Restylane Eyelight is the Newest Injectable on the Block
Here’s everything you need to know about the under eye filler.
Eye creams talk a big game—they claim to brighten dark circles, add volume, and smooth fine lines. I hate to break it to you, but many products on the market don’t live up to the hype, which is disappointing, especially if you’ve slathered on serums and creams to no avail. But, there is another potential solution. Restylane Eyelight is an under-eye filler that works to smooth out under-eye hollows like they were never there in the first place. We reached out to Manhattan-based, double-board certified oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Schwarcz to learn more about Restylane Eyelight, and what you can expect before, during, and after getting the under-eye filler.
What is Restylane Eyelight?
“Restylane Eyelight is a newly FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler for the treatment of under-eye hollows,” says Dr. Schwarcz. Some background info: When people use the word “filler,” they’re referring to the gel-like materials injected into skin to address volume loss. Restylane Eyelight is different from other fillers because of its consistency, explains Dr. Schwarcz. It carries a lower risk of swelling, and it’s well-suited for the thin and delicate skin under the eye. Also, because it’s an HA dermal filler, it’s easy to dissolve, says Dr. Schwarcz, if you’re not obsessed with the final look.
What are the benefits?
As we age, our collagen levels decrease which increases the appearance of fine lines and triggers a loss of volume. When you lose volume under your eyes, it creates hallows which cast shadows under the eye (a.k.a. dark circles), explains Dr. Schwarcz. When injected, Restylane Eyelight adds volume, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, and hydrates the skin.
What should you expect at an appointment?
“I start each appointment with a consultation to discuss patient concerns so I can assess the best approach for them,” says Dr. Schwarcz. “I ask patients to bring in an old photo of themselves so I can give them an honest and personalized assessment of their face as it changes over time.” After looking at the photo and talking about their concerns, Dr. Schwarcz will then examine the patient’s skin to ensure they’re a good candidate for Restylane Eyelight. “If a patient is a candidate for Restylane Eyelight, we’ll make sure the area is cleaned, prepped, and free of makeup, then I’ll inject the area,” says Dr. Schwarcz. The actual treatment takes around 15 minutes.
Is there any downtime involved?
Don’t worry—you won’t need to call out sick after a Restylane Eyelight treatment, says Dr. Schwarcz. “Most patients go back to work or their regular activities.” Dr. Schwarcz also recommends avoiding makeup, like concealer or foundation, around the area for 24 hours after the procedure. Plus, skip any workouts and avoid alcohol for the rest of the day after the treatment. Icing a few times after the procedure can help reduce swelling and bruising, says Dr. Schwarcz. He also suggests that patients “avoid blood thinning agents or ibuprofen for a week prior to minimize bruising.”
What are the risks?
According to Dr. Schwarcz, asymmetry, inflammation, bruising, and swelling are all potential risks. And as with any procedures near the eye, there’s a very rare risk of damage to the eye or blindness. It’s especially important to choose a well-trained injector with a deep knowledge of facial anatomy.
How long do results last?
Here’s some good news: “You can expect the results to last anywhere from nine to 18 months,” says Dr. Schwarcz, so you don’t have to worry about your well-rested appearance disappearing overnight. The length of time depends on how fast your body metabolizes the HA filler.
What makes someone a good candidate for Restylane Eyelight?
If your under-eye bags are caused by volume loss, then you’re probably a good candidate for Restylane Eyelight. People with “very prominent bags, poor elasticity and very thin skin” may not be the best candidates for the under-eye filler, says Dr. Schwartz. Also, filler won’t help with pigmentation, so if your dark circles are caused by increased pigmentation in the skin, unfortunately, Restylane Eyelight can’t help with that.
How much does it cost?
Depending on location, provider, and how filler is being injected, the price can range from $1000 to $2000 for both eyes. Considering the fact that you’re getting something injected into your face, we’d say that it’s probably not the best idea to cut corners when it comes to costs. If you think about how much money you’ve spent on products that haven’t worked, saving up for something that’s pretty much a sure bet is more than worth it.