Restylane LYFT — NASHA Technology for Cheek Augmentation & Midface Contour
Restylane LYFT (formerly Perlane) is Galderma’s firmest NASHA-technology filler — engineered specifically for deep volumising. The standard 1ml version on Fillersfairy is the non-lidocaine formulation; a separate Restylane LYFT with Lidocaine variant exists for practitioners preferring premixed anaesthetic. 20 mg/mL stabilized HA with a larger NASHA particle size than classic Restylane, designed for deep tissue placement and sustained lift.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Manufacturer: Q-Med AB / Galderma, Uppsala, Sweden
NASHA — Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid
Biphasic Particle Gel
NASHA produces a biphasic, particle-based gel — cross-linked HA particles suspended in non-cross-linked HA buffer. This particle structure delivers precision placement and firm projection, ideal for structural augmentation rather than dynamic flexibility.
Precision & Structure
NASHA-technology fillers (classic Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Restylane Eyelight) are engineered for predictable lift and precise placement. The biphasic structure resists migration and maintains the injected shape with high fidelity.
Original HA Filler
NASHA is the cross-linking technology Q-Med developed for the original Restylane in 1996 — the world’s first non-animal HA dermal filler. Over 25 years of clinical use and 40 million treatments worldwide. FDA-approved since 2003.
Restylane LYFT Active Ingredients
Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid
Stabilized hyaluronic acid at 20 mg/mL — the standard concentration across the Restylane portfolio. The HA is non-animal, produced by bacterial fermentation, and cross-linked using Galderma’s NASHA Technology. Phosphate-buffered saline at pH 7 carries the gel.
No Premixed Lidocaine
This formulation does not contain premixed lidocaine. Practitioners typically administer separate topical EMLA or infiltrative anaesthesia per their preferred protocol. A premixed-lidocaine variant of this product is available separately for practitioners preferring single-syringe administration.
Where Restylane LYFT Is Used
Cheek Augmentation
Restylane LYFT’s primary FDA indication (the Lidocaine version). NASHA’s large particles deliver sustained projection in the deep subcutaneous and supraperiosteal layers.
Midface Contour Deficiency
Age-related midface volume loss. LYFT restores the youthful triangular face shape by adding volume to the zygomatic region.
Deep Nasolabial Folds
Secondary FDA indication for the deep dermal layer of NLFs. LYFT’s firmness suits structural NLF correction better than softer OBT fillers.
Dorsal Hand Volume Restoration
FDA approved (Lidocaine version) for hand rejuvenation — volumising the dorsal hand to mask tendons and vessels in aged hands.
Restylane LYFT vs Juvederm vs Belotero
| Feature | Restylane LYFT | Juvederm (Allergan) | Belotero (Merz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HA Concentration | 20 mg/mL | 15–24 mg/mL | 20–26 mg/mL |
| Cross-Linking Tech | NASHA® Technology | Vycross / Hylacross | CPM® Polydensified |
| Gel Structure | Biphasic (particle) | Monophasic | Polydensified gradient |
| Lidocaine | Separate anaesthesia | 0.3% (XC lines) | 0.3% |
| Origin | Sweden (Galderma / Q-Med) | USA (Allergan / AbbVie) | Germany (Merz) |
| Established Since | 1996 (first HA filler) | 2006 | 2005 |
| Distinctive Strength | Precision lift, structural projection | Long duration, high G-prime | Tissue integration, soft feel |
↔ Swipe horizontally on mobile to view all columns
Comparison based on manufacturer published data. See our top dermal filler comparison guide for broader market context.
Restylane LYFT Product Specifications
Brand & Origin
- Brand: Restylane (Galderma)
- Manufacturer: Q-Med AB
- Country of Origin: Uppsala, Sweden
- Audience: Licensed practitioners
Formula
- HA Source: Non-animal bacterial fermentation
- HA Concentration: 20 mg/mL stabilized
- Lidocaine: None (separate anaesthesia required)
- Technology: NASHA® Technology
Performance
- Duration: Up to 12 months in cheeks · ~6 months in NLF and hands
- Injection Depth: Deep dermis · subcutaneous · supraperiosteal
- Recommended Needle: 27G typical (deep injection)
- Approval: FDA approved (Lidocaine version: cheek, NLF, hands)
Packaging & Storage
- Packaging: 1 × 1 mL pre-filled syringe + needles
- Storage: 2–25 °C, do not freeze
- Shelf life: 24 months unopened
- Use: Single-use sterile
For market pricing context, see our dermal filler pricing guide.
Restylane LYFT — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Restylane LYFT?
Restylane LYFT is Galderma’s firmest NASHA-technology filler — formerly marketed as Perlane before the 2014 rebrand. It uses the same 20 mg/mL HA concentration as classic Restylane but with a larger NASHA particle size designed for deep tissue placement and sustained projection. The 1ml version is supplied without lidocaine; Restylane LYFT with Lidocaine is a separate variant carrying 3 mg/mL premixed lidocaine.
