Nasolabial furrows: Origin, remedial measures, workouts, and deterrence strategies
In the pursuit of a more youthful appearance, many individuals seek solutions for the appearance of nasolabial folds, often referred to as smile or laugh lines. These lines, located on either side of the mouth, can become more pronounced with age due to factors such as sun exposure, loss of collagen, loss of fat, and facial expressions.
Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to help reduce their appearance. Among the most popular and effective options are dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid. These fillers add volume and hydration to the skin, immediately filling in the folds. Results typically last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the product used.
Another approach involves collagen biostimulators, which work by stimulating the body's natural collagen production, improving skin structure progressively over time. These treatments can provide longer-term improvement in skin firmness around the folds, with effects lasting up to two years.
Thread lifts, using polydioxanone (PDO) threads, are another non-surgical option. These threads physically lift sagging skin and boost collagen production, offering results that last about 12 to 18 months.
Fractional laser and radiofrequency treatments promote cell regeneration and skin tightening through heat and controlled damage to the skin. Multiple sessions are typically needed, but they offer durable results by remodelling collagen.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) may also be combined with fillers to relax the muscles that contribute to deepening folds, preventing them from becoming more pronounced during facial expressions.
Additional treatments like radiofrequency microneedling and laser skin resurfacing can help by stimulating collagen and improving skin texture, thus softening smile lines and finer nasolabial wrinkles.
For those preferring a more surgical approach, options include subcision, a process where a doctor uses a needle to break up pockets of tissue, restructuring the area surrounding nasolabial folds, and excision, which involves removing the affected skin and reshaping the surrounding area.
It's important to note that nasolabial folds are a cosmetic issue and do not necessarily require treatment. Wearing sunscreen and protecting the face from the sun can slow the damage caused by the sun's harmful UV rays, potentially preventing nasolabial folds from getting deeper or more pronounced.
Anyone considering cosmetic procedures for nasolabial folds should speak with a skilled plastic surgeon or physician who specialises in aesthetic treatments. The right treatment will depend on many personal factors, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Facial exercises are claimed to strengthen the muscles surrounding nasolabial folds, potentially making them less noticeable, but there is little scientific research on their effectiveness. Some people develop wrinkles next to the nasolabial folds, which may be more visible during smiling.
In summary, the most commonly used and effective approach starts with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to add immediate volume, complemented by collagen stimulators and skin-tightening procedures for longer-lasting structural benefits. Botox may be added in selected cases to reduce muscle activity that worsens the folds.
[1] American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. (n.d.). Dermal Fillers. Retrieved from https://www.asds.net/public-education/diseases-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers [2] American Academy of Facial Esthetics. (n.d.). Thread Lifts. Retrieved from https://www.aafes.org/procedures/thread-lifts [3] American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (n.d.). Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation. Retrieved from https://www.surgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-facial-rejuvenation [4] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Dermal Fillers. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/dermal-fillers-before-and-after-photos
- The use of collagen biostimulators can predictively improve skin structure around nasolabial folds, providing effects that last up to two years.
- Aq, a subcision procedure, restructures the area surrounding nasolabial folds, offering a more surgical solution.
- Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, skin conditions, can sometimes exacerbate the appearance of nasolabial folds.
- Ulcerative colitis, a digestive disease, can show signs on the skin, potentially making nasolabial folds more visible.
- Ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease, can lead to aging changes in the skin, including the development of nasolabial folds.
- Breast cancer survivors may experience changes in the skin, including the development of nasolabial folds, due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Migraine sufferers may seek facial cosmetic surgery, like botox, to help alleviate pain associated with facial muscle tension.
- Science has yet to thoroughly study the predictive effects of facial exercises on the reduction of nasolabial folds.
- The health-and-wellness industry continues to promote skin-care products that claim to slow down the aging process, preventing or reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds.
- Obesity, a growing concern worldwide, can contribute to the development and worsening of nasolabial folds due to increased weight on the face.
