A topic of major concern when it comes to facial beauty is nasolabial folds. Although they are present in all people from childhood, they become less desirable when they can be permanently noticeable, even without a smile. We invite you to discover why prominent nasolabial grooves form and what you can do to diminish their appearance below!
What are nasolabial fossa?
Nasolabial grooves, also known as smile lines, nasolabial folds or nasolabial folds or nasolabial folds, are those deep creases that form on either side of the mouth, starting at the wings of the nose and running down to the corners of the lips. They are a normal component of facial features and play an important role in facial expressions. Basically, they signal the movements of facial tissues, becoming more visible when we laugh, smile or speak. They give the face a unique appearance that can easily convey certain emotions.
Although nasolabial grooves are a natural part of the face, their deepening can be perceived as a sign of aging. They tend to become more pronounced with age, so many people look for ways to minimize their appearance in an attempt to maintain a youthful look.
Causes of nasolabial notch widening
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the accentuation of nasolabial lines. These include:
- the natural ageing process - As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. This leads to natural wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. Also, as time passes, the subcutaneous tissues around the nose and mouth lose volume, causing wrinkles;
- repeated facial expressions - Smiling and laughing are positive expressions, but in the long term they can contribute to the deepening of nasolabial folds. Every time we smile or laugh, facial muscles contract and leave subtle marks on the skin. With age, these marks become increasingly visible;
- sun exposure - UVA and UVB radiation from the sun penetrates the skin and breaks down collagen and elastic fibers. Thus, prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun favors the formation and deepening of nasolabial folds;
- lifestyle - Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, chronic stress and an unhealthy diet can accelerate skin ageing [1][2].
Options to minimize them
Modern medicine offers many solutions to reduce the appearance of nasolabial grooves. Here are the main options at your fingertips:
Botulinum toxin injections
This is a popular option to temporarily reduce the appearance of nasolabial grooves. Botulinum toxin works by blocking nerve signals to the facial muscles, temporarily relaxing them and minimizing the contractions that lead to wrinkles. The procedure is minimally invasive and quick, and is performed by injecting small amounts of the substance at strategic points in the nasolabial folds. The results are visible in a short time and can last up to 3-6 months, during which time the nasolabial folds become less pronounced, giving a more youthful and relaxed appearance to the facial area. It is important to remember that botulinum toxin injections are not a permanent solution, so regular treatments are necessary to maintain results [1][3].
Filling nasolabial fossae with fillets
Another advantageous solution for reducing nasolabial folds and achieving a rejuvenated complexion is the injection of dermal fillers. Unlike botulinum toxin injections, which relax the facial muscles, dermal fillers add volume to areas where it has been lost, effectively filling in wrinkles. There are a variety of substances used as fillers for this purpose, but the most common is hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds. This substance is compatible with the body tissues and provides a natural effect. The results of the nasolabial groove filling procedure are immediately visible and can last up to 6-12 months, depending on the type of filler used [1].
Various cosmetic procedures to increase skin firmness
To reduce the unsightly appearance of nasolabial folds, you can choose from a range of cosmetic procedures that stimulate collagen production, exfoliate the superficial layers of the skin or relax the facial muscles responsible for the wrinkles. Radiofrequency, lasers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and mesotherapy are just some of the options available, and each option can provide certain results [1][2]. Talk to an esthetician to create a personalized plan that takes into account your individual needs, the severity of the problem and your budget!
Facelift
Where non-invasive or minimally invasive methods cannot deliver the desired results, facelift may be an option to significantly reduce the appearance of nasolabial indentations and give a more youthful and toned appearance to the entire facial area. This surgical procedure aims to remodel the skin and tissues to successfully correct the signs of aging. There are different types of facelifts, and the specific technique used will depend on your needs and the surgeon's recommendation. In general, however, facelifting can provide more dramatic and longer-lasting results than other non-surgical methods [2].
As you can see, there are a variety of effective solutions that can help you regain your self-confidence and enjoy radiant beauty, even if your nasolabial folds have become deeper. At Cronos Med, a team of highly experienced aestheticians is waiting to guide you in choosing the ideal solutions for a harmonious and rejuvenated facial appearance. Schedule a consultation right now in one of our locations and discover how you can achieve your beauty ideal with our help!
Sources of information:
[1] "Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines): Causes & Treatment, Prevention." Cleveland Clinic, 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23027-nasolabial-folds. Accessed on May 14, 2024.
[2] Ferreira, Mandy. "The Best Treatments for Nasolabial Folds." Healthline, Healthline Media, July 11, 2017, www.healthline.com/health/nasolabial-fold. Accessed on May 14, 2024.
[3] Li, Rou, et al. "Application of 3-Dimensional Technology for Evaluating Muscular Type and Muscle-Fat Pad Mixed-Type Nasolabial Folds with Botulinum Toxin-A Treatment." Aesthetic Surgery Journalvol. 43, no. 4, 20 Dec. 2022, pp. NP271-NP282, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36536480/, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjac341. Accessed on May 14, 2024.
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