What is the difference between Restylane LYFT and classic Restylane Lidocaine 1ml?
Both products use NASHA Technology and 20 mg/mL HA, but differ in particle size and injection depth. Classic Restylane has smaller NASHA particles intended for mid-to-deep dermal placement (nasolabial folds, lip enhancement). LYFT has larger particles engineered for deep subcutaneous and supraperiosteal placement (cheek augmentation, midface volumising, dorsal hand). LYFT’s firmness gives more pronounced lift; classic Restylane gives more refined wrinkle correction.
Why isn’t this Restylane LYFT version premixed with lidocaine?
The 1ml Restylane LYFT (without lidocaine) is the original formulation, often selected by practitioners who prefer to administer separate local anaesthesia (topical EMLA or supplementary infiltrative lidocaine) rather than rely on premixed lidocaine. Restylane LYFT with Lidocaine is a separate variant carrying 3 mg/mL premixed lidocaine for practitioners who prefer a single-syringe protocol.
Is Restylane LYFT FDA approved?
Restylane LYFT with Lidocaine carries FDA approval for cheek augmentation, midface contour deficiency correction, moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds, and dorsal hand volume restoration. The non-lidocaine 1ml variant supplied here shares the same gel formulation. FDA approval status applies to patients over 21.
How long does Restylane LYFT last in the cheeks?
Per Galderma clinical data, Restylane LYFT delivers up to 12 months of correction in cheek augmentation. Duration is shorter — approximately 6 months — in nasolabial folds and the dorsal hand, reflecting the higher metabolic turnover and movement of these areas. Individual duration depends on dose, placement, and patient metabolism.
Can Restylane LYFT be used for jawline contouring?
Jawline contouring is an off-label use commonly performed with LYFT. The product’s firmness and large particle size suit the structural projection needed for jawline definition. Off-label use is at the practitioner’s clinical discretion within scope of practice — proper anatomical knowledge of mandibular vasculature is essential.
What injection depth is recommended for Restylane LYFT?
Per the Galderma Instructions for Use, LYFT is intended for the deep dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and supraperiosteal layer — significantly deeper than classic Restylane. For cheek augmentation, supraperiosteal bolus technique is commonly used. The recommended needle is 27G; some practitioners prefer a 25G or 27G blunt cannula for deeper supraperiosteal placement.
Where is Restylane LYFT manufactured?
Restylane LYFT is manufactured by Q-Med AB in Uppsala, Sweden — Galderma’s biotechnology subsidiary. Q-Med originally launched the product as Perlane in 2000, with the LYFT rebrand occurring in 2014 to align with the Restylane portfolio naming convention.
Can Restylane LYFT be combined with softer Restylane variants in one session?
Yes — layered protocols combining LYFT for deep volume with softer OBT-technology variants (Defyne, Refyne) for mid-dermal wrinkles are standard Galderma-recommended practice. A typical midface rejuvenation protocol uses Restylane LYFT for cheek and zygomatic augmentation in combination with Restylane Defyne for nasolabial folds and Restylane Kysse for lips.
How should Restylane LYFT be stored?
Store at 2-25 °C in original packaging, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Shelf life is typically 24 months from manufacturing date when unopened. Once opened, contents must be used immediately — partial syringes cannot be retained for later use.
Other Restylane Products on Fillersfairy
Restylane Lidocaine 1ml
The original Restylane — first launched by Q-Med in 1996, now part of the Galderma portfolio. Restylane Lidocaine 1ml (also marketed as Rest…
View product →Restylane Defyne Lidocaine 1ml
A Galderma Restylane filler built on Optimal Balance Technology (OBT, globally branded XpresHAn Technology) — a monophasic gel engineered fo…
View product →All Dermal Fillers
Browse our full range of HA dermal fillers, body fillers, and skin boosters for facial volume, contouring, and rejuvenation.
Browse category →Read Before Clinical Use
Restylane LYFT is a prescription medical device for use only by licensed aesthetic practitioners. Common reactions include injection-site bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness — generally resolving within days. Like all hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, treatment carries rare but serious vascular complication risks. Deep injection sites (subcutaneous and supraperiosteal placements) require heightened anatomical awareness of facial vasculature. Contraindicated in patients with severe allergies to gram-positive bacterial proteins. Full contraindications, vascular complication protocols, aftercare, and emergency guidance are detailed on the dermal filler safety page.
Read Full Dermal Filler Safety Information →RESTYLANE is a registered trademark of Galderma S.A. Fillersfairy.com is a channel distributor and does not provide medical advice. This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace the manufacturer’s official Instructions for Use, which remains the authoritative source for clinical administration. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction — buyers are responsible for verifying legal status before ordering.

Reviews
There are no reviews yet.