Restylane Kysse is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler specifically engineered for lip augmentation and the correction of perioral lines. Manufactured by Galderma and part of the Restylane portfolio, it uses XpresHAn Technology to deliver a soft, flexible gel that moves naturally with the lips — producing results that look and feel authentic. This guide covers everything aesthetic practitioners need to know about Restylane Kysse, from its formulation and FDA indications to injection technique, expected outcomes, and patient selection.

What Is Restylane Kysse?

Restylane Kysse is a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel filler containing 0.3% lidocaine for patient comfort during injection. It was FDA-approved in the United States in 2020 for lip augmentation and correction of upper perioral lines in adults aged 21 and over — making it the first Restylane product approved specifically for lip indications in the US market.

Key product specifications:

  • HA concentration: 20 mg/ml
  • Lidocaine: 0.3% (integrated)
  • Technology: XpresHAn Technology (flexible, dynamic gel)
  • Volume: 1 ml prefilled syringe
  • Longevity: up to 12 months (lip augmentation in clinical trials)

A critical differentiator is XpresHAn Technology. Unlike firmer fillers that can create a static appearance in the lips, Kysse’s flexible gel adapts to facial movement and expression — a clinically important property for a high-mobility area like the lips.

Licensed practitioners can order Restylane Kysse Lidocaine at wholesale prices through Bioresus.

FDA-Approved Indications

  • Lip augmentation in adults aged 21 and over
  • Correction of upper perioral rhytids (lip lines) in adults aged 21 and over

Restylane Kysse vs the Restylane Portfolio

  • Restylane Kysse: Soft, flexible XpresHAn gel. Best for lip volume, lip definition, and upper perioral lines.
  • Restylane Silk: Thinner, softer gel. Suitable for subtle lip enhancement and fine superficial lines.
  • Restylane Lyft: Higher G-prime, stiffer gel. Designed for cheek augmentation, not lips.
  • Restylane Defyne: XpresHAn technology, mid-range firmness. Better suited for nasolabial folds and chin.
  • Restylane Refyne: XpresHAn, softer than Defyne. Treats moderate nasolabial folds with natural flexibility.

For lip treatments in the US, Restylane Kysse is the current product of choice within the Restylane portfolio. Browse the full Restylane range at Bioresus.

Restylane Kysse Injection Technique

Pre-Treatment Assessment and Consultation

  • Assess baseline lip anatomy — proportions, vermilion border definition, Cupid’s bow, philtral columns, and any asymmetry
  • Review medical history including previous filler treatments, history of oral herpes (HSV-1), and anticoagulant use
  • Discuss patient goals carefully — distinguish between patients wanting volume, definition, hydration, or a combination
  • Review standardised pre-treatment photographs (front, lateral, and three-quarter views)
  • Complete informed consent covering risks, benefits, longevity, and the availability of hyaluronidase dissolution

Patients with a history of cold sores should be considered for prophylactic antiviral therapy (e.g., aciclovir or valaciclovir) starting 24–48 hours before the procedure.

Injection Approaches for Lip Augmentation

Serial puncture (body of lips):

  • Multiple small bolus injections at 3–5 mm intervals throughout the lip body
  • Ideal for adding volume evenly distributed across the lip; needle inserted into the submucosa at a shallow angle

Linear threading (border definition):

  • Retrograde threading along the vermilion border to define the lip edge
  • Ideal for patients wanting clearer lip definition without significant volume increase

Cannula technique:

  • A 25G or 27G microcannula via a single entry point on each side significantly reduces bruising risk
  • Particularly recommended for patients on anticoagulants or those concerned about downtime

Injection Depth

  • Lip body augmentation: submucosal plane (below the mucous membrane, above the orbicularis oris muscle)
  • Vermilion border definition: intradermal injection along the border at the dermal-mucosal junction
  • Upper perioral lines: superficial intradermal, placed precisely within individual lines

Volume Guidelines

  • Subtle enhancement / first-time patients: 0.5–1 ml total (split between upper and lower lips)
  • Moderate augmentation: 1–1.5 ml total
  • More significant augmentation: up to 2 ml (may require 2 syringes; session splitting recommended for new patients)

For first-time lip filler patients, a conservative approach is advisable. Starting with 0.5–1 ml and reviewing at 2 weeks before adding more volume improves patient satisfaction.

Vascular Safety

  • The superior and inferior labial arteries are the primary risk vessels in the lip area
  • Never inject under high pressure — if resistance is felt, reposition the needle or cannula
  • Hyaluronidase must be immediately available in every clinic performing filler injections
  • Know the signs of vascular occlusion: blanching, livedo, prolonged capillary refill, severe immediate pain

If any sign of vascular occlusion is suspected, stop injecting immediately and initiate the hyaluronidase protocol without delay.

Post-Treatment Instructions

  • Avoid extreme heat (saunas, hot yoga, direct sun) for 24–48 hours
  • No vigorous massage or pressure on the treated area for 24 hours
  • Mild swelling and bruising are common, particularly in lips, and typically resolve within 3–7 days
  • Final results are best assessed at 2 weeks once swelling has fully resolved
  • Schedule a 2-week review for assessment and any touch-up if required

Expected Results and Longevity

  • Lip augmentation results lasting up to 12 months in clinical studies
  • Statistically significant improvements in lip fullness, shape, and symmetry versus baseline
  • High patient satisfaction scores maintained at 12 months post-treatment
  • Natural movement and flexibility maintained throughout treatment duration due to XpresHAn technology

In real-world practice, longevity typically ranges from 6–12 months, with variation driven by patient metabolism, volume injected, and lifestyle factors.

Managing Patient Expectations

  • Swelling post-lip injection can be alarming to first-time patients — set expectations clearly at consultation
  • Lips may look asymmetric immediately post-treatment due to differential swelling — advise patients to wait for the 2-week review
  • Duration is individual — some patients need retreatment at 6 months, others at 12 months
  • Communicate clearly that results are not permanent and ongoing maintenance is required

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid, lidocaine, or gram-positive bacterial proteins
  • Active infection, inflammation, or herpetic outbreak in the treatment area
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Bleeding disorders or patients on anticoagulant therapy (relative contraindication)
  • Active autoimmune conditions

Ordering Restylane Kysse Wholesale

Licensed practitioners can order Restylane Kysse Lidocaine at wholesale prices from Bioresus. Bioresus supplies the full Restylane portfolio to licensed practitioners across the UK and internationally, sourced from authorised Galderma distributors with full traceability.

Conclusion

Restylane Kysse is the gold-standard lip filler within the Restylane portfolio — combining a clinically validated, FDA-approved formulation with XpresHAn technology that delivers genuinely natural-looking, dynamic results. Its 12-month longevity data, integrated lidocaine, and strong safety profile make it a compelling choice for practitioners building a lip augmentation service.

Pair it with polynucleotide skin boosters for a comprehensive perioral rejuvenation protocol that addresses both volume and skin quality.