Filling nasolabial folds without affecting smile?

Question

Female age 36, willing to travel. Cheeks are very full, skin is great. However the malar fat has fallen down quite a bit. The descending fat has led to tear troughs and more prominent nasolabial folds. I'm worried that NL fold fillers will affect my smile. I see celebrities and women with restricted smiles. I have a big expressive smile and don't want it to change. Can I make the folds less prominent without affecting my smile?. BTW, Sculptra may be a problem due to autoimmune condition.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @INMM. I recommend consulting with a facial plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and the best treatment options tailored to your aesthetic goals.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Aging process and early volume loss is different in every individual. The nasolabial folds are just a  symptom, but the problem can be elsewhere such as temple or cheeks. Examining your face along with your old photographs or video can help both you and your physician about the best approach. Consider moderate correction with reversible/ temporary  hyaluronic acid based fillers such as Vollure, Resty Refine or Define and always keep smiling.
Best of luck
Dr. Shanthala

Suzette Miranda, MD · Answer

My first recommendation is to see a plastic surgeon who can see you in person and evaluate you so that recommendations are more in line with what you need. 
However, given your description, fillers can certainly help with your prominent nasolabial folds. Different fillers are most commonly used in different areas of the face to help with symmetry, volume and contour. You can certainly use a Hyaluronic acid product like Juvederm for your nasolabial folds but sometimes what works better is filling your malar area with a product like Voluma to give you a more rejuvenated look of your cheeks while decreasing the prominence of your nasolabial folds. 
These products are certainly not the only ones but can serve as an example of different things that can be done to achieve your goals. Good luck. 
Best wishes, 
Dr. Suzette Miranda

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Great question! The goal with any filler should be soft, natural looking, and believable results. The nasolabial folds can be injected with fillers while preserving the smile. I would consider some of the newest fillers on the market for this indication including Restylane Refine and Defyne and Juvederm Vollure. See an experienced injector for best results and remember to discuss your expectations with them prior to treatment.

Onir Spiegel, DDS, PhD · Answer

Hi Fellow Bostonian,
The best way to get a beautiful results is by layering.  No filler provides all answers to all areas.  My video below discusses where and which fillers to inject to get that beautiful result that will only enhance your smile, eyes and cheeks.  The point is not to inject in only one area, but look at the face as whole.  Sometimes the NLF area may be your main concern, but if you inject in the malar eminence you may not even need to inject in the NLF.  Hope this helps.

Filling nasolabial folds without affecting smile?

Answers (9)

Answer: Natural looking results after filler injection to the nasolabial folds

Answer: Natural looking results after filler injection to the nasolabial folds

Answer: Filler in the Nasolabial folds should only enhance your smile

Answer: Filler in the Nasolabial folds should only enhance your smile

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Filling nasolabial folds without affecting smile?

Answers (9)

Answer: Natural looking results after filler injection to the nasolabial folds

Answer: Natural looking results after filler injection to the nasolabial folds

Answer: Filler in the Nasolabial folds should only enhance your smile

Answer: Filler in the Nasolabial folds should only enhance your smile

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.