Belotero vs Restylane: Key Differences for Facial Filler Treatments

In the evolving field of non-surgical aesthetic treatments, hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers remain the gold standard for addressing volume loss, wrinkles, and facial contouring. At the moment, Belotero and Restylane are some of the most frequently used brands in medical aesthetic clinics. Each filler line offers distinct properties and benefits, making them suitable for different treatment goals and facial regions. Understanding the unique formulations, performance, and clinical applications of these two brands helps medical aestheticians make informed decisions for their patients.

Key Takeaways

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of Belotero vs Restylane, focusing on:

• Texture, 
• Integration, 
• Injection depth,
• Treatment indications
• Longevity.

Overview of Belotero and Restylane

Belotero and Restylane are hyaluronic acid-based fillers, both CE-marked and FDA-approved for cosmetic use. They are safe, biocompatible, and reversible using hyaluronidase, making them a go-to option for facial rejuvenation and enhancement. Just like Restylane vs Juvederm, comparing these two filler lines shows that each has its own unique benefits:

• Belotero is manufactured by Merz Aesthetics using Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM®) technology. This process creates a gel with variable density that integrates uniformly within the skin. As a result, Belotero fillers are exceptionally smooth and designed to blend into the dermis without creating surface irregularities.
• Restylane, developed by Galderma, uses NASHA® (Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid) and XpresHAn technologies. NASHA® provides a firmer, more structured filler, while XpresHAn results in flexible gels that adapt naturally to facial movements. This allows Restylane to offer a wide spectrum of products for different depths and aesthetic needs, from soft enhancement to sculpted volume.

Both product lines offer versatile ranges suitable for various facial areas and depths.

Texture and Integration

One of the key differences between Belotero and Restylane lies in their texture and tissue integration. These characteristics affect how the filler behaves after injection, how natural the result looks, and how the filler distributes across fine or dynamic lines.

Belotero 

Belotero is a low-viscosity, ultra-smooth filler that integrates seamlessly into the superficial layers of the dermis. Its unique formulation allows for very thin, even placement, which is ideal for delicate treatment areas like crow’s feet, perioral lines, and tear troughs. The smooth texture reduces the risk of lumpiness and unevenness in thin or ageing skin.

Restylane

Restylane, on the other hand, tends to have a firmer consistency, particularly in NASHA-based products. This makes it ideal for sculpting and shaping facial features. For instance, Restylane Lyft is used for cheek augmentation and midface volume, while Restylane Kysse offers lip enhancement with both shape and structure.

Restylane’s XpresHAn products (like Refyne and Defyne) provide more flexibility, which makes them suitable for dynamic areas of the face where expression is important. While these are still slightly firmer than Belotero, they offer a good compromise between structure and movement.

Injection Depth and Indications

Belotero’s smooth texture allows for extremely superficial injection, especially in the Belotero Balance and Belotero Soft variants. These fillers are injected into the superficial to mid-dermis and are especially effective for:

• Tear trough correction
• Fine perioral lines (also called “barcode” lines)
• Crow’s feet
• Superficial wrinkles and etched-in lines

Because Belotero integrates so well into the upper dermis and carries a low risk of Tyndall effect (the bluish discolouration seen when HA is placed too superficially), it is often preferred for patients with thin, delicate, or translucent skin.

Restylane products are typically injected into the mid-to-deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue, depending on the formulation. In fact, each Restylane product is formulated for a specific depth and function, offering aestheticians a range of tools for contouring, wrinkle correction, and volume enhancement.

Treatment Areas: Best Use Cases

Choosing between Belotero and Restylane dermal fillers depends largely on the treatment area and desired results.

Belotero is ideal for:

• Tear troughs: Due to its low viscosity and smooth integration, it minimises puffiness and reduces Tyndall risk.
• Fine perioral lines: Its superficial application makes it ideal for vertical lip lines.
• Crow’s feet and superficial creases: These dynamic lines benefit from Belotero’s even dispersion.

Restylane is preferred for:

• Lips: Restylane Kysse offers soft but structured enhancement and minimal swelling.
• Nasolabial folds: Restylane Defyne and Refyne balance flexibility and support in high-movement areas.
• Midface volume: Restylane Lyft provides projection and definition in the cheeks.
• Chin and jawline: Some clinics use Restylane Volyme for lower face sculpting when they are in need of a denser filler. In fact, looking at Restylane before and after images tells more than words. 

Longevity of Results

The durability of dermal fillers varies depending on the area treated, product formulation, and patient metabolism.

Belotero’s results typically last 6 to 9 months, especially when used in areas with fine movement. Products like Belotero Balance and Soft are more prone to metabolisation due to their superficial placement and low crosslinking density.

Restylane offers longer-lasting results, ranging from 6 to 18 months. For example, Restylane Lyft used in the cheeks or jawline can last up to 18 months, while Restylane Kysse typically maintains results for about 9–12 months. Firmer, more crosslinked Restylane fillers used in deeper injections tend to resist enzymatic degradation for a longer time. 

However, the following factors affect how long results last for both brands:

• Patient metabolism: Higher metabolic rates may break down fillers more quickly.
• Treatment area: Fillers in mobile areas like the mouth or eyes tend to degrade faster.
• Injection depth: Deeper injections typically last longer than superficial ones.
• Product properties: More cohesive and crosslinked gels tend to last longer.

Choosing Between the Two

When aestheticians need to choose between Belotero and Restylane, there is no universal rule. The decision should be based on clinical experience, treatment objectives, and patient characteristics.

Aestheticians should choose Belotero if:

• They are treating superficial lines or deep wrinkles.
• They are working with patients who have very thin or mature skin.
• Patients wish to experience minimal swelling and natural integration.
• Precision and subtlety are more important than volume.

However, they should choose Restylane if:

• There is a need to enhance lips or add volume to midface areas.
• The patient desires more structure or definition.
• They need a longer-lasting result in a deep treatment area.
• Sculpting and support are priorities.

Many experienced injectors use both brands strategically within the same treatment session, which allows them to reach customised results. 

Conclusion

Belotero and Restylane both serve as excellent solutions for facial rejuvenation, but they excel in different areas. Belotero is ideal for fine line correction and superficial treatments, all thanks to its smooth texture and gentle integration. Restylane, on the other hand, provides structure and durability for deeper injections and volumising effects. Registered medical professionals can order Belotero products and buy Restylane injections online at the Best Buy Fillers e-commerce store. With careful selection and technique, both filler lines can deliver safe, natural, and highly satisfying outcomes.

References:

Cazzaniga A, Ballin A, Brandt F. Hyaluronic acid gel fillers in the management of facial aging. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2008;Volume 3:153-159. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2544360/

Khalifa Al‐Ghanim, Richards R, Cohen S. A practical guide to selecting facial fillers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(12):3232-3236. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15867

Tezel A, Fredrickson GH. The science of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2008;10(1):35-42. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080%2F14764170701774901