Restylane for Nasolabial Folds – Reduce Smile Lines

David Fuller

Last Updated On: August 26, 2025

Over time, many people begin to notice deep creases running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These are known as nasolabial folds, or more casually, smile lines. While they’re a natural part of aging and facial expression, they can start to feel more pronounced as early as your 30s, often giving the face a more tired or aged appearance, even when you’re feeling great.

One of the most popular ways to soften these lines is with dermal fillers, and Restylane® is often at the top of that list. This hyaluronic acid (HA)–based filler works by restoring lost volume and boosting hydration in the skin, helping smooth out folds while maintaining natural facial movement.

In this article, we’ll break down how Restylane can help treat nasolabial folds, what to expect during and after the procedure, and the potential benefits and side effects.

Key Takeaways

• Nasolabial folds, also known as smile lines, develop due to age-related volume loss, collagen decline, and downward fat pad movement, and often become more noticeable in the mid-30s.
• Restylane offers a non-surgical solution to soften these folds by restoring lost volume, hydrating the skin, and supporting facial structure.
• The Restylane product line includes several fillers for nasolabial folds: Lyft is best for structural lift and deeper folds, Refyne is ideal for moderate lines with natural movement, and Defyne offers support for more pronounced creases while maintaining flexibility.
• Injection strategies may include both midface volume restoration and direct fold correction, using layered techniques for smooth, natural-looking integration.
• Patients often notice immediate improvement, with results lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
• Recovery is minimal, with common side effects like redness or swelling resolving quickly. Rare complications, such as vascular compromise or hypersensitivity, can occur and highlight the importance of choosing a skilled provider.
• In the United States, Restylane Lyft, Refyne, and Defyne are FDA-approved for treating nasolabial folds in adults over 21, though approval may vary in other countries.
• Restylane treatments offer a customizable and reversible approach for reducing smile lines, helping patients achieve refreshed, balanced results without surgery.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. If you’re looking to buy Restylane online, contact our sales department for more information.  

What Causes Nasolabial Folds and How Restylane Helps

Nasolabial folds, commonly referred to as smile lines, form naturally as we age. These creases deepen over time due to a combination of factors. The skin loses collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity. In the midface, fat pads gradually shift downward, causing the skin to fold more prominently around the mouth. On top of that, repetitive facial expressions like smiling and laughing carve these lines in further.

External influences can make the process worse. Sun exposure, smoking, and poor skin care habits can all contribute to premature skin aging, making smile lines appear earlier or more defined.

Restylane offers a non-surgical way to soften the appearance of nasolabial folds by replacing lost volume and supporting the skin from underneath. As a hyaluronic acid–based filler, Restylane works by attracting and binding water, improving hydration, plumpness, and skin texture. This replenishment helps lift and smooth the folds, giving the lower face a more refreshed and balanced look.

Rather than reversing the underlying causes like collagen loss or fat descent, Restylane helps address their visible effects. Results often appear subtle but noticeable, blending well with the natural shape of the face. The formulation also allows providers to customize the treatment to suit different facial structures and preferences, something that has helped make the Restylane product line a trusted choice in aesthetic clinics worldwide.

Restylane Lyft, Refyne, and Defyne for Smile Line Correction

Not all smile lines are the same, and neither are the fillers used to treat them. Within the Restylane portfolio, three products stand out for nasolabial fold correction: Lyft, Refyne, and Defyne. Each one is designed with a different level of support, flexibility, and integration in mind.

Lyft

• Best suited for deeper folds and volume restoration in the midface
  
• Adds structure and lift, particularly in the cheeks and jawline
  
• Helps soften smile lines indirectly by elevating nearby tissues
  
• More supportive than flexible, making it ideal for areas that need lift over movement
  
• Duration: often lasts up to 12 months in the cheeks, and longer in low-mobility zones

Refyne

• Formulated with XpresHAn Technology™, designed for natural expression
  
• Best for moderate nasolabial folds and areas that move frequently
  
• Offers soft, subtle correction while preserving facial movement
  
• Integrates well into thinner skin and blends easily without sharp transitions

Defyne

• Also built on XpresHAn Technology™, but with slightly more firmness than Refyne
  
• Suitable for deeper folds, including pronounced smile lines and marionette lines
  
• Provides both structural support and dynamic adaptability, helping avoid an overly stiff appearance
  
• Often chosen for patients needing more correction while maintaining natural expressiveness

Together, these fillers give practitioners the flexibility to tailor treatment based on wrinkle depth, skin quality, and facial dynamics. In many cases, a combination approach using both volume-lifting and line-softening techniques offers the most balanced result.

