Restylane Defyne

Deep folds around the mouth — particularly the nasolabial folds (the “parenthesis” lines extending from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (the downward folds from the corners of the mouth toward the chin) — are among the most visible signs of facial aging. The challenge with treating these folds is that they overlie expressive facial muscles that are constantly in motion when patients smile, talk, or react. Restylane Defyne is engineered specifically for this challenge. Manufactured by Galderma and FDA-approved for moderate to severe nasolabial folds and perioral wrinkles, Defyne uses Galderma’s proprietary XpresHAn Technology™ — a unique cross-linking pattern that allows the gel to flex and move with the underlying muscles rather than stiffening against them. The result is meaningful softening of deep folds without compromising natural smile, speech, or expression. Restylane Defyne is one of several formulations within the Restylane family, all offered as part of the broader injectables and fillers options at Dr. Khosh’s Manhattan practice.

Restylane Defyne is placed at the same tissue plane that anchors the nasolabial fold itself — and getting that placement right matters. Dr. Maurice Khosh brings the kind of surgical anatomy expertise required for this kind of work. Dual board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Khosh is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics at Columbia University Medical Center and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Medical Center. He has spent three decades performing facelifts that engage the precise structural layer where deep folds originate — knowledge that translates directly into precision Defyne placement. In 2023, Dr. Khosh was an invited lecturer on non-surgical techniques at the Minimally Invasive ENT/Open Forum, reflecting his standing in the rapidly evolving field of injectable facial rejuvenation.

What Restylane Defyne Best Addresses

Restylane Defyne is engineered for deep folds and wrinkles where preserving natural facial movement matters. Dr. Khosh uses Defyne to address a range of aesthetic concerns where flexibility and expression are essential:

• Nasolabial Folds: The deep “parenthesis” lines that extend from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Marionette Lines: The downturning folds from the corners of the mouth toward the chin
• Moderate to Severe Perioral Wrinkles: Deeper static lines around the mouth that persist even at rest
• Mouth Corner Refinement: Subtle re-elevation of the oral commissures to soften a downturned mouth
• Expression-Sensitive Folds: Areas where heavier fillers would restrict natural smile and speech mechanics

The XpresHAn Technology Difference

What distinguishes Defyne from other hyaluronic acid fillers is its molecular structure. Traditional HA fillers use a uniform cross-linking pattern that produces a firmer gel — excellent for static volume restoration but less ideal in areas where the underlying muscle is constantly active. Defyne’s XpresHAn Technology uses a variable cross-linking pattern that allows the gel to compress and stretch with the surrounding tissue, returning to its original shape when the face relaxes. The practical result is meaningful softening of deep folds at rest, paired with preserved natural movement during expression. Results typically last up to one year, and like all hyaluronic acid fillers, Defyne can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if the outcome needs adjustment.

“The challenge with deep nasolabial folds isn’t just filling them — it’s filling them in a way that still allows the patient to smile naturally. Defyne is designed for exactly that, but matching it to the right patient and placing it at the right depth is still what determines whether the result looks refreshed or looks restricted.” — Dr. Maurice Khosh

Schedule Your Consultation in Manhattan

Restylane Defyne may be the right choice for patients with moderate to severe nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or perioral wrinkles who want meaningful smoothing without losing the natural movement of their face. The result depends on accurate evaluation of fold depth, underlying muscle activity, and the appropriate filler choice for each individual anatomy. To schedule a consultation at Dr. Khosh’s Park Avenue office in New York City, call (212) 339-9988 or contact us online to request an appointment.