Nasolabial Folds: Treatments, Causes, and Prevention

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror mid-laugh and thought, “Wait… when did my face start leaving
receipt lines?”welcome to the world of nasolabial folds. Also called
smile lines or laugh lines, they’re the creases that run from the sides of your nose
toward the corners of your mouth. They’re not a mistake. They’re not “damage.” They’re basically the
evidence your face knows how to express emotion (how embarrassing!).

Still, if these folds feel deeper than you’d like, you have optionsranging from simple skincare and
sun habits to in-office treatments like dermal fillers, microneedling, lasers, thread
lifts, and even surgery. The key is understanding why they deepen and choosing an approach that
matches your goals, budget, and comfort levelwithout falling for internet “miracle hacks” that belong
in the same drawer as detox teas and moon-charged water.

What Are Nasolabial Folds, Exactly?

Nasolabial folds are natural facial creases where the cheek meets the upper lip. Most people have them
from childhoodbecause your face is built to move. Over time, these folds can become more noticeable at
rest (not just when you smile) due to changes in skin, fat, and facial support structures.

Dynamic vs. Static Lines

Think of it like this: dynamic lines show up with movement (smiling, talking, laughing),
while static lines stick around even when your face is relaxed. Nasolabial folds can be
bothstarting as dynamic creases and gradually becoming more “permanent” as facial volume and skin
elasticity change.

Causes: Why Smile Lines Deepen Over Time

1) Volume Loss (Your Cheeks Aren’t “Falling,” They’re Reorganizing)

One of the biggest drivers of deeper nasolabial folds is midface volume loss. As we age,
facial fat pads can shrink and shift. The cheek area loses some of its “lift,” which makes the fold
between cheek and mouth look more definedlike a soft pillow turning into a slightly sharper edge.

2) Collagen and Elastin Changes

Collagen and elastin are the skin’s support system. With time, the dermis thins and the skin becomes less
springy. When skin can’t “bounce back” as easily, folds and creases settle in more noticeably.

3) Sun Exposure (The Uninvited Guest at Every Aging Party)

UV exposure accelerates visible skin aging (often called photoaging). Over years, it can contribute to
wrinkles, texture changes, and the look of deeper folds. Sunscreen isn’t just a beach-day accessoryit’s
daily insurance for your future face.

4) Smoking and Environmental Stressors

Smoking is linked with more pronounced wrinkling. It affects blood flow and the integrity of skin over
time. Pollution and chronic irritation can also contribute to dullness and texture changes that make lines
read more strongly.

5) Genetics, Facial Structure, and Weight Changes

Some people naturally have stronger folds because of facial anatomycheek shape, bone structure, and how
their face moves. Weight fluctuations can also change facial fullness: rapid loss may reduce volume that
previously softened folds, while gain can shift proportions too. (Faces are not spreadsheets; they do not
“balance out” perfectly.)

Do You Need to Treat Nasolabial Folds?

“Need” is a strong word. Nasolabial folds are normalat every age. Treatment is purely optional and
cosmetic for most people. If you’re a teen or young adult, keep in mind that these creases are often just
natural facial structure and expression; most in-office cosmetic treatments are designed and studied for
adults. If you’re considering anything beyond skincare, talk with a board-certified dermatologist or
qualified clinician (and involve a parent/guardian if you’re under 18).

If you want treatment, the best results usually come from choosing the right tool for the real
cause: folds from volume loss respond differently than folds from surface texture.
That’s why a good consult mattersbecause the goal isn’t to erase your face; it’s to create a natural,
refreshed look that still moves like you.

Treatments: What Actually Works (and What’s Mostly Wishful Thinking)

Option 1: Skincare That Supports Collagen and Texture

Topicals won’t “fill” a fold the way an injectable can, but they can improve the overall look of skin so
folds appear softerespecially when early or mild.

• Retinoids/retinol: These vitamin A derivatives can improve the appearance of fine lines
  over time by supporting collagen processes and speeding cell turnover. Expect gradual resultsoften
  months, not days.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+ broad-spectrum): Daily use helps prevent further photoaging and can
  preserve skin quality.
• Moisturizers + barrier support: Hydrated skin reflects light more evenly, which can make
  lines look less prominent.
• Vitamin C and antioxidants: Often used for brightening and environmental defense; best
  as part of a consistent routine rather than a one-week “panic purchase.”

