Restylane to the Rescue: Erasing Nasolabial Folds

August 7, 2025 /
Erase smile lines with Restylane for nasolabial folds. Discover how this non-surgical solution restores volume & confidence.
restylane for nasolabial folds

Understanding the Lines That Define Your Smile

Restylane for nasolabial folds offers a proven solution to soften those prominent lines that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth. These lines, also called smile lines or laugh lines, naturally deepen with age as your skin loses volume and elasticity.

Quick Answer for Restylane Treatment:

  • Best Products: Restylane Refyne (moderate lines), Restylane Defyne (deep folds)
  • How It Works: Hyaluronic acid replaces lost volume and smooths wrinkles
  • Duration: Results last 6-18 months depending on the product
  • Procedure Time: 15-45 minutes with minimal downtime
  • Success Rate: 97% patient satisfaction with natural-looking results

Nasolabial folds form when the malar fat pads in your cheeks descend over time, creating an overhang of skin. This natural aging process is accelerated by the loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid – the substances that keep your skin plump and hydrated.

Research shows that 72% of individuals are bothered by these folds, which can significantly impact confidence and make you appear older than you feel. The good news? Modern dermal fillers like Restylane can effectively restore lost volume and smooth these lines from within.

I’m Dr. Sarah Yovino, a double board-certified master injector who has perfected natural-looking restylane for nasolabial folds treatments using advanced injection techniques and custom numbing protocols. My precise placement approach ensures you achieve the subtle, “born-with-it” results that improve your natural beauty without looking overdone.

Detailed infographic showing the aging process of nasolabial folds, including cross-section of young vs aged skin, loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid, descent of malar fat pads, and how Restylane restores volume - restylane for nasolabial folds infographic

Quick restylane for nasolabial folds definitions:

The Science of Smooth: How Restylane Works

Your skin’s secret to staying plump and youthful lies in a remarkable substance called Hyaluronic Acid (HA). This naturally occurring molecule is like a tiny sponge that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Think of it as nature’s ultimate moisturizer, keeping your skin bouncy, hydrated, and smooth.

But here’s the catch – as we age, our bodies produce less and less of this magical substance. By the time we reach our 50s, we’ve lost about half of our natural hyaluronic acid. Add in the loss of collagen and elastin, and you’ve got the perfect storm for nasolabial folds to appear and deepen.

Restylane for nasolabial folds works by replacing what time has taken away. When Dr. Sarah Yovino skillfully injects this gel-like filler into your smile lines, it acts like a supportive cushion beneath your skin. The hyaluronic acid doesn’t just fill the space – it attracts and binds water molecules, creating natural-looking volume that smooths those lines from within.

What makes this approach so effective is that you’re not adding anything foreign to your body. You’re simply replenishing a substance that was already there. It’s like giving your skin a drink of water after years of thirst.

The best part? This is a non-surgical solution that addresses the root cause of your concerns. Instead of just treating the surface, Restylane works beneath the skin to restore the foundation of youthful-looking skin.

For more information on how we can refresh your look without surgery, explore our guide on Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation.

The Restylane Advantage for Natural Expressions

Nobody wants to look like they can’t move their face after a cosmetic treatment. That’s why certain Restylane products are designed with XpresHAn Technology™ – a breakthrough that makes all the difference for areas like your nasolabial folds.

This innovative technology creates a flexible gel that moves naturally with your facial expressions. When you smile, laugh, or talk, your filler moves right along with you. No frozen looks, no stiff expressions – just you, looking refreshed and natural.

Restylane Defyne and Refyne are perfect examples of this technology in action. They provide dynamic support that adapts to your every expression while still smoothing those stubborn lines. It’s like having a personal assistant for your skin that knows exactly when to provide support and when to let you shine.

Another key innovation is NASHA Technology, found in products like Restylane Lyft. This creates hyaluronic acid that’s virtually identical to what your body naturally produces, ensuring seamless integration with your tissues.