Injection Strategy with Restylane for Long-Lasting Results

Achieving natural-looking improvement with Restylane isn’t just about choosing the right filler—how it’s placed matters just as much. Skilled injectors use targeted techniques to support both the underlying structure and the surface of the skin.

Common Strategies

• Midface support with Restylane Lyft: By restoring volume in the cheeks, Lyft reduces the downward pull that makes nasolabial folds more visible. This indirect lift softens the folds while improving overall midface contour.
  
• Direct fold correction with Refyne or Defyne: These flexible fillers are injected directly into the smile lines, adapting to facial movement without causing stiffness. They’re ideal for areas of expression where too much volume could look unnatural.
  
• Layering techniques for seamless blending: Using a combination of deep structural placement and superficial contouring, practitioners can smooth the folds while keeping the results subtle and well-integrated with the surrounding skin.

Treatment results are usually visible immediately and continue to improve as the filler settles and hydrates the tissue. Most patients enjoy results that last between 6 and 12 months, although longevity can vary depending on skin type, lifestyle, and filler type.

Patient Outcomes and Recovery with Restylane for Nasolabial Folds

Patients treated with Restylane for nasolabial folds often report a softer, more refreshed appearance. Deep creases are reduced, and the contours around the mouth and cheeks appear smoother and better defined. Because these fillers are designed to integrate well with the skin, facial movement remains natural and expressive. This is an important feature for those concerned about looking “overfilled.”

Recovery is usually quick and manageable:

• Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours
  
• Redness, swelling, or tenderness at injection sites may occur, typically resolving in a few days
  
• Bruising is possible, particularly for those prone to vascular sensitivity

Though uncommon, serious risks such as vascular occlusion, nodules, or allergic reactions can occur. This is why it’s essential to choose a qualified, experienced injector who understands facial anatomy and safe filler techniques.

In the U.S., Restylane Lyft, Refyne, and Defyne are FDA-approved for the correction of nasolabial folds in adults over 21. Approval status may vary in other countries, so it’s important to consult a licensed provider in your region.

With good skincare, regular follow-up, and touch-up treatments, many patients maintain their results comfortably for several months to over a year—without the commitment or downtime of surgical options.

Conclusion

For those seeking a nonsurgical solution to smile lines, Restylane offers a versatile, safe, and effective approach. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of aging or more pronounced folds, options like Lyft, Refyne, and Defyne provide targeted support that can be customized to your features.

These treatments help restore youthful contours, smooth expression lines, and maintain facial movement, delivering refreshed results without looking overdone. With its range of formulations, long-standing reputation, and adaptable outcomes, Restylane remains a top choice for softening nasolabial folds and enhancing natural beauty.

FAQs

1. How long does Restylane last in nasolabial folds?

Results typically last 9–12 months, though some patients may enjoy improvements beyond a year depending on lifestyle and filler type.

2. Is the procedure painful?

Most Restylane fillers contain lidocaine for comfort. Patients usually experience only mild discomfort during injections.

3. Are there side effects?

Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur but generally resolve within a few days. Serious side effects are rare when performed by experienced providers.

4. Who is a good candidate for Restylane?

Adults with moderate to severe smile lines seeking non-surgical correction are excellent candidates. A consultation with a qualified provider ensures treatment suitability.

References

Quan Y, Zhang T, Liu L, Han B, Cao Z, Shen Y. Quantitative assessment of nasolabial fold characteristics across age groups. Aesthetic Surg J Open Forum. 2025;ojaf075. doi:10.1093/asjof/ojaf075

Hong GW, Song S, Park SY, Lee SB, Wan J, Hu KS, Yi KH. Why do nasolabial folds appear? Exploring the anatomical perspectives and the role of thread-based interventions. Diagnostics (Basel). 2024;14(7):716. doi:10.3390/diagnostics14070716