Restylane/Perlane

Aging often shows up first in the face, with lines, folds, and volume loss making you look older than you feel. Creams and at-home products can only go so far, leaving many people frustrated with results that don’t deliver.

At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, Mass., we’re all about giving our patients the latest and most effective anti-aging treatments and products. We’re proud to offer our patients Restylane, an injectable treatment that addresses folds and wrinkles to make a dynamic change in how you look.

What is Restylane?

Restylane is a biodegradable gel and a NASHA, which stands for Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid.  This acid is found naturally in your body and it is used to both carry and bind water.

Restylane is a Swedish product that is the result of decades of research. Restylane debuted in 1996. Since then, more than a million Restylane treatments have been successfully performed in more than 60 countries around the globe.

Restylane is a versatile treatment and can be used to reduce folds and wrinkles, enhance facial contours and sculpt your lips. At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, our team uses Restylane to help you achieve the look you want – quickly and effectively.

Unlike other injectable wrinkle treatments and lip enhancers, Restylane does not come from animals. You won’t need a skin test, so most patients can begin treatments right away.

Restylane also enhances lips in patients who want that treatment, and best of all, it leaves lips looking natural. Results are immediate, and Restylane injections are safe, fast, and don’t leave scars or other signs that you have had treatment.

Benefits of Restylane

Immediate Results

Restylane adds volume and smooths wrinkles right after treatment. Patients leave the office with noticeable improvements in folds, lines, and lip definition.

Natural-Looking Enhancement

The hyaluronic acid in Restylane integrates smoothly with your skin’s structure. Results appear soft and natural, avoiding an overfilled or artificial look.

Safe and Biodegradable

Restylane gradually breaks down into water and carbon dioxide, leaving no trace behind. This makes it a safe, temporary option with predictable results.

Longer-Lasting Effects

Compared to collagen fillers, Restylane provides results that can last up to six months or longer. Many patients find touch-up sessions help extend these effects.

Minimally Invasive

Treatment involves a quick series of small injections, avoiding the need for surgery or extensive downtime. Most patients return to their normal activities the same day.

Boosts Skin Hydration

Hyaluronic acid naturally binds water, improving overall skin hydration. Treated areas often look plumper, smoother, and more radiant.

Customizable Results

Restylane offers precise control over volume placement. Whether you want subtle refinement or noticeable enhancement, your treatment can be tailored to your goals.

Types of Restylane

The Restylane family includes advanced dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid, each designed to address specific signs of aging. Whether your goal is subtle refinement or more noticeable correction, Restylane products can be tailored to fit your needs. At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, we proudly offer:

Restylane

The original Restylane is one of the most trusted fillers worldwide, used for decades to soften lines and enhance facial features. It is best suited for moderate facial wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, and for enhancing lip shape and definition. Restylane’s smaller particle size makes it ideal for delicate areas where precision is key, delivering results that look soft, natural, and balanced with your overall features.

Restylane Lyft (formerly Perlane)

Restylane Lyft, formerly known as Perlane, is designed for patients requiring stronger correction and additional structural support. Its larger gel particles allow it to effectively treat deeper folds, lift sagging cheeks, and restore midface volume for a more youthful contour. 

In addition to facial rejuvenation, Restylane Lyft is also FDA-approved for use in the hands, helping smooth wrinkles and improve the appearance of thinning skin. This versatility makes it an excellent option for patients seeking comprehensive, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Restylane vs. Other Treatments

When exploring facial rejuvenation, patients often wonder how Restylane compares to other fillers and wrinkle treatments. While each option has its advantages, Restylane stands out for its versatility, safety, and natural-looking results.

Restylane vs. Juvederm

Both Restylane and Juvederm are hyaluronic acid fillers, but they differ slightly in texture and formulation. Restylane tends to provide more structure, making it ideal for contouring, while Juvederm is often chosen for its smoother consistency and subtle enhancements. The choice often depends on the treatment area and personal goals.

