Nasolabial Folds AKA Smile Lines – What Are They And How Do I Treat Them?

Nasolabial folds, more commonly known as smile lines, are those pesky wrinkles that show up around your mouth and nose. And while they may add character to your face, most of us would prefer to see a little less of them. So what causes these wrinkles and how can we get rid of them? Read on to find out!

What are Nasolabial Folds?

The nasolabial folds are the creases that extend from the side of the nose through to the corners of the mouth, also known as smile lines. They are a natural part of our facial features that tend to deepen with age. While it is attractive to have a little fold here, a deeper crease can cause you to look older than you really are. They are caused by volume loss, facial ageing and repetitive contraction of the surrounding muscles used when smiling and moving the mouth.

Some people may develop wrinkles alongside their nasolabial folds which are more apparent when smiling. It is also possible for younger people who have lost a significant amount of weight, especially in their face, to have more significant and deeper nasolabial folds.

How does ageing affect the Nasolabial Folds?

As we age there is bone reabsorption and loss of volume from the mid face. This results in loss of the underlying supporting structures of the face, leading to a sagging appearance and a deepening of the crease of the nasolabial fold. There is also a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin contributing to additional sagging, lines and wrinkles. This, along with repetitive muscle movements, used when smiling, causes nasolabial folds to deepen and additional lines to form around the mouth.

How do you treat Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds are best treated using dermal fillers. Dermal fillers restore lost volume and give structure and support to the surrounding areas, softening the appearances of these creases. They also help to reduce additional lines and wrinkles and improve hydration and skin texture. The goal of nasolabial fold injections is not to make them disappear completely but to soften the folds and make them appear less pronounced and the surrounding area smoother and more youthful.

It is rare that this area is treated in isolation, but instead in unison with the cheeks as they are an important mid face area in correcting volume loss and sagging. By treating the cheeks first, this will soften the nasolabial crease therefore requiring a lesser amount of filler to the folds and a more natural result, especially with facial expressions.

The treatment can be completed with a combination of needle and cannula work depending on the desired outcome and treatment plan.

When will I notice results from my Nasolabial Folds treatment?

Results from nasolabial folds treatment are immediate however you should expect to see the best results after two to four weeks once any swelling has gone down and the dermal filler integrates into the tissue leaving a smooth result and improved hydration to the surrounding skin.

How much does filler treatment for nasolabial folds cost and how long does it last?

Dermal fillers to the nasolabial fold area are $459/ml and generally 1ml-2mls is required per session. Some clients only require one session while some may require a repeat treatment one to three months later to get their desired result. Dermal fillers usually last between 12 and 18 months in the nasolabial fold area.

Why choose Boss Injectables for your nasolabial folds treatment?

Nasolabial folds are one of the tell-tale signs of ageing, and can leave you looking tired or older than you feel. Thankfully, there are treatments available to help reduce their appearance and give you a more youthful look. At Boss Injectables, we offer dermal fillers for the treatment of nasolabial folds with a range of holistic techniques. We’re confident in our ability to achieve beautiful results that will make you look and feel your best. If you’d like to find out more about our treatments or book a consultation, please get in touch today.