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Nasolabial Fold Filler Programme

Nasolabial Fold Filler

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Nasolabial fold filler is a facial contouring programme using filler injected at appropriate sites to help fill the folds running from beside the nose down to the corners of the mouth and soften the continuity of the midface.

What is nasolabial fold filler?
Programme illustrationClinic treatment illustration

What is nasolabial fold filler?

Nasolabial fold filler involves injecting filler into the folds or areas related to their structure to help add volume and make the folds look shallower.

The filler generally used is Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which can fill tissue and refine details in sunken areas.

Results depend on several factors, such as:

  • Depth of the nasolabial folds
  • Bone structure
  • Anterior cheek volume
  • Tissue sagging
  • Age
  • Filler amount and properties
  • Injection sites and technique

Highlights of the nasolabial fold filler programme

  • Helps fill deep nasolabial folds
  • Helps improve midface continuity
  • Helps the sides of the nose and anterior cheeks look smoother in some cases
  • Can be assessed with the anterior cheeks and under-eyes for suitable planning
  • Dose and sites can be selected according to individual structure
  • Requires no surgery in suitable cases

What can nasolabial fold filler improve?

Filling deep, prominent folds

Helps add volume to depressed folds, making their depth less noticeable.

Adjusting the area beside the nose

In some people, folds begin deeply beside the nose. Filling appropriate sites can make this area look more continuous.

Adjusting the transition between the anterior cheeks and nasolabial folds

In some cases, nasolabial folds are prominent because of reduced midface volume, so the anterior cheeks may need assessment too. Directly filling the folds is not necessary in every case.

Helping the overall midface look more balanced

When the folds and surrounding volume are more balanced, the overall midface may look softer.

The clinic's nasolabial-fold Filler before-and-after example
Example before-and-after treatment imagesNasolabial-fold filler

Who is nasolabial fold filler suitable for?

The nasolabial fold filler programme may suit people who:

  • Have deep nasolabial folds
  • Feel the sides of their nose look sunken
  • Have lost midface volume
  • Have nasolabial folds of unequal depth
  • Want to improve the folds without surgery
  • Have had filler in this area and want assessment for additional filling

The doctor first assesses where the folds originate and whether to fill the folds directly or also adjust nearby structures.

What causes nasolabial folds?

Nasolabial folds can have several causes, such as:

  • Natural bone and facial structure
  • Loss of anterior cheek fat volume
  • Age-related tissue changes
  • Skin sagging
  • Midface volume loss
  • Structural differences between the left and right sides
  • Facial expressions and movement

Some people have nasolabial folds from a young age because of their original structure, while others develop more noticeable folds with age. Assess the cause before choosing care.

Can nasolabial fold filler make the face look younger?

Deeper nasolabial folds can create midface shadows and make fold lines more visible.

Filling or adjusting volume at appropriate sites may make the folds look shallower and change the overall midface appearance.

However, filler does not address all types of sagging or age-related changes, so other facial factors should be assessed together.

Can nasolabial fold filler lift the face?

The main aim is to add volume and adjust fold depth.

In some cases, the folds arise from anterior cheek volume loss. Filling only the folds may not be the most suitable approach, and the doctor may also assess midface filling.

Filler is therefore not directly a lifting programme. Substantial sagging may require other methods as well.

How many cc of nasolabial fold filler are needed?

Filler volume depends on:

  • Fold depth
  • Fold length
  • Anterior cheek volume
  • Facial structure
  • Differences between the left and right sides
  • Desired result

Some people only need minor refinement, while others also need adjustment of the anterior cheeks or the area beside the nose.

The number of cc should therefore not be the only consideration.

What type of filler should be chosen?

Each formulation differs in:

  • Firmness
  • Elasticity
  • Spread
  • Shape retention
  • Water retention

The choice depends on injection depth and whether the aim is to fill the folds directly or adjust surrounding volume.

The doctor selects filler properties appropriate to each person's structure and treatment plan.

Nasolabial fold filler procedure

1. Assess the folds and midface

The doctor examines fold depth, anterior cheek volume, and their relationship with nearby areas.

2. Analyse the cause of the folds

Assess whether the folds arise from tissue volume loss, structure, sagging, or several factors together.

3. Planning locations and amounts

Determine whether to fill the folds directly or also adjust the anterior cheeks.