The results speak volumes about patient satisfaction. Clinical studies show that 96% of patients thought their results looked natural, while 100% saw improvement in their appearance just one month after treatment. Even more impressive? 97% of patients felt satisfied with how balanced their face looked after treatment.

These aren’t just numbers – they represent real people who trusted Restylane to help them look and feel their best. At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we see this satisfaction every day.

For deeper insights into the effectiveness of HA fillers, you can review Clinical evidence on HA filler efficacy.

Your Guide to the Best Restylane for Nasolabial Folds

Choosing the right Restylane product for your specific needs is a bit like selecting the perfect brush for a painting – it needs to match the canvas and the desired outcome. The Restylane family is diverse, with each product uniquely formulated to address different concerns, from fine lines to deeper folds, and to integrate seamlessly into various facial areas. This is why a personalized consultation is not just recommended, it’s essential.

different Restylane product boxes - restylane for nasolabial folds

During your consultation at Ideal Face & Body, Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino will conduct a detailed facial assessment. We’ll examine the depth and character of your nasolabial folds, considering whether they are more of a crease (a skin defect from muscle movement) or a true fold (an overhang due to the descent of the malar fat pad), or even a hybrid of both. Understanding these nuances allows us to select the most appropriate Restylane product and tailor a custom treatment plan just for you. Our goal is always to achieve a balanced, harmonious result that improves your natural beauty.

[TABLE] Comparing Restylane Products for Smile Lines

Product Best For Key Feature Expected Longevity
Restylane Refyne Moderate smile lines Flexible & subtle support Up to 12 months
Restylane Defyne Deep smile lines & folds Robust support for dynamic areas Up to 12 months
Restylane-L Moderate to severe folds The original versatile filler Up to 18 months
Restylane Lyft Deep folds & structural support Lifts and adds volume Up to 12 months

Achieving Natural-Looking Results with Restylane for Nasolabial Folds

Achieving truly natural-looking results with Restylane for nasolabial folds is an art form. It’s not just about filling a line; it’s about restoring harmony and balance to your entire face. This requires an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and a skilled, artistic injection technique.

before-and-after comparison for nasolabial folds - restylane for nasolabial folds

Our approach at Ideal Face & Body emphasizes a conservative strategy. Rather than overcorrecting in one session, we often prefer a gradual improvement. This means starting with a precise, thoughtful amount of filler and assessing the results. We can always add more if needed, ensuring that your outcome is subtle, refined, and never “overdone.” This meticulous attention to detail is how we achieve that coveted “you look great, but I can’t quite tell why” effect. Our patients consistently report feeling satisfied, with 96% thinking their results looked natural and 100% seeing an improvement in their appearance.

The injection technique itself is paramount. For nasolabial folds, the filler is typically placed into the mid-to-deep dermis, or sometimes even subdermally, depending on the depth and nature of your folds. Different techniques, such as serial puncture, are employed to ensure even distribution and smooth integration with your existing tissues. Our expertise in these precise injection methods, combined with an understanding of facial dynamics, allows us to create beautiful, long-lasting outcomes that move naturally with your expressions.

For further reading on the technical aspects of filler application, you can explore Best practices for injection depth.

Your Restylane Treatment Journey: From Consultation to Recovery

Starting on your Restylane for nasolabial folds journey with us is like having a trusted friend guide you through every step. At Ideal Face & Body, we’ve perfected what we like to call the “painless” experience – and trust me, after years of helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals, we know exactly how to make this as comfortable as possible for you.

clean and professional treatment room - restylane for nasolabial folds

The beauty of Restylane treatments lies in their simplicity and efficiency. You’re looking at a quick 15-45 minute procedure that can easily fit into your lunch break. Most of our patients are amazed at how fast it goes – one moment you’re settling in, and before you know it, you’re admiring your refreshed appearance in the mirror.