Restylane vs. Botox®

Although both smooth wrinkles, Restylane and Botox work differently. Restylane adds volume beneath the skin to fill lines and folds, while Botox relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines. Many patients choose to combine these treatments for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Restylane vs. Surgical Options

Unlike facelift surgery, Restylane provides immediate improvements with little to no downtime. While surgical procedures offer longer-lasting and more dramatic results, fillers like Restylane are an excellent choice for patients seeking a non-surgical, lower-commitment option.

What to Expect with Restylane Treatments

Consultation

Your Restylane journey begins with a personalized consultation at New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center. During this appointment, we will discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and evaluate the areas of concern. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan designed to enhance your natural features while maintaining balance and harmony. You’ll also learn about the different Restylane options available and how they can be tailored to your needs.

During Your Treatment

Restylane injections are performed in-office and usually take less than an hour. A topical numbing agent or ice may be applied to increase comfort. During treatment sessions, our trained professionals will inject Restylane into your skin, using tiny portions and a fine needle. After it’s injected into your skin, Restylane creates volume that treats folds and wrinkles and shapes your facial contours.

Recovery

Recovery from Restylane is minimal compared to surgical procedures. You may notice mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites, which typically fade within a few days.

How Long Do Results Last?

Restylane treatments work immediately and last for six months, and longer in some cases. Those results last two to three times more than collagen. Restylane also gives you the chance to re-examine your results after initial effects have subsided.

At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, we will consult with you to determine whether you need, or want, follow-up treatments. But our experience suggests regular follow-up sessions help your results last longer.

Restylane Timeline: What to Expect

Day of Treatment

You’ll notice an immediate improvement in facial volume and wrinkle smoothing right after your injections. Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites is normal and typically subsides within a day or two. Most patients return to daily activities right away.

First Week

Any residual swelling or bruising continues to fade, and the filler begins to fully settle into the skin. Results look more natural as the product integrates with your tissues. By the end of the week, most patients feel comfortable attending events or taking photos.

1–3 Months

This is the period where your results shine. Wrinkles remain softened, lips or cheeks maintain volume, and skin looks smoother and more hydrated. Patients often receive compliments on their refreshed appearance without others knowing they had treatment.

6–12 Months

The effects of Restylane gradually diminish as the body naturally absorbs the hyaluronic acid. Many patients schedule maintenance appointments around this time to extend their results. With consistent touch-ups, improvements can be long-lasting and seamless.

Longevity & Maintenance Tips

Restylane and Perlane provide results that last six months to a year, depending on the treatment area and your body’s natural metabolism. While fillers gradually break down over time, there are steps you can take to help extend and protect your results.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

UV exposure accelerates skin aging and can break down hyaluronic acid more quickly. Wearing sunscreen daily helps preserve both your skin health and the longevity of your filler.

Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine

Hydrating serums and moisturizers support skin elasticity and hydration, which complement the volumizing effect of Restylane. A gentle, high-quality skincare regimen can help maintain smoother, younger-looking skin.

Stay Hydrated and Healthy

Since hyaluronic acid binds water, drinking enough fluids helps fillers maintain their plumping effect. A balanced diet and lifestyle choices also play a role in how long your results last.

Schedule Maintenance Treatments

Touch-up appointments every six to twelve months can keep your look fresh and prevent volume loss from becoming noticeable again. Regular treatments allow for more subtle refinements instead of dramatic corrections.

Potential Side Effects

Right after the treatment, patients can expect to see a bit of redness, tenderness, swelling or itching in the area that received treatment. These are normal reactions following injections. Any slight pain and visible side effects will fade away in a few days.

After six months to a year, as Restylane starts to break down, water will replace it. When Restylane is absorbed by the body, it converts into water and carbon dioxide. It disappears without a trace.

Preparing for Restylane

Getting ready for your Restylane or Perlane treatment is simple, but following a few steps beforehand can help minimize side effects and ensure the best possible results. Your provider will review your medical history and current medications to make sure the treatment is safe for you.

Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements

For about a week before treatment, avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, or ginkgo biloba unless prescribed by your doctor. These can increase your risk of bruising and swelling.

Limit Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol and nicotine can slow the healing process and make bruising more likely. It’s best to avoid them for at least 24–48 hours before your appointment.

Plan Around Events

While most people return to normal activities right away, mild swelling or redness may appear for a few days. If you have an important event, schedule your treatment at least one to two weeks in advance.

Arrive with a Clean Face

On the day of your appointment, come in with a clean, makeup-free face so your provider can safely perform the injections. This helps reduce the chance of irritation or infection at the injection sites.

Cost of Restylane and Perlane

The cost of Restylane or Perlane (Restylane Lyft) depends on several factors, including the number of syringes needed, the areas being treated, and the degree of correction desired. Each patient’s treatment plan is unique, so pricing can vary based on whether you’re addressing fine lines, deeper folds, or adding midface volume. The expertise of your injector and the products chosen also play a role in determining the total investment.

At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, we provide individualized pricing during your consultation once your goals and treatment plan are established. Dr. Lazor and his team will explain what’s included in the cost of your treatment and will walk you through payment options and financing opportunities, such as CareCredit, to make your procedure more manageable.

Since Restylane and Perlane are considered elective cosmetic treatments, they are not covered by insurance. However, many patients find the results — smoother skin, restored volume, and a more youthful appearance — well worth the investment in their confidence and overall look.

FAQs About Restylane and Perlane

How quickly will I see results after treatment?

Most patients notice visible improvement immediately after injections, as the filler adds volume right away. Minor swelling or redness at the site of injection may temporarily affect the appearance, but these effects typically fade within a few days. As the filler settles, results continue to refine and look more natural. Within one to two weeks, most patients see their outcome.

Can Restylane or Perlane be combined with skin treatments?

Yes, fillers can be paired with other treatments to create a more comprehensive rejuvenation plan. Skin treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or microneedling target skin texture and tone, complementing the volumizing effect of Restylane. 

Will my results look different after multiple treatments?

With consistent maintenance, results often appear more refined over time. Regular sessions can help sustain facial volume and slow the progression of deeper wrinkles. 

Many patients appreciate that repeated treatments preserve a youthful appearance without dramatic changes between visits. Over the long term, this creates subtle, natural-looking anti-aging benefits.

How do I know which filler is right for me?

The choice between Restylane and Perlane (Restylane Lyft) depends on your goals and the areas of concern. Restylane is often selected for softer corrections, such as lip enhancement or fine lines. Perlane, with its larger particle size, is better suited for deeper folds or restoring cheek volume. During your consultation, we will carefully recommend the option that matches your needs.

Why Choose New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center for Restylane?

When it comes to injectable treatments, experience and precision make all the difference. At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, Mass., Dr. John B. Lazor and his team provide advanced expertise in facial aesthetics, offering patients safe, effective, and natural-looking results.

Dr. John B. Lazor is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Instructor at Harvard Medical School, with decades of experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Known for his attention to detail and artistry, Dr. Lazor has authored numerous publications and is recognized for delivering results that enhance natural beauty while maintaining individuality.

Patients choose Dr. Lazor and his team for their personalized care, commitment to safety, and consistent outcomes. Each treatment plan is designed with your unique features and goals in mind, ensuring results that look refreshed, balanced, and harmonious with your natural appearance.

Restore Youthful Beauty with Restylane

All of our faces change as we get older. Restylane offers you the chance to have natural beauty restored with your body’s own material. And you’ll love how you look. If you want to keep the aging process from changing how you look, and return to a younger-looking, more vital you, consider having Restylane treatments.

Contact New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center today to learn how this great treatment can change your look and life for the better.

Restylane and Smoothbeam Laser Treatments

 

 

Patient was treated with both Restylane and Smoothbeam Laser