Real talk: skincare is like going to the gym. The magic is not the productit’s the consistency.

Option 2: Dermal Fillers (The “Volume” Solution)

If nasolabial folds are driven mainly by volume loss, dermal fillers are
one of the most common in-office approaches. Fillers work by restoring volume and supporting contours so
the fold doesn’t cast such a strong shadow.

Common filler categories used in facial folds include:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA): Popular because results are immediate and HA can be dissolved if needed.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Often used for deeper support and collagen stimulation.
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): A collagen stimulator that builds results gradually.
• PMMA: Considered longer-lasting/semi-permanent and used in select cases.

Where Filler Goes Matters More Than You Think

A common mistake is “stuffing the fold” directly. Skilled injectors often evaluate the midface
and may place product in the cheeks to restore lift, which can reduce the fold indirectly and more naturally.
Sometimes a small amount is placed in the fold as wellbut the strategy should fit your face.

Safety Notes (Because Your Face Deserves Respect)

Dermal fillers are medical procedures. The most serious (though uncommon) risk involves accidental injection
into a blood vessel, which can cause significant complications. This is why the safest move is choosing a
properly trained, licensed professional who uses FDA-approved products and has a plan for complications.

After filler, it’s common to have temporary swelling, tenderness, or bruising. Results and longevity vary
by product, placement, and your bodymany people maintain results with periodic touch-ups.

Option 3: Neuromodulators (Botox) Helpful, But Not a Direct Fix

Botox-like treatments relax muscles that create dynamic wrinkles (forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines).
Nasolabial folds are usually more about volume and structure than muscle overactivity, so neuromodulators
aren’t typically the primary solution. In select cases, an experienced clinician may use them strategically
to balance movement around the midfacebut they’re not the main “smile line eraser.”

Option 4: Microneedling (Collagen Support for Texture)

Microneedling creates tiny controlled injuries in the skin to stimulate healing processes,
including collagen and elastin production. It can help with texture, fine lines, and overall firmnessthink
“skin quality upgrade,” not “instant fold deletion.”

There’s also radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, which adds heat energy to deeper layers.
It can be effective, but it also carries higher risk when used improperly. Recent FDA safety communications
have emphasized that certain RF microneedling uses can lead to serious complications (like burns and scarring),
reinforcing that these are medical proceduresnot casual spa add-ons.

Option 5: Laser Resurfacing and Energy-Based Treatments

Laser resurfacing and related technologies can improve tone, texture, and fine lines.
Fractional lasers treat microscopic columns of skin to trigger remodeling. This can soften the look of
lines by improving surface quality and pigmentation irregularities.

Important limitation: lasers can improve wrinkles and texture, but they don’t “lift” significant sagging.
If folds are mostly from structural descent, resurfacing alone may not meet your expectationsthough it can
be great as part of a combo plan.

Option 6: Thread Lifts (Subtle Lift, Variable Results)

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure where medical-grade threads are placed under
the skin to create a lifting effect and stimulate collagen. It can be appealing for people who want something
between injectables and surgery.

Like many “in-between” options, results can be subtle and depend heavily on technique and candidacy.
Temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort can happen. A reputable provider will be honest about whether
threads will meaningfully improve your nasolabial foldsor if another approach is more predictable.

Option 7: Surgical Approaches (Facelift/Rhytidectomy)

If nasolabial folds are part of broader sagging in the mid-to-lower face, a facelift may be
the most comprehensive option. Modern techniques reposition deeper tissues and address multiple signs of
aginglike jowls, midface descent, and deepening folds.

Surgery involves the most downtime, cost, and commitmentso it’s not a casual choice. But for the right
candidate, it can deliver longer-lasting structural improvement compared with non-surgical options.

Prevention: How to Slow the Deepening of Nasolabial Folds

You can’t (and shouldn’t) prevent your face from being expressive. But you can protect skin quality and
reduce avoidable aging accelerators.

