Nasolabial folds are a common concern as people age. Although they pose no medical risk, many people are interested in reducing their appearance for cosmetic reasons. A variety of outpatient treatment options are available to safely enhance the appearance of these deep facial lines.
What Are Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds are the lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These lines become more pronounced when smiling or making certain facial expressions, which is why they are often referred to as “laugh lines” or “smile lines.” While nasolabial folds are a normal part of facial anatomy, they tend to deepen over time due to factors such as aging, sun exposure, and repetitive facial movements.
Anatomically, these folds consist of muscle tissues and dense fibrous tissue. As we age, these tissues become more compacted, and the skin thins and sags, making the nasolabial folds more noticeable. This can affect the appearance of the upper lip, midface, and cheek area.
Laugh lines often deepen over time due to repetitive smiling. Although there is no medical necessity to modify them, some people find them aesthetically displeasing and seek treatments to reduce their appearance. This is especially true for individuals who also have other deep wrinkles on their faces.
Additionally, many people develop “marionette lines” as their nasolabial folds deepen. These lines extend from the corners of the mouth down to the chin, giving the lower face a sad or tired look.
A skilled plastic surgeon can determine the best course of treatment for nasolabial folds, taking into account the individual’s unique facial characteristics and personal preferences. Various facial rejuvenation procedures can help restore a more youthful appearance.
The Specifics
How to Treat Smile and Laugh Lines: Fillers, Surgery, and At-Home Treatments
Nasolabial folds are not medical issues but can contribute to cosmetic concerns when they become very deep or pronounced. Several treatment options are available to reduce their appearance:
- Surgery
- Chemical Peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Dermal Fillers & Injectables
- Thread Lift
- Laser Resurfacing
Nasolabial Fold Surgery
Plastic surgeons often use a procedure called subcision to reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds. A needle is used to break apart dense tissue pockets, repositioning them to reduce the depth of the folds, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
In more severe cases, a more aggressive surgical approach called excision can be used. This involves the surgical removal of tissue and skin to reshape the area, offering more dramatic results.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are skin resurfacing treatments that use a chemical solution to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, enhancing its appearance. This procedure stimulates collagen production and cell turnover, resulting in smoother, brighter skin.
Light, medium, and deep chemical peels are available. However, even deep chemical peels may not be sufficient for very deep laugh lines. Consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best option for your needs.
Dermal Fillers & Injectables
Various dermal fillers can enhance the appearance of deep smile lines. Some FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvederm®, Perlane®, Radiesse®, Restylane®, Sculptra®, and Voluma®.
These fillers are injected just beneath the skin to add volume in areas where fat has diminished with age or where deep wrinkles and folds have become a concern. They help plump the skin, enhancing aesthetics.
Dermal filler placement is a quick, comfortable outpatient procedure. For nasolabial folds, fillers can be injected either directly into the fold to add volume or into the upper cheek to make the fold less noticeable. Neuromodulators like Botox® can also be used to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds when placed in the midface.
Thread Lifts
A thread lift involves suspending some of the facial skin with temporary sutures instead of removing excess tissue. This can produce skin-tightening effects and significantly improve the appearance of nasolabial folds. The procedure also stimulates collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing reduces the appearance of smile lines, deep wrinkles, and other facial concerns. It removes superficial layers of the skin, helping to correct minor blemishes and flaws. This precise and safe technique also stimulates collagen and new skin cell production.
How to Prevent Nasolabial Folds
Nasolabial folds are natural parts of the facial anatomy and do not require medical treatment. Even small children have them when smiling.
There is no known way to prevent nasolabial folds from developing entirely. However, some steps can be taken to slow their progression:
- Sun Protection: Wearing sunscreen can help slow the damage to skin cells from sun exposure, potentially reducing the deepening of laugh lines.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and staying hydrated can all contribute to healthier skin.
- Facial Exercises: Some believe that exercising the facial muscles might help reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. Exercises such as pouting the lips, puckering towards the ceiling, and stretching the corners of the mouth outward may help keep facial muscles toned and the skin tight with age.
The Takeaway
Preventing and Treating Nasolabial Folds
Various treatments can reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds, and some will be better suited for you than others. Everyone has unique facial characteristics, and no two people will respond the same to any procedure or technique. Seek professional medical advice to determine the best treatment options for improving the appearance of your nasolabial folds.
