Nasolabial Lines

What are nasolabial lines?

Nasolabial lines or folds, commonly known as “smile or laugh lines” are the deep lines or the indented skin between the corner of the nose and corner of the mouth.

Why do nasolabial lines develop?

The cause of nasolabial folds includes:

• Age
• Excessive exposure to the sun
• Hereditary factors

With age and excessive exposure to sunlight, the loss of skin elasticity and firmness is related to the breakdown of collagen (protein responsible for skin tightness). This causes the skin to become loose, appear saggy, and to form folds.

How are nasolabial lines treated?

The treatment options for nasolabial folds vary from non-invasive procedures such as fillers to surgical procedures such as face lift.

How are fillers used to treat nasolabial lines?

Injectable fillers or soft tissue fillers are injected into specific areas of the face to correct any textural irregularities by plumping and smoothing out the skin depression. These fillers work by restoring facial volume and filling out wrinkled or uneven areas of the face, thereby bringing an immediate vibrant and youthful appearance to one’s face without surgery. The results depend on the type of filler products employed.

What is facelift surgery?

Facelift, also known as meloplasty or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that tightens and removes drooping facial skin. It may also involve the removal and repositioning of excessive fat present beneath the skin. This surgical tightening of the facial muscles improves the tone of the skin and softens nasolabial lines.

Face lifts are more commonly performed in the age group between 40-65 years, but people who are younger or older may opt for this surgery as well. The results of a facelift usually last for 5-12 years.