Experience natural-looking, flexible lips with Restylane Kysse. Discover how it compares to other leading hyaluronic acid fillers for lip augmentation—based on the latest clinical research.
What Is Restylane Kysse?
Restylane Kysse is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler specifically designed for lip augmentation and smoothing upper perioral lines. It utilizes XpresHAn Technology™ (also known as OBT—Optimal Balance Technology) to deliver flexible, natural movement in dynamic lip areas. Approved by the FDA in May 2020 for lip augmentation in adults over 21, it is manufactured by Galderma and is one of the most studied fillers for lips in recent years.
Scientific Properties: What Makes Restylane Kysse Unique?
Hydrophilicity and Volume Enhancement
- Superior Hydrophilic Capacity: Restylane Kysse demonstrates a swelling capacity of 170%, higher than many competing fillers. This property allows for progressive, natural volume enhancement over time without excessive swelling.
Source: 2024 Physical Properties Study
- Progressive Volume: In a 2024 randomized controlled trial, Kysse provided more sustained lip projection compared to standard Restylane, with both fillers showing similar safety and satisfaction scores at 30 days.
Source: 2024 RCT
Flexibility and Tissue Integration
- XpresHAn Technology: Kysse’s unique crosslinking allows for moderate cohesivity (score of 2 on the Gavard-Sundaram scale), balancing structure and flexibility. This enables seamless integration with lip tissue for natural movement and expression.
Source: 2024 Physical Properties Study
Clinical Outcomes and Morphology
- Stable Volume and Natural Results: A 2025 cheiloscopic study confirmed significant increases in lip thickness (stable at 3 months, p<0.001) and improved commissure positioning, with no alteration to natural lip groove patterns or adverse inflammatory changes.
Source: 2025 Cheiloscopic Study
Restylane Kysse vs. Other Lip Fillers: Evidence-Based Comparisons
Comparison Table: Key Properties and Clinical Outcomes
| Filler Name | Technology / Base | Hydrophilicity / Swelling | Cohesivity (Gavard-Sundaram) | Volume Persistence | Flexibility / Movement | FDA Approval for Lips | Safety Profile | Typical Injection Volume (mL) | Notable Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restylane Kysse | XpresHAn (OBT) | 170% | 2 (moderate) | Up to 12–18 months | High | Yes (2020) | Excellent | 1.54–1.82 | Natural movement, progressive volume, minimal swelling |
| Restylane-L | NASHA | Lower | 3–4 (higher) | 6–9 months | Lower | Yes | Excellent | 1.0–1.5 | Structure, initial projection |
| Juvéderm Volbella | Vycross | Moderate | 2–3 | 12–18 months | Moderate | Yes | Excellent | 1.82–1.97 | Softness, subtle enhancement |
| Juvéderm Ultra 3 | Hylacross | Moderate | 2–3 | 9–12 months | Moderate | Yes | Excellent | 1.5–2.0 | Volume, smoothness |
| Belotero Intense | CPM | Moderate | 1–2 | 6–12 months | High | Yes | Excellent | 1.5–2.0 | Fine line blending, soft finish |
| Stylage M | IPN-Like | Moderate | 2 | 6–12 months | Moderate | Yes (Europe) | Excellent | 1.5–2.0 | Antioxidant (mannitol) additive |
| Art Filler Lips | Tri-Hyal | Moderate | 2–3 | 12–15 months | Moderate | Yes (Europe) | Excellent | 1.54–1.82 | Balanced properties |
Sources: References 1–5
Detailed “VS.” Comparisons
Restylane Kysse vs. Restylane-L
- Hydrophilicity: Kysse offers higher swelling capacity, resulting in more progressive, natural-looking volume.
- Cohesivity: Kysse’s moderate cohesivity allows better tissue integration and flexibility, while Restylane-L is firmer and may provide more initial structure.
- Duration: Kysse demonstrates longer-lasting volume (up to 12–18 months) compared to Restylane-L (6–9 months).
- Best For: Kysse is preferred for dynamic, expressive lips; Restylane-L may be chosen for patients desiring more defined structure.
