Facial Ageing
Creases running from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth that are shaped by facial movement and midface support.
Physician-led assessment · individualized care · Vancouver clinic
Understanding Smile Lines & Nasolabial Folds
Nasolabial folds are normal facial architecture, not a flaw, everyone has them, and they deepen with the ordinary work of smiling and speaking. What changes with age is the support behind them: as cheek fat shrinks and slides downward and midface bone recedes, the fold loses its backing and casts a deeper shadow. This is the key to treating them well, because the fold depends on the cheek above it, the more natural move is often to rebuild that cheek fullness rather than pack filler into the crease, which can flatten expression. Balance across the midface matters more than erasing a single line.
Causes and Contributing Factors
These folds mark the boundary between the mobile tissue of the upper lip and the fuller tissue of the cheek, so they naturally become more defined with years of smiling and speaking. They tend to deepen as cheek fat reduces and shifts downward, as skin loses collagen and elasticity, as facial ligaments loosen, and as bone in the midface recedes. Sun exposure, smoking, sleeping position, and weight change can contribute, and genetics and facial shape strongly influence their prominence.
Signs and Symptoms
Assessment
A clinician usually assesses the midface as a whole, considering cheek volume and position, skin quality, tissue descent, the balance between the two sides, and how the fold changes with expression. This clarifies whether the fold is driven mainly by lost cheek fullness above it or by the skin crease itself, which shapes the sensible options.
Treatment Options
These are some of the options connected to this concern. The appropriate plan depends on assessment, suitability, and your goals.
Because the fold is often driven by loss of support in the cheek above it, management frequently centres on restoring midface volume and balance rather than filling the crease directly, which tends to look more natural. Clinics commonly discuss options such as injectable volume restoration to the cheek or fold and treatments aimed at helping skin quality. Results vary between individuals, are generally temporary, and depend on the underlying anatomy. A physician-led consultation helps pin down the main contributor and set realistic expectations.
The most useful next step is a conversation rather than a catalogue. The clinic's medical team examines what is actually contributing, sets out which options are worth considering and why, and which are not suitable, then advises a plan built around you, with sensible skincare, realistic expectations and no pressure to proceed.
Uses injectable fillers to restore or reshape facial volume and contour, selected for the structure and balance each area needs.
Places small amounts of injectable hydrating or regenerative product within the skin to help quality, hydration and smoothness rather than to add volume.
For the fuller picture, explore the treatment pages above or discuss the options during a consultation.
Medical Assessment
Nasolabial folds are not usually a medical concern, but seek assessment if you notice sudden one-sided facial drooping or weakness, an inability to move part of the face, new asymmetry, or a lump or skin change near the fold. These features are not typical of ordinary aging and should be assessed promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some degree of nasolabial fold is normal at any adult age and relates to normal facial movement as well as aging. They can become deeper over time and are strongly influenced by genetics and facial structure. A clinician can review what is contributing in your case if you are concerned.
The fold is often deepened by loss of support in the cheek above it, so restoring cheek volume can soften it more naturally than filling the crease directly. What is most appropriate depends on your anatomy and should be discussed during a consultation.
Because they reflect normal facial structure and movement, these folds can usually be softened rather than eliminated. Treatment results vary between individuals and are generally temporary. A clinician can help you know realistic expectations.
Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and repeated sleeping on one side may contribute over time, though genetics and facial shape play a large role. Sun protection and not smoking are reasonable general measures, and a clinician can discuss what is realistic for you.
Physician Assessment
An assessment can help clarify what may be contributing, which options may be appropriate, and what a reasonable next step could look like for you.
Visit Our Clinic
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic combines medical assessment, individualized planning, physician oversight, and a broad range of treatment options in its Vancouver clinic.
Bring your questions, treatment history, and goals. Your provider can help you understand appropriate options, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes.
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