Facial wrinkles and fine lines are common effects of aging. But not all creases are the same. If you notice deep wrinkles forming whenever you smile or laugh, you have what are called nasolabial folds. Among younger people, these creases only form whenever you make a facial expression but they eventually become permanent as you age. Fortunately, there are several cosmetic procedures that can help smoothen your nasolabial folds, such as dermal fillers.
So how do dermal filler injections work for nasolabial fold treatment? Facial fillers help restore volume and structural support to your skin to reduce the severity and soften your nasolabial folds. Your injector may place them directly on your nasolabial folds with additional fillers on the upper cheek to help raise the skin for better results.
Is Dermal Filler for Nasolabial Folds Effective?
There are two main types of wrinkles and fine lines: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are the ones that develop from repeated facial expressions and movements. Fortunately, most of these wrinkles aren’t as noticeable once you stop moving your face.
The other kind of creases are static which means that they’re visible even if your facial muscles are relaxed. Static wrinkles are primarily caused by loss of skin elasticity and collagen and can appear deeper with age. Nasolabial folds are commonly identified as static wrinkles since they show up even if you stay expressionless. They’re also known as laugh lines or smile lines.
When it comes to treating nasolabial folds and other static wrinkles, dermal fillers are one of the best options. Injectable fillers are made of smooth, gel-like substances and once placed beneath the skin, they act as a replacement for the depleted facial volume in the midface region. It also restores structural support to hold up the skin and improve fullness to minimize laxity which can make the creases look more pronounced.
How Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Folds Are Done
The procedure for a dermal filler injection is simple and straightforward. Providers typically use either a fine needle or blunt cannula to place the filler material into the skin. First-time facial filler patients usually receive a small quantity of filler material, about 0.5ml on each side of the nasolabial folds.
Starting with minimal filler injections helps prevent overfilling the folds and avoid unnatural-looking results. Your injector may increase the amount of injected fillers as needed to help achieve your desired outcome.
The nasolabial fold filler treatment is typically done in an outpatient setting in a medical spa or clinic. One session can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on how many fillers are placed and the number of injection sites. Here’s what you can expect during your nasolabial fold filler procedure:
- First, the provider will mark the injection sites on your face. For nasolabial fold treatment, they may place the dermal filler directly into the wrinkle or into the upper cheek area. In some cases, nasolabial folds are a symptom of midface volume loss which is why fillers are also injected into the upper cheek region to provide a subtle lift and improve the creases. If you have full cheeks, the fillers are injected directly into the nasolabial fold.
- After mapping out the treatment area, it will the cleansed and disinfected to minimize the risk of infection.
- A topical anesthetic or numbing cream may also be applied on the skin to reduce your pain and discomfort during the treatment.
- Once the skin is numb, the injectable dermal fillers are administered to the marked sites. Your provider may massage the area to spread the product and ensure that it’s evenly placed.
- After the injections, you can immediately see an initial plumping and smoothening effect on your cheeks and deep nasolabial fold.
How Long Will Dermal Fillers for Deep Folds Last?
Nasolabial fold fillers are usually a temporary fix. Its results aren’t as permanent as plastic surgery but it can still provide results that last for 6 to 12 months. The longevity of your fillers will depend on the type of material used for the procedure. You may need touch-up treatments if you want to maintain a younger-looking and wrinkle-free appearance.
Other factors can also affect the results of your dermal filler treatment such as:
- Metabolism – Hyaluronic acid fillers are eventually metabolized by your body over time. The higher the metabolic rate you have, the faster your nasolabial fold fillers will break down and dissolve.
- Level of physical activity – Doing any strenuous activity or exercising immediately after a filler procedure may cause the material to migrate and increase blood flow which can result in prolonged bruising.
- Sun exposure – Prolonged sun exposure after a cosmetic filler treatment may also minimize the intended effects of the injections and interfere with the skin healing process.
- Filler placement – If the fillers are placed incorrectly, you may not see your desired effects from the treatment. Additionally, putting fillers in areas with constant movement or frequent facial muscle contraction may cause its effects to fade quickly.
What Side Effects To Expect From Nasolabial Fold Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are generally safe and come with fewer risks and complications compared to other aesthetic procedures. Still, the nasolabial filler injection involves breaking the skin barrier and this may cause temporary side effects such as:
- Minimal pain at the injection site
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Itchiness
- Rash
Infections, scarring, and bleeding complications with dermal fillers are rare, but they may happen if your provider is inexperienced. Delayed onset allergic reactions may also occur but its risk is extremely low, especially with hyaluronic acid fillers since it’s a naturally occurring substance in the body.