What really sets our Beverly Hills practice apart is our commitment to minimal downtime. While every person heals differently, most of our patients return to their regular activities almost immediately. No lengthy recovery periods or taking time off work – just beautiful, natural-looking results that let you get back to living your life.

Preparing for Your Treatment

Your Restylane journey begins with a heart-to-heart consultation where we really get to know you and your goals. This isn’t just a quick chat – it’s your opportunity to share exactly what you’re hoping to achieve, ask all those questions you’ve been wondering about, and feel completely confident in your decision.

During this time, Dr. Sarah Yovino or Dr. Justin Yovino will dive into your complete medical history. We’ll discuss any allergies you might have, medications you’re currently taking, and any previous cosmetic treatments. This thorough approach isn’t just about being careful – it’s about ensuring you get the absolute best results possible.

To give you the smoothest experience, we’ll ask you to avoid certain medications and supplements for about a week before your appointment. This includes aspirin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, and supplements such as Vitamin E that can increase bruising. We also recommend skipping alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand – think of it as a mini detox before your beauty refresh!

When you arrive for your appointment, please come with clean skin free of makeup. We want to work with a fresh canvas to give you the most beautiful results.

The Injection Procedure

Here’s where our “painless” reputation really shines. Before we even think about starting the injection process, we apply a high-quality topical numbing cream to the treatment area. This works like magic to desensitize your skin, making the entire experience surprisingly comfortable.

Many Restylane products, including Restylane-L, come with lidocaine already mixed in – that’s a local anesthetic that keeps working throughout the procedure. Between our numbing cream and the built-in lidocaine, most patients describe the sensation as nothing more than a quick pinch or gentle pressure.

At our Beverly Hills practice, we often use advanced cannula techniques for certain injections. A cannula is a blunt-tipped instrument that significantly reduces the risk of bruising and swelling compared to traditional needles. It’s part of our commitment to making your experience as comfortable as possible while optimizing your healing process.

During the actual procedure, your injector will skillfully place the Restylane for nasolabial folds exactly where it’s needed most. We work slowly and precisely, often gently massaging the area to ensure the product integrates beautifully with your natural contours. The entire process typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on your specific treatment plan.

Aftercare and Potential Side Effects

After your treatment, it’s completely normal to experience some mild, temporary effects at the injection sites. You might notice swelling, redness, tenderness, or slight bruising – these are all signs that your body is responding normally to the treatment. Some patients also feel a bit of firmness or notice small lumps that typically resolve as the filler settles into place.

The good news? These effects are generally mild and usually disappear within about a week. Most of our patients are thrilled with how quickly they bounce back.

To help you heal beautifully, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions. Cool compresses can work wonders for reducing any swelling or bruising. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours and continuing to skip alcohol for a day or two. Don’t forget about sun protection – your skin will thank you for being extra careful about UV exposure during the healing process.

While serious side effects are extremely rare, we believe in keeping you fully informed. These could include unintentional injection into a blood vessel or delayed-onset inflammation. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all potential risks and benefits thoroughly, ensuring you feel completely confident and informed before proceeding.

Your safety and satisfaction are always our top priorities. For comprehensive safety information, please review the Full Important Safety Information provided by the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Restylane

We love answering your questions! Over the years, we’ve noticed that many of our patients have similar concerns about Restylane for nasolabial folds. Here are the most common questions we hear, along with honest, straightforward answers.

How long does Restylane for nasolabial folds last?

This is probably our most asked question, and for good reason – you want to know what you’re investing in! The wonderful news is that Restylane for nasolabial folds provides long-lasting results, though the exact duration depends on a few factors.

Restylane-L tends to be our longest-lasting option, with results that can extend up to 18 months in many patients. Restylane Refyne and Defyne, with their innovative XpresHAn Technology™, typically provide beautiful results for up to 12 months.

