Quick Facts
What are nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds are commonly known as Smile Lines or laugh lines. They are the lines that run from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth. They are a normal part of our face, with even children having nasolabial folds that deepen as they smile.
However, as we age, nasolabial folds permanently deepen due to the weakening of soft tissue that usually acts as a scaffold to support the structure of the face. An increase in fat to the outside of the line, together with the repetition of facial expressions over time intensify their appearance.
What causes nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds develop naturally as we age. Collagen declines over time, and the skin loses elasticity and strength, leading to thin, wrinkled, loose skin. Over time, with repeated facial expressions like smiling or laughing, the lines become more etched into the skin. There is also shrinking of the bone and soft tissue supporting the nasolabial folds and the overlying fat pads descend causing the folds to deepen.
Volume loss in the cheek area and mid-face worsens the nasolabial fold and is often addressed at the same time as nasolabial folds.
Deepening nasolabial folds can be exacerbated by other factors including:
- Excessive sun exposure, causing further skin damage and wrinkling
- Rapid weight loss or frequent fluctuations in weight
- Smoking
Disclaimer: The details shared here are for general educational purposes only. Everyone’s situation is unique, and results can vary. Please consult a qualified practitioner to discuss whether this treatment is right for you and to understand any possible risks or side effects.
Consultation for assessing nasolabial folds
We offer consultations for assessment and treatment planning to lift and soften nasolabial folds. Options to address volume in the affected areas and lines are discussed. We discuss methods to replace the volume loss in the shrinking bone and soft tissue to act as a platform to provide support for and elevate the fold. We discuss options to smooth and blend the wrinkles and ageing skin.
Surrounding areas are also assessed as they often contribute to deepening nasolabial folds. In particular, cheek volume loss can intensify the appearance of the nasolabial folds and are often discussed at the same time.
The face is a whole unit. Facial harmony and balance are critical to achieve a natural look.
The aim is to soften the nasolabial folds, not to completely remove them as this would look unnatural.
What is involved in the consultation?
A thorough assessment and consultation followed by a treatment plan is discussed with you. Each patient has individual anatomy, goals, and facial balance, so we individualise every treatment plan. Included in the assessment is a careful observation of your facial movements in animation and at rest, your facial shape, and your facial proportions. Photographic documentation is part of every initial assessment. The clinicians at Face To Face Medical are highly skilled and strive for the best and most natural treatment plan possible.