Overview | Causes and prevention | Treatment options | Results and risks | Natural remedies
If you have ever looked into the mirror and noticed some lines or deep wrinkles that run from the corners of your mouth to the bottom of the nose, these are known as nasolabial folds. They are very common and can vary in their severity.
But do not worry; if these skin folds are hampering your social life and preventing you from living your life to the fullest, let me take you through some nasolabial fold treatments and frequently asked questions to put your heart at ease.
What are the main causes of nasolabial folds?
The main causes of nasolabial folds are aging, smoking, and sun damage. Exposure to the UV rays of the sun can break down collagen in your skin, resulting in more prominent nasolabial folds. As you age, gravity tugs at your skin, which is already weakened by decreased collagen, so you see loose skin and wrinkles. Significant weight loss or gain can also cause these skin folds.
How can you avoid or prevent nasolabial folds?
I advise using sunblock and not smoking to avoid or prevent nasolabial folds. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, you should use sunscreen daily. Also, apply moisturizing skin care products to reduce folds and improve overall skin quality. You may opt for retinol products, too. Also, switch to sleeping on your back and getting enough rest. This is important for repairing your skin.
What are the treatment options for nasolabial folds?
I offer a host of nasolabial fold treatments at The Bombay Skin Clinic to help you get rid of unwanted smile lines. These are:
- Dermal fillers – This is often the first line of defense. Dermal fillers help to add volume to the area and lift the skin. The most common fillers are made from calcium hydroxylapatite and hyaluronic acid. Both have proven to help promote collagen growth as well as plump up the skin. There is no recovery time and this treatment has minimal side-effects. You may experience some slight bruising.
- MnRF – This is offered exclusively at The Bombay Skin Clinic, under the name of the Secret Micro-Needle Fractional RF System treatment. It is the ideal US Food and Drug Administration-approved technology for skin rejuvenation and tightening. It utilizes minimally invasive micro-needles to deliver controlled RF energy directly into the multiple depths of the skin. This heats the tissue and stimulates new collagen production, promoting skin modeling, helping you get rid of those nasolabial folds for good.
- Dermapen – This is a minimally invasive microneedling treatment that helps to create deep micro- channels in the dermis of the skin to stimulate natural collagen production. You will only feel tiny pricks of needles and the downtime is zero with minimal side-effects. It softens fine lines, wrinkles, and tightens the skin, thus decreasing the nasolabial fold appearance. At The Bombay Skin Clinic, I use the Dermapen 4, the latest in microneedling technology.
- HIFU – This stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound, a treatment in which heat energy is delivered to the skin and subcutaneous tissue to stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and reduce the sagging quality of the skin. This treatment can help achieve a visible facelift without invasive surgery or injections. It also offers zero downtime and works well for almost all skin types. The results are long-term.
- Radiofrequency – In this nasolabial fold treatment, a handheld device is used to heat the skin with radiofrequency energy to create a tightening effect. The skin heals with collagen production and there is zero downtime. During the hour-long procedure, you may feel some heat, and you may need two to six sessions to get the desired results. The National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that radiofrequency is a good treatment for middle and lower face laxity. At The Bombay Skin Clinic, I offer the Monopolar RF skin tightening treatment for overall facial rejuvenation and improved skin texture.
- Chemical peels – A light or medium chemical peel can be used to exfoliate the outer skin layers to enhance the appearance of the skin. It encourages skin tightening by stimulating collagen production and cell turnover, resulting in brighter and smoother skin. Some popular types of chemical peels include black peel, yellow peel, glycolic peel, azelaic peel, and the like. Harvard Health Publishing notes how chemical peels can help take years off your face.
- Thread lifts – This is a procedure that suspends some of the facial skin with temporary sutures rather than removing the extra tissue that is causing the folds. It can create skin tightening effects and greatly reduce the appearance of the skin folds. The procedure also triggers collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity while you age.
- Laser skin resurfacing – Laser skin resurfacing helps to reduce facial concerns like smile lines and deep wrinkles. It removes the topmost layer of the skin and corrects minor flaws and blemishes. It is a safe and precise technique to stimulate collagen production as well as the development of new skin cells.
- Surgical removal – You can reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds with a full-face lift or cheek lift. However, this is often not recommended as there are many complications that accompany a surgical procedure and the recovery time is very long.
The best way forward is to always combine treatments and combine technology to achieve better and long lasting results. My patients have walked away after these treatments with fabulous results and tighter, younger-looking skin!
What can you expect during your consultation with a dermatologist?
At the time of consultation, I inquire regarding your medical history, skin care regime, allergies, history of facial treatments, and any medications that you have been taking. A thorough examination of your facial skin will also help me determine the precise cause of your nasolabial folds. I also like to check the dental status of the patient to know if they have a cross bite or overlap teeth or any other dental problems. Post this, I can help you chart out a treatment plan best suited to your unique skin needs.
What results can you expect after the treatment?
I would like to stress on the fact that there is no permanent fix for nasolabial folds. While some treatments can last years, others may last only months. They cannot halt the natural aging of your skin. So, the results vary from skin to skin and case to case.
Are there any risks involved in the treatment?
As noted above, surgical treatments may carry certain risks like infection and bleeding. However, non-surgical and non-invasive nasolabial fold treatments may cause some redness, swelling, bruising, and skin sensitivity. I ensure to take every measure for your safety and well-being, both during and after the treatment, and minimize the potential chances of risks.
What are some immediate and future care tips?
Immediately after a nasolabial fold treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise and direct sunlight exposure. Apply sunscreen if you must step out during the day. Do not take any steam or sauna treatments and avoid touching the treated facial area or washing it too roughly. Avoid any kind of facial massages for the next 15 days. Avoid sleeping with the face tucked in the pillow. Avoid getting a dental treatment done immediately after doing the treatment for the nasolabial folds.
How many sessions are required for this treatment?
This answer differs from patient to patient depending on their individual skin needs and goals. For some of my patients, one session is enough. For others, multiple sessions are required. Based on the extent of your nasolabial folds, I will help you plan a treatment course to get you safe and effective results.
How can you reduce or get rid of nasolabial folds naturally?
You can reduce these skin folds naturally by exercising your facial features. You should refrain from smiling too hard and laughing too much. Exercises for nasolabial folds include puckering your mouth in an upward motion for 15 seconds, which is then repeated four to five times. Or, you can pucker your lips in a pouting motion and pull the corners of your mouth out, holding this for 15 seconds and repeating the activity four to five times daily.
Closing thoughts
Don’t despair about your nasolabial folds! I am here to help you find the right treatment plan suited to your needs. Book an appointment with me today at The Bombay Skin Clinic and let’s get rid of those nasolabial folds!
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15545529
- Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/aging/want-to-take-years-off-your-face-these-treatments-can-rejuvenate-your-skin
Dr. Batul Patel is a celebrity dermatologist and the medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic an award winning clinic located in South Mumbai & Bandra. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. She has been practicing for more than a decade. Her range of expertise include emsculpt NEO, coolsculpting, fillers, acne treatment, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, hair transplant, PRP & pigmentation treatments.