The natural creases that go from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth are called nasolabial folds or smile lines. These become more noticeable with age due to changes in the skin and muscle movements. The depth and visibility of these lines vary among people and can be affected by factors like genetics, smoking, and sun exposure.
It is crucial to comprehend the causes, treatment, and prevention measures for nasolabial folds as they are a widespread cosmetic issue for numerous individuals. The occurrence of these folds can significantly impact one’s self-assurance. Although some reasons for nasolabial folds like ageing and genetics are inevitable, there are ways to prevent them as well. Knowing about factors like smoking and sun exposure that cause nasolabial folds can aid people in taking preventive measures to avoid or slow down their development.
They can luckily be treated with non-surgical options, as well as surgical options such as face lift surgery.
Causes of Nasolabial Folds
As we get older, our skin becomes less elastic and thinner. This can cause nasolabial folds to become more noticeable. In addition, the reduction of subcutaneous fat and bone resorption can also play a role in the formation of nasolabial folds.
The development of nasolabial folds can be influenced by genetics. People with specific facial bone structure and skin thickness may be more likely to have noticeable nasolabial folds due to inherited factors.
The skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays, which may cause nasolabial folds by breaking down collagen and elastin fibres.
Smoking can cause skin damage and premature ageing by breaking down collagen and elastin fibres, resulting in the development of nasolabial folds.
Facial movements like smiling or frowning done repeatedly can lead to the appearance of nasolabial folds. These movements pull the skin and tissues around the area, causing wrinkles to form over time.
Treatment Options for Nasolabial Folds
The nasolabial fold filler treatment is a non-surgical option where hyaluronic acid is injected into the lines on the mid-cheek area to make it plumper and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This acid is found in the body, it hydrates and adds volume to the skin. The treatment usually lasts for 30 minutes to one hour and the results are immediate and can last for 6-18 months. Swelling, bruising, and redness are some of the possible risks and side effects of dermal fillers.
To reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds, facelift surgery is commonly used. This procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues. It is performed under general anaesthesia and can take several hours. Patients can expect long-lasting results and a recovery period of a few weeks. However, there are potential risks and side effects such as bleeding, infection, and scarring.
Prevention of Nasolabial Folds
Below are some strategies that can help prevent the development of nasolabial folds. It’s important to note that while these strategies can reduce the risk of developing nasolabial folds, the natural ageing process will still contribute to their development. Nevertheless, adopting healthy habits can help delay their onset and maintain youthful and healthy-looking skin.
To prevent nasolabial folds, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can be done by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and avoiding the sun during its peak hours.
If you quit smoking, it can slow down the ageing process and reduce damage to collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, which are responsible for forming the cheek line. Therefore, smoking cessation is highly recommended to slow down the ageing process.
To maintain healthy skin, it is important to have a proper skincare routine that involves using a mild cleanser, applying moisturizer, and using products containing antioxidants to protect against environmental damage.
Combining Treatments
To achieve a more complete facial rejuvenation, plastic surgeons frequently combine nasolabial fold treatment with other procedures. This technique can deliver longer-lasting and more natural-looking results, while also addressing various signs of ageing in different regions of the face.
To improve the deep lines around the nose and mouth, treatments such as dermal fillers, fat transfer and face lift surgery are usually used for restoring volume to the cheeks. Although these treatments can successfully improve the nasolabial folds, they might not be adequate for some patients to attain an overall youthful appearance.
Plastic surgeons can treat more signs of ageing in the neck and forehead areas by combining nasolabial fold treatment with neck lifts and brow lifts. Neck lifts can eliminate extra neck skin and fat, and brow lifts can lift drooping eyebrows and minimise forehead wrinkles.