Nasolabial creases (dermal and epidermal defects) require a dermal filler injected into the upper or mid dermis for best results. Attempting to fill these creases with a deep dermal or subdermal injection may improve their contour but will not fill in the superficial dermal defect.
When using dermal fillers, we have two key approaches to treating the nasolabial folds. The first approach is to lift dropping cheeks by injecting filler along the cheekbone; this helps to lift the heavy skin that forms the nasolabial fold.
Exercises for nasolabial folds include: Puckering the lips in an upward motion, as if kissing the ceiling. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 4–5 times. Puckering the lips into a pouting motion, then pulling the corners of the mouth out.
Hyaluronic acid fillers achieve a cheek lift when injected under the skin of the cheekbones. For most patients, the treatment is completely painless as the cheek dermal fillers contain an in-built anaesthetic.
The naso-labial folds from the corner of the nose to mouth are often treated with 0.5ml per side, so often 1ml will be required.
Although extremely rare, dermal fillers are able to migrate within the skin if consistent and adequate pressure is applied to them. For this reason, we advise patients not to get a facial, massage (on the treated skin), or microdermabrasion for the first two weeks following their filler injections.
After nasolabial fold filler
Most of the swelling from the dermal filler will have resolved by 2-3 days after the procedure. There may be a small amount of swelling for even 2-4 weeks after the procedure.
Often the best solution is to both replace volume in the temple, upper later cheeks, and sometimes midface, and then have just a light touch around the mouth with filler. Or to skin tighten and build collagen with say Profound (deep RF microneedling), Sculptra, and CO2 laser and then fill more lightly.
An 8 Point Face Lift is a non-surgical procedure that adds volume, structure and gives lift to certain facial features using dermal fillers. This is made possible by using the most advanced injection techniques to strategically place the facial fillers in areas of concern such as: Hollowing under eye areas.
Most nasolabial folds will typically require two syringes to fully correct. One syringe of Juvederm is sometimes sufficient for mild nasolabial folds. For lip augmentation, one syringe will sculpt and enhance the lips. The change will be noticeable but subtle.
A thread lift is a minor plastic surgery procedure to address skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, the jowl area, and the nasolabial folds. During a thread lift procedure, needles are passed in opposite directions that contain barbed thread that grasps, lifts, and suspends the facial area being treated.
For qualified candidates, we have found JUVÉDERM® to be the top filler for nasolabial fold reduction at our med spa. Composed of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid (HA), JUVÉDERM® works to smooth the appearance of moderate to deep laugh lines through a subtle volumizing effect.
Fillers are a great option for patients seeking a softer, more youthful look. However, if used improperly or over used, fillers can have negative long term consequences. In fact, patients who do not properly use filler could actually speed up their skin's aging process, resulting in older looking skin.
Facial fillers are a top treatment choice for eliminating jowls as they can be used to rebuild the structure of the face whilst rebooting the skin's natural supply of hyaluronic acid and smoothing the jawline.
By adding volume to the cheek area and contouring the shape of your cheek, you can visibly lift your cheekbones and the lower face while filling out fine lines and wrinkles in the process.
Placing filler along the jawline or cheeks will give your skin a boost, lifting your cheeks and smoothing fine lines around your face. As the filler restores volume into the midface area, the skin will lift from your lower face to give you a more prominent and symmetrical jawline.
The most severe and early-occurring complication is tissue necrosis due to embolization of specific vessel and obstruction of the vessel by the filler material which can cause ischemia and tissue necrosis. There are few reports of nasal alar area necrosis after HA injection in nasolabial folds.
Things to avoid:
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Do not use AHA, Retinols/Vitamin C therapy or oil based make-up for 24 hours. Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy based treatments and microdermabrasion for two weeks after treatment.
Botox works by relaxing the muscles around the mouth, but it cannot soften the deep folds in the nasolabial area. In this case, a volume-adding injectable like dermal fillers is often the better choice because it can fill the deep wrinkles and smoothen the skin.
While it is possible for fillers to migrate, this side effect is extremely rare and can be avoided by choosing a qualified injector. Though filler migration is very uncommon, its likelihood increases when fillers are performed by an inexperienced or underqualified injector.
Threads are an excellent option in correcting certain problem areas, especially if there is some laxity, drooping, or sagging of skin. On the other hand, fillers are designed to address the fine lines you want gone (or at least reduced in appearance).