Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesRemoval Without FillersFillersSide EffectsSkin CarePrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Removal Without Fillers
Fillers
Side Effects
Skin Care
Prevention
Nasolabial folds are the deep folds that run from both sides of your nose to the corner of your mouth. They are also known as “laugh lines” or “smile lines” because they are more visible when you smile or laugh.
Everyone has nasolabial folds. They become more visible as your skin changes with age. They are harmless and a natural part of facial structure. However, many people find them unattractive and seek ways to remove them.
Treatments to correct nasolabial folds can improve the way you look. However, the results are typically temporary. Even effective treatments likedermal fillersmust be repeated regularly to maintain your desired look.
This article explains the causes of nasolabial folds and ways to treat them. It also explains the side effects of treatments and whether you can prevent or slow the start of deep nasolabial folds.
Aja Koska / Getty Images
Nasolabial Fold: Reasons for Deep Smile Lines
Nasolabial folds are a normal part of facial anatomy. They become more visible and deeper with age as your skin becomes thinner and begins to sag. This is a natural response to the decrease incollagenandelastinthat occurs with age.
Nasolabial folds alone are not a sign of aging, since they exist on everyone’s face. Natural changes in skin elasticity and facial structure typically result in flatter cheekbones and sagging skin, which can increase the appearance of these lines.
Should You Get Rid of Nasolabial Folds?
Although nasolabial folds are a natural part of everyone’s face, they are often regarded as a sign of aging. The societal emphasis on youth and beauty leaves little room for the natural changes that affect facial skin over time.
Because your mouth is one of the focal points of your face, the condition of your smile and the area around it can affect how you perceive yourself and the impressions you make on others.While it is not possible to permanently get rid of nasolabial folds, the decision to improve their appearance is based on preference and your personal aesthetic goals.
When Do Smile Lines Begin to Appear?Smile lines are evident in everyone at any age. However, most people notice a visible deepening of nasolabial folds around age 40 when collagen and elastin production begin to decrease. However, factors such as genetics, general health, and environmental factors like sun exposure can also affect their appearance.
When Do Smile Lines Begin to Appear?
Smile lines are evident in everyone at any age. However, most people notice a visible deepening of nasolabial folds around age 40 when collagen and elastin production begin to decrease. However, factors such as genetics, general health, and environmental factors like sun exposure can also affect their appearance.
Nasolabial Fold Removal Without Fillers
Trying to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds without fillers may be worth considering if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. However, the results achieved from natural treatments are less predictable than the effects of dermal fillers. The changes you see depend on many factors, including your age, facial structure, general health, and genetics.
Exercise and Stretches
Muscle retraining exercises involve conditioning, training, and strengthening movements. They are intended to help counter the effects of gravity and certain muscle disuse that make our faces look older. It can take three to five months to achieve noticeable results, which vary based on the technique used and adherence to daily application.
In one study, a group of middle-aged women achieved benefits from participating in a 20-week facial yoga exercise program.Using “before” and “after” photographs, an independent panel of dermatologists reported that the women, on average, appeared three years younger after the program.
An instructor from Happy Face Yoga trained the study participants in the exercises. Some of the exercises used include the following:
“The Cheek Lifter”
“Happy Cheeks Sculpting”
Nasolabial Fold Removal With Fillers
Treatment with injectable dermal fillers is one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive cosmetic treatments worldwide. It is also regarded as the first-line treatment and the technique most often used to improve nasolabial folds.
Several types of dermal fillers are available. They differ in their chemical makeup, longevity, and degree of softness. Your healthcare provider will help determine the product most appropriate for your goals.
The most common types include the following:
Other Cosmetic Treatments
Depending on the severity of your nasolabial folds and your cosmetic goals, you may benefit from other skin rejuvenation techniques that can improve skin texture and the appearance of these folds:
How to Choose a Facial Filler
Side Effects of Cosmetic Nasolabial Fold Treatment
Common side effects of cosmetic nasolabial fold treatment can include the following:
In a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials for nasolabial fold dermal fillers, researchers reported that most side effects were mild, temporary, and reversible.
However, the accidental injection of filler into facial arteries can cause vascular blockage, injuring the ophthalmic and retinal arteries, resulting in irreversible vision damage and serious adverse events, includingstroke.
Skin Care With Nasolabial Folds
While nasolabial folds are inevitable, proper skin care can help keep your skin looking healthy. While skin care is not likely to treat nasolabial folds, it can help reduce their appearance for some people. Consider including the following products in your skin care routine:
Can You Prevent Nasolabial Folds?
