Nasolabial Folds: Types, How They Develop, Treatments

Nasolabial folds, commonly known as laugh lines or smile lines, are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These lines often become more noticeable as we age due to the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. For many people, the deepening of nasolabial lines or folds and the appearance of marionette lines – vertical lines starting at the corners of the mouth – can cause concern, impacting how they perceive themselves and their emotional well-being.

In this blog, we will explore the different types of nasolabial folds, how they develop, effective treatments & much more that will help you choose the best nasolabial fold treatment as per your needs. So, let’s get started.

What Are Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile or laugh lines, are the creases that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These lines become more prominent with age, mainly due to collagen loss. Additional factors like weight loss, sun exposure, smoking, and environmental pollution can also speed up their appearance. 

Types of Nasolabial Folds

Below are different classifications of nasolabial folds based on skin type.

1. Skin Type Nasolabial Folds

Skin type plays an important role in determining the type of nasolabial line/fold. Certain skin characteristics make some individuals more prone to developing these creases and grooves than others. Factors such as skin thickness & elasticity vary widely among people, affecting the visibility of these wrinkles. Skin types that may contribute to the formation or reduction of nasolabial lines or folds include dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and skin damaged by UV rays.

2. Fat Pad Type Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial folds can also be classified by the type of fat pad in the facial area. Thicker fat pads provide support and reduce the chance of deep wrinkles & folds. People with thinner fat pads, bone structure, and muscle tone are more prone to developing nasolabial lines. A fuller nasolabial area helps support bone density and muscle tone, which reduces the chance of these folds forming.

3. Muscular Type Nasolabial Folds 

Muscular-type nasolabial lines or folds are lines or wrinkles that appear on both sides of the nose and extend to the corners of the mouth. They result from frequent muscle contractions in the face, such as laughing or smiling, and become more noticeable with age due to the loss of collagen and elastin.

4. Bone Retrusion Type Nasolabial Folds

Bone retrusion, or the backward displacement of the jawbone, contributes to nasolabial lines. This type is marked by lines from the nose to the mouth corners, caused by genetics and ageing. As the supporting bones recede, skin sags and wrinkles form. 

5. Hybrid Type Nasolabial Folds

Hybrid-type nasolabial lines are facial wrinkles or grooves caused by a combination of static and dynamic wrinkles. Static wrinkles are visible even when the face is at rest, while dynamic wrinkles appear when the face moves. 

How Do Nasolabial Folds Develop?

Starting around age 20, the skin gradually begins to lose moisture. Depending on genetics and lifestyle, nasolabial lines can become noticeable relatively early, though they are usually very fine at first. By age 40, a visible deepening of these folds is common. The primary cause of nasolabial folds is the repeated muscle activity from actions like eating, drinking, and laughing.

Other Causes For The Development of Nasolabial Folds

Facial wrinkles like nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, and smile or frown lines can develop due to several factors:

• Loss of moisture in the skin.
• Degradation of structural proteins like collagen and elastic fibres.
• Reduction of the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid content.
• Strong facial expressions.
• High UV radiation.
• After the age of 40, nasolabial lines become much more visible due to a greater deficiency of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and moisture.
• Rapid weight loss or significant weight fluctuations can also contribute to the formation of cheek lines and nose wrinkles, such as nasolabial lines or folds. When weight is lost, the cheeks can become saggy as the fat under the skin diminishes, resulting in a less plumped-up appearance.
• Genetic factors also contribute – wrinkles can develop faster if you have a family history, like when collagen production is affected by metabolic issues.
• Additionally, exposing the body to stress, excessive alcohol and nicotine can lead to the development of not just nasolabial lines, but all kinds of lines and wrinkles. smoking and drinking release harmful substances called free radicals that speed up skin ageing through oxidative stress.

Treatment Options For Nasolabial Folds/Lines

Know the popular treatment options for nasolabial folds or lines you can consider – 

1. Dermal Fillers

The Nasolabial fold dermal filler treatment in London is minimally invasive: a doctor injects hyaluronic acid into the skin above the nasolabial fold using a thin syringe. The acid acts as a filler, immediately smoothing & plumping the skin. The procedure is nearly painless but requires regular sessions every 6-12 months to maintain results. But, it is relatively costly and injections carry risks like swelling and redness in treated areas.