Restylane Kysse vs. Juvéderm Volbella
- Texture: Both are soft, but Kysse provides slightly more volume and projection due to higher hydrophilicity.
- Duration: Both offer similar longevity (12–18 months).
- Movement: Kysse’s XpresHAn Technology supports more natural movement in dynamic areas.
- Volume Efficiency: Volbella may require slightly higher injection volumes for comparable fullness.
Restylane Kysse vs. Juvéderm Ultra 3
- Volume: Ultra 3 provides more immediate fullness; Kysse offers gradual, natural enhancement.
- Swelling: Kysse’s swelling is controlled; Ultra 3 may cause more pronounced initial swelling.
- Flexibility: Kysse excels in flexibility for expressive lips.
Restylane Kysse vs. Belotero Intense & Stylage M
- Softness: Belotero Intense is known for blending fine lines, while Kysse balances volume with movement.
- Antioxidant Additives: Stylage M contains mannitol for potential antioxidant benefits; Kysse focuses on flexibility and integration.
Clinical Trial Evidence: Safety and Patient Satisfaction
- Safety: Across randomized controlled trials and multicenter studies, Restylane Kysse demonstrates an excellent safety profile with no serious adverse events and comparable rates of mild, transient side effects (e.g., swelling, bruising) to other HA fillers.
- Patient Satisfaction: Satisfaction scores with Kysse are consistently high and on par with competitors, with subtle differences (<20%) in metrics such as fullness, softness, and duration.
- Morphological Outcomes: Kysse enhances lip thickness and commissure position without altering natural lip patterns, supporting subtle, natural results.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Restylane Kysse?
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- Adults seeking subtle, natural-looking lip enhancement
- Patients who value flexibility and natural movement in the lips
- Individuals with dynamic, expressive lip anatomy
- Those seeking a filler with a proven safety profile and long-lasting results
Why Choose Certified Providers at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa?
At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, all medical aesthetic procedures—including Restylane Kysse injections—are performed by certified Master Injectors under the full-time supervision of Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a board-certified physician and national trainer in advanced injection techniques. This ensures the highest standards of safety, artistry, and patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Restylane Kysse last in the lips?
Clinical studies show results lasting up to 12–18 months, depending on individual metabolism and injection technique. Source
2. How does Restylane Kysse compare to Juvéderm Volbella for lip augmentation?
Both are FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers. Kysse offers more flexible movement and progressive volume, while Volbella is known for subtle, soft enhancement. Duration and safety profiles are similar.
3. What side effects are most common with Restylane Kysse?
Temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness are the most frequently reported side effects. Serious complications are rare when administered by experienced, certified injectors.
4. Is Restylane Kysse better for natural-looking lips?
Restylane Kysse’s XpresHAn Technology is designed for natural movement and subtle volume, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking undetectable enhancement.
5. Can Restylane Kysse be dissolved if needed?
Yes. Like other hyaluronic acid fillers, Kysse can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if correction is necessary.
6. How much swelling should I expect after Restylane Kysse?
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling that resolves within a few days. Kysse’s controlled hydrophilicity minimizes excessive swelling risk.
7. Is Restylane Kysse FDA approved?
Yes, Restylane Kysse received FDA approval for lip augmentation in adults over 21 in May 2020.
8. How does injection volume differ between Kysse and other fillers?
Kysse typically requires 1.54–1.82 mL for optimal results, which is similar or slightly less than some alternatives like Juvéderm Volbella. Source
9. Who should not get Restylane Kysse?
Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions or known hypersensitivity to HA fillers should avoid this product. A thorough consultation with a certified provider is essential.
10. Why is provider expertise important for lip fillers?
Proper technique, anatomical knowledge, and experience are critical for safety and achieving natural results. At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, all procedures are performed by certified injectors under physician supervision.
References:
- Restylane Kysse vs. Restylane RCT (2024)
- Physical Properties of Restylane Kysse (2024)
- Cheiloscopic Study on Kysse (2025)
- Multi-Filler Comparison Review (2023)
- Long-Term Volume Comparison (2025)
For individualized recommendations, schedule a Restylane Kysse consultation with a certified Master Injector at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, led by Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, in Sherman Oaks, California.