Nasolabial folds normal for a 32 yo? (photos)

Question

I am 32 years old and embarrassed by my nasolabial folds. I also have a mild marionette line I my left side. Is it normal for the folds to be this deep for someone my age? I am considering Juvaderm injections.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, genetics play a big role in the development of nasolabial folds, but of course ageing will also contribute to them too. That said, juvederm injections are available to you and though I don’t think your naso folds are very severe, the fillers could help to minimise the appearance of them.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Patients are starting to come in at a younger age to help reduce and prevent signs of aging. Your Nasolabial folds look normal to me. You can add a bit of filler to help minimize the folds, typically it will last 8-12 months and it will also help stimulate collagen. Because you are a young adult, I would suggest starting with a small amount to give you a natural result.  Kenneth Hughes M.D

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

First, let me emphasize that the development of smile lines and marionette lines is very much linked to loss of volume in the malar (cheek) fat pads and their descent downward and inward toward the smile lines and marionette lines (giving rise to them). This usually begins occurring somewhere between ages 20-40. So, the early stages of the appearance of these two types of lines at this stage in your life is hardly unusual or surprising. Heredity plays an important role in the rate of the appearance of these folds. Since volume loss is the underpinning, volume repletion, which can be easily accomplished in just a matter of a few minutes with the injection of volumizing fillers, such as Voluma XC--which I would use in my Upper East Side Manhattan practice and Stylage XXL, which I would choose in my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved fillers and volumizers are available--constitute the most appropriate and natural approach to ameliorating the problem. In general, the results of revolumization are immediate and typically engender an immediate "Wow!" response.Since relatively expensive Fraxels, RF devices, and peels do not directly address the underlying volume loss problem, they do not play a role in my opinion in addressing volume loss-related folds and jowl formation, such as clearly seems to be the beginnings of the case here. Best to consult with a board certified aestbetic physician with experience and expertise in nonsurgical facial rejuvenation using injectable fillers and volumizers and avoid medspas, etc. that tend to hawk the "latest and greatest," "next best" device or machine that is being marketed to treat everything.. Make sure to ask to see his/her before and after photos before proceeding.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are a lot of options for improving the nasolabial folds and this often means fillers for the folds themselves but also lifting around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top to get the most conservative natural look.  Please see a facial sculpting expert.  Best, Dr. Emer

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.This is a very important question as most people focus on the fold and not on the overall aesthetics of the face. It is not common to have just nasolabial folds injected. Instead, the entire face needs to be analyzed as the folds may be a sign that the cheeks may need to be treated and not the folds.Correct treatments of the cheeks can result in excellent results without having to treat nasolabial folds at all.I recommend that you see an experienced doctor for a thorough full face consultation and assessment prior to proceeding with any treatments.I hope this helps and best regards, Dr. Sapijaszko.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Signs of aging will develop differently in each person and though you have mild nasolabial fold development it is not uncommon in a woman who is 32yo.  I think that treatment with Juvederm would lend you a very natural, but noticeable, improvement.  Hope this helps.

Jennifer Trent, MD, FAAD · Answer

Juvaderm is a great choice for filling the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.  Unfortunately, because of genetics, you can have this problem even as young as you are.  Always seek treatment from a qualified professional.  Good luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Although your NLF aren't that deep, if they bother you, you certainly can get them filled with Juvederm or Restylane. Marionette lines can be treated at the same time. Usually late 30's is when volume loss is first noticed. I would actually first treat the cheeks because there is volume loss there too. By volumizing the cheeks, the NLF often don't need filling.

Michelle R. Yagoda, MD · Answer

Dear BadMarie,Blame it on genes, but know that you don't have to live with it!  Filler injections (I prefer Restylane) provide immediate and long-lasting results. That's why so many people love them!All the best,Dr. Michelle Yagoda

Adrienne E. Stewart, MD · Answer

I do not believe your nasolabial folds look unusually deep for your age but we treat patients who are much younger than you for these type of conditions.  At our office we use several types of fillers.  An in office analysis would be best to decide what course of action would be best for you as opposed to just reviewing pictures  I would urge you to go to an experienced board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for this analysis.  Best of luck. Dr. Adrienne Stewart MD FAAD

Nasolabial folds normal for a 32 yo? (photos)

Answers (18)