Nasolabial Folds
Nasolabial Folds: Definition and Characteristics
What are Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds, commonly known as “smile lines” or “laugh lines,” are natural facial features characterized by creases or folds of skin that extend bilaterally from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They form a distinct separation between the cheeks and the upper lip and are present in almost every individual.
Characteristics
Mechanism and Causes
Nasolabial folds develop and deepen due to a combination of factors including:
- Natural aging: With age, decreased collagen and elastin production causes skin thinning and loss of elasticity, contributing to deeper folds.
- Volume loss: Reduction of fat in the cheeks and surrounding areas leads to hollowing and accentuation of these folds.
- Repeated facial movements: Smiling and other expressions repeatedly contract the facial muscles, gradually enhancing the prominence of these lines.
- Skin attachment: The skin below the fold is attached more firmly to muscles, while looser tissue above allows sagging and bulging.
- External factors: Sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and weight fluctuations accelerate skin damage and wrinkle formation.
Symptoms
Nasolabial folds are visible as creases or indentations that are more noticeable during smiling or expressive movements but can also be present at rest, increasingly so with advancing age.
Clinical Significance
While nasolabial folds are a normal anatomical feature and not indicative of disease, they can be cosmetically concerning for many individuals as they deepen. Treatments commonly employed include dermal fillers for volume restoration, thread lifting to reduce sagging, and skin resurfacing techniques for texture improvement. Risks in treatment can include vascular complications, requiring expert administration.
Key Points
- Nasolabial folds are natural skin creases from nose to mouth corners, also called smile lines.
- Their depth increases with age due to skin thinning, volume loss, and repetitive facial expressions.
- Environmental factors and genetics also influence their prominence.
- Cosmetic treatments are available but require careful technique to avoid genetics.
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
For personalized evaluation and treatment options to improve nasolabial folds safely and effectively, consult with our dermatology and aesthetic medicine specialists.
References:
Kim JH, et al. Anatomical Considerations and Technique for Nasolabial Fold Correction Using Thread-Lifting: Classification and Approaches. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025 Sep 30;13(9):e4782. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000004782. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12487934/
