What Are Nasolabial Folds and How Can You Treat Them?

Have you ever noticed the lines that run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth? Those lines are called nasolabial folds. Almost everyone has them, and they can become more noticeable as we get older. While they're a natural part of the face, some people want to make them less visible for cosmetic reasons. Let’s take a closer look at what causes nasolabial folds, why sometimes it’s important to treat the cheeks first, and what treatments are available.

What Are Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds are the deep creases that stretch from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They're sometimes called "smile lines" or "laugh lines" because they appear when we move our faces. These folds become deeper with age, but everyone has them—even young people.

What Causes Nasolabial Folds?

Several factors can make nasolabial folds more visible:

1. Aging: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses collagen and elastin, which help keep it firm and smooth.

2. Volume Loss in the Cheeks: One of the biggest reasons nasolabial folds form is because we lose volume in the cheeks. This causes the skin to droop downward, making the folds look deeper.

3. Sun Damage: Too much sun can break down collagen and cause skin to age faster.

4. Genetics: Some people naturally have more noticeable folds because of the way their face is shaped

5. Repetitive Facial Movements: Smiling, laughing, and other expressions can deepen these folds over time.

   
   

Why It’s Important to Assess the Cheeks First

When treating nasolabial folds, starting with the cheeks is key. Here’s why:

Most of the time, those deep folds aren’t just a problem with the skin near the mouth—they’re a result of the cheeks losing volume and support. As the fat pads in the cheeks shrink and shift downward with age, they pull the skin with them. This causes the area around the nose and mouth to crease more deeply.

By restoring volume in the cheeks, you’re essentially restoring support to the face. This can make the nasolabial folds look softer without injecting directly into the fold itself. Treating the cheeks first often gives a more natural and balanced result.

Aesthetic Treatments for Nasolabial Folds

Here are some popular treatments, starting with the cheeks:

1. Cheek Fillers: Fillers like hyaluronic acid can be injected into the cheeks to support the face. This often improves the folds without needing to treat them directly.

2. Nasolabial Fold Fillers: In some cases, additional filler may be used in the folds themselves after the cheeks are treated.

3. Laser Treatments: Lasers can improve skin texture and boost collagen to reduce the depth of folds.

4. Microneedling: This helps build collagen and tighten the skin.

5. Surgical Options: For deeper folds, a facelift  lift may be recommended.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Nasolabial folds are a totally normal part of aging, but if they bother you, there are great options to help. Just remember: treating the cheeks first is often the most effective and natural-looking way to soften those folds. Always consult with a licensed aesthetic provider to find the best treatment plan for your face.