While you can’t prevent nasolabial folds from developing, addressing the following factors may help delay their intensity and make nasolabial folds less obvious:
How to Prevent and Treat Rhytids or Wrinkles
Summary
Nasolabial folds are a normal part of everyone’s face. They become more obvious as you age and your skin begins to thin and sag.
These smile lines post no health problems. However, many people choose treatment to improve their self-image and how others perceive them.
First-line treatment involves the use of dermal fillers. They provide safe and predictable results, though the effects are temporary.
While most side effects from treating nasolabial folds are mild, it is wise to understand the risks. Consulting with an experienced healthcare provider can help you achieve the results you desire with the least amount of risk.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Michigan Medicine.Injectable fillers.D’souza R, Kini A, D’souza H, Shetty N, Shetty O.Enhancing facial aesthetics with muscle retraining exercises - a review.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.2014;8(8): ZE09–ZE11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/9792.4753Eucerin.Nasolabial folds-treatment for inner cheek lines.Alam M, Walter AJ, Geisler A, et al.Association of facial exercise with the appearance of aging.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):365-367. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.5142Northwestern Magazine.Facial exercises fight appearance of aging.Stefura T, Kacprzyk A, Droś J, et al.Tissue fillers for the nasolabial fold area: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(5):2300-2316. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02439-5American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermal fillers minimally invasive procedures.The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.The best nonsurgical treatments for nasolabial folds and marionette lines.Sito G, Manzoni V, Sommariva R.Vascular complications after facial filler injection: a literature review and meta-analysis.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(6):E65-E72.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Many ways to firm sagging skin.Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D.Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence.Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(12):e15903. doi:10.1111/dth.15903
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Michigan Medicine.Injectable fillers.D’souza R, Kini A, D’souza H, Shetty N, Shetty O.Enhancing facial aesthetics with muscle retraining exercises - a review.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.2014;8(8): ZE09–ZE11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/9792.4753Eucerin.Nasolabial folds-treatment for inner cheek lines.Alam M, Walter AJ, Geisler A, et al.Association of facial exercise with the appearance of aging.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):365-367. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.5142Northwestern Magazine.Facial exercises fight appearance of aging.Stefura T, Kacprzyk A, Droś J, et al.Tissue fillers for the nasolabial fold area: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(5):2300-2316. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02439-5American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermal fillers minimally invasive procedures.The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.The best nonsurgical treatments for nasolabial folds and marionette lines.Sito G, Manzoni V, Sommariva R.Vascular complications after facial filler injection: a literature review and meta-analysis.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(6):E65-E72.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Many ways to firm sagging skin.Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D.Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence.Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(12):e15903. doi:10.1111/dth.15903
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Michigan Medicine.Injectable fillers.D’souza R, Kini A, D’souza H, Shetty N, Shetty O.Enhancing facial aesthetics with muscle retraining exercises - a review.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.2014;8(8): ZE09–ZE11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/9792.4753Eucerin.Nasolabial folds-treatment for inner cheek lines.Alam M, Walter AJ, Geisler A, et al.Association of facial exercise with the appearance of aging.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):365-367. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.5142Northwestern Magazine.Facial exercises fight appearance of aging.Stefura T, Kacprzyk A, Droś J, et al.Tissue fillers for the nasolabial fold area: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(5):2300-2316. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02439-5American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermal fillers minimally invasive procedures.The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.The best nonsurgical treatments for nasolabial folds and marionette lines.Sito G, Manzoni V, Sommariva R.Vascular complications after facial filler injection: a literature review and meta-analysis.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(6):E65-E72.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Many ways to firm sagging skin.Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D.Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence.Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(12):e15903. doi:10.1111/dth.15903
Michigan Medicine.Injectable fillers.
D’souza R, Kini A, D’souza H, Shetty N, Shetty O.Enhancing facial aesthetics with muscle retraining exercises - a review.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.2014;8(8): ZE09–ZE11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/9792.4753
Eucerin.Nasolabial folds-treatment for inner cheek lines.
Alam M, Walter AJ, Geisler A, et al.Association of facial exercise with the appearance of aging.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):365-367. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.5142
Northwestern Magazine.Facial exercises fight appearance of aging.
Stefura T, Kacprzyk A, Droś J, et al.Tissue fillers for the nasolabial fold area: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(5):2300-2316. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02439-5
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermal fillers minimally invasive procedures.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.The best nonsurgical treatments for nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
Sito G, Manzoni V, Sommariva R.Vascular complications after facial filler injection: a literature review and meta-analysis.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(6):E65-E72.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Many ways to firm sagging skin.
Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D.Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence.Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(12):e15903. doi:10.1111/dth.15903
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