A Thank you for your question.
It is difficult to provide an accurate assessment of facial asymmetry from a photo alone. However, I can speak in general about some possible treatment options for patients who have nasolabial fold asymmetry.
One of the most common ways to treat nasolabial fold asymmetry is with injectable fillers. With proper technique and the right choice of filler, this could be a non-surgical option to consider. This option is temporary and depending on the choice of filler will last between 6-18 months.
Adding additional fat grafting to the smaller area is another option but requires additional surgery to harvest the fat. This is a more long lasting option but it would depend on which side you currently like best. If you like the smaller side, than adding additional volume to the side you like would not be the right option for you.
Liposuction is a common way to remove fat in unwanted areas on the body. However, the smaller the area of unwanted fat the more challenging it becomes to get an accurate amount removed. This procedure is less commonly performed on the face.
A facelift is a surgical procedure that doesn't actually remove the additional fat deposits in the nasolabial folds but rather tightens the overlying skin and re positions the cheek fat pad that has slid down the cheek causing the nasolabial fold to become more prominent.
Another option that is less invasive and more accurate for removing small areas of fat deposits and also tightens overlying skin is a procedure called ACCUtite. This procedure is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the office with local anesthetic. It utilized radio-frequency energy in a temperature-controlled device to melt the unwanted fat deposits and heat the overlying skin creating skin tightening. The procedure is very similar to sister procedures, BODYtite and FACEtite, but utilizes a smaller hand piece that allows for more accurate treatment of smaller areas.
It would be best for you to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in all of these options so that you both could decide which option, if any, is best for you.
I hope this helps. Best of luck!
William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS
Port St. Lucie, Florida