If you notice any unusual reaction from fillers, it’s best to immediately consult with your provider to get treatment. To avoid any adverse event, make sure that you’re getting your nasolabial fold filler injections from a highly-qualified injector.
Advantages of Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Lines and Folds
Injectable fillers are definitely one of the best solutions to combat the effects of aging and rejuvenate your face. Here are some of the top benefits of facial fillers for nasolabial fold treatment:
1) Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive
Dermal filler injections let you avoid invasive plastic surgery for moderate to deep nasolabial folds. The procedure is less risky and doesn’t involve going under the knife. It also doesn’t require a long recovery time and you can resume your normal work and activities after receiving the injections.
2) Instantly Visible Results
Fillers don’t completely eliminate nasolabial folds but they can effectively minimize their severity and conceal them for several months. Many patients can see visible improvements to their severe facial wrinkles and folds immediately after the procedure. The full effects of the injections will be seen once the initial swelling has gone down and the filler material has fully settled in its place.
3) Plumps and Lifts the Area Around the Mouth
Dermal fillers are also a great fix for the other signs of facial aging and volume loss, such as marionette lines and general skin laxity around the nose and mouth. Along with nasolabial fold injections, you can get a cheek filler to volumize and lift the skin surrounding your wrinkles. It can also help restore the ideal shape and fullness of your cheeks while softening the lines and folds around the mouth.
4) Supports Collagen Production for Continuous and Lasting Results
Most nasolabial fold fillers are made out of hyaluronic acid which provides additional moisture and hydration to your skin. They can also help replenish your collagen levels by encouraging the fibroblast cells to produce the necessary structural proteins in the skin. The increased elastin and collagen production can help improve your overall skin quality and reduce wrinkles for a longer period of time.
Best Types of Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Fold Treatment
There are plenty of dermal filler brands that can be used to address nasolabial folds. The most popular injections are the ones made of hyaluronic acid. They’re safer and easier to correct in case of bad results or unwanted side effects, unlike semi-permanent and permanent fillers. Here are some of the common HA filler injections for nasolabial folds:
1) Juvederm Ultra
This injectable filler has a smooth consistency that provides excellent plumping and hydration benefits to the skin. It also helps make the appearance of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other facial wrinkles less pronounced and improves the skin texture.
2) Juvederm Vollure
This dermal filler product is approved to treat moderate to severe lines, wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. It also has a thin and smooth consistency which helps improve facial folds without the risk of overfilling or over-plumping the treatment area.
3) Juvederm Voluma
This is one of the thicker fillers in the Juvederm line. It has firmer consistency which makes it a great injectable for improving contours and adding fullness to hollow areas. It’s commonly used to restore volume in the cheeks but it can also provide a lifting effect to smooth nasolabial folds and other wrinkles.
4) Restylane Refyne
This hyaluronic acid filler is made with XpresHAn Technology™ and it’s suitable for the treatment of smile lines, marionette lines, and other facial wrinkles. It has a smooth and more flexible gel consistency that provides natural-looking results and maintains your facial expressions.
5) Restylane Defyne
Also made with the XpresHan Technology™, Restylane Defyne has a clear and soft gel-like consistency that offers great support and volume to fill in your wrinkles and nasolabial folds. This may be a better injectable filler if you want to address deeper folds and volume loss.
6) Restylane Lyft
Compared to other Restylane products, Lyft has a thicker consistency with larger hyaluronic acid particles which helps volumize areas with facial volume loss. It also effectively targets moderate to severe nasolabial folds and restores fullness in your upper and midface region.
Rejuvenate Your Appearance With Nasolabial Fold Filler Treatments at Ethos Spa
Dermal fillers provide excellent volumizing effects to soften and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. They can also help enhance your other facial features, such as the cheeks, which can contribute to an overall younger-looking appearance.
Ethos Spa is a trusted aesthetic center for specialized cosmetic treatments and premium injectables. We’re dedicated to providing a safe and successful dermal filler experience to our patients. We also offer other treatments such as fillers for acne scars, laser hair removal, body contouring, facials, and neurotoxin injections. Call us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your nasolabial folds treatment.
