Restylane: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Restylane?
A dermatologist (a skin doctor) or a plastic surgeon (a doctor who reshapes the body) usually injects Restylane. The FDA says to seek a licensed health care provider with experience in dermatology or plastic surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The details below are for Restylane Contour and Restylane Eyelight, two Restylane fillers that the FDA has approved.
Restylane Contour is a gel filler. It is injected into specific areas of facial tissue. It contains hyaluronic acid made by a species of bacteria. It also has lidocaine, which works as a numbing agent.
Restylane Eyelight is a gel filler injected in specific areas of the face. It contains hyaluronic acid and lidocaine, a drug that reduces pain on injection.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Restylane Contour is for cheek augmentation and for fixing shape or volume differences in the midface. It is for people over the age of 21.
Restylane Eyelight is for sunken or hollow areas under the eyes. This is known as infraorbital hollowing. It is for people 21 years of age and older.
How to prepare
Preparation steps may include these.
- Ask about your provider's training and experience with fillers.
- Tell your provider if you have a bleeding disorder.
- Tell your provider if you have severe allergies.
- Tell your provider if you have had anaphylaxis, an acute allergic reaction.
- Tell your provider if you are allergic to lidocaine, a numbing medicine that some fillers contain.
- Tell your provider if you are allergic to bacteria.
- If you have cysts, pimples, rashes, hives, or an infection, the filler should wait until it has been managed.
What happens during it
A doctor injects Restylane Contour into the cheeks or midface to add volume and fullness. A doctor injects Restylane Eyelight into the area under the eyes, between the lower eyelid and the cheekbone. Results depend on the tissue under your skin and on the amount and type of filler used.
Recovery
Most side effects, such as swelling and bruising, start soon after the injection. Many go away in a few days to weeks. In some cases, side effects may show up weeks, months, or even years later. Some fillers are absorbed by the body over time, so you may need to repeat the treatment to keep the look.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop. Do the same for unusual pain, vision changes, or skin near the injection site that looks white, gray, or blue. Also get help right away for stroke signs, such as sudden trouble speaking, or numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs.
Risks and side effects
Common side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness.
The biggest risk is a filler injected into a blood vessel by mistake. This can block the vessel and cut off blood to tissues. The chance is low, but the problems can be serious and may be permanent. Problems reported include tissue death, blindness, and stroke.
A severe allergic reaction is rare. It needs emergency medical help right away.
Who performs it
Getting a filler is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic treatment. Pick a provider who is trained to do the injection. Do not inject yourself with dermal fillers.
Common questions
How long does Restylane last?
The FDA says Restylane Contour results may last up to 48 weeks, and Restylane Eyelight results may last up to 12 months. It depends on the product and where it is injected.
Who should not get Restylane?
People with certain allergies should not get Restylane Contour or Restylane Eyelight. The FDA lists a history of anaphylaxis (a whole-body allergic reaction) and multiple severe allergies. It also lists allergies to lidocaine and to gram-positive bacterial proteins.
Can I buy Restylane online or inject it myself?
No, the FDA says not to inject yourself with dermal fillers. It also says not to buy dermal filler products online, because they could be fake.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Restylane Contour - P140029/S032
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Restylane Eyelight - P040024/S135
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