Here’s what’s interesting though – everyone’s body is unique. Your individual metabolism plays a big role in how quickly your body naturally breaks down the hyaluronic acid. Some patients find their results last longer than expected, while others prefer to schedule touch-up treatments a bit earlier to maintain their smooth, refreshed look.

Many of our patients at Ideal Face & Body choose to come in for maintenance treatments before their results completely fade. This approach helps maintain consistent, beautiful results and prevents that “before and after” effect that can happen when you wait too long between treatments.

Is the Restylane treatment painful?

Let’s be honest – this question comes up in almost every consultation, and we completely understand why! The thought of facial injections can feel intimidating, but here’s what we want you to know: we’ve perfected what we call our “painless” approach over many years of practice.

Topical numbing cream is our first line of defense against discomfort. We apply a high-quality anesthetic to the treatment area before we even think about picking up a syringe. This works amazingly well to desensitize your skin.

But we don’t stop there! Most Restylane products contain lidocaine right in the filler itself. This means that as Dr. Sarah Yovino or Dr. Justin Yovino injects the product, your skin continues to get more numb, not less comfortable. It’s pretty clever when you think about it.

The actual sensation? Most patients describe it as a quick pinch – similar to getting a vaccination, but often even less noticeable. Many of our patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable the entire experience is. We’ve had people tell us they were more nervous about the anticipation than the actual treatment!

Who is a good candidate for Restylane?

The truth is, most adults who are bothered by their nasolabial folds make excellent candidates for Restylane. We see patients from all walks of life who simply want to look as vibrant as they feel.

Adults over 21 with moderate to severe folds tend to see the most dramatic improvements. You don’t need to have the deepest lines to benefit – even moderate smile lines respond beautifully to treatment. What matters most is that you’re in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what the treatment can achieve.

During your consultation, we’ll have an honest conversation about your goals and what Restylane can realistically accomplish for your unique facial structure.

There are some situations where we’d recommend waiting or considering alternative treatments. We don’t treat patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, since the safety hasn’t been studied in these situations. If you have active skin infections, severe allergies, or bleeding disorders, we’ll need to address those concerns first.

We also ask patients to avoid treatment if they’re taking medications that affect bleeding, unless their doctor has cleared them for cosmetic procedures.

The best way to know if you’re a good candidate? Come in for a consultation! We’ll assess your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan that works for your lifestyle and goals. You can learn more about our approach to dermal fillers and whether they might be right for you at More info about Dermal Fillers.

Conclusion: A Smoother, More Confident You

Your journey to smoother, more youthful-looking skin doesn’t have to involve complicated procedures or lengthy recovery times. Restylane for nasolabial folds offers exactly what you’ve been looking for – a gentle yet powerful way to turn back the clock on those deepening smile lines.

The change goes beyond just smoothing wrinkles. When you look in the mirror and see a more refreshed version of yourself, something wonderful happens. That boost in confidence radiates outward, affecting how you carry yourself and how you interact with the world around you.

What makes Restylane treatments so appealing is the combination of natural-looking results that preserve your unique expressions, high patient satisfaction rates that consistently exceed 95%, and minimal downtime that fits seamlessly into your busy life. You can literally have your treatment during lunch and return to work looking refreshed, not obviously “done.”

The restored facial harmony our patients experience speaks volumes about the effectiveness of these treatments. When nasolabial folds are softened, your entire face appears more balanced and youthful. It’s not about changing who you are – it’s about revealing the vibrant, confident person you’ve always been.

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we’ve built our reputation on delivering exceptional results through precision and artistry. Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino bring years of expertise to every treatment, ensuring you receive the personalized care you deserve. Our commitment to painless procedures and natural outcomes means you’re in the most capable hands.

Ready to take the next step toward a smoother, more confident you? We’d love to create a customized treatment plan that aligns perfectly with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.

Schedule your dermal filler consultation today and find how Restylane for nasolabial folds can help you look as vibrant as you feel.

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