4. Preparing the area before injection

The area is cleaned and prepared to reduce discomfort according to the clinic’s procedures.

5. Injecting filler according to the plan

The doctor gradually places filler in the assessed locations.

6. Checking after treatment

Assess the balance of the folds on both sides and provide care advice.

How long does nasolabial fold filler last?

The duration of results varies between individuals and depends on several factors, such as:

  • Filler formulation
  • Amount used
  • Injection location
  • Movement in the area
  • Individual metabolism
  • Aftercare

Hyaluronic Acid filler gradually decreases through the body’s processes over time.

Will there be swelling after nasolabial fold filler?

Some people may have swelling, tightness, tenderness, needle marks, or bruising after treatment.

Symptoms vary by person, and the early appearance may not be the final result. Wait for swelling to subside before reassessing the shape.

If unusual symptoms occur, such as unusually severe pain, skin colour changes, or concerning symptoms, contact the clinic or seek medical attention immediately.

Preparing for nasolabial fold filler

Before treatment, tell the doctor about:

  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Any history of drug allergies
  • Current medicines and supplements
  • History of nasolabial fold or facial filler injections
  • Previous filler dissolution
  • Facial procedures or surgery
  • Inflammation or infection in the treatment area

Aftercare following nasolabial fold filler

Follow the doctor’s and clinic’s advice after treatment. In general:

  • Avoid pressing, massaging, or rubbing the injected area yourself
  • Avoid sleeping with pressure on the face early on
  • Avoid intense heat
  • Avoid activities that may impact the face
  • Keep the injection area clean
  • Take medicines only as directed by the doctor
  • Watch for abnormal symptoms after treatment

Does nasolabial fold filler require downtime?

Daily activities can generally be resumed, though some people may have swelling, needle marks, or bruising.

If you have an important event or activity, allow time for post-treatment symptoms to subside beforehand.

Can nasolabial fold filler make the face look puffy?

The aim is to fill or adjust only necessary areas, rather than making the midface as full as possible.

Excessive volume may make the face look fuller or heavier, so both the folds and surrounding volume should be assessed before injection.

Does everyone need filler injected directly into the folds?

Not necessarily.

Some nasolabial folds arise from anterior cheek volume loss. Changes in the structure above make the folds below more noticeable.

In such cases, the doctor may consider adjusting the anterior cheeks before or alongside fold filling to balance results without adding excessive volume to the folds.

How do nasolabial fold filler and anterior cheek filler differ?

Nasolabial-fold filler

Focuses on folds running from beside the nose to the mouth corners, or areas related to fold depth.

Midface filler

Focuses on adding or restoring midface volume and adjusting anterior cheek dimension.

In many cases the areas are related, so the doctor may assess both before deciding where to fill.

Must both nasolabial folds receive equal amounts?

Not necessarily.

The left and right nasolabial folds may differ in depth because of natural facial structure.

The doctor may use different amounts on each side for a more balanced overall appearance.

Can nasolabial fold filler be dissolved?

For Hyaluronic Acid filler, the enzyme Hyaluronidase can help dissolve it when the doctor determines there is an indication.

An assessment is needed first to examine the position, amount, and characteristics of the existing filler.

Can more filler be added after previous nasolabial fold treatment?

Additional filling can be assessed, but the existing filler should first be checked for remaining volume and changes in the current face shape.

If brand, formulation, amount, and injection date information is available, tell the doctor before treatment.

Is nasolabial fold filler dangerous?

The nasolabial folds and sides of the nose contain blood vessels and important structures, so assessment and injections should be performed by a doctor who understands facial anatomy.

As with filler in other areas, side effects and complications can occur, ranging from swelling, bruising, and pain to uncommon but important complications such as vascular occlusion.

If unusually severe pain, skin colour changes, or concerning symptoms occur after treatment, contact the clinic or seek medical attention immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Address the “cause” of nasolabial folds, rather than filling only the folds

Prominent nasolabial folds do not always mean all the filler must be injected into the folds. Sometimes the cause is midface volume loss or changes in nearby structures.

Planning should begin by analysing where the cause originates, then deciding whether to fill the folds directly, adjust anterior cheek volume, or combine several sites.

The doctor assesses individual face shape and structure to select appropriate sites, volume, and filler.