Dermal Fillers

As we age, the face gradually loses volume. Cheeks flatten, lips thin, and lines deepen in areas where fullness used to be. Dermal fillers restore that volume and smooth those lines with results you can see immediately.

The Restylane family of fillers is made from hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body that attracts and holds water. Because it is biocompatible, it integrates smoothly into the tissue, feels natural, and, importantly, can be dissolved if needed. Each product in the Restylane line is formulated specifically for a different area and purpose, which is why product selection matters as much as injection technique.

Restylane Lyft

Restylane Lyft is a firm-gel filler designed to add significant lift and volume to the cheeks and midface. It is FDA-approved for both cheek augmentation and nasolabial fold correction, and it is also cleared for treating volume loss on the back of the hands. For patients whose midface has flattened or drooped with age, Lyft restores that foundational structure that makes the whole face look more lifted and refreshed.

Restylane Contour

Restylane Contour is engineered specifically for the cheeks using XpresHAn technology, a flexible formulation that allows the gel to move with your natural expressions rather than staying rigid. The result is soft, natural-looking cheek definition that does not look stiff or overdone. It is a great option for patients who want more definition without adding heavy volume.

Restylane Kysse

Restylane Kysse is formulated for the lips. Using the same XpresHAn technology as Contour, it adds volume and definition while keeping the lips soft and natural to the touch and appearance. Whether you want a subtle plump or more noticeable fullness, Kysse can be dialed in to the result you’re after. It is also used to smooth the fine vertical lines above the lip.

Restylane Defyne

Restylane Defyne is built for deeper lines, including nasolabial folds (the parentheses around the mouth) and marionette lines (the lines from the corners of the mouth downward). It is also widely used for chin augmentation and chin projection. The XpresHAn formulation allows this firmer product to move naturally with expressions so the area looks smooth at rest and in motion.

Depending on which Restylane product is used, fillers can address:

•     Cheeks and midface (Lyft, Contour)
•     Lips and the lip border (Kysse)
•     Nasolabial folds and marionette lines (Defyne)
•     Chin and lower face (Defyne)
•     Back of the hands (Lyft)

Dr. Gal will recommend the right product or combination of products based on your anatomy and what you want to achieve.

Dermal fillers are a good fit for adults who are noticing volume changes, thinning lips, or deepening folds and want a natural, refreshed result without surgery. They are not a substitute for a facelift in patients with significant skin laxity, but for mild to moderate volume loss and contouring goals, they are one of the most effective non-surgical options available.

If you take blood thinners or supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, or aspirin, we typically recommend pausing them for about a week before your appointment if medically safe to do so, as this reduces the risk of bruising. Your medications and health conditions will be reviewed at your consultation.

Your appointment begins with a consultation and facial assessment. Dr.Gal will map the injection points and apply a topical numbing cream. Many Restylane products also contain lidocaine, which further improves comfort during the injections. The treatment takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many areas are being addressed.

Afterward, you may have mild swelling and possibly some bruising, especially in the lips where swelling is normal and expected. Most swelling peaks within 24 to 48 hours and resolves over the following week. We recommend avoiding intense heat, exercise, and alcohol for 24 hours. Most patients return to normal activities right away.

Final results are visible at about two weeks once all swelling has settled.

Duration varies by product and location. Lip filler typically lasts six to nine months, as the lips are a high-movement area. Cheek and midface filler tends to last 12 months or longer. Defyne in deeper folds or the chin can last 12 months or more as well.

Individual results vary depending on how quickly your body metabolizes the product, how active the treated area is, and how much was placed. Touch-up appointments before the filler has fully dissolved help maintain consistent results over time.

Can Fillers Be Reversed?

Yes, and this is one of the significant advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers. An enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve the product quickly if you are ever unhappy with your results, if an adjustment is needed, or in the rare event of a complication. This reversibility is one of the reasons the Restylane line remains a gold standard in injectable aesthetics.

Safety and Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are very well-tolerated. The most common side effects are temporary swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site. Rare but serious complications, including vascular occlusion, are almost entirely associated with injections performed by undertrained providers. Choosing a licensed, experienced medical professional is the most important safety decision you make.

At Peoria Cosmetic Surgery, all filler treatments are performed by double-board certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gal. Your safety and your results are always the priority.