Galderma’s newly unveiled lip filler, Restylane Kysse, offers a modern iteration of “the lipstick effect” for the perfect, pout-plumping pick-me-up.
“Right now, with COVID-19 sweeping the globe, women are at home, wearing less makeup and focused on flawless skin and natural beauty,” says Manhattan-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo. During these unprecedented times, we’ve seen a reemergence of “the lipstick effect,” a term coined during the Great Depression when—as women searched for a way to feel beautiful when people were struggling to keep their spirits lifted—lipstick became one of the most purchased products on the market. “I think, as dermatologist offices start to reopen, we will see an increased interest in lip fillers, creating this generation’s version of ‘the lipstick effect,’ with people looking for ways to enhance their features without makeup,” she suggests.
So, how does the newly launched, FDA-approved, hyaluronic acid lip filler Restylane Kysse differ from fillers of yesteryear? “In the past if I needed to treat perioral lip lines and enhance the fullness of the lips in older patients, I would normally need different products when doing lip augmentations—one for volume, another to smooth fine lines. This means I would need to use more product to achieve the desired results,” Peredo says.
As New York-based plastic surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan explains, “Restylane Kysse is similar to existing products, but offers a new paint in a plastic surgeon’s palette. One thing that differentiates Restylane Kysse is that it uses a unique XpresHAn cross-linking technology (not found in other lip fillers), allowing us to achieve natural structure and flexibility,” she adds. The XpresHAn technology is designed for better tissue integration, resulting in more natural expression. Bonus: It also allows for injectors to use less product. “Restylane Kysse is so versatile. I can inject it both superficially for fine lines and deep for lip fullness with great results,” Peredo says, noting the product can also be a remedy for the corners of the mouth and causes less swelling and bruising than other fillers.
“Especially when selecting a filler to treat the lips, you need a balance between structure and flexibility,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai hospital’s Department of Dermatology. “If the filler is too firm, it will prevent the lips from moving naturally. If the filler is too soft, you won’t be able to restore shape and structure. The particle size and cross-linking technology of Restylane Kysse,” he continues, “gives a balance of both structure and plumping, along with a longer-lasting benefit than previous lip fillers on the market.”
Given the additional hours spent at home, Devgan points to a growing trend: “With more time at home and more awkward Zoom angles, there has been heightened interest in all aesthetic procedures.” She cheekily adds that masks can, conveniently, cover any transient bruising or swelling. “In my hands,” Zeichner offers, “patients have experienced less swelling as compared to other products, which means happier patients postprocedure and less downtime.” For those concerned about a natural feel, a “kissability” study showed that significant others were satisfied with their partner’s lips after treatment. Pucker up.
Photography by: CoffeeAndMilk/istock
