Nasolabial

Nasolabial Fold Correction: Understand Your Options

Reviewed by Yael Halaas, MD

Nasolabial folds, or parentheses, are the deep folds that run from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth. These folds develop as we age and can be one of the first visible signs of facial aging. That's why nasolabial folds are also one of the first areas of the face targeted by anti-aging or facial rejuvenation procedures.

There are many options to choose from if you are considering nasolabial fold correction. This includes injectable fillers, nasolabial fold excision and certain types of facelift which incorporate this area of your face into the surgery.

Courtesy of AAFPRS

The first step is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns regarding your nasolabial folds. He or she will evaluate your nasolabial folds along with your other facial features. Once you explain your concerns and aesthetic goals, along with what you are hoping to achieve with nasolabial fold correction, your doctor can make some treatment recommendations.

Choosing a Surgeon

To help you find a surgeon to perform your nasolabial fold correction, All About Facial Rejuvenation has created a directory of qualified surgeons. Rather than going it alone, why not allow us to help you locate a skilled, compassionate medical provider in your area?

Are Injectables the Right Choice for Your Nasolabial Fold Correction?

The most common treatments for nasolabial fold correction are injectable fillers. These basically work by pushing the folds outward. Popular options include hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, and Prevelle Silk injections. (Visit these pages for information on risks, costs and recovery associated with each filler.)

Is Facelift the Right Choice for Your Nasolabial Fold Correction?

Facelift is a major surgery with significant downtime and risks. You should not have a facelift solely for the purpose of nasolabial fold correction. If, in addition to your nasolabial folds, you have other concerns about your face and how it is aging, a facelift may be an option.

A mid-facelift can improve nose-to-mouth nasolabial folds and lift sagging cheeks. These areas are also targeted by the deep plane lift procedure, also known as SMAS. No facelift type completely corrects nasolabial folds. For more comprehensive information on facelift risks, facelift cost, and facelift recovery, check out our pages dedicated to these topics.

Are Cheek Implants the Right Choice for Your Nasolabial Fold Correction?

Sometimes, a small cheek implant can be placed in the submalar (below the cheekbone) region to soften the upper part of the nasal labial folds. This is a permanent solution, but it also comes with more significant downtime and risks than do injectables. The results are also permanent. For more information, please visit our thorough article on cheek augmentation.

Is Nasolabial Fold Excision the Right Choice for Your Nasolabial Folds?

If you have very deep or inverted nasolabial folds, nasolabial fold excision may be your best bet. Your surgeon numbs the area and then removes your nasolabial folds from your face and sutures the area. The main downside is a visible scar. Other risks of nasolabial fold excision may include a bad reaction to the anesthesia (especially if general anesthesia is used), seroma (collection of fluid under the skin), hematoma (blood pooling), asymmetry, incision puckering, incomplete nasolabial fold correction and/or general cosmetic dissatisfaction with the results.

Nasolabial Fold Correction Cost

The approximate cost of a nasolabial fold correction procedure varies significantly based on treatment options. Surgical nasolabial fold excision may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000. This procedure is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. If the cost is prohibitive, ask your surgeon about financing options.

 

All About Facial Rejuvenation is a leading consumer resource about beautification treatments for the face. Numerous topics are represented, including information about popular surgical procedures such as eyelid surgery and nose jobs. Please peruse this site's other pages to learn more.