared to other locations.
• Lips: Injecting Restylane Lyft into the lips is considered off - label. It typically lasts nine months when injected. However, the lips are highly mobile, which accelerates the breakdown of the filler. Dr. Michele Green recommends a follow - up appointment six months after lip injections to maintain optimal results.

Comparisons with Other Fillers

Restylane Lyft vs. Restylane Silk

Both Restylane Lyft and Restylane Silk are hyaluronic acid fillers in the Restylane family. They are created by Galderma and use the same proprietary cross - linking technology. However, they differ in particle size, function, and intended use. Restylane Lyft has a thicker particle size and is designed to address volume loss in the midface and enhance the cheeks. It is also FDA - approved for hand rejuvenation. On the other hand, Restylane Silk has a smaller particle size and is specifically designed for use in and around the lips. It can be injected into the lips for the perfect pout and to erase vertical lip lines.

Restylane Lyft vs. Juvederm Voluma

Both Restylane Lyft and Juvederm Voluma are FDA - approved for cheek enhancement, nasolabial folds, and smile lines to reduce the appearance of deeper lines and wrinkles in the mid - face. Although they have slightly different formulations, both provide greater volume in the injected areas with long - lasting results. Restylane Lyft has a higher G - prime than Juvederm Voluma. Additionally, Restylane Lyft is the only hyaluronic acid filler approved for use on the hands. An experienced cosmetic injector, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, will assess the potential treatment areas and determine which type of hyaluronic acid filler will achieve the best cosmetic results based on the patient's individual needs and aesthetic goals.

Cost and Syringe Requirements

Cost Factors

The cost of Restylane Lyft treatments varies depending on several factors. The extent of volume loss or hollows, the number of areas that need treatment, and the experience of the injector all play a role. The cost will generally be cheaper at a med spa, but there is an increased risk of adverse reactions when the injector is inexperienced. It is often better to see an experienced injector, such as a board - certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who may charge more but reduces the risks. Most patients need 1 - 3 syringes for a single treatment session to correct the nasolabial area and cheeks.

Syringe Requirements

The number of Restylane Lyft syringes needed varies from patient to patient. It depends on the severity of volume loss, aesthetic goals, and the number and size of treatment areas. On average, patients need two syringes for cheek augmentation. For a subtle volume added to the lips, one syringe may be sufficient, while fuller - looking lips may require two syringes. Older patients with increased volume loss may need three or more syringes for complete correction. For hand rejuvenation, patients may require multiple syringes due to the large surface area and extensive volume loss. During the consultation, the doctor will carefully assess your facial structure and discuss your desired look to determine the appropriate number of syringes.

Side Effects and Precautions

Side Effects

Typically, the side effects of Restylane Lyft are mild and may include swelling, discomfort, redness, tenderness, or bruising at or near the injection site. In rare cases, severe swelling, infection, or pigmentation can occur. There is also an extremely rare risk of the filler inadvertently getting injected into a blood vessel, forming an occlusion that requires immediate dissolution of the filler. Restylane Lyft is contraindicated for those who have a history of bleeding disorders, active skin infections, herpes infections, or eczema, as well as for those who are allergic to lidocaine or gram - positive bacterial proteins used to make hyaluronic acid.

Precautions

It is crucial to choose an experienced, board - certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for Restylane Lyft injections. Inexperienced injectors in a medical spa are more likely to cause complications. Before the treatment, make sure to share your complete medical history with your injector, especially if you are taking medications that lower your body's immune response or affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on immunosuppressive therapy, you should not undergo Restylane Lyft injections. If you are planning other cosmetic treatments, such as lasers or chemical peels, inform your doctor as there is a possible risk of inflammation at the injection site.

Who is a Good Candidate for Restylane Lyft?

A good candidate for Restylane Lyft injections is a healthy patient over 21 years old who is looking to address signs of aging or augment their natural features. As mentioned earlier, aging leads to a decrease in collagen production, resulting in volume loss in the face, sagging skin, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Volume loss in the cheeks can create a hollow or skeletal look, and sagging skin can form jowls along the jawline. In the hands, volume loss makes veins, tendons, and bones more apparent. Restylane Lyft can help reverse these signs of aging, providing a smooth and contoured look to the face and hands. It can restore volume loss in the midface, eliminate cheek hollows, enhance and contour