Lip augmentation is a consistently popular aesthetic treatment, with patients presenting a range of goals from desiring significant volume increase to seeking subtle definition and a remarkably natural feel. Selecting the appropriate hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is paramount to meet these diverse objectives safely and effectively. Within the extensive landscape of HA fillers, Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Restylane® Kysse™ are two leading products frequently used for lip enhancement, yet they are designed with different properties that cater to distinct patient needs. This article provides a comparative guide for practitioners, exploring the differences in these fillers’ composition, rheology, and clinical considerations when performing lip augmentation.
This information is intended for trained medical professionals performing lip enhancements. It is not a substitute for formal hands-on training or the product’s specific instructions.
Understanding the Products: Hylacross® vs. XpresHAn Technology™
Both Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Restylane® Kysse™ are HA dermal fillers, but they are manufactured using different technologies that result in distinct gel characteristics:
- Juvéderm® Ultra XC: Based on Allergan’s Hylacross® technology. This traditional cross-linking process creates a robust, cohesive, and relatively firm HA gel. It is designed to provide significant volume and structure.
- Restylane® Kysse™: Based on Galderma’s XpresHAn Technology™ (also known as OBT™). This technology creates a softer, more flexible HA gel designed to integrate smoothly and adapt to dynamic facial movements. Kysse is specifically engineered with properties tailored for the lips.
This fundamental difference in manufacturing technology dictates their rheological properties and clinical behavior in the dynamic lip area.
Comparing Properties for Lip Augmentation Goals
The distinct properties of Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Restylane® Kysse™ make them suitable for different lip augmentation goals:
- Volume vs. Flexibility & Feel:
- Juvéderm Ultra XC: Offers higher G’ prime and cohesivity compared to Kysse. This translates to greater lifting capacity and more noticeable volume (“plumping”). It provides a firmer structure for lip body augmentation.
- Restylane Kysse™: Prioritizes flexibility and stretch (from XpresHAn Technology™). It is designed to integrate seamlessly and move naturally with lip expressions, resulting in a soft, pliable feel. While providing volume, its primary focus is on natural dynamics and sensation.
- Integration: Both products aim for smooth integration, but their approaches differ. Ultra XC’s cohesive gel integrates predictably for volume in deeper planes. Kysse’s high flexibility is specifically designed for integration within the highly mobile lip tissue.
- Patient Perception: Patients receiving Ultra XC may perceive more initial firmness or volume. Patients receiving Kysse often report a very natural, soft feel and movement in their lips.
- Lip Color and Texture: Restylane Kysse™ is specifically designed with properties that may enhance natural lip color and texture, a benefit not typically associated with Ultra XC.
When selecting between these fillers, practitioners should consider whether the primary goal is maximizing volume and projection (favoring Ultra XC) or prioritizing a soft, flexible, and natural-feeling result with seamless movement integration (favoring Kysse).
Clinical Applications and Patient Selection
Both fillers are used for lip augmentation, but patient selection can be guided by their properties:
- Juvéderm® Ultra XC: Ideal for patients seeking more significant lip volume, a fuller lip body, or correction of more pronounced volume loss. Suitable for individuals whose primary goal is noticeable plumping.
- Restylane® Kysse™: Well-suited for patients desiring subtle to moderate volume, enhanced definition, improved lip texture/color, and a strong emphasis on a soft, natural feel and flexible movement. Ideal for those who want refinement rather than dramatic size increase, or those concerned about their lips feeling stiff.
Injection Techniques and Considerations
While basic lip injection principles apply, product properties influence technique nuances:
- Injection Depth: Volume with both is typically placed in the submucosal plane. However, Ultra XC’s robustness requires care to avoid superficial placement, which could lead to palpable lumps. Kysse’s flexibility allows for smooth integration even in more superficial areas like the vermillion border for definition.
- Technique Adaptation: Techniques like linear threading through the lip body or serial puncture can be used with both. Practitioners may adapt pressure and volume per aliquot based on the filler’s viscosity and intended outcome.
- Lidocaine: Both Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Restylane® Kysse™ contain lidocaine for patient comfort during injection.
Expected Outcomes and Longevity
Both fillers provide immediate visible results. Initial swelling is expected with both, potentially more pronounced with Ultra XC due to its more robust nature. Longevity in the lips varies, but clinical studies have shown results lasting up to 9-12 months for Ultra XC and up to one year for Kysse. Managing patient expectations regarding initial swelling, final outcome, and duration is crucial for both products.
Safety Profile and Sourcing Authentic Products
Both Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Restylane® Kysse™ have known safety profiles as HA fillers. Standard risks include temporary bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness. The critical risk remains Vascular Occlusion (VO) due to the lips’ vascularity. Both are reversible with hyaluronidase, which must be immediately accessible, and practitioners must be trained in VO management. Sourcing authentic product from reputable suppliers is non-negotiable for safety and predictable results. Counterfeit fillers pose extreme risks.
Conclusion: Tailoring Lip Enhancement with Ultra XC or Kysse™
Juvéderm® Ultra XC and Restylane® Kysse™ are excellent, FDA-approved HA fillers for lip augmentation, each offering distinct advantages. Ultra XC is well-suited for patients seeking more noticeable volume, while Kysse is designed for those prioritizing natural feel and flexibility. Understanding these property differences allows practitioners to select the optimal product based on patient goals, achieving safe and satisfying outcomes.
About the Author: Doris Dickson is a specialist writer for Health Supplies Plus, focusing on the aesthetic medicine industry. She diligently researches cosmetic treatments and products to provide clear, concise information relevant to licensed medical professionals. Her work supports Health Supplies Plus’s commitment to being a reliable informational resource and trusted supplier for the aesthetic community.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is directed towards licensed medical professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute an endorsement of any specific product or technique. Practitioners must rely on their own professional judgment, clinical experience, and knowledge of patient needs, and should always consult the full product prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before use. Health Supplies Plus does not provide medical advice.