Daily Sun Protection

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily on exposed skin.
• Seek shade and wear protective clothing when UV is strongest.
• Avoid tanning beds. Your future skin will not write you a thank-you note for them.

Use Retinoids/Retinol Consistently (If Tolerated)

Start low and slow, especially if you have sensitive skin. Many people do well applying a retinoid a few
nights per week and building up. Moisturizer can help minimize irritation.

Support Skin Health Through Habits

• Don’t smoke (and avoid secondhand smoke when possible).
• Protect your barrier: gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and not over-exfoliating.
• Stability helps: repeated major weight swings can change facial volume and contours.
• Sleep and stress: not magical, but they influence inflammation and skin recovery.

How to Choose the Right Treatment Plan

The best plan is personal. Here’s a practical way to think about it:

• If folds are mild: sunscreen + retinoid + hydration + possibly microneedling for texture.
• If folds are mostly shadow/volume-related: consider fillers (often cheek support first).
• If skin texture and spots make folds “pop”: consider resurfacing (laser) or microneedling.
• If sagging is the main issue: consult about surgical options or carefully selected lifting procedures.

Questions Worth Asking in a Consult

• What’s causing my folds in my facevolume loss, skin quality, descent, or all of the above?
• Will you treat the fold directly, the cheek support, or bothand why?
• What product/device are you using, and is it FDA-approved/appropriate for my goals?
• What are common side effects vs. urgent warning signs after treatment?
• How many sessions might I need, and what’s the maintenance plan?

Real-World Experiences (About ): What People Commonly Notice

Let’s talk about the “in real life” sidebecause treatment descriptions can sound like a menu where
everything is listed as “quick” and “minimal downtime,” as if your face runs on a two-day shipping policy.
People’s experiences vary, but there are some common themes that show up again and again.

1) The “OhIt’s Not Just the Fold” moment. Many people walk into a consultation convinced
the nasolabial fold is the entire problem. Then a good clinician has them smile, relax, turn slightly, and
look in different lighting. Suddenly, it’s obvious: the fold is often the symptom, not the cause.
When cheek volume loss or midface descent is the driver, restoring support higher up can soften the fold in
a way that looks more natural than filling the crease aggressively.

2) Subtle improvements tend to feel better than dramatic ones. A surprisingly common
reaction after filler or collagen-stimulating treatments is: “It doesn’t look like I had work doneI just
look less tired.” That’s usually a good sign. People often report that the goal becomes “soften the shadow”
rather than “erase the line.” The face still moves, and the result feels like an upgrade, not a replacement.

3) Swelling and bruising are normal… and annoying. Even when providers describe downtime as
minimal, many people experience a few days of puffiness or tenderness (and occasional bruises that show up
in photos like surprise purple punctuation). A lot of the emotional experience is simply managing
expectations: immediate results can look a bit “extra” until swelling settles. People who plan treatments
away from big events often feel calmer during the healing phase.

4) The internet makes everything sound immediate; your skin disagrees. With microneedling,
retinoids, and many resurfacing treatments, improvements are gradual. People often describe a “quiet
confidence” shift after a few weeks: makeup sits better, skin looks smoother in daylight, and the fold reads
less harshly because overall texture improved. It’s less like flipping a switch and more like turning up the
room lighting one notch at a time.

5) The best experience usually comes down to the provider, not the trend. Across forums,
reviews, and clinical guidance, one lesson stands out: technique and training matter. People who feel safest
and happiest tend to choose licensed, experienced professionals who explain options clearly, don’t rush,
and set realistic goals. The “best” treatment is the one that fits your face, your comfort level, and your
long-term planrather than whatever went viral last week.

Conclusion

Nasolabial folds are normal facial features that often become more noticeable with time due to volume loss,
skin changes, and sun exposure. If you want to soften them, match the treatment to the cause: skincare and
sunscreen for prevention and texture, fillers for volume support, microneedling and lasers for skin quality,
and surgical options for more significant structural changes. Most importantly, aim for natural, safe results
with a qualified professionalbecause the best “anti-aging” move is keeping your face healthy, expressive,
and unmistakably yours.