Condition > Laugh Lines (Naso Labial Fold)

What are Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds are also known as “laugh lines” or “smile lines” are the deep wrinkles or lines that begin at the bottom of the nose and extending down toward the corners of the mouth. Some common factors that causes these lines to start appearing such as age, sun exposure, smoking and facial expression.

As we age, the volume in our cheeks begins to deplete causing the nasolabial folds to deepen as our skin begin to break down the collagen and elastin fibres, reducing our skin’s ability to “snap back” from smiles and other facial expressions. Lack of moisture can also deepen the nasolabial folds. There are many techniques and treatment available for reducing the prominence of nasolabial folds without undergoing under the knives, here are some examples;

How are Nasolabial Folds treated?

Fillers are most often the first step toward reducing nasolabial folds on the face. Fillers are injected into the fold of nasolabial to add volume to the area and lifts the skin. The type of filler and the amount is dependent on the severity of the fold. The most common fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a natural building block of skin, and calcium hydroxylapatite, typically found in bones. It works by holding in water at the injection site adding temporary volume and smoother appearance to the skin. It has also been shown to help stimulate the growth of collagen in addition to plumping the skin.

Fillers are easily injected and requires little to no downtime. Some people may experience slight bruising, but makeup can be worn immediately after treatment. An effective lunch time procedure that you may consider to resolve your laugh lines concerns. Fillers can last for a bout 6-9months or up to 1 year, depending on the type of filler that has been used and how quickly your body dissolves it.

Skin Tightening Treatment and Filler

If loose skin is the cause of unwanted nasolabial folds, you may also consider skin tightening treatment. Some of these treatments include; fractional radiofrequency device, ultrasound, or using intraoral laser to stimulate collagen and elastin growth for thicker and tighten skin.