Nasolabial folds, often referred to as “smile lines” or “laugh lines,” are the deep skin creases that extend from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. These folds are a natural part of the facial structure and are more noticeable when a person smiles or laughs. As we age, these folds can become more pronounced and may remain visible even when the face is at rest. While they are a normal aspect of facial anatomy, many people seek ways to reduce their appearance as they can be associated with ageing.

What Causes Nasolabial Folds?

Several factors contribute to the development and deepening of nasolabial folds:

1. Ageing: One of the primary causes is the natural ageing process. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity due to the reduction of collagen and elastin, two key proteins that help maintain skin’s firmness and resilience. Additionally, the facial fat that provides youthful volume diminishes and shifts, leading to sagging skin that makes these folds more prominent.
2. Sun Exposure: Chronic exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerates skin ageing by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature wrinkles, including more pronounced nasolabial folds.
3. Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in how and when nasolabial folds develop. Some people naturally have more prominent folds due to their facial structure or skin type.
4. Facial Movements: Repetitive facial expressions, such as smiling, laughing, or frowning, contribute to the deepening of these lines over time. With each movement, the skin creases, and over years, these creases can become permanent.
5. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep can all contribute to the premature ageing of the skin, leading to earlier and more pronounced nasolabial folds.

How to Reduce the Chances of Developing Nasolabial Folds

While nasolabial folds are largely unavoidable as we age, there are steps you can take to minimise their development:

1. Sun Protection: Daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can protect the skin from UV damage, which is a major contributor to premature ageing and the deepening of wrinkles.
2. Healthy Lifestyle: A diet rich in antioxidants (such as fruits and vegetables), adequate hydration, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can all help maintain the health and elasticity of your skin.
3. Skincare Routine: Incorporating products that promote collagen production, such as retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, can help to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds.
4. Facial Massage: Regular facial massage can improve circulation and may help to maintain skin firmness. It also provides a temporary plumping effect, which might reduce the visibility of folds.

Natural Ways to Improve Nasolabial Folds

For those looking for natural methods to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds, several options can be considered:

1. Facial Exercises: Exercises that target the muscles around the mouth and cheeks can help tone and strengthen these areas, potentially reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds.
2. Hydration: Keeping the skin well-hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and using moisturising products can help plump the skin, making lines less noticeable.
3. Aloe Vera and Natural Oils: Aloe vera is known for its skin-healing properties, and applying it to the skin may help improve elasticity. Similarly, natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil can be used to massage the folds, promoting circulation and hydration.

Non-Surgical Ways to Improve Nasolabial Folds

If you prefer non-surgical treatments, there are several effective options available:

1. Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are the most popular non-surgical treatment for nasolabial folds. These fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid, are injected into the skin to add volume and smooth out the creases. Fillers provide immediate results, and the effects can last from six months to over a year, depending on the product used.
2. Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments: These treatments work by resurfacing the skin, promoting collagen production, and improving skin texture. While they may not completely eliminate nasolabial folds, they can reduce their appearance by tightening the surrounding skin.
3. Microneedling: This procedure involves creating tiny punctures in the skin with fine needles, stimulating collagen production. Over time, this can improve the skin’s texture and elasticity, reducing the prominence of nasolabial folds.
4. Morpheus8: Morpheus8 is a radiofrequency device that can help provide some skin tightening. This may be helpful improving mild folds or jowling.

What Are Nasolabial Fold Fillers?

Nasolabial fold fillers are injectable treatments specifically designed to reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles around the mouth and nose. These fillers are typically composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin that helps retain moisture and volume. When injected into the nasolabial folds, the filler adds volume to the area, smoothing out the lines and providing a more youthful appearance.

How Do Nasolabial Fold Fillers Work?

The procedure involves injecting the filler directly into the nasolabial folds using a fine needle or cannula. The hyaluronic acid in the filler attracts and binds to water molecules in the skin, which helps to restore volume and smooth out the wrinkles. The results are usually immediate, with minimal downtime. Depending on the type of filler used, the effects can last anywhere from six months to over a year. Fillers can also stimulate collagen production in the treated area, leading to long-term improvements in skin texture.

Surgical Options for Nasolabial Folds

For those seeking a more permanent solution, surgical options can be considered:

1. Facelift (Rhytidectomy): A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten the skin of the face and neck. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and underlying tissues are repositioned, which can significantly reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. While a facelift is not specifically targeted at nasolabial folds, it can have a profound effect on their appearance by lifting the skin around the cheeks and mouth. You may get a better result from a deep plane facelift which can help improve the folds more than a traditional facelift.
2. Fat Grafting: Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, involves taking fat from another part of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into the nasolabial folds. This adds volume to the area, smoothing out the folds and providing a more natural and lasting result compared to synthetic fillers.

Does a Facelift Improve Nasolabial Folds?

A facelift can indeed improve the appearance of nasolabial folds, although the results may vary depending on the individual and the specific techniques used. By lifting and repositioning the skin and underlying tissues, a facelift can reduce the depth of these folds. However, for those with very deep nasolabial folds, additional procedures, such as dermal fillers or fat grafting, may be recommended to achieve optimal results.

In conclusion, nasolabial folds are a common facial feature that can become more pronounced with age due to various factors, including the loss of skin elasticity, sun damage, and facial expressions. While they are a natural part of ageing, there are numerous ways to prevent and treat them, ranging from natural methods and non-surgical treatments to surgical procedures. Each approach offers different benefits, and the choice of treatment depends on individual preferences, the severity of the folds, and the desired outcome. Book your consultation with our team at CLNQ to find out more about the options.