2. Polynucleotides 

Polynucleotides treatment is formulated for facial skin tightening and hydration, which targets improvement in nasolabial lines and sagging jawlines. This Nasolabial fold treatment involves a specialised technique of injecting 10 points across facial areas over 4-6 sessions, spaced two weeks apart. It offers minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime, aided by the application of numbing cream beforehand, which allows you to return to normal activities immediately. For optimal results, a maintenance treatment every 3-4 months is advised.

3. Sculptra

Sculptra® is a dermal filler containing poly-L-lactic acid, designed to provide essential support for lifting and smoothing away nasolabial lines. You can anticipate results lasting up to two years, after which you have the option to schedule another treatment.

This injectable is biodegradable and biocompatible, gradually absorbed by the body over time. It delivers natural-looking results, effectively reducing the visible impact of these folds on your skin’s surface.

4. Ellanse

As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, which leads to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, such as marionette lines and nasolabial folds. Ellanse is a durable biostimulatory filler composed of polycaprolactone (PCL), effectively restoring lost facial volume. This safe procedure not only restores volume but also stimulates the production of new collagen, promoting healthier & rejuvenated skin.

5. Microneedling

For those with relatively shallow marionette lines and nasolabial folds, microneedling can provide impressive results. This collagen-induction therapy involves tiny needles creating microscopic punctures in the skin, which stimulates the natural healing process & enhances collagen production. Microneedling is a safe and effective choice, promoting a more youthful and voluminous appearance while improving overall skin health & vibrancy.

Tips To Consider For Preventing Nasolabial Folds

There are several ways to prevent the development of nasolabial folds and smile lines. The following three methods are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and simple to apply.

1. Use Sunscreen Year-Round

Sun exposure can uplift our mood, but smiling more can deepen smile lines. It’s important to use SPF daily to prevent this, especially for fair & sensitive skin types. On sunny spring days, choose a day cream with high sun protection. In summer, opt for a facial sunscreen with high SPF. During sunny winter days, use a day cream with light SPF suitable for dry and ageing skin.

2. Healthy Sleep

Skin regenerates most effectively during sleep. Getting a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night supports the skin’s protective and repair processes. However, side sleepers should be aware that their sleeping position can lead to noticeable effects over time. Sleeping on one side can contribute to the formation of wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and nasolabial lines. To prevent this, consider using special anti-wrinkle pillows designed to encourage back sleeping.

3. Facial Exercises

Exercise your facial muscles. Just a few minutes daily can actively prevent nasolabial and other facial wrinkles through facial yoga. Additionally, gentle massages in the cheek & forehead areas promote blood circulation, tightening the skin.

With our easy tips and a consistent skincare routine, you can delay the onset of nasolabial lines from an early age. Even if you already have initial or advanced nasolabial lines, you can still take steps to combat them. Starting prevention early increases your chances of delaying their formation.

Conclusion

Nasolabial folds are a natural aspect of facial anatomy, rather than a flaw. While they may become more prominent with age and smiling, there is usually no medical necessity to address them. If you are concerned about their nasolabial lines and thinking about cosmetic procedures, ask your doctor lots of questions and be clear about what you expect. Choosing the appropriate Nasolabial fold treatment depends on various personal factors, and what suits one person may not be suitable for another.

Tip: Want to make your jawline more defined? Learn everything about jawline fillers and know why it is a perfect solution for your saggy jowls. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Nasolabial Folds

Q: What factors contribute to the worsening of nasolabial folds?

A: Nasolabial lines or folds can worsen due to a decrease in skin elasticity and hydration, which may start as early as your 20s. Other factors that worsen these lines include prolonged sun exposure, stress, poor nutrition, and the premature breakdown of collagen & elastin in the skin.

What age do nasolabial folds appear?

A: Nasolabial lines or folds can appear earlier than other facial lines due to weakening facial muscles with age. Factors like sun damage, smoking, and expressive facial movements can accelerate their onset. Starting in our mid-20s, collagen production decreases by about 1% annually, contributing to these lines. 

Is it normal to have nasolabial folds at 25?

A: While it may seem early, the skin begins to lose its ability to regenerate around ages 25 to 30, with nasolabial lines or folds being a typical sign of ageing skin.

Q: Are nasolabial folds permanent?

A: Nasolabial lines or folds can become more pronounced and permanent as you age, particularly if you smoke or fail to protect your skin from the sun.

Q: Can fillers get rid of nasolabial folds?

A: Everyone has nasolabial folds, but they may appear more noticeable in some individuals. Nasolabial fold fillers are the fastest way to reduce them, although combining treatments may achieve a more attractive outcome.